2023 Kia Stinger

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Rating7.9

Ranked #2 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$36,690 - $38,890
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 8, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Well constructed interior.

Restricted headroom due to sloping roof.

Drops GT1 off the trim list.

Utilitarian storage space.

Stiff ride quality due to sporty suspension.

Joyful drive dynamics.

Limited rear visibility.

Specs & Features

$36,690

price

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

horsepower

311 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm

torque

8-speed Automatic

transmission

2.5L 4cyl RWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2023 Kia Stinger might be at the top of the list of enigmatic vehicles. It's a performance midsize sedan with practicality usually found in larger vehicles. It's a Kia with high-end interior furnishings and decor that appears to be a low-slung coupe, yet has space in its back for your partner, kids, and enough luggage for a family road trip. Although it has available all-wheel drive, it may easily drift around paved curves when a snowstorm hits. Given that Kia is actively pursuing electrification, Stinger's continued existence in the company's portfolio is almost nearing its end now that the Kia EV6 has arrived. The Stinger will, however, be around for a little bit longer because of investments made by Kia last year, including the addition of a new base engine and a number of additional improvements to the vehicle.

Buying Advice

Although the GT-Line has the same appearance as the bigger V-6 variant, we'd still choose the more powerful option. The GT2 is the one to purchase as the power and features it offers are worth the additional asking price. While a price of over $50,000 is no small car money, it includes a sunroof, GPS, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen along with a few more performance-oriented features. The GT2 can also be picked with an AWD system but that further extends the budget.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

With a seductive fastback roofline, the Kia Stinger conceals its roomier cabin, greater cargo space, and hatchback liftgate while sharing its underpinnings with the outstanding Genesis G70 sedan. Other sedans that the Kia is up against are the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Toyota Camry TRD. Kia offers two engine options that are both powerful and users can pick an optional all-wheel drive system over the standard rear-wheel driven setup. Kia only made the engine changes last year with a few styling upgrades and hence, the 2023 Stinger is expected to stay the same with a slight bump up in price. Kia also decided to get rid of the GT1 trim, leaving only two models of the Stringer for this year.

Features
9.0/10

There are two trim options for the midsize Kia Stinger namely GT-Line and GT2. The GT-Line has a powerful turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine, while the GT2 carries a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. The price will range from $36,590 and go all the way up to $51,790 and those looking to pick the all-wheel drive system can avail it by paying up an additional $2,000. Kia hasn't been shy in terms of equipping this sedan with features right from the GT-Line as it offers fine leather upholstery, a driver's seat that can be power adjusted along with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and smartphone integration. Kia also offers various driver aids as standard with additional options such as a premium stereo system and sunroof. Picking the top trim will leave no room for optional features as the car will come loaded with all the features Kia could possibly squeeze in. Unlike the previous model year, Kia has not announced any limited edition variant for the GT2 trim.

Trim

GT-Line

GT2

MSRP (RWD)

$36,590

$51,790

MSRP (AWD)

$38,590

$53,790

Key Features

18-inch wheels

Adaptive suspension

Leather upholstery

Upgraded LED headlights

Power-adjustable driver's seat

Auto-dimming mirrors

Heated front seats

Power-adjustable steering column

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Power-opening hatch lid

LED headlights

Premium leather upholstery

Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Driver's seat memory settings

10.25-inch touchscreen display

Heated rear seats

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Ventilated front seats

Wireless charging pad

15-speaker Harman Kardon audio system

9-speaker audio system

Surround-view camera

Integrated navigation system

Head-up display

Navigation-based adaptive cruise control

Brembo brakes

19-inch wheels 

Launch control

We Recommend

Although the GT-Line has the same appearance as the bigger V-6 variant, we'd still choose the more powerful option. The GT2 is the one to purchase as the power and features it offers are worth the additional asking price. While a price of over $50,000 is no small car money, it includes a sunroof, GPS, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen along with a few more performance-oriented features. The GT2 can also be picked with an AWD system but that further extends the budget.

Release Date

Kia hasn't officially unveiled a date of release for the 2023 Stinger. However, the car is expected to go on sale in the second Q3 or Q4 of 2022 without any major launch as it basically will be a carryover model.

