Updated on: July 20, 2020
Automotive Journalist
What comes to your mind when you hear the name KIA? Inexpensive and affordable car maker...Let me tell you, it isn't just an economy car maker. This time, Kia has got something really special for its buyers and it is surely going to excite us all. It is the 2020 Kia Stinger.
The Stinger is an all-new luxury sports sedan from the Korean manufacturer which is very well-equipped right from its basic variants. The base comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine while the GT trims get a zesty turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission along with rear-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive comes as optional for all trims.
See detailed review »Sporty and stylish looks
Delightful performance
Uptown interior
Slopping roofline hinders rear visibility
Tight rear seats
Trim lineup changes for the year 2020
$33090
4dr Sedan
5
RWD
122 cu.in.
255 hp @ 6200 rpm
260 lbs.-ft. @ 1400 rpm
8-Speed Automatic
Unibody
Independent front strut suspension
Independent rear multi-link suspension
12.6/12.6
114.4 in.
190.2 in.
73.6 in.
55.1 in.
3611 lbs.
93.8 cu ft.
40.9 cu ft.
5.1 sec.
13.6 sec.
22/29/25 mpg
461.1 mi.
5 yr./ 60000 mi.
10 yr./ 100000 mi.
5 yr. /100000 mi.
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine And Performance
Interior
Safety
8.2
OVERALL RATING
$33,090 - $35,290
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GT-Line 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $33,090 MSRP | (22/25/29) | 255 hp @ 6200 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-Speed Automatic | rear wheel drive | 5 | |
GT-Line 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $35,290 MSRP | (22/25/29) | 255 hp @ 6200 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-Speed Automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
$39,500 - $41,700
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $39,500 MSRP | (22/25/29) | 365 hp @ 6000 rpm, 3.3 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-Speed Automatic | all wheel drive | 5 | |
GT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $41,700 MSRP | (22/25/29) | 365 hp @ 6000 rpm, 3.3 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-Speed Automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
$45,400 - $47,600
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GT1 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $45,400 MSRP | (22/25/29) | 365 hp @ 6000 rpm, 3.3 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-Speed Automatic | rear wheel drive | 5 | |
GT1 4dr Sedan AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $47,600 MSRP | (22/25/29) | 365 hp @ 6000 rpm, 3.3 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-Speed Automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
$50,300 - $52,500
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GT2 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $50,300 MSRP | (22/25/29) | 365 hp @ 6000 rpm, 3.3 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-Speed Automatic | rear wheel drive | 5 | |
GT2 4dr Sedan AWD (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $52,500 MSRP | (22/25/29) | 365 hp @ 6000 rpm, 3.3 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8-Speed Automatic | all wheel drive | 5 |
Overall Rating
The South Korean automaker has taken a significant step with the Kia Stinger. The GT Trim boasts a 365 horsepower V6 engine that sends power to all the wheels and also adds refined and plush interior, enough to take on its German rivals. The price for the 2020 Kia Stinger starts at $33,900.
The Kia Stinger has made its fame in an aggressive segment, in relatively a very little extent of time. For the year 2020, the Stinger enters into the pool with some heavyweights such as the Dodge Charger, Toyota Avalon, and Chrysler 300. Will the Stinger be able to triumph in this arena?
8.5/10
Features
9.0/10
Engine and Performance
7.0/10
Interior
8.0/10
Safety
Kia Stinger is a four-door sedan with seating for five. There are four trims to choose from that include GT- Line, GT, GT1, and GT2. The base Stinger is well equipped but the GT trim adds more luxury along with techs and features. Kia has offered two engine options to choose from. The base variant comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. All the three GT trims meanwhile employs a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine.
