Review: 2018 Kia Stinger 2.0T AWD - A Better WRX?
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- I review the 2.0T base model of the Kia Stinger and talk about how it compares to the more expensive Stinger GT. Towards the end of the video I also discuss whether it's better than a new Subaru WRX Limited for about the same money. What do you think about the Stinger? Thanks to Kia for providing this car for me to review!
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Great review by the way. Thanks for reviewing the base model, not many have.
From A Proud Kia Owner i Approve this message...
" Be the underdog "
A real sleeper.
You know the deal.....11:54
Excellent, lol
Thanks, chief
That delay though 🤢
Hahah
The real heroes are in the comments
Test drove the GT1 and fell in love with it within 5 mins of starting the car. Bought it the next day. And I come from 328i, 2 M3s and Audi S3.
How do you like it 1+ year later? I'm thinking bout a gt1 or audi s3
@@jirule1 If you want something smaller / more fun, go with the S3. If you want something better to live with as in ride quality , features and room, go with Stinger. You won't be disappointed with either car.
Awesome. Think I'm leaning towards the s3. Thanks for the reply!
J 3 stage 2 S3 is no joke. Very quick and fun.
Main thing is I'm concerned with the reliability of the s3 compared to the stinger
Great unbiased review from the UA-camr former known as WRXFAN. But really watch almost all your reviews and I look forward to more Bullitt Mustang videos too. Thanks for doing what you do Matt.
This car is really brilliant! The base Stinger is a great alternative to the Camry or Accord in terms of features and pricing, but it will be much cooler and fun to drive. Whereas the Stinger GT is a great choice for anyone looking at an Audi A5, since it gives you a really nice car with far better performance for similar money. Kudos to Kia!
I own the 2.0 awd, turbos are a problem most people run up on them and they get shity gas mileage. I tried this in three different drive modes on the highway with cruise. If you keep it in economy like I did for about 70 miles , I got 39 miles to the gallon. Comfort mode which is your default mode every time you start the vehicle I was averaging 34, in sport mode which holds the revs longer and typically drives at a higher RPM on the same road for about 50 miles I got about 31 miles to the gallon. My cruise was set at 70 miles an hour. When I do a mixture of city and highway, I will change it from comfort to sport just depending on my needs and I will average about 25 miles to the gallon. Now if I feel like being Mario Andretti I'll leave it in sport mode and then that's when I'll get the crappy fuel mileage at around 19.
It's a turbo so the harder you step on it the more it's going to suck down that premium fuel.
I didn't buy it for the fuel mileage, I bought it for the car.
I paid about 31k out the door, and at this price point it's the best vehicle you can buy.
Great review Tysm , I’m looking to get a GtS in that crazy orange , I’m gonna test drive the 2.0 turbo , I can’t afford the speeding tickets when there’s cameras at every light !!!
how are you liking it now? Any problems? Looking into getting one. How many miles are on yours? Thanks in advance :)
How comfortable is it?
Did the car have to call back to Kia HQ to request permission to accelerate? That delay was significant at full throttle.
Haha nice
I would take this over the wrx anyday. I like cars you dont see everyday and i see at least 20 wrx/sti everyday.
Really nice video. I like the way you can still get excited when driving a non performance car. And the way you keep it real with your real life weekly drive. Thanks for what you do.
Jeff Clairday is day this IS a performance car!
I would take this over a wrx hands down it looks cooler to me and it has much more space awesome review Matt been waiting for this review 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Proper review good sir , feels as if you’ve slowed down the speaking and it really helps. Greetings from Colorado
Matt, I would love to know which car you believe to be better, the premium 2.0 Stinger or the 2018 2.0 Honda Accord Touring. I am looking at both as they are similarly priced. Thanks!!
Three letters: A W D
your title made me click the video. never thought of that comparison. good job and keep it up!
