Have you gotten the base 2.0 WITH options

[RUGGLES99]

So much is written about the Gts. But I'd like to hear more from people who have the base with option packages....the more info the better. US models only. TIA

 

[Kia Stinger]

Giving this a bump. Anybody?

 

[Luminary]

I have the 2.0t, Premium (Drive-wise package), but it is not a base modal.
If your asking me what I think about it, I am in love with the car. I came out of a 2014 Optima 2.0t and that was an awesome car, but my Stinger blows it away.

 

[Rufus]

From what I understand, the only option available for the base is the "drivewise" sensor pkg. Im driving my 2.0 unoptioned base model in Micro Blue, and couldn't be much happier! The base model has plenty of what we were looking for in terms of tech/creature comforts, and no options available to be added to a base will increase driver engagement.

Non-premium 2.0's won't come with the extra engine note as it's only available with the HK sound system. I've never had good luck with sunroofs so I avoid them when possible. Besides, the base 2.0 has the best weight distibution of all the models. Not a fan of the AS 18" tires, though. Going to be investing in a set of Michelin PS3+'s as finances allow. Keep us posted on your search!

 

[Mike_TX]

Me, too, specifically the Premium.

I have the sister engine in my Optima SX-L and love it, and according to the reviews I've seen the 2.0 Stinger will do 0-60 in 5.9, which ain't shabby. And of course, it's just a LAP 3 away from even better performance.

At this point, I think the Premium - with all its options plus Drive Wise - is a killer deal, and the way I'd probably go if I were leasing today.

 

[RUGGLES99]

Thanks guys for reporting on the 2.0. I think that's the route i'm going to take when my leases are up. I really don't need the speed of the GTs, while I do like the options it has, such as the 8" screen etc. But my feeling is the base premium with the tech pkg is the best bang for the buck. But unless I hit the Powerball, I have 2 years and change left on my 2017 leases -- Jeep GC and a Mazda 3 GT hatchback manual, which is like a baby Stinger. But I really do love the Stinger. If one of my 2014 leases had expired a month or later, I would be driving one now. when i do lease in 2 years, I'm sure the deals with be hugely much better, and the 2.0 will probably have more features, options, colors etc that exist now.

 

[SEA Stinger]

So much is written about the Gts. But I'd like to hear more from people who have the base with option packages....the more info the better. US models only. TIA

I have a 2.0 Premium AWD with Drive Wise Package. Love the car. I was tempted to get the GT2, but my practical side convinced me that I could somehow learn to live with the 2.0's 5.9 second 0-60 MPH time, and use the $10,000 savings for other purposes.

Am totally happy with my choice. The car is plenty quick for my needs, is very comfortable and it handles exceptionally well. And it's absolutely gorgeous! Very glad to have the upgrades on the Premium, including better-looking wheels, upgraded stereo, larger infotainment screen, sunroof etc. I'm sure just the base model is just fine, and it's a screaming deal. That said, the add-ons do make the car much nicer and are definitely a good value.

Adding the Drive Wise Package is a good choice for a couple of reasons. First, it makes the car safer. For example, the blind-spot warning feature compensates for relatively poor visibility out the back quarter. Second, I will recover a good part of the $2,000 cost for the package through significantly lower insurance rates.

Before KIA released the Stinger for sale in the U.S. I visited my local dealer to see the pre-release demo model they had on display. It had basically all of the GT2 bells and whistles, but with the 2.0 engine. Unfortunately, KIA hasn't offered that configuration for sale in the U.S. - if it was, that's what I would have purchased. I also would have chosen the Deep Chroma Blue (KIA screwed up by showing cars in that color and then not offering them in the U.S.), but am very happy with my Snow White Pearl.

The one downside to the 2.0 is KIA's choice of tires. Mine came with Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS-02 all-season tires, which were loud and didn't feel quite right when driving briskly. I quickly changed mine out for Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+ tires, which are vastly superior. That's one area where KIA should spend (and charge) an extra $80-100, at least on the Premium. The right tires can make such a huge difference, so a little added cost would be well worth it. As I was, I spent a net extra $500 to get my preferred tires.