Fuel Economy
7.6/10

With EPA ratings of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the interstate, the 4-cylinder Kia Stinger is predicted to have the best fuel economy. With all-wheel drive, the V6 engine's estimated fuel economy lowers to 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the interstate. These figures aren’t necessarily low considering the kind of hardware the Stinger carries. The sedan also has a decently sized gas tank that will allow it to visit a controlled number of gas stations during its commute.

Model

2023 Kia Stinger

2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia

2023 Toyota Camry TRD

2023 Genesis G70

MPG (city)

22

24

22

21

MPG (highway)

32

33

31

31

MPG (combined)

25

27

25

24

Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)

15.9

15.3

15.8

15.8

Range (City/Highway/Combined) (mi.)

350/509/398

367/505/413

348/490/395

332/490/379

The Stinger might not have the most efficient engine but the fact that Kia has squeezed in the largest tank here allows this sporty sedan to cover most miles. Both Toyota and Genesis offer very similar fuel economy figures. The Alfa Romeo however has the best fuel economy and despite its smaller tank, it manages to cover a good distance. Comparing the individual fuel economy figures might not differentiate the cars a lot as they all offer very similar results. The overall range is where the segregation happens. Ford city commutes, it wouldn’t really matter which car you pick but if you intend to cover distances, stick to the Kia.

Interior
8.0/10

The interior of the Stinger is tastefully decorated and appealing, giving it a European flair. Compared to many vehicles in its class, the Stinger offers a substantially more comfortable back seat, and this advantage seems bigger than the stats would indicate. The Stinger's interior is clear of obvious mistakes and omissions, making the overall appearance slightly less refined. The Stinger's advertised trunk volume indicates that it has by far the greatest cargo space in its group, and that makes this sporty fun sedan a practical choice as well. However, the kind of cargo you fit in could be restricted as the sloping hatch design makes it rather tight for larger objects.

Model

2023 Kia Stinger

2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia

2023 Toyota Camry TRD

2023 Genesis G70

Passenger Capacity

5

5

5

5

First Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

38.2/55.9/44.6

38.6/56.1/42.4

38.3/57.7/42.1

39.7/56.3/42.6

Second Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

37.0/54.8/36.4

37.6/53.6/35.1

38.0/55.7/38.0

36.9/54.6/34.8

Trunk Capacity to the rear seats (cu.-ft)

23.3

13.4

15.1

11.0

The Kia Singer has a very spacious passenger room on both rows but Toyota offers better rear row space, making it ideal for taller passengers. However, the cargo game is dominated by the Kia with rivals falling way behind. The Genesis offers the least storage space which is half as big as what is found in the Kia. Despite the Kia looking the most aggressive here, it happens to be the most practical choice but despite having the largest trunk, the sloping room might restrict the users from loading massive objects. 

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Kia Stinger include

  • Heated & ventilated leather front seats.
  • Heated rear seats.
  • 16-way power driver's seat.
  • 12-way power passenger's seat.
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control.
  • LED ambient lighting.
  • Heated steering wheel.

How intuitive is the 2023 Kia Stinger infotainment system?

The Kia Stinger's UVO infotainment system, which combines a practical tactile button layout with an 8.0 or 10.3-inch touchscreen, works efficiently. A 9-speaker stereo system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard features. A 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is available as an upgrade for audiophiles, and Kia also provides a number of other technological enhancements like a wireless smartphone charging pad and in-dash navigation. The navigation and infotainment systems are simple to use and navigate with some customization available for the home screen as well. The cabin also holds a handful of USB ports with 12-volt outlets for charging your electronics.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Kia Stinger are

  • 8.0 or 10.3-inch touchscreen.
  • 15-speaker Harman Kardon speaker.
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Wireless charging pad.
  • Integrated navigation system.
  • Head-up display.

Exterior
8.0/10

When combined with exterior performance features like a drag-reducing outer A-pillar, the iconic GT proportions of the long hood, deeply raked windscreen, and low-slung interior provide the impression of motion even when stationary. To aid with the challenges of nighttime driving and to improve visibility in a variety of settings, LED headlights and turn signals are standard, with the choice of optional LED Bi-function headlights that come with dynamic low beam assist. The Stinger's high-performance credentials are strengthened by the standard dark chrome external elements and offer a variety of wheel sizes, including 18-inch wheels on the GT-Line, and 19-inch alloy wheels on the GT2 trim, giving it the right stance expected on a sport sedan. With the Stinger's wide fenders, dual twin-exit exhaust, LED taillights, and turn signals, users get to overtake in style.

