2019 Kia Stinger Review

Name: 2019 Kia Stinger
Brand: Kia

Price Range: $18,000 - $29,998

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Average price: $21,851

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Appraise My 2019 Kia Stinger

Kia Stinger model years

Kia Stinger for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Kurt Niebuhr

Pros

Sporty and stylish appearance stands out
Entertaining levels of performance
Refined interior with hatchback utility
Generous warranty coverage

Cons

Limited space for rear passengers
Ride quality can get a little jittery at times
Sloping roofline hampers rear visibility

What's new

Some previously optional features are standard this year
New GTS trim level
Part of the first Kia Stinger generation introduced in 2018

When the Kia Stinger debuted last year, it's safe to say more than a few eyebrows were raised. This is a sedan that hails from the same company that offers the lowly Rio, yet its bold styling and high performance make it unlike anything else in Kia's lineup. Really, you need to look at European luxury sport sedans to find something comparable.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

32 listings

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2019 Kia Stinger
GT2 Sedan
$22,777
great price
$6,938 below market
- 28,538 miles
- 2 accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 17 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- Lease Return Center (34 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Triangle, VA
--TOP OF THE LINE GT2!!!!!!!--SUPER CLEAN AND CARFAX CERTIFIED WITH ONLY 28K MILES!!!!--FULLY LOADED WITH EVERY OPTIONS!!!!!--GORGEOUS COLOR COMBINATI...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNAE55LC1K6042443
Stock: 042443
Certified Pre-Owned: No
New Listing
2019 Kia Stinger
GT2 Sedan
$19,999
good price
$3,374 below market
- 89,869 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 17 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- Premier Automotive (33 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Dumfries, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNAE55LC7K6061563
Stock: PA8783
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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Longer, lower and sleeker than an Optima, the Stinger packs a performance punch. A turbocharged four-cylinder is standard, and a 365-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine is optional. All-wheel drive is available, too. Inside, the Stinger has an impressively refined and comfortable cabin and a versatile hatchback-style cargo area. You also get the typical Kia benefits of plenty of standard features and a long powertrain warranty.

Even though this Kia is compared to cars from Audi and BMW, it's doubtful that it will win over everyone. For some, the badge might be the biggest thing to hold the Stinger back. But if you're not much of a badge snob, you'll definitely like the Stinger and its excellent performance, feature content and price.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Kia Stinger as one of Edmunds' Best AWD Sedans for this year.

What's it like to live with?

Want to know even more about the Kia Stinger? Check out our editorial experts' long-term test of a Kia Stinger GT2. How was the interior and visibility from inside this fastback sedan? Was the cargo room big enough for road trips? How was our Stinger GT test car's reliability? Learn this and more from our 20,000-mile test. Note that while we tested a 2018 Stinger, our observations still fully apply to the 2019 Stinger as well.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

8.2 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Kia Stinger GT2 (turbo 3.3L V6 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

Scorecard

Overall	8.2 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	8.5
Technology	8.5

Driving

8.5

The Stinger GT has performance chops to back up its striking looks. Acceleration is strong at any speed, and the engine is well-behaved when you aren't hammering the pedal. Handling and steering are great at this price point.

Acceleration

8.5

The Stinger GT doesn't launch very hard from a full stop, but nail the accelerator at speed and you'll be impressed by the thrust from the twin-turbo V6. Even with a car full of people, it's quick. Our test car posted a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds, which is slightly slower than comparable luxury sport sedans.

Braking

7.5

The brakes activate high in the pedal stroke, but braking force is gradual and linear; they are easy to modulate in traffic. In performance driving, you'll have to hit the pedal harder than you think to slow the Stinger quickly, but the sticky summer tires perform exceptionally well.

Steering

8.5

The Stinger responds the moment you start moving the wheel. But it never feels darty, which is welcome and appropriate for a sporty sedan. The steering effort is moderate, in contrast with the too-light feeling in other Kias.

Handling

8.0

This big sedan exhibits some body roll, even when the dampers are in their Sport setting. Still, the Stinger GT handles well and is pretty fun to hustle around corners, especially when you reduce the amount of stability control intervention.