While I am happy with the performance of the 2.0 motor, I must admit that I'm thinking about adding the LAP3 Uncle tuning chip. Looks like it adds about 30 HP, and roughly the same proportional amount of torque. Having another 12% of power will provide some extra punch while preserving the lighter weight and handling quickness of the 2.0.

 

[jimdr]

I have the 2.0T base with AWD. I don't like a sunroof or on-board nav and think that fancy stereos are a waste give road and car noise, so was not interested in the premium. I drove this car and the base GT AWD and thought the handling was more nimble on the 2.0 and power was adequate. I greatly wish I had the Drivewise package for the adaptive cruise control and lane change obstruction warning. Rear visibility is good minus. Very pleased after about 1 mo of ownership, now that my DIY fix has solved the distracting hatch rattle. Glad I purchased it instead of the Audi A5 for which I placed a deposit. Much nicer interior on the A5 but not worth the additional 12K to me.

 

[STNGRNV]

I have a 2.0 Premium AWD with Drive Wise Package. Love the car. I was tempted to get the GT2, but my practical side convinced me that I could somehow learn to live with the 2.0's 5.9 second 0-60 MPH time, and use the $10,000 savings for other purposes.

This is the route I want to go. I know that I'll get a Premium as opposed to a GT1 or something (unless the bottom falls out concerning prices). What I'm conflicted on is whether or not to get the Drive Wise and/or AWD. My wife will be driving the car some so I want to make sure it's safer for her. I think the Drive Wise could be helpful. I'm conflicted on the AWD. I don't live in a snowy area, but some folks like the solid feel of AWD. Others like RWD so they can slide around or whatever people do with RWD. I don't know if a loose back end is an issue with a 2.0T lowered HP. But perhaps AWD is kind of a safety feature itself. Then there's the price of adding both packages. I have no issue paying for one, but paying for both and you're creeping up into GT1 territory.

 

[Chris]

This is the route I want to go. I know that I'll get a Premium as opposed to a GT1 or something (unless the bottom falls out concerning prices). What I'm conflicted on is whether or not to get the Drive Wise and/or AWD. My wife will be driving the car some so I want to make sure it's safer for her. I think the Drive Wise could be helpful. I'm conflicted on the AWD. I don't live in a snowy area, but some folks like the solid feel of AWD. Others like RWD so they can slide around or whatever people do with RWD. I don't know if a loose back end is an issue with a 2.0T lowered HP. But perhaps AWD is kind of a safety feature itself. Then there's the price of adding both packages. I have no issue paying for one, but paying for both and you're creeping up into GT1 territory.

If it didn't snow where I live and I had to pick one over the other I would pick drive wise for sure. It will certainly make the car safer, decrease your insurance rates, and be far more useful with the auto cruise control stuff.

 

[SEA Stinger]

If it didn't snow where I live and I had to pick one over the other I would pick drive wise for sure. It will certainly make the car safer, decrease your insurance rates, and be far more useful with the auto cruise control stuff.

Hey @STNGRNV, I agree with Chris!

I got AWD on my Stinger because I drive up and down hills in snow and/or ice often enough in the winter to make it worthwhile. Wouldn't worry too much about AWD in warmer climates. It reduces gas mileage, so that's another consideration.

On the other hand, the Drive Wise Package is really good. Have you tried the Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go System on a test-drive? If you haven't yet, I recommend doing it. It's a huge help in stop-and-go traffic. Also, since blind-spot and rear visibility isn't great on the Stinger, the Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Warning systems are a big help. I don't have an exact amount for my insurance savings for the Drive Wise package, but suspect it will pay for at least half of the $2,000 cost of the package.

 

[TJH]

I was wondering about the highway road and wind noise on the 2.0l Stinger -- some say it's worse than on the 3.3l. Those of you who own the 2.0l and have also had experience with luxury marques like BMW, Mercedes and Lexus, do you find the road and wind noise control in the 2.0l Stinger comparable to those marques?

Thanks.

