I too was a skeptic, until I drove one. I previously had a 2017 Charger Daytona 392 with 490 HP, the car was raw, fun and a beast. This Kia GT is just as fast and not in your face as the Dodge was. I liked it so much I bought a HiChroma Red GT2 AWD. I have not regretted my decision. Everyone that has been in the car with me and seen the quality of the car and felt how good it drove could not believe it was a Kia. I have been smiling every day!!
Been a Kia and Hyundai owner since 2003 and I’ve never looked back. I’ve never had any kind of mechanical failure on any of my vehicles so far. The oldest I have is an 08 sonata with a V6 and just purchased a 2018 V6 Sorento. Customer service is second to none and the 10 year warranty speaks for it self. U get a lot for the money. Ppl who knock KIA are ppl who have never driven one, I’ll keep my KIA’s all day long.
Same here man, couldn't agree more. I got a 2012 Optima SX used with 10K miles and put 103K miles on it myself. The only reason I am not still driving it is because KIA had to go and release the Stinger...I had to have one!
My complaint isn't about how it looks or that it is cheap. It is about the kind of drivers who drive Kia cars. Almost every day I deal with a rude arrogant Kia driver who cuts people off, tail gates and such. Kia seems to attract the worse of the worse drivers. This is why I dislike Kia.
It's nice to see that Kia has committed some of its resources to developing a proper sport sedan, as opposed to economy cars, crossovers and the like, which is quite a gamble. Hopefully Kia will sell enough of these Stingers to justify further development of this model, as it seems pretty good for a first effort for what is, in effect, the Korean equivalent of an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.
Idk about everyone else but I love my stinger. Kia badge or not it's a nice car fully loaded with everything the big German company cars have except massaging seats and night vision ( talking about the Audi s8 + my dream car 🤩 ) but yea it's a great car and I cant wait till winter time to test out that awd I have a nice Steep driveway to test it on.
Just drove a SGT RWD today and came away surprisingly impressed! I was more like shocked at how good it was. I didn't push it to any limits with a salesman, but I can't help but think this car would make a fantastic daily driver and occasional HPDE weekend car. Almost has me considering trading my 17 Camaro SS 6M. But I consider my SS to have a magical chassis and truly superb V8.
Well done Kia! You were the laughing stock of my friends and I when we were teenagers and look at you now.....Much credit and respect for what you have done with the Stinger. As for you G.M......shame on you! You should have a car like this for Buick and be calling it the Grand National! Although some would say Cadillac fills this role, I still would like to see a modern day Buick with some muscle.
In the lower trims it will sell. In the upper trims it’s a hard sell. Most people shelling out $50k will just spend the extra money leasing a premium brand. Yes, I said leasing.
Trust me I'm on my 3rd Optima. And Kia is a solid brand those that don't at least go look are doing themselves a disservice I love the look of this car the only problem with me going to buy one is I own a2016 sxl. And love it! They just made that car to good for me to spend 50g for 100 horse power. Other wise I have most of the rest. Maybe someday
I was shopping for SUV and started doing reviews at the same time and i stumbled across this Kia.. Whaaat is this ... Check car reviews, and ran out to test drive one.. I own one now in Red GT Limitied (Canada version). No Regrets. ITs the best sports sedan for the money !! Car and Drivers review of it, their VERDICT Section, said this: " Kia built a better bmw for less" Just awesome for performance and all around luxury features and stuff
yes but not $50k decent...damn that is too much. the top model should be closer to 40k total. The inside does not look anything like a $50k vehicle. But great job Kia/Hyundai for a first shot at this market.
Would have been nice if they would have put a v8 making 465-485hp with a nice exhaust sound. This might have put this car in the popular class of the Dodge Charger 392.
I have seen many rumors about them doing exactly this but if I had to guess they would use the engine from the K900 which only makes 420 HP. That said there is a huge mod market for this car already and the V6 is hitting 455 HP and 520 lb-ft of torque and that is with a bolt on tune. The transmission is rumored to be the same one in the K900 which is designed to withstand 800 lb-ft of torque so it can handle the extra muscle.