Drivability

8.0

The engine exhibits predictable acceleration in the standard Comfort driving mode. Eco mode dulls acceleration with light to moderate pedal application, while Sport makes the Stinger feel a bit more energetic. Sport also introduces harsher shifts to the otherwise smooth-shifting transmission.

Comfort

8.0

The front seats keep you in place and have many adjustments. The ride is amicable, even in Sport mode, and exterior noise is filtered out. Heated front seats are standard, but heated rear seats aren't available.

Seat comfort

7.0

The front seats are supportive and offer multiple adjustments, including the side bolsters. But the padding might feel overly firm for some. The seat bottom is also on the narrow side, which will have most pressing against the thigh bolsters. The rear seats are also stiff, and the bench is pretty flat.

Ride comfort

8.5

The Stinger's ride is indeed pleasant. In the standard Comfort driving mode, the adaptive suspension dampers smooth out road imperfections. The ride is firmer in Sport mode but still livable. However, the Stinger lacks the ride sophistication of premium luxury sedans. It can get a little jittery on coarse pavement.

Noise & vibration

8.5

The thrum of the engine is always present, but you won't notice it much during light-throttle conditions. Mash the gas pedal or put it into Sport mode and you'll hear a snarly V6 sound. It's augmented, but it sounds good. Road noise is mostly quiet, and wind noise is nearly nonexistent.

Climate control

8.0

The Stinger has dual-zone climate control up front, with a separate temp dial for the rear vents. Normally, the climate system keeps the cabin at the appropriate temp, though the engine stop-start system significantly reduces fan speed when the engine is off.

Interior

7.0

The driver benefits from an excellent seating position and an ergonomically friendly control layout. Unfortunately for rear passengers, the Stinger has a low roof and limited toe room. Rear visibility is not as good as in other midsize sedans.

Ease of use

8.0

The driver's armrests are just the right height so you can rest your elbows while holding the wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock. The buttons are clearly labeled and easy to understand. The touchscreen is a bit of a reach.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

The deep-set pedals and wide doorsill can make for an awkward exit for tall drivers or those with limited flexibility. The rear sloping roofline means most passengers will have to duck to get into the back. The doors are light and easy to open.

Driving position

9.5

The seats in the GT2 trim are more configurable than those in other trims, with adjustable side bolsters and thigh extension. A wide range of vertical and horizontal range ensures that drivers of all sizes can find an agreeable position. The steering wheel has lots of tilt-and-telescoping range.

Roominess

7.0

There's a good sense of space up front, with plenty of legroom and a wide center armrest. Tall drivers might brush against the headliner. There's less headroom in the back due to the sloping roofline. Rear legroom is just OK.

Visibility

6.5

The narrow front pillars promote decent forward visibility, but the high hood and low-slung seating position can make it difficult to place the front of the car. The upward sloping beltline toward the rear and the large rear pillar compromise the rear three-quarter view.

Quality

8.5

Some buttons are shared with other vehicles in Kia's lineup, but others are unique. There are simulated-leather coverings on the doors, and the aluminum-looking trim looks good. It's not as nice inside as a German luxury sedan, but it's not too far off.

Utility

8.5

There's more space in the Stinger's cargo area than any like-minded sedans, though it's smaller in size than the Buick Regal Sportback and the BMW 3 Series GT. The rear seats don't quite drop flat, but the high pivot point means you won't have to move the front seats forward to fold them.

Small-item storage

8.5

There are two decent-size cupholders in front, along with a small tray below the center stack and a shallow, wide bin under the armrest. The door pockets are smaller in back, but the armrest's cupholders are just as accommodating as those in the front. You also get nets behind each front seat.

Cargo space

8.5

As a hatchback, the Stinger offers greater cargo flexibility than a comparable sedan. The cargo area is wide and rectangular, with small pockets behind the rear wheels. The GT2 also comes with a hands-free hatch; simply stand behind the bumper for a few seconds. The rear seats don't quite fold flat.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

Four LATCH anchors are hidden behind covers that fold as you press down on them. The anchors themselves are inset pretty far from the front of the covers. The tethers are located about halfway down the seatback. You'll have to move the cargo cover to reach the tether points.