 

[Schpok]

Before KIA released the Stinger for sale in the U.S. I visited my local dealer to see the pre-release demo model they had on display. It had basically all of the GT2 bells and whistles, but with the 2.0 engine. Unfortunately, KIA hasn't offered that configuration for sale in the U.S. - if it was, that's what I would have purchased.

It was the EU model - basicly that's the one I bought.
I have the 2.0L RWD with everything that the GT2 has, exept the sun Roof and the so called Drive wise pack (bacause that would ad 6000€ in total and it wasn't worth it for me)
Edit: the 2.0L EU model misses the active suspesion and the brembo's

Sadly I can't give a Review yet bacause my car will arrive in about 3 Month form now

 

[StingerGT68]

This is the route I want to go. I know that I'll get a Premium as opposed to a GT1 or something (unless the bottom falls out concerning prices). What I'm conflicted on is whether or not to get the Drive Wise and/or AWD. My wife will be driving the car some so I want to make sure it's safer for her. I think the Drive Wise could be helpful. I'm conflicted on the AWD. I don't live in a snowy area, but some folks like the solid feel of AWD. Others like RWD so they can slide around or whatever people do with RWD. I don't know if a loose back end is an issue with a 2.0T lowered HP. But perhaps AWD is kind of a safety feature itself. Then there's the price of adding both packages. I have no issue paying for one, but paying for both and you're creeping up into GT1 territory.

Isn't the base GT only $1250 more than the premium 2.0? Why not go for that and get the bigger engine, aluminum interior trim, sport wheel, and GT styling exterior package?

 

[Luminary]

I specifically bought the 2.0t Premium for the engine. I drive 100+ miles a day commuting back and forth to work, and wanted the more fuel efficient model. I am currently getting 32 - 33 MPG and loving it.

 

[Schpok]

I specifically bought the 2.0t Premium for the engine. I drive 100+ miles a day commuting back and forth to work, and wanted the more fuel efficient model. I am currently getting 32 - 33 MPG and loving it.

Hyped!! that's about 7-7.5 Liter per 100Km I was calculating with 10-12 (about 21 MPG)

 

[STNGRNV]

Isn't the base GT only $1250 more than the premium 2.0? Why not go for that and get the bigger engine, aluminum interior trim, sport wheel, and GT styling exterior package?

I love the exterior of the GT and would prefer it, but it loses so many features compared to the Premium: memory seats, 8" touch screen w/ Nav, audio package, etc. I drive like a little old lady anyway, so the 4 banger is enough for me. I would need to upgrade to the GT1 at least to get the features back, and that's too rich for my blood at the moment.

 

[StingerGT68]

I love the exterior of the GT and would prefer it, but it loses so many features compared to the Premium: memory seats, 8" touch screen w/ Nav, audio package, etc. I drive like a little old lady anyway, so the 4 banger is enough for me. I would need to upgrade to the GT1 at least to get the features back, and that's too rich for my blood at the moment.

Makes sense. For me, I wanted the engine and the GT exterior so the base GT was perfect. Memory seats would have been nice but I use Android Auto so the nav would have been a waste. And I wanted that GT steering wheel lol I should learn how to drive like a little old lady...MPGs would be better haha

 

[Never thought]

The 2.0 was much faster than I expected when I drove it. It is significantly faster than the 2013 Optima SX 2.0T I traded in. But I missed the power of the V6 so got a GT2. I do highly recommend the drivewise package. You’ll make back the $2k in savings on insurance over the years. My insurance only went up $150 a year going from a 5 year old Optima to a $50k Stinger.

 

[StingerGT68]

The 2.0 was much faster than I expected when I drove it. It is significantly faster than the 2013 Optima SX 2.0T I traded in. But I missed the power of the V6 so got a GT2. I do highly recommend the drivewise package. You’ll make back the $2k in savings on insurance over the years. My insurance only went up $150 a year going from a 5 year old Optima to a $50k Stinger.

I'm really enjoying DriveWise. It aids so much in my daily commute...from the lane keep assist, to the adaptive cruise control, it's super nice to have. And I didn't realize until yesterday you can use the adaptive cruise control in stop and go traffic. Pretty awesome.

I'm going to call Geico today to make sure they know I have the DriveWise package.