Looking for a sporty/sports car for a friend. I think this is a better find than the WRX and even the underrated and amazing Giulia because of the Stinger's reliability. Used prices seem in line with the Giulia but it's going to be more reliable. And you get the hatchback.
The wear and tear on the leather looks awful for a vehicle with 12k miles on it.
Michael Ellman it’s a Kia don’t expect too much
it's a press car
No doubt Kia cars are at least up to Japanese standard now, just the badge takes years to develop followers.
$27k for a 2018 CPO 2.0t AWD.
I'd go for the stinger over a wrx.
stinger owners dont vape so no
I do ^^
I drove the 2.0T RWD version of the Stinger and I fell in love with it. It reminded me of the my 93 240sx I used to have and I had so much fun driving it and brought a smile to my face. I'm considering the Stinger as my next vehicle soon. Matt is right, test drive one and experience the Stinger.
I doubt the typical WRX age demographic would go for a Kia though..
Surprisingly I would and a lot of my friends would too (young musicians). It's just more practical than a WRX (hatchbacks are nice for my amps,guitars, and gear etc) and I can haul my friends out to the club if I needed to. The great thing about this car is the fuel economy. It's just much more better than a suv or ugly minivan. Hopefully they're selling them for a couple of grand less than the msrp.
Agreed. This is too grown up and mature for those boy racer WRX douchebags lol.
TheHvk Wouldn’t say that per say, it’s just when people ask what kind of car you do you drive, you have to tell them you drive a Kia. It’s a cool car for sure, but the brand has zero clout in the car scene.
Derek Stewart ‘Twas my point. Also the WRX aftermarket is massive. Huge plus for people who want to mod their cars.
@@xchrono8811 That's fine, I don't care what people think. KIA makes good cars at a great price now. I couldn't give a shit about the brand prestige. Let the fools go bankrupt trying to maintain an image driving a BMW or Audi that costs an arm and a leg to repair. The fact that KIA even made this shows they'll have some clout in the automotive world soon enough. Genesis will be big too someday also. Make a GOOD CAR and people will come! If a new Genesis coupe comes out in the next 4-5 years I'll be all over it.
I just sold my wrx and bought this car said nobody.
I did , sold my STI a awd gt
Lit... just lit
I will once cheaper.
If it’s not manual it’s not an option... it looks cool though.
@@tdade13 That's a different story though. The TT v6 is a monster.
I can't get into this after seeing how sexy the GT2 is
And how amazing thr V6 sounds!
My 2 requirements for a Stinger: GT or nothing and red leather interior.
@@Ezero8 YES!!!!!
@@yourmanzach2307 I love the V6 sound, KIA has done an amazing job with the stinger
Rear is 100% copy of Maserati. Fake hood vents, Merc Air vents
The more I watch your videos the better they get!! I'm trying take some tips from yours and incorporate them into mine. Hope you dont mind! Haha
The "leather" bolster/edges on the driver's seat already look like they are 3 years old (worn)...
Think about getting one your pushing me toward it :)
You always make great reviews but I am saving my coins for the redesign WRX in 2020. The kia was never an option though. I would still rather buy a base WRX
Gus astudillo I bet it’ll be amazing!
Gus astudillo same here!
Madman6505 plus the subi will hold its value a lot more in 6 years
Excellent review! I love your honesy and enthusiasm. Kia (and sister company Hyundai) is on to something excellent. Even the base '19 Forte is a much better package than most would expect in this price category. The '19 Forte needs the 1.6L corporate turbo and that dual clutch 7-speed auto that Hyundai uses in the Elantra Sport in the upper level range. Kia and Hyundai also needs to equip all mid and upper range autos with LED daytime running lights as well as low and high beam lights. Winner!!!
Thanks Dexter! Kia revealed the Forte GT last month that has the setup you're describing. Should be available in the next couple months!
