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Sporty automobiles like the Kia Stinger were essential in reviving Kia’s brand image. There haven’t been many advancements since its release in 2018, but starting with the 2022 model year, that will change. The first is a brand-new four-cylinder, 2.5-liter turbo engine. It boasts 311 pound-feet of torque and 300 horsepower. This is equivalent to what you would expect from a modernized performance engine in a midsize vehicle like the Kia K5 and represents an increase of roughly 50 horsepower over last year. Oh, and the Stinger has received a 368-hp turbocharged V6 with a louder exhaust sound for 2022, giving it its own performance bump.
The headlights and taillights of the Stinger have undergone the greatest exterior visual changes. The top-of-the-line inside touchscreen, which was formerly an 8-inch upgrade touchscreen, will be replaced with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. A blind-spot view monitor shows a real-time image of what is in your blind zone, and a safe-exit warning system alerts passengers to approaching traffic as they open a door. The updates for 2022 are completed by the new Scorpion Special Edition option, which gives the Stinger a sportier look thanks to dark-painted wheels and exterior decor.
The Stinger has pleased us overall. It is a niche car for buyers who want a vehicle that is quicker and more thrilling to drive than a typical midsize sedan but do not want to fork out the cash for a pricey sport sedan. Do you need to purchase one? We think so. To see the full evaluation we wrote of the 2022 Stinger’s functionality, performance, and other aspects, visit our Expert Rating.
Evaluations were conducted on the rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged, four-cylinder Stinger GT-Line. It accelerates more quickly than the majority of other sedans in this price range and is responsive and smooth. The Stinger achieved 60 mph in 6.2 seconds during Edmunds’ testing, which is decent. There are also the V6-powered Stinger GT1 or GT2 models available if you need more power. The Stinger sprints from 0 to 60 mph with its engine in 5.0 seconds.
The braking effectiveness isn’t as good. The Stinger GT-stopping Line’s distance from 60 mph was 133 feet, which is longer than that of many of the SUVs we test. The all-season tires on the GT-Line trim, which aren’t particularly gripping, are to blame. These tires also restrict handling, but the Stinger is still speedy and fun on curves. Compared to other sport sedans, it leans more in the bends, but overall, it is solid. The Stinger has amazing steering. Although it is quite light, there is a lot of reaction. It seems to be nimble and is quick and accurate.
Although the four-cylinder GT-Line doesn’t blend comfort and performance as well as the Stinger GT with a V6 engine, we thought it was smooth and sophisticated. While the suspension performs a fair job of absorbing imperfections and shocks, rough terrain may make the ride seem a little jittery. The greatest letdown is the seats. Although the fronts are well-shaped and provide a lot of support, the padding is a tad stiff, which might be unpleasant on long trips. The rear seats are flat and rigid as well. While not unpleasant, they are also not particularly noteworthy.
The Stinger is not very vocal. You should sometimes check the tachometer at idle to see whether the engine is still functioning. There is some wind and road noise when you start moving, but nothing too disruptive for the lesson. The fundamental dual-zone climate control technology is effective and features simple controls.
According to the EPA, the four-cylinder Kia Stinger obtains 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The Stinger got 26.9 mpg on Edmunds’ real-world test route, which is much less than other midsize vehicles with equivalent horsepower but still impressive. That compares well to several competitors or is superior to them.
The Stinger has a solid range of in-car technology and safety features, but nothing that makes it stand out from other midsize sedans in its class. However, what Kia does provide functions well. The navigation and entertainment systems are easy to operate. It’s possible to customize the home screen as well. There is no internet access, however a smartphone connection with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is offered. A wireless charging pad, a few USB ports, and 12-volt outlets are all present.
A variety of safety features and driving aids are standard on the Stinger. Examples include forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Most of the features are easy to use and efficient. Kia uses lane centering technology as well. Although it’s designed to maintain the car in its lane, it often tugs on the wheel or ping-pongs between the lines. We just turned it off throughout our testing.