While Kia was once considered the budget brand, the 2022 Kia Stinger is not afraid to go head to head against Audi and BMW in the midsize performance sedan category. And for the new model year, it’s been refreshed with a new face, LED lighting, exterior accents, and a new 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged base engine.
With a sporty liftback profile and striking design, the Stinger comes with the choice of the 4-cylinder or a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 368 horsepower. Given its sporty intentions, the Stinger is rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional. Handling is quite good, owing to a chassis that leans toward sport but not so much that you feel every bump in the road. There are several driving modes, including a custom one for tuning the steering and suspension to your liking. Steering is precise and Brembo brakes are available as an option, although in all fairness, it’s still not quite up to the level of a BMW or Audi.
Inside, the cabin is sleek and sophisticated, with some nice soft-touch surfaces and aluminum pedals. Legroom is plentiful in both front and rear, although the liftback design, while providing a maximum 40 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, limits rear-seat headroom for taller passengers. Prices range from the mid $30,000 range up to the low $50s for the top GT2 trim, with all-wheel drive tacking on an extra $2,200. Still, those prices are quite low compared to its German competitors.
Standard equipment includes a 12-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and good safety features that include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors. As with all Kias, the Stinger includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and resale values have been respectable.
Three Trim Levels, With a New One on the Way
With a choice of engines, the 2022 Kia Stinger is offered in three trim levels, with the base GT-Line getting a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder and the other two with a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. The mid-range GT trim has been dropped with some of its features migrating to the base GT-Line. Later this year, Kia is promising to add a new higher-performance version called Scorpion. Stay tuned.
The base engine now makes 45 more horses than last year’s 2.0-liter, but the V6 is exceptional with 368 horsepower. Standard features other than those mentioned above include a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, satellite radio, wireless charging, and a 6-speaker audio setup. Options on the base trim include all-wheel drive, power sunroof, power-adjustable front passenger seat, a larger touchscreen, and upgrades to the audio system. All 2022 Stinger prices add $1,045 destination.
Given its sporty intention, the top-trim GT2 includes a limited-slip differential, launch control, Nappa upholstery, and a 360-degree camera system. The base engine in the GT-Line is good, but our recommendation would be one of the upper trim levels. If you’re shopping sport sedans, go big or go home. The twin-turbo V6 is fantastic, and frankly it’s smoother than the 4-cylinder. Plus the optional all-wheel drive in the upper trims is a bit more sophisticated and offers greater stability through the corners.
Here’s the Complete Rundown on 2022 Kia Stinger Trims and Prices:
2022 Kia Stinger GT-Line: $36,090-$38,290
- Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Leather seating surfaces
- Self-dimming rearview mirror
- 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
- Wireless charging
2022 Kia Stinger GT1: $43,690-$45,890
- Twin-turbocharged 368-horsepower V6
- Brembo brakes
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Limited-slip differential
- 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Powered sunroof
- LED cabin lighting
2022 Kia Stinger GT2: $51,290-$53,490
- Nappa leather upholstery
- 16-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated rear seats
- Power-operated trunk lid
- Adaptive suspension
- 360-degree camera system
- Head-up display
- Automatic high beams
- 15-speaker/720-watt Harman Kardon surround-sound system
Ready to buy a 2022 Kia Stinger? Shop for one on sale now near you.