Dexter....They already sell that and call it the Forte GT. It's awesome!!
www.kia.com/kr/vehicles/k3-gt/features.html
What's up everybody, KiaStingerFan here
🤔Needs a Manuel transmission
Agreed
@@clairekennedy8767 👍
The new G70 gets one and shorter wheelbase.
It is available.
would rather Stinger than WRX for 1 simple reason, the driver reputation... Unfortunately WRX drivers have a reputation of being douchebags for the most part. Honestly, don't like getting cars with bad driver reputation, hate having to explain to people how i'm not like the others who own these cars xD
Thanks! My 2020 GT-line easily gets 36MPG on the highway...about 20 around town...Sunroof and harmin kardin complete the package!
Drove the 2.0 and it was nice but to get the performance you want. You really have to push the engine more than the v6. Which drops your overall mpg and works the engine harder. Seeing the price difference between the 2.0 premium and base GT, I would get the latter.
These things are about 30k new and i found a used one with 7k miles for 25k what a deal!
Why would anyone buy a WRX limited over premium though? The jump from base to premium is a good value, the jump from premium to limited barely adds anything meaningful (unless you can't live without leather and LEDs).
Btw i have over 110k miles on my 11 wrx and have had no reliability issues. The reliabilty problems with the ej motor gets blown out of proportion from the research i have done..most likely a combination of people modding/abusing them and or not knowing how to take care of a boxer motor.
312 Lbs lighter than a Stinger GT! That's gotta make it more tossable.
WRX are not as cheap to maintain as people think. My buddy just had a coil pack replaced... 200 bucks each. I paid $200 for 6 coil packs with plugs for my BMW. Lucky he had warranty left.... but his engine already blew when he got it.... this engine only had 20K on it and it's a CVT so it's not like he can even redline it. He is very glad he didn't mod it now and just wants to get rid of it. He did just buy 4 new rims though.... sad.... but yea.... he just wants it gone I think. The ringland failure is also an issue and his tech told him they are just designed like crap.
alphazoom II the fa20dit doesn’t have ringland issues that’s the ej257 in the STi and 2014 and older WRX’s
Mine blew too
C'mon depreciation.
Just picked up a base rear wheel for $22k with 16k miles
vip1379 100k powertrain warranty?
@@hasanz5259 this model is around 27k brand new,the base premuim starts at 36k .Every second owner gets 50k miles warranty instead of the 100k warranty!
@@obinnaaliche9396 This is if you buy it certified pre-owned from kia, correct?
@@MrEmt703 No its brand new. Its starts at 32k but can get it around 27-28k after dealer discount.The premium which has the same body features as this but with the Gt headlights is the same as the Gt in terms of price.Thats why he was able to pick up this model a used one for the cheap price.
I think the Kia Stinger 2.0T may not look as aggressive as the Subaru WRX Limited, the interior is interesting and has a strong-willed four-cylinder petrol engine.
Needs a manual!
BASITH PH which you can get w/ WRX.
Agreed would be easy since G70 has manual and these cars are very similar.
Michael Y. tru
Claire Kennedy I like the G70 more than the Stinger
Matt, you have nailed it on the head, Subaru refuses to give us the WRX hatch, and they put in that goofy ass CVT. I share my car with my wife and need an auto, but still want to drive something fun!
The Stinger platform has been full of surprises. We've definitely had to double take a few times ourselves.
I bought a '18 Stinger Base AWD. I couldn't stand the halogen headlights either. I bought LED replacement bulbs fairly cheaply and it changed the look dramatically to me. It was a bit surprising KIA wouldn't make that change theirselves. I guess that's why it is the base model though. Certainly can't complain with all the other things that are included in the base model. I would like to upgrade to the premium headlights if it can be done at some point. They do have a much more aggressive look. Great review, there are not enough out there regarding the 2.0t!
The premium headlights fit? Still debating myself to get the premium or just the base
How is the car now?
@@Drip2SG I got rid of it a few years ago. I had to upgrade to a truck. I never had an issue with the car in the nearly 3 years I had it. I got it up to 40k miles.