Model

2023 Kia Stinger

2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia

2023 Toyota Camry TRD

2023 Genesis G70

Curb Weight (lbs)

3,791

3,521

3,575

3,673

Length (in.)

190.2

182.5

194.6

184.4

Width (in.)

73.6

73.7

73.1

72.8

Height (in.)

55.1

56.5

56.3

55.1

Ground Clearance (in.)

5.1

3.9

5.7

5.1

Wheelbase (in.)

114.4

111.0

111.2

111.6

The higher ground clearance is offered by Toyota but Kia falls short by a minor margin and stands equal with what is offered by the Genesis. It however does not cause trouble when treading over a rough patch of tarmac. Alfa Romeo however sits really low to the ground, making it a hassle to drive around the Italian sedan. The distinctive coupe-like design on the Kia makes the car lengthy but the Toyota is the longest sedan and that also makes it slightly less agile in comparison. The lower ground clearance on the Alfa Romeo helps heels its center of gravity down, helping it tackle corners much more efficiently. 

Some of the standout exterior features include

  • 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels
  • Black chrome grille & mirrors
  • Quad exhaust chrome tips
  • LED auto high-beam headlights
  • LED taillights
  • Black window trim

Safety
8.0/10

The 2023 Kia Stinger isn’t just style and performance as the car feels sturdy and is equipped with numerous safety tech and features. The 2023 model achieved a 5-star rating from NHTSA while IIHS hasn’t tested the vehicle yet. However, the outgoing model attained the Top Safety Pick Plus for 2022 and similar results can be expected for this year as well. Kia also offers driver assistance features as standard.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Kia Stinger are

  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Smart Cruise Control
  • Surround-View Monitor
  • Blind-Spot Monitor
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Lane Change Assist
  • Front & rear parking sensors

Competition

2023 Kia Stinger vs 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia

The most costly sport sedan in this class is the Alfa Romeo Giulia but the Stinger beats the Giulia in terms of performance. However, the Giulia has far better drive dynamics, offering a more engaging drive compared to the Stinger. The Giulia is surprisingly more fuel-efficient and comes with ample passenger room but compared to the Stinger, there is less cargo room and a significantly smaller selection of available driver aids.

2023 Kia Stinger vs 2023 Toyota Camry TRD

The Toyota Camry TRD, unlike the Stinger, has a powerful naturally aspirated V6, although its acceleration is a little slower. The Camry has a roomy interior and an easy-to-use infotainment system, while the Stinger's interior has a somewhat more expensive vibe. Like the Stinger, it has a comprehensive range of standard safety features, but it outperforms the competition in terms of reliability which is expected of any Toyota out there.

2023 Kia Stinger vs 2023 Genesis G70

Although both are part of the same corporate family, they differ greatly from one another. Because of its weaker basic engine, the Genesis G70 has a modest on-road performance yet a smooth ride. Its fuel efficiency is very similar to that offered by Stinger but still falls short in terms of the overall range. Even though many of the technological features are similar, the G70's interior feels more opulent but I n the Stinger, there is more room for passengers in the back and for all your cargo needs.

Final Verdict

There have been rumors that the Stinger is nearing the end of its production cycle. The Stinger is a pretty specialized vehicle in a world that either likes family-friendly crossovers or sedans that are more utilitarian than the Stinger, despite having a well-finished cabin and thrilling drive characteristics. If you're even considering adding a Stinger to your driveway, act quickly because we doubt you'll have much time before this high-octane Kia passes away to be replaced by an electric alternative. The Stinger is instantly noticeable due to its aggressive design language and despite looking like a car always ready to launch, the Stinger offers a surprisingly large interior space. There isn’t any string reason to avoid the Kia and for the price it asks, the Stinger shouldn’t be a disappointing purchase.

