Kia turned heads when it announced its intention to build the Stinger, a sport sedan with the chops to take on the best mid-size luxury cars from around the world. Now it's the Stinger itself that's turning heads with exotic looks that project an image much richer than this car's relatively modest pricing would suggest.
For 2019, Kia makes the Stinger more accessible with a new GT-Line trim that introduces a new, entry-level 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a leaner list of standard features.
That new motor makes 255 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque to the 3.3L turbo V6 that carries over in GT and GT Limited trims with its 365 hp and 376 lb-ft. Both engines share an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
We're not kidding when we talk about this car's ability to turn heads. Its shape is reminiscent of the Porsche Panamera and details in the going-away view call to mind the Maserati Quattroporte. Take the Kia badges off the Stinger and it could be mistaken for either of those cars at a casual glance -- a big deal for a brand like Kia that's still working to show the auto industry it can build cars for drivers with discerning tastes, not just modest budgets.
The new GT-Line trim comes standard with 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, full LED exterior lighting, heated and power-folding side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather seating, heated eight-way power front seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7.0-inch infotainment display, nine-speaker stereo with satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, wireless smartphone charging, cruise control, drive mode selector, passive keyless entry, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and rear parking sensors.
GT models move up to 19-inch wheels, sound-reducing front door glass, sunroof, auto-dimming side mirrors, driver's seat memory, power-adjustable steering wheel, carbon fibre interior trim, stainless steel door scuff plates and a power tailgate.
Finally, GT Limited adds steerable headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Nappa leather seating, adjustable driver's seat cushion extension and side bolsters, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, aluminum interior trim, 8.0-inch infotainment display, 15-speaker stereo, adaptive cruise control, LCD gauge cluster, head-up display, lane keeping assist, driver attention alert, automatic emergency braking and a 360-degree exterior camera system.
Kia's fuel consumption estimates are 11.1/8.1 L/100 km (city/highway) for the four-cylinder engine and 12.7/9.6 with the V6.
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