Few interior distractions, fair price (for the base model), turbocharged engine, AWD, manual, and a comparatively smaller vehicle, the WRX takes the cake for me!
Leather on driver's bolster already worn looking?????
bikephil I thought that’s what I saw!
I saw that too, kind of worrying!
Car lacks the aggressive look of the higher trim GT1/GT2. The wheels are super generic looking and really let the car down. KIA has def stepped up their game and it looks like there are some nice touches (interior, build quality and punchy 2.0t engine) but it is just missing something IMO. The price between a base and a Gt1 is like 4k . I think it is worth it to suck it up and go for the V6. Nice work Matt. Cheers
They even have a 2.0T premium trim which is nearly equal to the price of a GT base.
Gipsy...It's actually closer to 7K more for the GT, since the base is 31.9K and the GT is 38.5K. But I agree that the GT would be the way to go in this baby!
The European market gets a 2.0 with the GT exterior package.
I have no idea what the aftermarket sector is for this car but I'm sure a tune would go a long way right off the bat. Maybe change the BOV configuration for fun with the tune lol love the look of this car though for sure. great video!
This car already has alot of aftermarket..
I remember when you first got your brz!! And when you had to sell it because of financial issues If i remember correctly. And when you got your mustang !!! God those were the good old days when I was young ! I remember always wanting a brz because of you ! Keep up the good work man I’m glad to have re stumbled upon your channel again. :)
Welcome back and thanks for the support back then too!
I’ve been thinking about buying this exact model. Every video hits the key points I like to buy it but one question no has answered in they’re videos… what type of gas can this car take? I’ve heard regular, Premium, or it can take both. What is your recommendation for fuel type?
It certainly has the looks. I can't wait to see how people start to build and modify these
MaxSpeed agree
I already seen one.😉
Lmao the non gt model looks terrible
3.3tt is going to be having 600whp soon coming out of Korea
since subaru killed off all their turbo hatches, the stinger is the way to go for cargo space.
WRX?? This guy is reaching. Lol
If you ever visit Florida again, I have a 2016 Scion tC release series 10.0 (manual) that I’m sure you would want to review!
Thanks for the offer, I'd definitely be interested to review a manual one!
I get 25.6 combined 22city and have hit 32highway. I leave it in Comfort mode mostly. Always turn off the stop/go feature.
Is it still the case ?
Damn I miss ur subaruwrx fan intro that really made you more unique I cant wait for the day I click on one of your videos and see a awesome new intro like your previous ones good job regardless Matt
Hello matt i enjoyed this video that you did of the kia stinger. I'm waiting on the video of you with the 2019 kia sorento ex
Thanks! That one should be posted late this month or early next month!
Not bad. Hopefully kia will give the Stinger the upcoming 2.5t 4 cylinder for the refresh. It's nice to know that launch control is standard on all Stingers.
J T are you thinking of Mazda’s 2.5t? I don’t know anything about Kia making one.
You really love the car
Long time ago i heard you soooo positive, love here, love there
Must be a great car
I would actually get this instead of a wrx
Hey Matt, love you videos , i was wondering if you could review the 2018 passat GT. I recently bought the car and wanted your opinion on it.
Thanks! I'd like to review one if someone offers one to me nearby. They're rare cars though so I'm not sure if I'll ever get the opportunity. Congrats on your purchase though!
@@MattMaranMotoring where are you located? Im in Texas.
I'm in Pittsburgh, PA. Thanks anyway though!
I actually like the GT2 with the V6 and RWD it is a better deal
It's too expensive
This car is so gorgeous in real
Worse gas mileage could be due to the winter gas and colder temps too.
True.
Matt actually said view in the back not great?! Haven’t heard that before!
