2018 Kia Stinger Review

2018 Kia Stinger GT2

MSRP: $49,200

Engine:  3.3L Twin Turbo V6

Horsepower:  365

Torque:  376

0-60:  4.4 seconds

MPG:  19/25

Text:  Yousef Alvi   Photos:  Geoff Dennis

Every review of the 2018 Kia Stinger starts the same way.  How revolutionary it is for the brand.  Well the truth of the matter is Kia has actually been making fine automobiles for years now.  The Stinger finally puts an exclamation point at the end of that statement.

The 2018 Kia Stinger is not just good.  It is achingly great.  You never stop smiling when you’re behind the wheel.  Hell you never stop smiling when you walk up to it.  You never stop smiling when you climb into it and you never stop smiling you put stuff into it (hatchback!).  This car just makes you smile!   

Then you put your foot to the floor and start laugh maniacally because this thing is a rocket!  The twin turbo V6 makes 365 horsepower and 376 ft/lbs of torque but the mid-range punch it delivers is prodigious.  However, it is not all about speed.  The Stinger can handle as well.  The steering is very direct and chassis feels communicative around the bends, the limited slip differential works beautifully to apply power down and deliver some tail out happiness. 

“The 2018 Kia Stinger is not just good.  It is achingly great”

The interior is another work of art.  Everything is of substance.  The switchgear feels great and the seats are excellent.  The Stinger feels like it should be another $20,000 dollars more than what it is.  That is the most remarkable part of the Kia Stinger.  The bang for dollar ration is unparalleled in its class.

So how do I sum up the 2018 Kia Stinger?  Quick, precise, comfortable and practical.  Everything to everybody.  Oh and handsome as well. Checks off all the right boxes.