2022 Kia Stinger review
Kia Stinger highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- New, more powerful entry-level engine
- Revised styling freshens its looks for 2022
Cons
- Rough roads can affect ride comfort
- Rear passenger space, especially headroom, is a bit tight
Mileage (EPA estimate)
17 city, 24 highway, 20 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2022 Kia Stinger gets a new entry-level engine and sharper looks
Kia has continually refined its Stinger to offer ever more value since it was introduced in 2018. The changes for 2022 are a little bit more encompassing, with a subtle refresh of the already standout styling and a new, larger 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Changes under the hood are certain to be popular with the Stinger's target audience. The entry-level 2.0-liter turbo engine is replaced by a larger 2.5-liter turbo, and power increases from 255 hp to a more robust 300 hp. Meanwhile, the range-topping turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 gets a bump in power to 368 hp. There's a new, sportier-sounding exhaust for the V6 engine, too, which will appeal to driving enthusiasts.
The trim levels have been simplified for 2022. The GT-Line is still the entry point; it comes impressively equipped and is powered by the 2.5-liter engine. Above that are the GT1 and GT2 models that use the V6 and include driver-focused equipment such as Brembo brakes and a limited-slip differential. All feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive offered as an option. The Stinger is a great-driving car that's loaded with value. If you can live without the premium badge that some people expect on this type of car, you'll be very well served by the 2022 Kia Stinger. It's among the top sport sedans you can buy.
All Kia Stinger years
What is new for the 2022 Kia Stinger?
- The GT trim has been discontinued for 2022.
- Stinger trims have been upgraded with Panoramic Sunroof, Remote Start, Rear Seat Heaters, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment this year.
- The GT-Line trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Navigation System as standard equipment.
2022 Kia Stinger trims
GT-Line:
Includes 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, integrated navigation, wireless charging pad, parking sensors, and more.
GT1:
Adds 19-inch wheels, Brembo® brakes, launch control, limited-slip rear differential, sunroof, power-adjustable front passenger seat, and more.
GT2:
Adds heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, 15-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system, surround-view camera system, head-up display, and more.
Kia Stinger photos
5 reasons to buy the 2022 Kia Stinger
1. Two impressive engine options
If you want to inject some performance capability into your daily driving, the 2022 Kia Stinger comes with two turbocharged engines that deliver. The base GT-Line trim features a new engine for the Stinger: a turbocharged 2.5L, four-cylinder engine making 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The mid and upper trims (GT1 and GT2) have a twin-turbo 3.3L V6 that delivers 368 hp and a top speed of 167 mph (according to the manufacturer, when new).
2. Scorpion special edition
In addition to its exciting mid-generation refresh, the 2022 Kia Stinger debuts a brand-new special edition: the Scorpion. Available with the range-topping GT2 trim, the Scorpion appearance package gives the sports sedan a darker, edgier look and includes a functional rear spoiler, black on black multi-spoke 19-inch wheels, and glossy black and chrome exterior finishing.
3. Plenty of driver aids
The 2022 Kia Stinger is first and foremost a driver's car and is equipped with the latest driver-assistance features. This car has got your back, no matter the circumstances or conditions. All-wheel drive is an option for all trims, while electronic stability and traction control are welcome standard features for driving in snow. For highway ramp maneuvers and city parking lots, the 2022 Stinger's suite of driver aids include lane-keeping assist, a rear passenger safe-exit system, and parking sensors.
4. Plush passenger comforts
The 2022 Kia Stinger interior provides comfortable space for your passengers to sink into. Thanks to the Stinger's generous wheelbase, your crew will enjoy a spacious cabin as well as stitch-finished leather upholstery. Plus, the Stinger is extremely practical. You'll find central cup holders for front and rear passengers, and a large console bin and seatback holders for easy storage. The 2022 Kia Stinger has room for everyone to neatly store their essentials.
5. UVO link services
Staying connected is more important than ever, and with UVO link services available on the 2022 Kia Stinger, your journeys can be planned in advance. If you need to adapt your route on the move or stay trackable for work or family members, UVO link makes that possible, too. The available UVO subscription telematics system integrates with compatible smartphones and the onboard modem to deliver services like voice recognition actions (with enabled Amazon Alexa™ or Google Assistant capability) and real-time traffic data route planning.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2022 Kia Stinger, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Honda Accord
Under the hood of the 2019 Honda Accord, you'll find a 192-horsepower four-cylinder paired with either a six-speed manual or a CVT transmission, or a 252-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine available with either a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. Green-conscious buyers may also appreciate that this midsize sedan is available in a hybrid variant that adds a 1.3kWh lithium-ion battery to the four-cylinder powertrain to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 48 mpg.
