2020 Kia Stinger Pros vs Cons

In the past, Kia was most known for producing affordable economy cars. The 2020 Kia Stinger proves this Korean automaker is also focusing on offering driving excitement. This is one of the highest-rated sports sedans in the class. Not only does the Stinger deliver an impressive performance on the street, but it also offers a great deal of practicality. Cool hatchback styling also helps the Stinger to overstep competitors that are substantially more expensive.

What’s New for 2020?

Kia only made a few key updates to the 2020 Stinger lineup. Drivers seeking an elevated level of performance will be especially interested in the all-new GTS model. Aside from its extra performance goodies, this racy trim also flaunts a new Federation orange paint color.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Kia Stinger – The Pros

1. Great Value for the Money

In comparison to its European counterparts, the 2020 Kia Stinger is far easier on your bank account. It has an estimated starting MSRP of less than $34,000. This means the base model is not much more expensive than an ordinary family sedan. You will also appreciate the Stinger’s fabulous warranty coverage. Most of the other cars in the segment don’t provide a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which protects pricey components like the engine and transmission.

2. Base Stinger Delivers a Fun Driving Experience

While you can step up to a more feature-packed trim, even the base Stinger delivers a fun driving experience. Under its hood rests a turbo four-cylinder engine, which pours out an amusing 255 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque. This is enough muscle to get the Stinger to 60 mph in a respectable 6.5 seconds. Fuel economy stands at a decent 29 mpg. Handling is also quite good for an entry-level model.

3. Powerful Stinger GT Excites

If the Stinger’s base engine is a bit too docile for you, step up to the Stinger GT. It upgrades performance with a twin-turbo V6 engine. Kia tunes it to develop a racy 365 horsepower and more than 375 pound-feet of torque. When tested at the track, the Stinger GT was almost as quick as the 485-horsepower Dodge Charger R/T ScatPack. When accelerating with launch control activated, expect to reach 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds.

4. All-New Stinger Competes on an Elite Level

The 2020 Kia Stinger GTS is engineered to play with the big boys. Although the all-new GTS trim features the same twin-turbo V6 engine found in the Stinger GT, it comes loaded with a number of exclusive performance features. A special D-AWD system helps the Stinger GTS to maintain outstanding grip around corners. Along with the sophisticated AWD system comes a drift mode, which is perfect for the track. Upgraded performance tires are also featured on this model.

5. Unique Exterior Styling

When driving the 2020 Kia Stinger, you won’t have to worry about blending in with the crowd. It has a sleek and sporty look that instantly turns heads. A hatchback design gives this performance sedan an even more unique appearance. While even the base model has a high coolness factor, LED headlights are found on the upper trims. Meanwhile, carbon-fiber exterior treatments and exclusive wheels help separate the limited-edition Stinger GTS from the rest of the lineup. Signature paint options include Micro Blue Pearl, HiChroma Red, and newly available Federation.

6. A Practical Sports Sedan

If a small sports coupe doesn’t fit your lifestyle, take a serious look at the 2020 Kia Stinger. It will definitely be a better choice for your family. The Stinger’s practicality makes it a great alternative to the less exciting Kia Optima. When test driving the new Stinger, you’ll immediately notice its relaxing atmosphere. Families will also enjoy the Stinger’s spacious cargo area. A hatchback body style enables the Stinger to hold more stuff than the typical sports sedan.

7. Can Handle the Winter

Like a traditional sports sedan, the 2020 Kia Stinger comes standard with rear-wheel drive. This feature makes reduces torque steer and enhances acceleration. Unfortunately, handling in wintry conditions is not as good. Kia gives the Stinger a big advantage by offering it with all-wheel drive. If you live in an area where snow is a problem, you’ll greatly appreciate the enhanced traction on slippery roads. Full-fledged sports cars, like the Nissan 370Z and the new Toyota Supra, do not offer all-wheel drive.

