2.0T Stinger - here's what I think

[Mike_TX]

I think Kia was short-sighted in using the 2.0T in the way they did. It's just a tad weak for a car this heavy. I think they should have tuned it for about 300hp and maybe 290 ft-lbs of torque, which should be pretty easy for this engine, since others are getting 400hp or more from a 2.0. That would have differentiated it from the 2.0T Optima performance-wise, and made it more exciting in its own right without infringing on sales of the GT.

And yes, I think that still leaves enough of gap between it and the V6 GT, although future plans should include a hp bump for the V6 to get it closer to 400.

I suspect part of the problem is in re-certifying the 2.0 engine for that kind of increase. I understand engine certification with the EPA is a time-consuming and expensive process, but they've had a couple of years since the Stinger was announced to get it done.

I also think the 2.0T is too limited for the long run. I hope they're working on maybe a twin-turbo version, or even perhaps something like a 2.5-liter turbo with more grunt for the future.

Bottom line - the 255hp 2.0T ain't enough beans for a sporting car like the Stinger. It gets the job done, and is adequate in most respects, but it dilutes the Stinger ethos. With more horsepower, Kia could still have two distinct Stingers - one with the four and the other with the six - without stepping on the other's toes, and without the debate of the four-banger being a gussied-up Optima.

(I say this as a 2017 Optima 2.0T owner who doesn't really want the V6 for reasons of cost and fuel economy, but find the prospect of a Stinger that won't outperform my Optima less than exciting.)

 

[Kamauxx]

I feel about the 3.3TT the way you feel about the 2.0T.

The crazy thing about horsepower is I never have enough. Kia coulda/shoulda made the GT 425+ hp. (and if they did I'd still mod it for more power) Point being no matter how much power a car maker puts in a car it will never be "enough".

but find the prospect of a Stinger that won't outperform my Optima less than exciting.)

Even though it's heavier and has the same engine as the SXL the Stinger is still faster than the Optima.

 

[YEH]

I think Kia was short-sighted in using the 2.0T in the way they did. It's just a tad weak for a car this heavy. I think they should have tuned it for about 300hp and maybe 290 ft-lbs of torque, which should be pretty easy for this engine, since others are getting 400hp or more from a 2.0. That would have differentiated it from the 2.0T Optima performance-wise, and made it more exciting in its own right without infringing on sales of the GT.

I suspect part of the problem is in re-certifying the 2.0 engine for that kind of increase. I understand engine certification with the EPA is a time-consuming and expensive process, but they've had a couple of years since the Stinger was announced to get it done.

That and wanting to keep the reliability of the turbo-4 Stinger at a certain level (that's the reason Honda didn't give the Si version of the Civic more power).

I also think the 2.0T is too limited for the long run. I hope they're working on maybe a twin-turbo version, or even perhaps something like a 2.5-liter turbo with more grunt for the future.

As there's a new 2.5L engine on the way (the turbo version for RWD getting 300+ HP), likely another reason why Kia left the 2.0T pretty much as is.

The 2.5 turbo (TT?) tied to a 48V mild hybrid system (adding instantaneous low-end torque) should satisfy a lot of buyers.

I feel about the 3.3TT the way you feel about the 2.0T.

The crazy thing about horsepower is I never have enough. Kia coulda/shoulda made the GT 425+ hp. (and if they did I'd still mod it for more power) Point being no matter how much power a car maker puts in a car it will never be "enough".

Kia needed to keep the price down and the reliability at a certain level for their 1st go at the Stinger (not to mention not totally killing themselves in markets w/ high CO2 taxes).

Also, a limiting factor is the 8 spd transmission.

The long awaited 10 spd AT and/or the rumored (wet) DCT should not only be able to handle more power, but be more aligned to being performance-oriented transmissions.

 

[Waynerm002]

Mike, Mike, Mike..., you are bringing up this argument again! There is no debate, the Stinger is not a gussied up Optima. No matter how you cut it, they are different vehicles designed for different purposes. The Optima is a front wheel drive vehicle built on a FWD platform with a transverse mounted engine with a FWD transmission, the Stinger is a rear wheel drive vehicle built on a RWD platform, similar to the G70/G80. Optima is a family sedan (sure we drive them like sports car and want more from them), the Stinger is a GT car which drives and handles as it was designed. I'm sure most folks would be happy with a bit more power but for some, it is perfectly fine. I think you really should get yourself a Stinger, very soon, so you can put this to bed.

Look, you should just get the 3.3T. Sure you don't need it, neither do I however, it is the better performing of the 2 and we would be quite happy with it. If you wait, maybe they will drop the 2.5L turbo they are developing in it for a mid cycle refresh for 2020 and you can then get one. If they do a mild or any sort of hybrid version, I would want that as long as it has some great power and performance. Then again the 2019 K900 has caught my eye and while it does not have a hybrid version, it will have the 3.3T and a quieter, more luxurious cabin. Sure I have been loving the Optima hybrid for the past 6 years and while the 2017 is the best of them all with the added Sport mode, I am craving a bit more power and handling, yes, I do blame the stinger for that. After lowering the Optima, the handling is much better but I also now want some more power and better engine response which has put the G80 Sport and K900 in the running but as a wagon lover, I also want to see what the Volvo v60 will offer.

