Kia Stinger - TopCarNews

Kia Stinger (2018 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

When the Kia Stinger launched in the winter of 2017/18, it was something very different and distinctive from the Korean brand, described by its designers as a Grand Tourer for long-distance motoring and with an exterior shape apparently partially inspired by a Coca-Cola bottle.

Most reviewers praise the Stinger as evidence of how far Kia has progressed as a manufacturer, and Autocar adds that the rear-drive chassis, Kia’s first, shows that the brand “wants to be taken seriously as a manufacturer of impressively engineered, engaging driver’s cars.”

When first on sale in 2017 the Stinger was available with two petrol or a diesel engine. However as part of an update in 2020 only the 3.3-litre turbo petrol unit was retained, its 370hp put through an eight-speed auto-manual gearbox and Kia quoting a 4.9-second 0-62mph time.

Testers like the potency of this engine. Carbuyer says it beats its sportiest rival in the Audi range for power and adds; “We reckon the Kia is even more entertaining to drive than the four-wheel-drive Audi RS5 Sportback quattro, which is far more expensive.”

The Kia’s price becomes even more attractive when its specification is taken into account; “It comes loaded with equipment,” says Carbuyer, pointing out the wireless phone charging, powered tailgate, 360-degree camera, sunroof and top-level sound system, as well as the Kia standard seven-year warranty.

That body shape does have some drawbacks, however. While rear seat headroom is better than one might expect, Motors.co.uk points out that the 406-litre boot “is a bit behind the rest of the class.”

Overall, however, the car’s distinctive looks and exclusivity win it fans, Top Gear concluding; “There’s more than enough to like here for the Kia Stinger to deserve its albeit small following.”

As of October 2021, the Kia Stinger holds an Expert Rating of 68% from 22 reviews.

Stinger highlights

Distinctive, bold looks
Rear-drive powertrain aids handling
Seven-year warranty
Extensive equipment adds value

Stinger lowlights

Badge still turns some off
Big engine costs in economy and emissions
Boot not as big as rivals
Intrusive stability and traction electronics

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door liftbackEngines: petrol
Price: From £42,655 on-road

Launched: Winter 2017/18Last updated: Summer 2020
Replacement due: Late 2021

Image gallery

autos, cars, kia, kia stinger, kia stinger

Kia Stinger (2020 facelift)

Kia Stinger (2018 – 2020)

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 3.3-litre petrol automatic GT SScore: 8.2 / 10“Does the Kia Stinger deserve to stand alongside similar cars from Audi and BMW? Yes, definitely. It’s not perfect, but it’s more than a match for the German duo.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automaticScore: 7 / 10“Despite the smaller engine and lower list price, Kia’s most affordable Stinger retains much of its charm.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Kia Stinger has the muscle, quality, kit and style to upset the sporty executive class regulars.”
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Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic GT-Line SScore: 8 / 10“The Kia Stinger makes a decent fist of matching but not bettering key cars in this class in most areas, although it falls down in a significant one: efficiency. It’s a shame given this diesel variant is likely to be used as a business vehicle by many people.”
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Model reviewed: 3.3-litre petrol automatic GT-SScore: 8 / 10“The new Kia Stinger GT-S is a great first attempt at a potent sports saloon from the brand and is a worthy alternative to its German rivals.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“A sleek and sporty alternative to premium German models like the Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, the Kia Stinger does an admirable job of pushing Kia into new premium territory. The Stinger is an excellent car with distinctive looks, loads of kit and real driver appeal.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“As a comfortable, responsive, well-equipped and refined grand tourer, the Kia Stinger doesn’t fall too short of the mark at all. Breaking into the executive saloon segment with little to no prior experience was never going to be a cakewalk for Kia.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic GT Line“The diesel may sound hoarse, but the eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth right through the range, allowing for effortless overtaking when needed. It has still got plenty of bite when bouncing the rev counter though, allowing you to detour off the beaten track onto a B road if you fancy it.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.6 / 10“The Kia Stinger is the brand’s impressive first attempt at a four-door sports car and is a worthy alternative to more established rivals.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Kia Stinger is a smart-looking coupe that’s exciting to drive, comfortable and comes with a seven-year warranty – but it’s almost as expensive as more premium alternatives.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic GT-Line SScore: 8 / 10“The Stinger certainly grabs attention, and should help change perceptions of Kia, but it’s tricky to recommend a car that’s more than 30g/km off the best rivals.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“In its most powerful V6-powered form, the Stinger works as a real drivers’ car. While the four-cylinder models are also enjoyable.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic GT-Line SScore: 9 / 10“The Kia Stinger 2.2 CRDi GT-Line S combines a fantastic driving experience with comfort, space and good economy on long journeys.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Kia Stinger is not an obvious choice and might take a bit of explaining to people who don’t quite get what it’s all about. It’s an interesting alternative to premium German rivals, however, and its rarity means it turns heads in the way a BMW 4 Series never will.”
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Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Kia Stinger is a rather hefty saloon, meaning there’s plenty of passenger room. Even in the rear, where one may assume the sloping roofline might cut into headroom, space is in fact quite generous.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.8 / 10“Kia’s flagship model doesn’t disappoint.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: 3.3-litre petrol automatic GT S“Kia reckons it’ll sell about 2,000 a year of the Stinger in the UK. A bullish claim but why not when it’s the fastest and prettiest Kia ever. After our test drive, we think it might also be one of the best value cars on the market right now.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 3.3-litre petrol automatic GT-SScore: 8 / 10“In many ways better than a fast BMW, Merc or Audi, but you’ll never buy one” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic S PremiumScore: 8 / 10“With a seven-year warranty and PCP finance deals that vie with the best, the Kia Stinger makes a good case for itself as a big, old-school, rear-drive GT. Little details let it down though – they are indicative of the next steps Kia needs to take to get on terms with premium car-makers.”
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Model reviewed: 3.3-litre petrol automatic GT SScore: 8 / 10“The Stinger GT S is not going to be a volume model for Kia, and we’d check PCP prices carefully against what the premium brands can offer. However, those buyers who do take the plunge will be rewarded with a car that is fast, fun and brilliantly composed.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“A credible first ever sports saloon from Kia. Interesting to look at, and huge value for money. Needs a better gearbox though.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Avoid the less powerful engines, but the Kia Stinger 3.3 V6 GT S is a belter: sweet handling, potent and much cheaper than an Audi S5 Sportback.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2017

93%

ADULT OCCUPANT

81%

CHILD OCCUPANT

78%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

82%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

The current Kia Stinger was tested in 2017 when it launched, gaining a top-level five-star rating. Testers praised the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking system, awarding it maximum points in one of the tests. However its rear passenger protection was criticised in one test simulating an impact with a full-width barrier.

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Kia Stinger has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP, and only a few cars have do far been assessed.

The Stinger is a performance car with a 3.3-litre petrol V6 engine, so it’s highly unlikely to win any environmental awards…

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia Stinger has received

2019

What Car? Awards – Best Performance Car for less than £50K

2018

UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Performance Car
Autocar Awards – Game Changer
iF Design Awards – Product Design
Motor Trader Awards – New Car of the Year
Tow Car Awards – Best Petrol Tow Car
What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car for more than £35K

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Kia Stinger, you might also be interested in these alternatives

The Kia Stinger’s price puts it in the mid range of its obvious rivals. It’s a more distinctive and less common car than mainstream large saloons such as the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 508, and for those who are not badge conscious a more value-pitched option to executive models such as the Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

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