Kia Stinger GT2 Long Term Verdict - Motor Trend

[Sabs]

Good things being said in this long term test wrap-up.

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/kia/stinger/2018/2018-kia-stinger-gt-long-term-verdict/

 

[itguy61]

Nice! Gonna reignite the AWD VS RWD argument though !

 

[Devin]

I love the badge. It makes performance attainable for my budget.

 

[eljay]

I got a good, rueful, laugh: "The other issue concerned the shifter. If you pulled it into drive too hard, it would bounce forward into neutral. This was both annoying and potentially dangerous. . . . I've driven three other more recent Stingers so equipped, and it's simply not an issue. Kia assured me only early-build cars (which will never be sold to the general population) had this issue."

Shame for lying, Kia! You DID sell cars with the problem to the general public, namely me. After a few thousand miles, I finally figured out what was going on and adapted—well, most of the time—but still, maybe they should be fixing this for us early adopters, since, as the article says, it can be "potentially dangerous."

 

[Revvdmedia]

I got a good, rueful, laugh: "The other issue concerned the shifter. If you pulled it into drive too hard, it would bounce forward into neutral. This was both annoying and potentially dangerous. . . . I've driven three other more recent Stingers so equipped, and it's simply not an issue. Kia assured me only early-build cars (which will never be sold to the general population) had this issue."

Shame for lying, Kia! You DID sell cars with the problem to the general public, namely me. After a few thousand miles, I finally figured out what was going on and adapted—well, most of the time—but still, maybe they should be fixing this for us early adopters, since, as the article says, it can be "potentially dangerous."

The other issue I have is the fact Kia might hide behind the noisy seals as noted in the review as pre-production issues when in actuality many buyers (even 2019 models) have noted noisy "ticking" door seals.

 

[Jacques]

On my driver's side, I can hear the window seals lightly squeak. I probably should take it to the dealer to check.

 

[robz32]

good read. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Menissalt]

My 2019 still has the shifter issue, if I'm not careful it pops into neutral when shifting

 

[Sime]

Never had a shifter issue here. 2019.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Great review. But glad I don't have shift by wire.

 

[KikoTheAkita]

The only issue I had with my shifter is that the top piece popped off. It was immediately after I had to have a tire replaced, and I'm guessing the mechanic got a little bit ham-fisted with it. But it popped right back on. I was surprised, however, to see some electronic gizmos under the cover - not sure what they do.

I am getting a little bit sick and tired over every reviewer making an issue over the Kia badge / brand. Can't they just admit that that they are not as open minded and fair in their reviews as they would like us to think? And as their readers deserve?

 

[19GT-AWD]

Nice! Gonna reignite the AWD VS RWD argument though !

Maybe it's because you keep bringing it up? lol

Actually, there is on controversy if you live in the snow belt. It's AWD or bust.

If AWD was not offered on the Stinger, there wouldn't be one sitting in my driveway.

 

[thatredstinger]

Maybe it's because you keep bringing it up? lol

Actually, there is on controversy if you live in the snow belt. It's AWD or bust.

If AWD was not offered on the Stinger, there wouldn't be one sitting in my driveway.

Agreed - living up here in Rhode Island AWD was a must. I am thankful for the dynamic AWD that shoots 80 to the rear in sport thought!

 

[Jacques]

^^^As much as I would've loved a RWD Stinger, the fact that we get snow/sleet in my area prompted me to go with AWD instead. Well, and to get a nice set of snow tires in a few months.

 

[itguy61]

Maybe it's because you keep bringing it up? lol

Actually, there is on controversy if you live in the snow belt. It's AWD or bust.

If AWD was not offered on the Stinger, there wouldn't be one sitting in my driveway.

I agree there is no controversy. There are plusses and minuses with AWD and I would think the pluses far outweighs the minuses in areas that have weather like you describe. In warmer climates the plusses of RWD may outweigh the plusses of AWD. It's all good.