Model |
GT-Line |
GT |
GT 1 |
GT 2 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$33,090 |
$39,500 |
$45,400 |
$50,300 |
MSRP(AWD) |
$35,290 |
$41,700 |
$47,600 |
$52,500 |
Key Features |
Steering-Wheel-Mounted Paddle Shifters |
Adds to GT-Line Features: |
Adds to GT Features: |
Adds to GT 1 Features: |
|
7" Touch-Screen Display with Rear Camera |
Wireless Charger, Smart Key w/ Push-Button Start |
8-inch Touch-Screen Display w/ Rear Camera |
8" Touchscreen Color Display w/ Navigation System |
|
Rear Parking Sensors |
High-Performance Brembo Brakes, Launch Control |
Electronically Controlled Suspension, Limited Slip Differential |
Torque Vectoring AWD |
|
Leather seat trim, Heated Front Seats, Power Driver Seat |
Leather Seat Trim, Power, and Heated Front Seats |
Leather Seat Trim, Heated & Ventilated Front Power Seats w/ Driver's Memory |
Nappa Leather Seat Trim, Front Power Seats w/ Driver's Memory |
|
GT Styling with 18" Alloy Wheels |
Limited Slip Differential, 19" Alloy Wheels |
Auto Emergency Braking & Warning Technology |
Lane Departure and Keeping Technology |
|
Dual Zone Auto Climate Control |
12-Volt Power Outlets, Front and Rear |
Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
Surround View Monitor, Head-Up Display |
|
6 speakers audio system |
9 speakers audio system |
Harman/Kardon 15-Speaker Premium Audi |
7" LCD Instrument Cluster |
We Recommend
The Base variant of the Stinger is a value for money affair with a lot of pre-loaded features and a high-performance engine. But if you want more power under the hood to go with the GT trim that gets a powerful 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 engine producing a whopping 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. It also gets enough additional features over the base and the Premium trim, so you would not be left wanting for more.
Kia Stinger gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 255 horsepower and 260-pound-feet of torque. It feels sluggish when compared to the GT powertrain that gets a prodigious turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine. The V6 check in with 365 horsepower and 376-pound-feet of torque.
The growling V6 delivers smooth thrust and is meaty enough to launch you from zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds. An eight-speed transmission meanwhile is standard across all trims that shifts quickly and in engaging. The engine comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Models |
Kia Stinger |
Dodge Charger Sedan |
Chrysler 300 |
Toyota Avalon |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$32,990 |
$29,895 |
$29,470 |
$35,800 |
Engine |
2.0-liter Inline-4 |
3.6-liter V-6 regular gas |
3.6-liter V-6 regular gas |
3.5-liter V-6 |
Transmission |
8-speed shiftable automatic |
8-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual |
8-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual |
8-speed shiftable automatic |
Horsepower |
255 hp @ 6200 rpm |
292 hp @ 6,350 rpm |
292 hp @ 6,350 rpm |
301 hp @ 6600 rpm |
Torque |
260 ft-lbs. @ 1400 rpm |
260 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm |
260 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm |
267 ft-lbs. @ 4700 rpm
|
The Kia Stinger appears a tad humble in front of the opponents. It generates 255 horses and 260 lb.-ft. Of torque. The Dodge Charger SXT and the Chrysler 300, offer identical power figures with 292 ponies and 260 lb.-ft. When it comes to sheer power the Toyota Avalon takes the edge with 301 hp and 267 lb.-ft. Of torque.
The 2.0L Stinger accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.9 sec which is not that bad but not so good either. Stinger runs to cover the quarter of a mile distance in just 14.7 seconds at a speed of 106.9 mph. The 260 lb-ft of torque released at 1400 rpm gives it the thrust to get started quickly which is quite impressive.
Though the 2.0L Stinger is lighter than its GT version, it is still a bit heavy car and this factor makes it get the third position among its rivals.