It won’t be a better wrx because there won’t be a modding community for it zzz
Rage Entertainment very true, will just be a bunch of stance stingers tbh
Benjamin Back ew lol I can’t even picture that dude. I’m just waiting to get my 370
Theres already a modding communitt😂
There will be a modding community just not as expansive as a WRX’s but there will be one
I was in the market for a new car about 3, 4 weeks ago, after some lengthy online researches, the KIA Stinger was one of the 3 Finalists on my short list. I went to test drive all three cars in order to make the final decision. The KIA Stinger was the first. The dealer gave me a GT2 with AWD to test drive. Yes, the exterior of the car is beautiful. The interior is good but not great. KIA took the lazy way by placing the Infotainment System on top of the dash, which causes an inconvenience of reaching it while driving. The visibility behind the C-pillar and the rear window are very poor, because of the small hatchback window. The GT trim at $43K does not have any sunroof. You have to move up to the GT1 or GT2 at $50K+ in order to get the panorama moonroof. As far as I can remember, I think this might be the first $40K+ vehicle of any brand that does not have sunroof. Last but not least, the Stinger has only a 15.9 gallon gas tank, with its extra weight, its gas mileage is very poor, that means a full tank of gas cannot get you very far. KIA tried to save gas by implementing a Stop-Start system, which impacts the performance of the car greatly. After hearing the complaints from the customers, KIA added an option button for the driver to disable the Stop-Start system on the newer models. But I could not tell if it's working or not.
On the performance side, which is the most important factor to me, the car accelerates very quickly as expected. Cornering is good, but has a slight body roll. When I accelerate hard out of a corner, the car seemed to "hesitate" a little. Even the salesman noticed that and he did not know why. In addition, the AWD has limited configuration. I cannot send more power to the front wheels for example. It is a real-wheel biased AWD system. Even when I put the car in Sport Mode, the suspension is not as firm as I expected for Sport Mode.
My conclusion after my test drive was that, the Stinger is a very good start for KIA, but definitely not there yet. It will probably take them a few iterations to get it right to be a true sports car.
I ended up buying the Subaru 2019 WRX STi Limited instead and cannot be happier.
substring zero manual is better anyday for driving
substring zero haven’t driven a stinger but I did test a WRX and a STi. With the STi I wasn’t very impressed, very lackluster engine with a narrow peaky torque curve. The car itself felt decent, the tranny and AWD system is good, but it really needs a high output version of the fa20dit to keep up with the competition, the RS and the Golf R are worlds ahead in the powertrain department. The EJ is outdated and still suffers from ringland failure and cooling issues. Slap some equal length headers, a quality protune, a oil cooler and air/oil separator if you want to avoid ringland failure. Engine will stay nice and cool, cylinders 2/4 will have equal heat distribution due to the exhaust runners being the same length as 1/3 resulting in less wear
The Stinger is not intended to be a sports car. It is in the tradition of a Euro GT.
Basic stinger 4 cylinder is $5000usd more
Base Stinger is 31.9K US before any incentives.
Best car in the class
So Hyundai-Kia put the same engine (Theta 2) from the Stinger in the Veloster N, but it's 250hp for the heavier Stinger and 275hp for the tiny Veloster N. Just weird 😵
The Veloster N's engine is up-tuned just like the Type R's 2.0T.
Drive the Cadillac ATS 2.0 turbo it’s even faster than weights at 3500 pounds with awd and Brembo brakes
Very good review!
Another great video!
I don't see this completing with the WRX though this seems to be a much bigger car overall.
Kia has come a long way but I don't see myself in the market for this car. Looks terrible if I'm honest looks like Kia couldn't decide what lines to take In the design of this car. If I remember right, isn't Mazda offering all wheel drive in 2018?
If that's true my money would go to a Mazda hands down.
Very informative. I'm highly considering getting this car or a Genesis G70. The Stinger seems more affordable and more used ones are available in my area (thou not many).
Needs a Cossie Wing.
WRX shoppers will not buy this car. Hatchback shoppers... different story. Personally I wouldn't get the base. GT or bust.
