2020 Kia Stinger Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
Despite being on the market for some time now, the Kia Stinger still surprises people with its styling and performance. Relatively unchanged for the 2020 model year, the Stinger is a midsize, four-door sport sedan with a fastback roofline and large hatch. With a sub-5-second 0-60 mph time when equipped with the optional 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6, the Singer is capable of running with German sport sedans at a far lower price.
What's New
- Premium trim is no longer available
- Stinger badge replaces KIA logo on trunk lid
- Base trim is renamed GT-Line and gains GT-Design trim
- Wireless phone charger now standard
- Stinger GT models upgrade all-season tire option from 18- to 19-inch
What We Think
When viewed in a vacuum, the Kia Stinger is a phenomenal package. In our first test of a 2018 Stinger, we said "this is a grand touring sedan that actually takes its GT badge seriously." In other words, the Stinger excels at road trips: "With the revs up and the turbos spinning, the engine delivers a pleasant surge of power that whisks you past trucks and loafers. It's a very easy and comfortable car to cover distance in." Our takeaway was that the Stinger was "a premium sport sedan worthy of challenging the world's best."
But when viewed in the harsh light of reality, the "world's best" have something the Stinger doesn't have: brand prestige. During our long-term test of the Stinger we again raved that the Kia sport sedan was "sexy, great to drive, and quick by any measurement," but "the badge is wrong." In fact, one of our only real issues with the Stinger was its lack of visibility against the competition: "engineers did their job; now it's up to Kia's marketing peeps to do theirs."
It's not just customer perception that Kia has to fight, but the dealer experience as well. When we took our Stinger in for service, we shared in a long-term update that our experience "at the dealer has been positive—just not well matched to the Stinger's upscale feel."
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2020 Kia Stinger comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 252 hp and 260 lb-ft mated to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Optional is a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 making 365 hp and 376 lb-ft connected to an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is optional on automatic-equipped vehicles. For the 2.0-liter, fuel economy is rated 22/29 mpg city/highway, and 21/29 in all-wheel drive guise. The 3.3 is rated at 17/25 in both rear- and all-wheel drive models.
Safety
The 2020 Kia Stinger is rated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, scoring Good in all categories with the optional headlight. The IIHS rated it Superior in front crash prevention as it fully avoided a collision in both 25-mph and 12-mph tests. The 2020 Stinger has yet to be tested by the NHTSA.
As for active safety features, GT-Line and GT models come standard with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic collision warning. GT1 models and up add automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, and automatic high beams.
Utility (Cargo Space and Interior Room)
The 2020 Kia Stinger has room for five passengers and features 23.3 cubic feet of space of cargo volume in a hatchback configuration. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split. Front/rear legroom is 42.6/36.4 inches, respectively.
Technology
The 2020 Kia Stinger comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, SiriusXM and HD radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The Stinger GT adds a nine-speaker audio system, and GT1 and GT2 models feature a 15-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Kia's UVO telematics system is standard across the board, providing roadside assistance and 911 connectivity, curfew limit and geofencing alerts, and vehicle diagnostics/configuration.
Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)
The 2020 Kia Stinger is a five-passenger, 4-door hatchback and comes in the following trim levels, with all-wheel drive an option across the lineup:
2020 Kia Stinger GT-Line: The base trim is available exclusively with the 2.0T and features 18-inch wheels, heated power folding mirrors with integrated turn signals, wireless phone charger, leather seating, 12-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and SiriusXM/HD radios.
2020 Kia Stinger GT: This trim level and above offer the 3.3 twin-turbo V-6 engine, 19-inch wheels, launch control, limited-slip differential on RWD models, LED headlights, eight-way power passenger seat, a nine-speaker audio system, and adaptive cruise control.
2020 Kia Stinger GT1: Move up to GT1 to add adaptive suspension, auto-dimming side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, power sunroof, power tilt/telescoping steering column, performance gauges, driver's memory position, ventilated front seats, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 15-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
2020 Kia Stinger GT1: The top trim level adds smart trunk with power opening, premium leather seating, 16-way power driver's seat, 12-way power passenger seat, heated rear seats, surround view monitor, and head-up display.