Model |
Kia Stinger |
Dodge Charger Sedan |
Chrysler 300 |
Toyota Avalon |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
5.9 |
6.4 |
6.2 |
6.0 |
Quarter Mile |
14.7 |
14.8 |
15.7 |
14.6 |
Engine |
2.0L |
3.6L |
3.6L |
3.5L |
The Kia Stinger manages to pull off the best 0-60 dash figures in the segment. The closest finish is made by the Toyota Avalon that manages the dash in dot 6 seconds. The Chrylser 300 and the Dodge Charger SXT follow up with a 0-60 figure of 6.2 and 6.4 seconds respectively.
Brakes feel capable while stopping hard although the stopping distance of 113 feet is not the best in the class. The pedal meanwhile feels a little soft. The GT models get Brembo brakes for better performance.
The brake neither seems too heavy not too volatile and can be accentuated easily under heavy braking conditions.
Model |
Kia Stinger |
Dodge Charger Sedan |
Chrysler 300 |
Toyota Avalon |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake front (in.) |
12.6 |
12.6 |
12.6 |
12 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
12.4 |
12.6 |
12.6 |
11.1 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3649 |
3,934 |
4,013 |
3560 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
113 |
107 |
109 |
115 |
The Dodge Charger is the best player of this stage with a 60-0 distance of a mere 107 ft. The Chrysler 300 decreases from 60-0 mph in 109 feet, whereas the Avalon demands a distance of 115 ft.
Stinger’s low stance provides stability while driving at higher speeds, making the car nimble around turns. Although the adaptive suspension is available only in the GT model, the standard suspension in the 2.0L version of the Stinger works well soaking up most of the bumps in the road. Despite being lengthier and wider than its rivals, it still manages to achieve amazing handling.
You could push it with all your might, but the Stinger would not function like a seasoned sports car. Including Smart, Eco, Comfortable, and Sport driving modes, the sedan attempts to alter its performance and ride quality, firm up its suspension and powertrain but fumbles out on really delivering these when contrasted to its rivals.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine checks in with 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is rated at 21/29/24 mpg. These numbers are not impressive when to others in the segment. The V6 meanwhile drops the ratings further as it is rated at 19/25/21 mpg with both the rear and all-wheel drive.
Model |
Kia Stinger |
Dodge Charger Sedan |
Chrysler 300 |
Toyota Avalon |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
22 |
19 |
19 |
22 |
MPG (highway) |
29 |
30 |
30 |
32 |
MPG (combined) |
25 |
23 |
23 |
26 |
Fuel tank capacity (gallons) |
15.9 gal. |
18.5 gal. |
18.5 gal. |
14.5 gal. |
Range (city/highway) (miles) |
350/461 |
352/555 |
352/555 |
319/464 |
All the cars of this portion delivers almost similar fuel-efficiency figures, however, the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 300 lag by the difference of just 2 miles, with both the rides delivering a combined mpg of 23. The Toyota Avalon delivers the best in class performance with 26 combined mpg.
Ingress and egress are made easy by the tall front doors but the rear passenger will need to squat down to clear the sloping roofline. The telescopic steering wheel and the driver's seat have lots of adjustments to cater to the needs of short or long drivers. The driver also gets a good side and rearview but the front roof pillar may obstruct the view while making left turns.
Kia Stinger seats five and there is ample legroom in both the rows to accommodate even the tallest of the passenger. Despite a sloping roofline, the Stinger offers a decent amount of headroom in the back but passenger above six feet might bang their head on the roof.
Model |
Kia Stinger |
Dodge Charger Sedan |
Chrysler 300 |
Toyota Avalon |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.) |
37.4/58.3/42.1 |
38.6/59.5/41.8 |
38.6/59.5/41.8 |
37.4/58.3/42.1 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.) |
37.5/57.1/40.3 |
36.6/57.9/40.1 |
37.9/57.7/40.1 |
37.5/57.1/40.3 |
The cabin attempts to look chic and elegant like the German marque’s and benefits on some accounts of the quality elements used around the cabin. The hard plastic is well decorated to look and feel high-class.