Trims

    GT-Line
    $36,690 onwards
    • Engine: 2.5L 4cyl RWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5800 rpm hp
    • Torque: 311 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.9 sec
    • Top Speed: 155 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$36,690- $38,890

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.93

Horsepower

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque

311 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$39,850- $62,000

Gasoline

7.7

272 hp @ 6500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

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$25,100- $35,325

Gasoline

7.89

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

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$27,295- $37,890

Gasoline

7.79

192 hp @ 6000 rpm

192 lb.-ft. @ 1700 rpm

5

Read Review

$38,340- $44,450

Gasoline

7.03

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

261 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

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$25,490- $35,330

Gasoline

8.14

188 hp @ 6000 rpm

180 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

5

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$24,700- $31,500

Gasoline

6.08

160 hp @ 5700 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

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$25,090- $31,690

Gasoline

7.35

180 hp @ 5500 rpm

195 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

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$26,220- $36,745

Gasoline

7.5

203 hp @ 6600 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,395- $37,695

Gasoline

7.27

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

176 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

2023 Kia Stinger vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    5.9 sec14.2 sec155 mph
    5.9 sec14.6 sec131 mph
    6.2 sec14.6 sec-
    7.6 sec15.8 sec135 mph
    7.7 sec--
    2023 Kia K5

    Ranked #4

    7.7 sec15.9 sec128 mph

    2023 Kia Stinger vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      22 mpg32 mpg25 mpg15.9 gal.349.8/508.8 mi.
      29 mpg37 mpg32 mpg14.8 gal.429.2/547.6 mi.
      27 mpg38 mpg32 mpg14.8 gal.414.4/562.4 mi.
      28 mpg39 mpg32 mpg15.8 gal.442.4/616.2 mi.
      2023 Kia K5

      Ranked #2

      27 mpg37 mpg31 mpg15.8 gal.-
      27 mpg37 mpg31 mpg16.2 gal.405/550.80 mi.

      2023 Kia Stinger vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        190.2 in.73.6 in.55.1 in.-114.4 in. -
        195.7 in.73.3 in.57.1 in.5.3 in.111.4 in. -
        194.6 in.75.2 in.56.4 in.5.3 in.113 in. -
        194.2 in.73 in.57.9 in.-111.4 in.
        2023 Kia K5

        Ranked #4

        193.1 in.73.2 in.56.9 in.5.3 in.112.2 in. -
        192.9 in.73.2 in.56.9 in.5.3 in.111.8 in. -

        2023 Kia Stinger vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          23.3 cu.ft.93.8 cu.ft.-
          16.7 cu.ft.105.7 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.
          15.4 cu.ft.100.6 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.
          2023 Kia K5

          Ranked #3

          16 cu.ft.105.3 cu.ft.-
          13.5 cu.ft.93.4 cu.ft.-
          15.7 cu.ft.102.9 cu.ft.-

          2023 Kia Stinger vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            -23.3 cu.ft.-
            -15.1 cu.ft.-
            -13.5 cu.ft.-
            -15.7 cu.ft.-
            15.4 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.
            -15.1 cu.ft.-

            2023 Kia Stinger vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -1036 lbs.3611 lbs.
              19980 lbs.-3239 lbs.
              19980 lbs.1234 lbs.3120 lbs.
              1500 lbs.-3135 lbs.
              2023 Kia K5

              Ranked #3

              -1206 lbs.3148 lbs. -
              --3491 lbs. -

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              Horsepower : 300 hp @ 5800 rpm

              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

              0-60 : 5.9 sec

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              0-60 : 8.4 sec

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              2023 Kia K5

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              MPG Combined : 31 mpg

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              #6

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              MPG Combined : 31 mpg

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              #10

              2023 Kia Stinger User Reviews

              5.0

              [1 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              3

              [100.0%] [1 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              POPULAR TAGS

              J

              Jay

              2023 Kia Stinger

              GT2 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 8A)

              5

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: September 30, 2023

              Seriously now ...

              Pros - Look, driving experience, ride, comfort, and uniqueness

              Cons - None

              I bought my 2023 Kia Stinger GT2 (Ceramic Silver with Crimson Red interior) in October 2022. I looked at Hellcats, 5.0s, Camaros, etc. and once I drove this car and experienced with this thing can do, I was hooked. I did not want to feel like I was just sitting on top of a motor being rattled, I didn't want the exhaust to drown out the conversations, I wanted a luxury sedan that is fun, a joy t...

              5/10
              Features
              5/10
              Interior
              5/10
              Design
              5/10
              Safety
              5/10
              Reliability
              5/10
              Deal Value
              5/10
              Dealer Review