Technology

8.5

The Stinger is brimming with tech, starting with a sharp-looking touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A suite of the latest driving aids is available, and it doesn't cost too much on trims where it isn't standard.

Audio & navigation

8.5

Most models come with a sweet-sounding 15-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. There aren't any rattles when turning the bass and volume all the way up. You get good volume output with radio and most connected media.

Smartphone integration

8.0

There are two USB ports below the center stack: one for data and one charge-only. There's another charge-only port behind the console for rear passengers. The system should be able to play audio files from a USB drive, but it didn't work on our tester. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

Driver aids

8.5

Blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors are standard. All additional driving aids are included in the Premium and supportive GT trims.

Voice control

7.5

Although the system prompts you to use a set menu of voice commands, it also has limited natural speech detection. It can navigate to general locations (the nearest coffee shop or Starbucks, for example) but doesn't understand specific points of interest (e.g., Disneyland).

Compare 2019 Kia Stinger trim levels

2019 Kia Stinger models

The 2019 Kia Stinger is a four-door sedan with a fastback-like hatch that is available in five trim levels. The base rear-wheel-drive Stinger is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque) and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available on all models as an option.

Standard features for the base Stinger include 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, heated and power-folding mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, selectable drive modes, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and 60/40-split folding rear seats.

You also get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a 7-inch touchscreen, three USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio.

The Premium trim adds LED headlights, a sunroof, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a larger driver information display, driver-seat memory functions, an 8-inch touchscreen, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.

The Kia Stinger GT employs a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 (365 hp, 376 lb-ft). Feature content is similar to the base Stinger but upgrades to 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a mechanical-locking rear differential, adaptive suspension dampers, a launch control system, variable ratio steering, a few exterior and interior embellishments, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a nine-speaker audio system.

Debuting midway through the model year is the limited-production GTS. It builds off the GT trim but adds many of the features found on the Premium trim, with the exception of adaptive cruise control. Unique to the GTS are bits of carbon-fiber exterior trim, a steering wheel wrapped in imitation suede, bright orange exterior paint (the only color available), and an optional drift mode for the all-wheel-drive variant.

The GT1 trim adds the Premium features along with auto-dimming exterior mirrors, ventilated front seats and additional performance meters. At the top of the lineup is the GT2 trim that finishes it off with a hands-free opening hatchback, a head-up display, premium leather upholstery, upgraded front seats, heated rear seats, and a surround-view parking camera system. Automatic wipers are also available as an option for all Stingers.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$180/mo

$148/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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Reliability

The 2019 Kia Stinger has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

3 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 24V169000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SC300
Number of vehicles affected:: 36248
Defect Description:: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019-2020 K900, and 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
Defect Consequence:: An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 26, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC300.

Recall Number:: 23V634000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SC281
Number of vehicles affected:: 18224
Defect Description:: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel control valve plunger may stick inside the high pressure fuel pump, causing over-pressurization and loss of drive power.
Defect Consequence:: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, inspect, and replace the fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 10, 2023. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC281.

Recall Number:: 20V518000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SC196
Number of vehicles affected:: 9443
Defect Description:: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Stinger vehicles equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines. While driving, an engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) is located.
Defect Consequence:: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Corrective Action:: The remedy for this recall is still under development. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall is expected to begin October 26, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC196.

Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Kia Stinger Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

31 reviews

5(84%)

4(6%)

3(0%)

2(3%)

1(7%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2019 Stinger Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$32,990
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$180/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Stinger models:

Forward Collision Avoidance Assistance: Alerts you if a front impact is imminent and will apply the brakes if you don't react in time.
Lane Keep Assist: Warns if you are drifting out of your lane and gently nudges you back.
Blind-Spot Collision Warning System: Illuminates a warning light if a car is in your blind spot and beeps if you activate your turn signal in that direction.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2019 Kia Stinger Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Stinger does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Kia Stinger models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Kia Stinger Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2019 Stinger Highlights

Safety

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