Only if this had a manual transmission then it would be perfect. To be honest, I'd rather drive something slower but has a manual as it gives the perception of better speed.
Great 🇬🇧 design 🎨, both 🙌 exterior and interior especially the flat bottom steering wheel 🎡, but Kia better have loyal customers to get sales 💱 for this Stingner because fifty grand is a lot for a Kia with other great brands on the market 💹. Good 👍 luck 🎰 Kia.
gene patrick I’ve owned MB 3X over and not entry level models. The one certainty I can bet on is rapid depreciation with these vehicles. I recently bought a KIA Stinger and am genuinely excited about this car. It drives like a sports car and feels like a glove to my driving style. It’s roomy. The sound system bumps and it’s a very attractive automobile that is verified by the attention it gets
I haven't like these cars since they came out and I still don't. I'm not bashing or "it's a KIA" type of thing because all of that is irrelevant. It just doesn't do anything for me. The layout of the interior in the one I saw at the dealership was pretty decent and the exterior is not bad but not good either (looks and form). Bottom line, I'm sure plenty of people like it but you won't see me in one.
KIA makes several turbocharged vehicles and have been since 2011 and maybe earlier. The K900 has been around for several years and has a V8 in it. Not a great looking car though, doesn't sell well. I drove a 2012 Optima SX (110K miles) before I bought my Stinger GT2 and it's pretty quick for a family sedan. It has all the bells and whistles for way less money. That said, the Stinger with the V6 TT is on a much higher level and super fun to drive. The performance and comfort is just amazing for the price.
The rear end is impressive...but the front and tacky side vent things are atrocious and forgettable...I thought they hired a German designer? I would do a total front design for next model! It still looks like a car worth 1/2 wut the MSRP is...Where as BMW, Audi, Porsche is worth every penny!
The side vents should have been the same color as the car or matte black. I agree with you on that. They are functional however and help cool the brakes. The hood vents are fake and I could honestly live with them or without them.
I think the point of this car is to bring attention to the brand more than just selling a new car and it seems to be working after all did you talk about a Kia before this car?
Steven I agree.. seen one today and it was nice but that big Kia badge reminded me that Kia is surely no company to spend more than 30k on any vehicle.
ok folks. lets end the bickering. with enough money, any vehicle can be made to beat another until you add more money to the other etc etc. thats why they have rules in motorsport. to even the playing field. if you compare, you must consider the dollar value. no mfg. can currently give you the quality and performance of the Stinger for the price like KIA! makes no sense to say one can out do another without considering value. it makes no sense to compete outside organized sport. its not ,"my car is faster". its more like "i have more money to waste than you"!
Jack Meov It's meant to be a comfortable car with power if you need it. You won't be waking up the neighborhood with one, but you'll still have a blast driving it.
stephen mcclure man please! you're not in the market for ANY car at that price point,why you're trying to front is beyond us..... this is a great car at this price.
King of The Castle well the Camry is cool now with its sporty looks 301ho and red interior. It drives really good too. There was older Camrys that were cool too. TRD supercharger on the 3rd gen made it fun to drive.
I don’t know why but I can’t get over the KIA name and badging.....I mean nice car bro BUT it’s still a KIA.... kind of like the neon SRT4.... decent but it’s a neon....
The srt4 neon was never anything more than garbage wheels, quick from a roll and well known “unique”owners. Most wrecked by these “unique” owners. Bad example, people thought the same of Honda and Toyota years ago. Those brands have done okay......
It's hard to change people's impressions about a car company for example most people still think Mercedes is still a great brand but if you go to Europe you'll find more 30 year old mercs than 15 year old mercs
Audiwan Kenobi not saying it is not a great car.... what I was saying is that I ME MYSELF can’t get over the name and badge.... it’s like o hey, I am an Audi... wait no I mean I’m just a Kia....