An impressive suite of driver-assistance features is included as standard equipment in the 2019 model, including emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord offers 42.3 inches of legroom for the driver and front-seat passengers but differentiates itself from the competition with a roomier second row that offers a generous 40.4 inches of space, allowing rear occupants to stretch their legs.
For a dose of British charm, check out the 2017-2021 Jaguar XF luxury sedan. Consistent updating and delightful driver equipment are a steady feature of the second-generation Jaguar XF (2016-present), giving it a unique highway presence that favors elegant style over fast fashion. A 2.0L turbodiesel XF is available for 2017-2019, getting an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined on rear-wheel-drive models.
Standard features for the 2017-2020 Jaguar XF Premium trim include:
Touchscreen infotainment system
Traction and stability control
11-speaker Meridian™ sound system
Acura RLX
Acura's RLX sedan offers great features and performance. Take a look at 2017–2019 models and you'll find seating for five and a very generous 14.9 cu-ft of storage in the trunk (11.6 cu-ft in hybrid models). Acura gave the TLX a refreshed exterior and updated interior for the 2018 model year, for these models and newer, you can expect standard tech and features like:
Leather-trimmed interior with 12-way power front seats
LED headlights
Dual seven-inch and eight-inch displays with navigation
14-speaker ELS audio system
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Ratings & reliability
Kia Stinger features and specs
GT-Line 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Front Seat Heaters
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Sunroof(s)
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
300
Torque (ft-lbs)
311
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
15.9
Wheelbase
114.4"
Overall length
190.2"
Width
73.6"
Height
55.1"
Leg room
F 42.6"/R 36.4"
Head room
F 38.3"/R 37"
Front tires
P225/45HR18
Rear tires
P225/45HR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2022 Kia Stinger FAQ
The Mustang is slightly faster than the Stinger. The 2022 Kia Stinger with the 3.3L engine has a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. The standard top trim of the 2021 Ford Mustang—Mach 1—has a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. (Both according to the manufacturer, when new.)
Yes. The 2022 Kia Stinger with the 3.3L twin-turbo engine has a top speed of 167 mph (according to the manufacturer, when new.)
No. All trims of the 2022 Kia Stinger feature an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2022 Kia Stinger's top two trims (GT1 and GT2) have interior LED mood lighting with multi-color selection.
More about the 2022 Kia Stinger
Color options
Exterior colors:
Ascot Green
Aurora Black
Ceramic Silver
Chroma Red
Micro Blue
Panthera Metal
Snow White
Interior colors:
Beige
Black
Red
Interior details
With 93.8 cubic feet of passenger volume and cushioned leather upholstery as standard, the five-seat 2022 Kia Stinger is a sedan for all seasons. Summer getaways and festive holidays are no problem for the Stinger, beginning with 23.3 cubic feet of fixed cargo storage, as well as hidden under-floor storage compartments and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The base and mid trims offer a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, while the top GT2 trim has 16-way driver's seat adjustment. Cup holders are centralized on the front and rear consoles, while GT1 and GT2 trims are fitted with a sunroof.
Child seat details
The 2022 Kia Stinger comfortably fits two infant seats or booster seats in the second-row outboard seats. Both seats have a full set of LATCH fixtures that are easy to find and use. The narrow middle seat has a tether attachment only. Rear legroom is good (36.4 inches), and front passengers are not restricted by the fittings, either.
Performance
A sporty sedan with plenty of power under the hood, the 2022 Kia Stinger has a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder base engine that delivers 300 hp and a zero-to-60 mph time of just 5.3 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). The 3.3L twin-turbo GDI V6 is the upgraded standard engine for the Stinger's GT1 and GT2 trims. It has a blistering top speed of 167 mph, and a zero-to-60 time of 4.7 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and have launch control functionality for track day driving. The base trim GT-Line, with standard rear-wheel drive and 2.5L engine, gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined.
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the RWD 2022 Kia Stinger with the 2.5L turbo engine has tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 355 grams per mile. When paired with AWD, the same 2.5L turbo engine model has EPA-estimated tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 380 grams per mile.
The RWD 2022 Kia Stinger with the 3.3L turbo engine has EPA-estimated tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 437 grams per mile. When paired with AWD, the same 3.3L turbo engine model has EPA-estimated tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 451 grams per mile.
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