2018 Kia Stinger
Price Estimate
$9,998 - $35,950
$9,998 - $35,950
The 2018 Kia Stinger is available in five trims: Base, Premium, GT, GT1, and GT2.
The goal of the 2018 Kia Stinger was simple: put the sports sedans from Europe on notice. Its subdued yet muscular fastback styling and excellent all-round performance positioned it solidly against its rivals.
As for engines and drivetrains, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is standard in the 2018 Kia Stinger Premium and Base trims, while a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 comes standard in the GT trims. The buyer could choose rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) in any combination.
The interior of the Stinger features a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials and the latest infotainment and safety tech. From the base model to the top-tier 2018 Kia Stinger GT2, the car is engaging and fun while remaining daily driveable.
The 2018 Kia Stinger offers two engine options:
Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters for manual gear selection. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available.
The 2.0-liter engine provides enough power to reach 60 mph in around 6 seconds, while the twin-turbo V6 propels the 2018 Kia Stinger GT from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 4.7 seconds.
GT models come with Brembo brakes, featuring four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers. The Stinger's suspension was developed on the Nürburgring racetrack for comfortable yet confident handling. GT models received additional tuning for even more responsiveness.
Drivers can customize the Stinger's performance characteristics through multiple drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Custom, adjusting throttle response, shift points, and steering feel to suit different driving conditions and preferences.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not evaluated the 2018 Kia Stinger.
Standard safety features across all 2018 Kia Stinger models include:
Additional safety features available on select trims include:
Daily drivability, engaging performance, and exceptional utility are what you’ll find across all 2018 Kia Stinger configurations. The RWD models can provide exciting moments when breaking the rear tires loose, while AWD models offer consistent performance regardless of the weather conditions.
While the base 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder delivers perfectly responsive acceleration, the twin-turbo V6 in GT models transforms the Stinger into a genuine 4-door sports car. The eight-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly in automatic mode and responds quickly to manual inputs via the paddle shifters.
Steering is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback to the driver. The Stinger feels planted in corners, with minimal body roll, especially in Sport mode. As for ride quality, the suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride for long-distance cruising. Step up to more performance-oriented trims such as the 2018 Kia Stinger GT1, and the suspension offers a firmer ride, but not at the expense of overall comfort.
Upon entering, occupants are greeted by a driver-focused cockpit design that emphasizes the car's performance intentions while maintaining a premium feel. Front seats offer excellent support, adjustability, and comfort for long drives. The GT2 trim features a 16-way power driver's seat with four-way aircell lumbar support. Rear seats offer surprisingly generous legroom for a sports sedan.
The material quality is impressive, with soft-touch surfaces, available Nappa leather upholstery, and metallic accents. Higher trims feature additional touches, such as a suede-like headliner and aluminum trim.
Open the liftgate to reveal 23.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 40.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Notable interior features available on select trims include:
The 2018 Kia Stinger comes equipped with a UVO infotainment system to control its range of technology features. Key technology features on select trims include:
The Stinger also features a color TFT screen in the instrument cluster, providing the driver with essential information, including performance data such as G-forces and lap times.
The 2018 Kia Stinger's fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:
Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book give the 2018 Kia Stinger an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5. Owners give the Stinger high praise for performance, value, and style.
For its first foray into the European-style sports sedan segment, Kia’s Stinger represents a shockingly competitive and cohesive offering. Whether a buyer chooses the turbo-4 or the twin-turbo V6, RWD or AWD, or any of the trims, they’ll still enjoy a competent, usable, compelling, performance-oriented vehicle.
Interior quality (and space) is impressive, with materials and fit-and-finish that compete well with luxury brands. Adults can enjoy sitting in the rear without feeling cramped, yet cargo space is still voluminous.
However, the Stinger isn't without compromises. While reasonable for its performance level, the fuel economy may disappoint those expecting more efficiency. Some buyers might also find that the Kia brand doesn't carry the same prestige as established luxury marques. That said, buyers looking for a performance sedan that doesn’t destroy budgets with high repair and maintenance bills will find a sweet spot with the Stinger.
Yes, the 2018 Kia Stinger is generally considered a good car. It offers strong performance, attractive styling, a spacious and well-appointed interior, and a range of modern features at a competitive price. Potential buyers of a used 2018 Kia Stinger should consider fuel economy, reliability, and personal brand preferences.
A 2018 Kia Stinger can last 200,000 miles or more. Since the Stinger is more focused on performance (especially twin-turbo V6 models), buyers of used models should look closely for signs of abuse and carefully inspect maintenance records.
Yes, the 2018 Kia Stinger is considered fast, particularly in its GT trim with the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. The V6-equipped Stinger can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.7 seconds. Even the base model with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers respectable performance, with a 0 to 60 mph time of about 6 seconds. Suspension tuning is excellent, and steering provides agile handling.
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