2022 vs 2023 headlights

[Volfy]

oh cool, thanks for the reply...someone actually doing it! Please take pics/post up how it goes. Yes, I have been reading that the self-leveling system is a pain. I am honestly starting to look back inthe Mazda 3SGT...has all the stuff the Stinger does, but including the adaptive headlights, and is only 5hp less than the Stinger, but weighs much less, and has 320 for torque...faster than my current Stinger in the 0-60...but does not look nearly as sharp.

Back in '21, when we were looking for a car for my oldest, we actually started out looking at a Mazda3 hatchback. An older model year would've made a nice economy car, but a brand new one with 6MT would've been over $32k at the time. I just did not think it was worth that much. Mazda's 2.5T is a sweet engine. We had one in a CX-9 and it was smoother and torquer than the other V6 3-row SUVs. However, the suspension on the Mazda left a lot to be desired. The rear suspension is a bargain basement trailing arm. We ended up getting out '21 G70 6MT for $35k, which is a far nicer package overall. As it is right now, Mazda 3 is going for nicely-appointed interior, posh ride but hohum FWD handling, more so than a true zoom-zoom car. If Mazda ever sees fit to do a proper Mazdaspeed program, that might be something.

Rumors abound that Mazda is planning on dropping their new inline-6 (from the CX-90) into a RWD sport sedan. Now that would definitely get my attention.

Anyhow, back on topic... the headlight thing doesn't bother me. There are upgrade paths to be had fairly easily. Ebay is full of Stinger headlights. That's one good(?) thing with this platform... lots of folks crash them, so plenty of salvage parts to go around.

 

[RKA123]

I noticed per IIHS testing the 2022-2023 GT-Line/GT1 headlights have superior low beam illumination compared to the GT2 headlights. However, the GT2 headlights in this same testing have better high beam illumination.

IIHS Headlight Testing

The interesting thing to me is the curve adaptive headlights of the GT2 doesn't seem to really help visibility much on the right and left edges compared to the non adaptive setup. Performance wise It seems if you favor better low beam illumination the 2022-2023 GT-Line/GT1 headlights are the way to go, and if you prefer better high beam illumination the GT2 style headlights would be your choice.

 

[stinger541]

Yes, but the 3 now has AWD paired with the 250hp/320tq engine with variable dual exhaust...I would only be considering the top trim GT. Just hate losing the look of the Stinger. The main things for me are the headlights and the ambient lighting being taken out...oh, and the sunglass holder. Like,really Kia? Looking at the N-Line of stuff too but do not like the looks of the front ends.

 

[stinger541]

I noticed per IIHS testing the 2022-2023 GT-Line/GT1 headlights have superior low beam illumination compared to the GT2 headlights. However, the GT2 headlights in this same testing have better high beam illumination.

IIHS Headlight Testing

The interesting thing to me is the curve adaptive headlights of the GT2 doesn't seem to really help visibility much on the right and left edges compared to the non adaptive setup. Performance wise It seems if you favor better low beam illumination the 2022-2023 GT-Line/GT1 headlights are the way to go, and if you prefer better high beam illumination the GT2 style headlights would be your choice.

For me, it is the DRL design. I like the signature Stinger lights more than what they now have on the gt-lines.

 

[RKA123]

For me, it is the DRL design. I like the signature Stinger lights more than what they now have on the gt-lines.

I do feel the GT2 DRL looks way better at night as you can actually see the outline.

 

[stinger541]

I do feel the GT2 DRL looks way better at night as you can actually see the outline.

Yes, which is why I want to swap them out to the GT2 headlights if I were to buy a GT-line.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Yes, which is why I want to swap them out to the GT2 headlights if I were to buy a GT-line.

I was super pleased that the premium came with the 'gt' style headlights. at first I thought the previous owner did it. then as I read up on the car more I realized they came equipped that way.

