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What kind of car is a Stinger?

The Stinger is a four-door high-performance grand-tourer from Kia — a fastback-style sports sedan designed to pair everyday practicality with sports-car spirit.

Overview

In the automotive mainstream, the Stinger sits in the sport-sedan/gMr category, balancing a roomy five-seat cabin with a trunk and a chassis tuned for spirited driving. It aims to deliver driver engagement without sacrificing comfort or everyday usability.

Design and engineering

The Stinger features a long hood, a tapered roofline, and a hatch-like trunk that gives it a distinctive fastback silhouette. It rides on a rear-wheel-drive–oriented platform with independent suspension to emphasize agility, with all-wheel drive available on many trims to improve traction in varied conditions.

Powertrains and performance

Engine options and drive configurations

Here are the main engine choices and how the drive layouts are offered across markets and trims. The Stinger uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and a mix of rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations depending on model year and market.

Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four: about 255 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with drive layouts that vary by region and trim (RWD or AWD).

Twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6: about 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, typically paired with all-wheel drive in most markets while retaining the same eight-speed automatic transmission.

In practice, the Stinger provides a spectrum from agile everyday performance with the four-cylinder option to stronger, more assertive acceleration with the V6, all while maintaining Kia’s emphasis on value and practicality.

Interior and technology

The interior centers on a driver-focused cockpit with supportive seating, modern infotainment, and available premium materials. Depending on trim, buyers can find leather upholstery, large touchscreen displays, a digital instrument cluster, a premium audio system, and a suite of driver-assistance features designed to enhance safety and convenience.

Trims and variants

Across markets, the Stinger has been offered in a range of configurations that differentiate power, equipment, and styling. Core versions typically pair the four-cylinder engine with sport-oriented styling, while higher-performance variants feature the V6 and more extensive equipment lists or GT-line enhancements.

Model history and updates

Since its debut, the Stinger has undergone mid-cycle updates to refresh styling cues and technology. Availability and exact feature sets vary by year and market, so prospective buyers should consult local Kia catalogs for the latest specifications.

Summary

Overall, the Kia Stinger is a four-door grand-tourer that bridges practicality and performance. With a choice between a turbocharged four-cylinder and a twin-turbo V6, plus rear- or all-wheel-drive options and a driver-centric interior, it positions itself as a persuasive alternative to traditional European sport sedans.

Is the Kia Stinger fast?

Yes, the Kia Stinger is fast, especially models equipped with the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds (around 4.7 to 4.9 seconds) and has a top speed of around 167-168 mph. These performance figures make it one of Kia's quickest vehicles.

This video demonstrates the Kia Stinger GT's acceleration and top speed: 1mDriven+YouTube · Sep 30, 2025
Engine and performance

Engine: The 3.3L twin-turbo V6 engine produces 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, allowing for quick acceleration and high top speeds.
0–60 mph: Depending on the test and configuration (e.g., RWD vs. AWD), it can reach 60 mph in as little as 4.6 seconds.
Top speed: The top speed is approximately 167-168 mph.
Four-cylinder option: The base 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine is also capable, but the V6 is significantly faster.

Driving experience

The Stinger delivers its speed in a powerful yet smooth way.
It features a Drive Mode Select system that adjusts the engine, transmission, and suspension for a dynamic drive.
While fast, some reviewers note the performance can be deceptively delivered rather than being boisterous.

This video shows a real-world test of the Kia Stinger GT's acceleration: 58sThe Fast Lane CarYouTube · Mar 14, 2018

What brand if a car is a Stinger?

The Kia Stinger car is made by Kia. Production of the Stinger, which was launched in 2017 as a 2018 model year, ended with the 2023 model year.

Manufacturer: Kia
Production: The final production run was for the 2023 model year.
Legacy: The Stinger is known for being a performance luxury sedan that challenged perceptions of the Kia brand, with development aided by former BMW M division head Albert Biermann.

What is the price of a Kia Stinger?

The price of the 2023 Kia Stinger starts at $37,865 and goes up to $54,065 depending on the trim and options. The right way to order the Stinger is with the peppy 368-hp twin-turbo V-6.

Is a Kia Stinger a luxury car?

New Kia Stinger - Performance Luxury Car - Sports Sedan.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.