The Optima will probably be out of production in a couple of years as SUV/CUV take over, the Stinger might still be around if KIA keeps up with the options and performance or they might just do another performance car similar to the Forte size, who knows. In the meantime, get your hands on a Stinger, I'm sure you will love that thing! In GT trim of course.

 

[eflyguy]

Consider also that the 3.3 would be much more expensive to insure in many markets. You yourself are bringing up financial factors.

The 2.0 isn't for me, but I think a lot of people would disagree that it's short-sighted. Many people want a good looking car without paying a premium.

I would also expect more to come, if the Stinger is a success (which I feel it is).

 

[MerlintheMad]

In choosing the GT, I made three priority decisions: I must have all the available power on offer (no half measures with a car like this), the 15 speaker surround sound, and the sunroof. All of those landed me with a GT1.

One thing that would have been off putting enough to make me not buy a Stinger is if it was a hybrid. Electric cars leave me flat unimpressed and uninterested, period. I've been watching the rise of electric cars. They are just full-sized RC cars. And they are heavier and more complicated. The notion that somehow they are better environmentally is counter intuitive, when you wonder how "they" are going to dispose of all those enormous batteries. I could go on.

 

[Waynerm002]

Yeah, the Stinger being new on the market is probably going to cost a bit more to insure just for that fact. Something I usually don't think about when I really want a car, it's just a requirement. If it looks too high with my current provider, I shop around and will typically get a better rate elsewhere so that solves the issue. Not everyone does that I understand.

 

[Mike_TX]

Mike, Mike, Mike..., you are bringing up this argument again! There is no debate, the Stinger is not a gussied up Optima. No matter how you cut it, they are different vehicles designed for different purposes. The Optima is a front wheel drive vehicle built on a FWD platform with a transverse mounted engine with a FWD transmission, the Stinger is a rear wheel drive vehicle built on a RWD platform, similar to the G70/G80. Optima is a family sedan (sure we drive them like sports car and want more from them), the Stinger is a GT car which drives and handles as it was designed. I'm sure most folks would be happy with a bit more power but for some, it is perfectly fine. I think you really should get yourself a Stinger, very soon, so you can put this to bed.

Look, you should just get the 3.3T. Sure you don't need it, neither do I however, it is the better performing of the 2 and we would be quite happy with it. If you wait, maybe they will drop the 2.5L turbo they are developing in it for a mid cycle refresh for 2020 and you can then get one. If they do a mild or any sort of hybrid version, I would want that as long as it has some great power and performance. Then again the 2019 K900 has caught my eye and while it does not have a hybrid version, it will have the 3.3T and a quieter, more luxurious cabin. Sure I have been loving the Optima hybrid for the past 6 years and while the 2017 is the best of them all with the added Sport mode, I am craving a bit more power and handling, yes, I do blame the stinger for that. After lowering the Optima, the handling is much better but I also now want some more power and better engine response which has put the G80 Sport and K900 in the running but as a wagon lover, I also want to see what the Volvo v60 will offer.

The Optima will probably be out of production in a couple of years as SUV/CUV take over, the Stinger might still be around if KIA keeps up with the options and performance or they might just do another performance car similar to the Forte size, who knows. In the meantime, get your hands on a Stinger, I'm sure you will love that thing! In GT trim of course.

LOl. I know, Wayne, but a lot of people look at the two cars and scratch their heads (not everyone is a car enthusiast). They know the Stinger looks nice, costs more, and that it has a version with a bigger engine, but otherwise it doesn't compute. Ask your Kia dealer if I'm not right.

And when you can get a Stinger and Optima both with virtually the same engine, lots of people aren't willing to spend the extra dough for the Stinger. Yes, you and I know the differences in the chassis, drivetrain, etc., but you might be surprised how many people do NOT know (or care about) those differences. For them, it's two cars that look similar, but one of them costs more.

I still maintain that Kia should have separated the Stinger from the Optima by baking more horsepower into the Stinger's 2.0T. Then there would have been a clear difference. People who don't understand anything else think they understand horsepower. "Oh, okay, they have different tail lights and the Stinger thing has more horsepower. Okay, got it." Lol.

I guess I somehow missed or forgot that there is already a 2.5T in development. But it's still unlikely I'd get the 3.3. I've had my share of performance cars, several with more ponies than the GT, and I guess I've outgrown it. I can terrorize the streets with a 2.0-liter turbo, and I'm losing interest in forking over $50k+ on cars these days. And frankly, unless a new engine shows up, I'm slowly losing my initial excitement about the Stinger.

 

[eflyguy]

Glad we can all agree to disagree..

