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2022 Kia Stinger review

Research, photos, specs and expertise
7 photos

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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Price
Year

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

Curious how Kia Stinger trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

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.

View all Kia Stingers in stock

Kia Stinger photos

5 reasons to buy the 2022 Kia Stinger

1. Two impressive engine options

2022 Kia Stinger: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #1 | CarMax

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

2022 Kia Stinger: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #2 | CarMax

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

2022 Kia Stinger: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #3 | CarMax

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

2022 Kia Stinger: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #4 | CarMax

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

2022 Kia Stinger: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #5 | CarMax

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

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.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

6 customer reviews

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

More about the 2022 Kia Stinger

Color options

2022 Kia Stinger: Reviews, Photos, and More: Top Colors | CarMax

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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