Hey Matt
Are u going to test the 2022 Kia Stinger Gt-line AWD 2.5 Turbo?
aaa the triptronic....why the + always move to the front......why not to the back like race cars?
For me personally I would still get a wrx. Great resale value, huge aftermarket, amazing awd. I do agree that the cvt is quite pitiful, a fault on Subaru but what kind of car enthusiast would get a wrx in automatic. Great review though!
Neezy Ko I agree but there are some cars with amazing automatics like the pdk. I just don’t like how Subaru pushed with the cvt, they should have put a dual clutch similar to the evo X. But to me I’m still a manual fan and am currently looking for a 2015+ wrx in wrb and a manual transmission.
Neezy Ko it’s a damn shame they discontinued the evos. To me all what they needed to do was improve the interior a bit like what Subaru did and maybe give it a little more power, give it a 6 speed manual and that would be it. To me the evo X has an amazing exterior, I like how boxy it is.
Actually, it hast the BEST resale value haha. Its crazy how good it is.
I’ve seen way more people drive automatic wrxs surprisingly and most of them are like middle aged.
Friends don’t let friends buy CVT WRX.
Cannot by the Stinger. No manual transmission. Period.
It's a shame really, because it is a very nice car.
Between the Stinger and the accord 2.0 sport which one is your favorite?
They're both fantastic so it's close. The Stinger feels a little bit sportier but also a little heavier in the corners than the Accord. If you want a manual, go for the Accord. If you want the roomier hatch go for the Stinger. Otherwise, between the 2 it's really a toss up, they're both fantastic.
Ali Jaber both great cars. I’d say test drive both as they are really close in specs then compare. Then compare space and cargo volume between the two. The Stinger has more room to me. But the Honda 2.0 is just as fun as a Stinger 2.0 just know the Stinger has RWD/AWD and the Accord only has FWD but I heard the 2019 might get AWD if you need it.
Come on you haven’t compared what really matters between the stinger and WRX: handling, driving dynamics and control!!
Matt...the AWD is not standard on the Stinger. It is optional, and therefore factors into that price you quoted.
This or the civic type R?
I think this one is better
BMW needs to rehire that man cause they feel pretty numb nw in the feel department 😶...
Seeing UA-cam caption you saying WRX gave me a great laugh. Mostly it displayed "Deborah X". So, who's Deborah, Matt?
Damn that's alot of gloss black in the interior. Gloss black needs to go away.
Need to do a dodge neon SRT 4 review
I’ll stick with my 2018 wrx. But I can definitely appreciate the vision and direction Kia is tryna take with a car like this.
1 WRX for me please. I always know how for to jump in your video to get to the "back roads" section...like magic.
Dear Matt if you like handling of Stinger you should really go and trest Genesis G70!
I like the taillights as well, but that light/reflector thing continuing up the side looks so out of place
I’m surprised how poor the fuel economy is with the 4 banger. I get better mileage with my 2016 Charger RT with the 5.7, and I don’t exactly take it easy on it, either.
I get 30-35mpg on my 4cyl and got 40.9mpg on a long journey a few weeks back
I very close to buying this car but couldn’t due to after tax price
You would get better fuel economy if you had better fuel
I love it when dude's think they look badass in their Kia's.....fucking hilarious..
Yeah maybe they look bad ass driving a Ford or Dodge right
I didn't buy a wrx until they got rid of the hatch. Hatches are ugly as hell. This one doesn't look as bad as the older wrx's did though. Might be trading in my 16 wrx for a stinger gt. Still not sure because I put 100whp into mine. So i am not sure how I would like going from a 3.3 0-60 to a 4.7 for the same price investment.
maybe AWG on a 2.0T you need more gas to go so the higher fuel consumption
I always get bad MPG in winter, I heard they use different gas in the winter time.
Go for V6 Twin turbo not 4 cylinder guys....