The 7-inch infotainment system offered in the base model of the Stinger is a decent one that is connected with 6-speakers. The higher versions of the Stinger are offered with a much better 8-inch infotainment system with a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The most notable features include
Kia Stinger gets exceptional cargo space. It leads the segment in terms of cargo volume while its rivals don’t even come close to it. The integrated trunk lid is designed so well that the cargo capacity in the Stinger is at least 25-30% more than an average mid-size sedan sold in the US.
The luggage accommodation is pretty practical, with a number of grooves and a deep handrest storage pocket that can hold your small utility items.
Model |
Kia Stinger |
Dodge Charger Sedan |
Chrysler 300 |
Toyota Avalon |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3) |
23.3 |
16.1 |
16.3 |
16.1 |
Stinger impresses and leads the segment. with more than 23 cubic feet of space below its trunk hood. All the other cars offer around 16 cubic feet of cargo space, with the Toyota Avalon and the Dodge Charger being the weakest on the cargo space ranking.
Stinger’s sleek design with a tiger-nose like a grill on the front side and a hatchback like an integrated trunk lid on the rear is definitely eye-grabbing. The GT version and the base model are slightly different when it comes to the rear end where the rear bumper and the taillights of the GT are sportier than the base model.
However, the quad exhaust tips are available on the GT as well as the base model. The base model of the Stinger comes with 18-inch alloy wheels while the GT version gets a 19-inch alloy wheel. In terms of dimensions, the 2020 Kia Stinger is wider and longer than most in the segment.
Model |
Kia Stinger |
Dodge Charger Sedan |
Chrysler 300 |
Toyota Avalon |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3611 |
3,934 |
4,013 |
3560 |
Length (in.) |
190.2 |
198.4 |
198.6 |
195.9 |
Width (in.) |
73.6 |
75.0 |
75.0 |
72.8 |
Height (in.) |
55.1 |
58.2 |
58.5 |
56.5 |
Ground Clearance (in.) |
5.1 |
4.9 |
5.0 |
5.3 |
Wheelbase (in.) |
114.4 |
120.2 |
120.2 |
113.0 |
Track Width (in.) F/R |
62.8/63.7 |
63.4/63.8 |
63.4/63.8 |
62.6/63.4 |
The Kia Stinger’s dimensions lend the ride an ideal sports car vibe that grabs a lot of hearts. The front overhung long-hood, along with the sloping roofline gives it extraordinary proportions that can match the looks of any other premium sedans.
The Stinger looks sporty yet subtle and some of the most noteworthy elements that lend this car this charismatic look are:
Both the Federal and the private organizations have not crash-tested the 2020 Kia Stinger but the Korean manufacturer offers a wide range of safety features. The GT trims get all the available safety features which are optional otherwise. They come bundled with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and blind-spot monitors to name the few.
Priced at $29,895, the Dodge Charger is one of the most generous gifts of the segment. The ride houses a 3.6L V6 engine that can generate 292 hp along with 260 lb.-ft. Of torque, together which can launch the Charger from 0-60 in just 6.4 seconds. The Charger offers a combined mpg of 23, and a cargo volume of 16.2 cubic inches, which is much smaller than the Stinger, but what you get in return is a typical muscle character oozing ride.
The Toyota Avalon is the most expensive offering of this segment with a starting price of $35,880, though this ride is deserving every penny you consume on it. Fitted with a 3.5L V6, the Avalon runs on 301 ponies along with 267 lb.-ft. Of torque. These are the highest power figures in the segment, making it sprint from 0-60 in dot 6 seconds, also making it the fastest in the league. Even after possessing such power figures, the Avalon returns the best in class mpg figures.
Kia Stinger is a success in many ways. It comes bundled with most of the techs and features available in the market that too at an affordable price. Its performance is also at par with the German rivals and it does many things better than the latter. There is choice of three powertrain to choose from along with all wheel drive to boost the Stinger’s performance. There is also lots of room in both the rows to easily accommodate adults.