50k? Not a chance in hell. For that kind of money you can buy a 1le camaro or track pack mustang gt, both of which would destroy that car in every performance test
I too was a skeptic, until I drove one. I previously had a 2017 Charger Daytona 392 with 490 HP, the car was raw, fun and a beast. This Kia GT is just as fast and not in your face as the Dodge was. I liked it so much I bought a HiChroma Red GT2 AWD. I have not regretted my decision. Everyone that has been in the car with me and seen the quality of the car and felt how good it drove could not believe it was a Kia. I have been smiling every day!!
Right on brother, I own the exact same car! I look for excuses to drive it places.
These types of reviews from actual accredited drivers are what sold me on the car! Congrats on your purchase. I'm right behind you
The Koreans have come a very long way with their vehicles! Absolutely beautiful!!!
Kia's HALO car 😉👍 proud to be an owner!!!! GT RWD. I get alot of head turns and compliments with this car. Love it!!!
Thinking of getting one myself. What color do you have and how is she treating you these days?
This guy's been reviewing cars since... forever. So many of us grew up watching Motorweek on TV.
Been a Kia and Hyundai owner since 2003 and I’ve never looked back. I’ve never had any kind of mechanical failure on any of my vehicles so far. The oldest I have is an 08 sonata with a V6 and just purchased a 2018 V6 Sorento. Customer service is second to none and the 10 year warranty speaks for it self. U get a lot for the money. Ppl who knock KIA are ppl who have never driven one, I’ll keep my KIA’s all day long.
Same here man, couldn't agree more. I got a 2012 Optima SX used with 10K miles and put 103K miles on it myself. The only reason I am not still driving it is because KIA had to go and release the Stinger...I had to have one!
We just bought the GT2 AWD and we love it. Great car.
Beautiful stinger, always rooted for them, Hyundai/Kia. Stepping up every year. Go kdm
Very impressive. There are imitations then there is the real deal. The Stinger from Kia is the real deal. It's a must drive... I couldn't believe it.
Holy crap, John Davis is immortal
CodeManJenkins He’s a living Legend
Right? he still looks the same as the first time I saw his reviews 12 years ago lol
His hair is not though 😂
CodeManJenkins and ..he smokes weed
He really is I've been watching him since 1985 when I found the show on PBS.
The ones complaining about the badge and how “cheap” it looks are the same ones driving a dilapidated craigslist 328i
They have Mercedes/Audi, and BMW taste with Walmart budgets.
I own a 2016 optima sx and I love it but I still think the badge is ugly and boring it needs a redesign the block letters are too bulky
WORD!
Order the "E" badge from Korea. Easy to get
My complaint isn't about how it looks or that it is cheap. It is about
the kind of drivers who drive Kia cars. Almost every day I deal with a
rude arrogant Kia driver who cuts people off, tail gates and such.
Kia seems to attract the worse of the worse drivers. This is why
I dislike Kia.
Kia, damn good job.
Just got a kia stinger Scorpion about three years after video nice 👍
It's nice to see that Kia has committed some of its resources to developing a proper sport sedan, as opposed to economy cars, crossovers and the like, which is quite a gamble. Hopefully Kia will sell enough of these Stingers to justify further development of this model, as it seems pretty good for a first effort for what is, in effect, the Korean equivalent of an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.
This car on a Toyota badge would be double the money. I love it! the second gen is going to be even better.
Idk about everyone else but I love my stinger. Kia badge or not it's a nice car fully loaded with everything the big German company cars have except massaging seats and night vision ( talking about the Audi s8 + my dream car 🤩 ) but yea it's a great car and I cant wait till winter time to test out that awd I have a nice Steep driveway to test it on.
Awesome car. Test drove a GT2. Now gotta save up for one!
KIA'a branding began to shift starting with the 2011 KIA Optima.
Just drove a SGT RWD today and came away surprisingly impressed! I was more like shocked at how good it was. I didn't push it to any limits with a salesman, but I can't help but think this car would make a fantastic daily driver and occasional HPDE weekend car. Almost has me considering trading my 17 Camaro SS 6M. But I consider my SS to have a magical chassis and truly superb V8.
