Using the words Kia and sports sedan in the same sentence might raise an eyebrow or two. But CR's first impressions of Kia's latest effort are making us believe that this car is a keeper.
Looking to gain entry into the somewhat exclusive sports-sedan clubhouse long dominated by the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Infiniti Q50, the Stinger makes even the most die-hard sports-car aficionado wonder whether the time is right for Kia to get the secret handshake.
Based on the 2018 Kia Stinger GT2 we rented from the automaker, it's a legitimate rear-wheel-drive sports sedan. It offers swoopy good looks, a lusty powertrain (with the optional V6 turbo), and enough track- and road-going chops to keep drivers feeling blissfully caffeinated.
What We Drove: Kia Stinger GT2
Drivetrain: 3.3-liter, 365-hp twin-turbocharged V6 engine; eight-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
MSRP: $49,200
Destination fee: $900
Options: None
Total cost: $50,100
How It Drives
Kia's claim of a 4.7-second 0-60 mph sprint for the GT2 just might be believable, because this gem of an engine produces a satisfying and robust thrust with just the right amount of V6 burble. It's paired with a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and on our track the Kia felt balanced, playful, tight, and solid.
The 2018 Kia Stinger GT2 comes with a driver-controlled adjustable suspension, altering steering and drivetrain responsiveness with settings ranging from comfort to sporty. Overall, it handles well thanks to a body that remains flat when driving through corners and quick steering that offers decent feedback.
A downside of the sporty GT2's setup, however, is the car's optional 19-inch wheels and tires, which help to produce a stiff and unsettled ride. This is an area where the car could use some fine-tuning.
Inside
Those lucky enough to get into a top-of-the-line Stinger GT2 are treated to a sumptuous cabin with soft-touch materials, a flat-bottom, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and lots of useful storage bins.
Fit and finish are almost par for the luxury-sports-sedan class, with artfully designed circular vents positioned high on the dash and subtle applications of satin chrome among the interior's nice details.
It's a challenge to get into and out of that interior, though, because of the Stinger's low-slung design.
Once we were settled in, we found the well-tailored leather seats comfortable; they also offer lots of useful adjustments. Rear-seat space is a little compromised. Those more than 6 feet tall might find their head brushing against the ceiling.
While the hatchback design compromises rear-seat headroom, it lends itself to a cavernous cargo area. With the rear seat folded down, the storage space is almost SUV-like.
Controls/Infotainment
The Stinger's controls drew some consternation among the CR staff at the test track, even though they're not as complicated as those found in many competing models.
For starters, we think the shifter is the pits. You have to find and press a separate "P" button on the console, but it otherwise looks like the same arrangement as a conventional shifter. (Read our special report "When It Comes to Automatic Shifters, It's Proceed With Caution.")
Also, we aren't fond of the gray-on-gray buttons used to interact with some audio-system and navigation functions. They're well-lighted at night, but their daytime contrast leaves a lot to be desired.
Many functions can be controlled by using the large touch screen. Still, it's a bit of a stretch to reach it. Overall, though, Kia's approach to infotainment has been judged among the least distracting systems because it uses traditional knobs and buttons, and has a logical structure.
Music lovers can rejoice if they get the optional Harman/Kardon 720-watt audio system, which comes with subwoofers hidden beneath the driver and passenger seats, and 15 additional speakers.
Safety
The Stinger has available forward-collision warning with automatic braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, active cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic warning. (Read our report on advanced safety systems for cars.)
Bottom Line
We'll be buying an AWD four-cylinder model soon, which comes with smaller wheels and tires that might improve the GT2's brittle ride. But with the Stinger, Kia is putting all other sports sedan makers on notice, essentially saying, "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that Sting ... "