I think there are plenty of people who will put looks first, and pay little attention to the performance. Unless Kia has upped their game across the board, the Stinger interior is much nicer than any other model in their lineup. It's also a lot sexier on the outside.

 

[Schpok]

*whispering* 2.0L RWD Stinger ways about 1.6tonnes .... my f**king 2015 Civic hatch ways about the same and has only 100hp ...

I think we're good

 

[Waynerm002]

LOL! I hear you there on the losing interest. I think old age is catching up to me as I genuinely like the look of the new K900 and the tech. I would be willing to keep that for the long haul. The last car I bought in that price range was the 535 and after driving the G80 Sport I started thinking about getting into a luxury performance car again. No outright sporty but having enough power and handling when you need it and comfort for when you want to cruise. With them being close in price, i'll have to drive both to decide.

You are right that for some folks they just see a car and the things they like/dislike and go from there. A co worker of mine was getting a great deal on an Accord 2.0T but went with the 1.5T because she "didn't like the buttons to control the gears." When asked if she likes shifting manually with the stick, she says she doesn't do that but the buttons just seemed weird. For some it's just transportation, but then again I hear complaints about things they should have known before buying but some people don't look into everything before hand. I don't get it but it does happen.

 

[Kamauxx]

Yeah, the Stinger being new on the market is probably going to cost a bit more to insure just for that fact. Something I usually don't think about when I really want a car, it's just a requirement. If it looks too high with my current provider, I shop around and will typically get a better rate elsewhere so that solves the issue. Not everyone does that I understand.

FWIW my insurance is lower with my Stinger GT1 than with my Optima SXL. YMMV.

 

[Kamauxx]

Glad we can all agree to disagree..

the Stinger interior is much nicer than any other model in their lineup. It's also a lot sexier on the outside.

I would definitely put the 2017 and later Optima SXLs interior ahead of the Stinger. And though I've never owned one I'd ASSUME the K900 and Cadenza interiors are also nicer.

 

[Waynerm002]

I would definitely put the 2017 and later Optima SXLs interior ahead of the Stinger. And though I've never owned one I'd ASSUME the K900 and Cadenza interiors are also nicer.

Say whaaaat!!?? Really? That's good to know. Not sure why that is, though my S60 was less to insure than the 14 Optima hybrid and the 17. I prefer the Stinger interior but it matches that car quite well. I think KIA can do more for the Optima's interior and hope the will if there is a future version.

 

[Kamauxx]

When I bought my Stinger they had only been available in the U.S. for a couple of months so I always thought the cheaper price was due to them not having much info to go by when deciding what to charge me.

I just got notification that my new 6 month premium (starting in July) will be the same as my current amount.

I think the demographics plays a big part of it. Stingers are bought by older people (as shown by a poll conducted here). I think if the car was being bought by a lot of early 20s people the premiums would be higher.

The cheapest insurance I've ever had was on the fastest car I've ever owned. I'm sure that's due to the fact that most people who owned the car were senior citizens.

 

[Mike_TX]

LOL! I hear you there on the losing interest. I think old age is catching up to me as I genuinely like the look of the new K900 and the tech. I would be willing to keep that for the long haul. The last car I bought in that price range was the 535 and after driving the G80 Sport I started thinking about getting into a luxury performance car again. No outright sporty but having enough power and handling when you need it and comfort for when you want to cruise. With them being close in price, i'll have to drive both to decide.

You are right that for some folks they just see a car and the things they like/dislike and go from there. A co worker of mine was getting a great deal on an Accord 2.0T but went with the 1.5T because she "didn't like the buttons to control the gears." When asked if she likes shifting manually with the stick, she says she doesn't do that but the buttons just seemed weird. For some it's just transportation, but then again I hear complaints about things they should have known before buying but some people don't look into everything before hand. I don't get it but it does happen.

That's hilarious!

 

[Mike_TX]

FWIW my insurance is lower with my Stinger GT1 than with my Optima SXL. YMMV.

That is indeed interesting. When I went from a 2016 Acura TLX to a 2016 Optima SXL, my insurance jumped a couple hundred dollars a year! That really caught me off guard, and I figured a Stinger GT (bigger sticker price and more hp) would be a lot MORE!

 

[Mike_TX]

Say whaaaat!!?? Really? That's good to know. Not sure why that is, though my S60 was less to insure than the 14 Optima hybrid and the 17. I prefer the Stinger interior but it matches that car quite well. I think KIA can do more for the Optima's interior and hope the will if there is a future version.

2018 Optima SXL:



Not shabby!

 

[Rufus]

Definitely headed to establishing an upmarket identity.

 

[Waynerm002]

I like the 2 tone interior, it looks a lot better but I couldn't live with the white interior and my black could use some more brightwork or wood or something else but I still prefer it to other brands. Now, I don't have the quilting as the Hybrid line only goes to EX and the Plug-in gets that.

Saw a Ceramic Silver today and it looks so different under the overcast skies, I thought it was a 2019 with a slightly different color change but sadly it was a GT1 with black interior.