As usual, very reliable car from KIA.
Finally was able to purchase a GT1 and boy they weren't lying!! GREAT CAR FOR YOUR MONEY!!
I don't get how they call this a "compact?" Seeing this car in person, it gives the impression of being at least mid-sized or (2me) larger!
I'm seeing a lot of time-traveling posts here that are clearly from the 2000's when Kia was still making garbage cars. Get with the times, people.
davebo357 true. 2010 changed everything for Kia. They are not the old crappy company anymore. Read the auto news
So add a few chassis braces and voila! Seems like I've seen a few offerings for this fine ride.
Well done Kia! You were the laughing stock of my friends and I when we were teenagers and look at you now.....Much credit and respect for what you have done with the Stinger. As for you G.M......shame on you! You should have a car like this for Buick and be calling it the Grand National! Although some would say Cadillac fills this role, I still would like to see a modern day Buick with some muscle.
That part! Would have loved to see that but domestic auto makers are crossover crazy unfortunately. These type of cars are unicorns at this point
I’d daily the hell out of this cool ass Sedan
TSOL on the test driver's helmet, nice!
Make a coupe version and a manual option, or just one or the other, and this could be my next car.
I like the KIA badge 🤷🏼♂️
True Sounds of Liberty!!!!
In the lower trims it will sell. In the upper trims it’s a hard sell. Most people shelling out $50k will just spend the extra money leasing a premium brand. Yes, I said leasing.
I agree chuckwalla...I own the GT2 and the thought of getting the base model never even crossed my mind.
Keep It Awesome!!!
Hell yeah Kia. Not a big fan of this car but glad they aren't scared to take risks. Looks like this one is paying off.
Wish ya'll had tested the RWD at the dragstrip. Sweet car!
Nice video but I really wanted to see the lighter rwd stinger quartetmile times
Australian version ran 12.8
I love this car
The Kia stinger is what the Acura TLX A Spec should have been.
Stinger is not to compared with Acura.... Enough said, buddy!
Similarly priced too
Acura will never out this power plant in a car before going all electric.
Got a gts and I'm quite hard to impress. But this is a great car.
Trust me I'm on my 3rd Optima. And Kia is a solid brand those that don't at least go look are doing themselves a disservice I love the look of this car the only problem with me going to buy one is I own a2016 sxl. And love it! They just made that car to good for me to spend 50g for 100 horse power. Other wise I have most of the rest. Maybe someday
I was shopping for SUV and started doing reviews at the same time and i stumbled across this Kia.. Whaaat is this ... Check car reviews, and ran out to test drive one.. I own one now in Red GT Limitied (Canada version). No Regrets. ITs the best sports sedan for the money !! Car and Drivers review of it, their VERDICT Section, said this: " Kia built a better bmw for less"
Just awesome for performance and all around luxury features and stuff
John Davis is amazing. So is the stinger
This is a decent car
yes but not $50k decent...damn that is too much. the top model should be closer to 40k total. The inside does not look anything like a $50k vehicle. But great job Kia/Hyundai for a first shot at this market.
good looking Car
Go look at old in person it’s not a regular Kia at all
Would have been nice if they would have put a v8 making 465-485hp with a nice exhaust sound. This might have put this car in the popular class of the Dodge Charger 392.
Millionaire Mind Set they still might.
It's already burning the charger
I have seen many rumors about them doing exactly this but if I had to guess they would use the engine from the K900 which only makes 420 HP. That said there is a huge mod market for this car already and the V6 is hitting 455 HP and 520 lb-ft of torque and that is with a bolt on tune. The transmission is rumored to be the same one in the K900 which is designed to withstand 800 lb-ft of torque so it can handle the extra muscle.
Only if this had a manual transmission then it would be perfect. To be honest, I'd rather drive something slower but has a manual as it gives the perception of better speed.
hot car
What's the song that starts around 155? it's awesone.
whoa whoa Hang on John.. No volt meter or oil pressure gauge?! Room for improvement i guess.