8. Provides Good Comfort

While the Stinger is fun to drive, it does not force you to give up any day-to-day comfort. You’ll especially enjoy the Stinger's adjustable driver’s seat, which gives you a great perspective of the road. Furthermore, you don’t have to pay extra for amenities like heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. Impressive ride quality also makes the Stinger a great choice for taking a long cruise on the highway. Because the cabin is so well insulated, wind noise is barely present.

9. Good Amount of Standard Equipment

If you decide to choose the base Stinger, you won’t be making any big compromises. It comes standard with features that are typically optional on rival sports sedans. When driving on a crowded freeway, you’ll definitely enjoy the standard blind-spot monitor. Kia’s UVO infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone support is another great asset. Leather upholstery and parking sensors are also standard.

10. IIHS Top Safety Pick+

The 2020 Kia Stinger has some impressive safety credentials. Last year, it received the IIHS’ highest honor. Aside from providing great crash protection for passengers, this versatile sports sedan also offers some worthwhile safety technologies. With the use of the sedan’s adaptive headlights, drivers can obtain better visibility on rural roadways after dark. Meanwhile, smart cruise control uses radar technology to keep you a set distance away from the next car ahead. Most of the lineup benefits from standard forward collision braking.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Kia Stinger – The Cons

1. Does Not Offer a Manual Transmission

Like so many other modern performance cars, the Stinger doesn’t give you access to a traditional manual transmission. While the Stinger does provide shift paddles on its steering wheel, some drivers will miss the sensation of having full control over the shifting. Every new Stinger features an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2. Compromised Rear Visibility

Visibility out the Stinger’s front windshield isn’t bad at all. On the other hand, drivers won’t be able to see as well through the sedan’s rear window. A sloping roofline makes it more difficult for you to check your blind spots. This could be a reason why Kia makes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic detection a standard feature.

3. Your Family May Need Just a Bit More Space

The 2020 Kia Stinger is made to accommodate up to five passengers. While most people will have no issues with the Stinger’s spaciousness, some families will desire a couple more inches of legroom. This is especially true for long-legged folks riding in the back.

4. Lacks the Prestige of an Audi or BMW Car

It’s hard not to mention the Stinger among the segment’s elite. However, some car shoppers may not recognize Kia as a premium automotive brand. European automakers, such as BMW and Audi, have more prestige. When checking out the new Stinger, the best approach is to overlook its nameplate are focus more on its driving experience.

5. Range-Topping GT2 Trim’s Cost

Automakers consider the Stinger to be an unbelievable bang for the buck. To get premium upgrades like heated rear seats and a head-up display, you must step up to the more luxurious Stinger GT2. For some people, its sticker price may prove to be a tad bit too expensive. Expect to shell out more than $50,000 for this top-of-the-line Stinger.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

2020 Ford Mustang

Drivers seeking pure performance will be interested in the 2020 Ford Mustang. While the Mustang is powerful and entertaining to drive, it isn’t nearly as practical as the new Kia Stinger. Drivers who have kids will be far more content with the four-door Stinger.

2020 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

There’s a lot to like about the 2020 BMW 4-Series Grand Coupe. However, the 2020 Kia Stinger is hands-down the better value. It boasts a better warranty and a more rewarding list of standard features. Most importantly, BMW 4 Series buyers will have to pay at least an extra $10,000.

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is yet another potential rival for the new Stinger. It ranks near the top of the segment in several big categories. Nonetheless, there’s no overlooking the Stinger’s affordability. You’ll also appreciate the Stinger’s larger cargo area. When it comes to overall performance, many test drivers actually rate the Stinger as the better handling car.

Conclusion

When shopping for a new sports sedan, don’t hesitate to grab the keys to a new 2020 Kia Stinger. It scores well in the aspects that driving enthusiasts care about the most. Although the Stinger is a fun ride, great practicality also makes it a fulfilling family hauler. You can compare the Stinger to some of today’s more expensive performance cars. Superior value gives the Stinger a clear advantage.