HEY HOW OLD ARE YOU MISTER 👀????I KNOW YOU BEEN DOING THAT SINCE EARLY 80s AND YOU LOOKED IN YOUR 20s😮😮😮
What happened to rwd track numbers?? What a waste of time
I’m getting one in about a year
Why does a 2018 car review feel like it’s from 2001?
The creaks and groans from inside is way too much for this money!
Kia knocked it out of the park with this stinger or at least it seems that way. Only time will tell.
Great 🇬🇧 design 🎨, both 🙌 exterior and interior especially the flat bottom steering wheel 🎡, but Kia better have loyal customers to get sales 💱 for this Stingner because fifty grand is a lot for a Kia with other great brands on the market 💹. Good 👍 luck 🎰 Kia.
gene patrick I’ve owned MB 3X over and not entry level models. The one certainty I can bet on is rapid depreciation with these vehicles. I recently bought a KIA Stinger and am genuinely excited about this car. It drives like a sports car and feels like a glove to my driving style. It’s roomy. The sound system bumps and it’s a very attractive automobile that is verified by the attention it gets
I haven't like these cars since they came out and I still don't. I'm not bashing or "it's a KIA" type of thing because all of that is irrelevant. It just doesn't do anything for me. The layout of the interior in the one I saw at the dealership was pretty decent and the exterior is not bad but not good either (looks and form). Bottom line, I'm sure plenty of people like it but you won't see me in one.
Seems like a strange car for a manufacturer associated with economy cars to produce.
KIA makes several turbocharged vehicles and have been since 2011 and maybe earlier. The K900 has been around for several years and has a V8 in it. Not a great looking car though, doesn't sell well. I drove a 2012 Optima SX (110K miles) before I bought my Stinger GT2 and it's pretty quick for a family sedan. It has all the bells and whistles for way less money. That said, the Stinger with the V6 TT is on a much higher level and super fun to drive. The performance and comfort is just amazing for the price.
I wouldn't pay $20,000 extra for "audi" or "bmw" logo. that's dumb. but people who have nothing to show for, image is important.
Reasonable price😺😺😺
They need a 2 door turbo 4 banger with brembo's. And remove the dam shark fin......
Those rear quarter reflectors have to go.
The rear end is impressive...but the front and tacky side vent things are atrocious and forgettable...I thought they hired a German designer? I would do a total front design for next model! It still looks like a car worth 1/2 wut the MSRP is...Where as BMW, Audi, Porsche is worth every penny!
The side vents should have been the same color as the car or matte black. I agree with you on that. They are functional however and help cool the brakes. The hood vents are fake and I could honestly live with them or without them.
....thanks to German Engineering
I think more people would be interested in this car if it was badged as anything other than "Kia".
Just wait for the G70 from Genesis
I think the point of this car is to bring attention to the brand more than just selling a new car and it seems to be working after all did you talk about a Kia before this car?
Steven I agree.. seen one today and it was nice but that big Kia badge reminded me that Kia is surely no company to spend more than 30k on any vehicle.
This car is selling like Hot cakes
Seriously. Nearly every review i've watched stated something along the lines of "It's a nice car...FOR A KIA" Damnit!
ok folks. lets end the bickering. with enough money, any vehicle can be made to beat another until you add more money to the other etc etc. thats why they have rules in motorsport. to even the playing field. if you compare, you must consider the dollar value. no mfg. can currently give you the quality and performance of the Stinger for the price like KIA! makes no sense to say one can out do another without considering value.
it makes no sense to compete outside organized sport. its not ,"my car is faster". its more like "i have more money to waste than you"!
I hear more tire noise than engine
Jack Meov It's meant to be a comfortable car with power if you need it. You won't be waking up the neighborhood with one, but you'll still have a blast driving it.
And you could put one of like 5 aftermarket cat backs on it. The modding market is going to be massive with this car.
I’m sure it’s a great car, I just can’t get past it’s design by dysfunctional committee.
Poor man's RS7 knock off. Friend has a '14 tuned RS7 that hits 60 in a tad over 3 sec. Posted a video of him doing 175 on my channel.
I blew past one from a stop light the other day in my GLC43 AMG crossover. What’s the hype about this Kia??
Audiwan Kenobi tell me that a Kia is faster than AMG?? It’s still a KIA for God’s sake!!!!!
Audiwan Kenobi 😂
That Kia has more horsepower and is lighter than your “AMG”. Truth be told your AMG GLC43 is not a true AMG product. It’s more like an “AMG light”.
E-on E-off it has more torque as well? 😂
David Orgun your AMG light has a whopping 8 lb-ft more of torque. I guess you showed me huh? 😂
plastic fake hood vents have to go
No thx. My 20k Maserati Quattroporte cost 30k less, and is an actual exotic
The proof in the pu.. Stinging
Saw one for sale for 48000...I'll pass
stephen mcclure how much are the competitors? That's the real question there. Also how much do you get with each for the price.
stephen mcclure man please! you're not in the market for ANY car at that price point,why you're trying to front is beyond us..... this is a great car at this price.
Dude u don't know me..not trying to front..I don't claim to have the money.never said I did..just said I'll pass..get over yourself
Looks cool and tacky at the same time.
King of The Castle well the Camry is cool now with its sporty looks 301ho and red interior. It drives really good too. There was older Camrys that were cool too. TRD supercharger on the 3rd gen made it fun to drive.
King of The Castle yeah your wrong. They said the new Camry is fun to drive and it's fast. Sorry.
I don’t know why but I can’t get over the KIA name and badging.....I mean nice car bro BUT it’s still a KIA.... kind of like the neon SRT4.... decent but it’s a neon....
Exactly.
The srt4 neon was never anything more than garbage wheels, quick from a roll and well known “unique”owners. Most wrecked by these “unique” owners. Bad example, people thought the same of Honda and Toyota years ago. Those brands have done okay......
It's hard to change people's impressions about a car company for example most people still think Mercedes is still a great brand but if you go to Europe you'll find more 30 year old mercs than 15 year old mercs
Audiwan Kenobi not saying it is not a great car.... what I was saying is that I ME MYSELF can’t get over the name and badge.... it’s like o hey, I am an Audi... wait no I mean I’m just a Kia....
Joe Blow remember when Japanese products were the butt of everyones quality jokes?
50k? Not a chance in hell. For that kind of money you can buy a 1le camaro or track pack mustang gt, both of which would destroy that car in every performance test
Gary Townsend
50k for 100k mile warranty can’t beat and a stinger is nothing compared to a 1LE lol
Gary Townsend Two completely different types of cars. I don't think people looking to buy either one are cross shopping comparing the two.
Gary Townsend These cars aren't meant to compete with each other. Plus your passengers will be way more happier in the Kia.
JUMP23MΔN even if you compare it to say, the chevy SS, which is a 4 door sport coupe, the ss would still tear it a new one, for 45k
except comfort, genius
Get a better job if you can only afford a Kia
Or maybe get a better brain if you can only lease a base CLA or a 3 series.
Or invest your money, rather than waste it on trying to impress others lol
The Stinger may drive and handle nice but... The front just looks horrible.
It may look horrible to you but I happen to love the look of the front. I break necks everywhere I go with it so others appear to agree with me.
Jigga Man more power to you I guess?👍😕
Nice design, great 0-60 time, RWD, but yuck. It just gives off a really cheap vibe, and the pricing is a bit optimistic. I won't be buying one.
Good that'll leave one more stinger out there for somebody with a brain.
Unless you've test driven one and compared it to other cars, you can't have a say on how "cheap" it is
Just wait for the used market to kick in. Youll find one for $20k or less in a year or 2.
GrotrianSeiler, you sound ridiculous
Cause you can't afford it. Stick to the Kia Rio...that's more your style.