 

[stinger541]

I was super pleased that the premium came with the 'gt' style headlights. at first I thought the previous owner did it. then as I read up on the car more I realized they came equipped that way.

Yes, I love them on my Premium. Just killing me that they changed them out on the gt-lines with NO OPTION to get them, or the ambient lighting. making the prospect of getting rid of the Premium a tough one...but I will soon have to start putting money into the car and i am not sure I am willing to do that...brakes are coming up soon...sunroof has been replaced twice and is once again making bad noises...other general maintenance/replacement stuff. Car has 52K on it now, from 2018. Hate to let it go, with all its features, no other car out there has all this stuff built-in. I do like the idea of the bigger engine in the gt-line while keeping the same fuel economy, and the updates to the front and rear fascia are nice. Otherwise, though, losing a lot....memory seats, sunglasses holder, ambient lighting, front parking sensors, front headlight DRLs, etc. Really wish Kia had made some of these things options, especially the ambient lighting and memory seats. The front camera can replace the front parking sensors.

 

[Snicklefritz]

The front camera can replace the front parking sensors.

gt-line has a front camera? never knew that.

sunroof replaced twice and making 'bad noises' again? that is some bad luck there. both sunroofs on our Stingers are silent. the premium has a hatch 'thunk' when the weather turns cold, but it takes noticeable bumps to make a single 'thunk' over each bump. no rattles or crackles or that sort of ongoing stuff in either car. premium has a tad over 30,000 miles, the gt-1 has over 68,000 miles. I love driving both so much that I would put a fair amount of money into either one to keep them, with all the amenities and features that you made a short list of, plus looks and practicality and performance. speaking of performance. I did a single test drive of a '22 gt-line was surprised that the engine upgrade did not feel any different to my butt dyno. so that is not a thing to make me ditch the premium for.

 

[stinger541]

gt-line has a front camera? never knew that.

sunroof replaced twice and making 'bad noises' again? that is some bad luck there. both sunroofs on our Stingers are silent. the premium has a hatch 'thunk' when the weather turns cold, but it takes noticeable bumps to make a single 'thunk' over each bump. no rattles or crackles or that sort of ongoing stuff in either car. premium has a tad over 30,000 miles, the gt-1 has over 68,000 miles. I love driving both so much that I would put a fair amount of money into either one to keep them, with all the amenities and features that you made a short list of, plus looks and practicality and performance. speaking of performance. I did a single test drive of a '22 gt-line was surprised that the engine upgrade did not feel any different to my butt dyno. so that is not a thing to make me ditch the premium for.

Yeah, I test-drove the gt line too and did not notice a difference to my Premium...but the bump was in hp, and you would normally not see that until higher rpms, highway passing, etc. I did not do all that, but initial pickup did not make a difference. It's why I am looking at the Mazda3. The 0-60 is better than the Stinger, with far more torque, so you actually feel it too...and it has the adaptive headlights that turn as you turn. No ambient lighting though, tiny sunroof, stereo not as good as Premium. I feel better driving the Stinger, pulling up to a place, etc. Yes, we had all sorts of trouble with the sunroof, right out off the lot...had the whole trunk clunk thing too. First time they had the sunroof, they had it for 4 months. Second time, it stopped moving on one side only. Now, it is creaking and rattling just driving along. So I know I will be having issues with it again, and this time no warranty coverage. For me, this is my only car, so I need it to NOT be in the shop all the time. I would even buy a used Premium, but I am afraid I would be trading one set of problems for another, as they would be just as old as my car.

 

[Snicklefritz]

I feel better driving the Stinger, pulling up to a place, etc.

isn't that more important than being faster? and practicality, the Stinger blows nearly every other sedan away in practicality.

was your second sunroof replacement quiet at first? because noises do not automatically signify a failing sunroof. But noises coming on and getting worse, when they weren't there to begin with, might indicate what you fear, especially since you've been so disappointed with them already. Getting a different premium isn't a bad idea. you would thoroughly test drive and inspect it. mine is a '19 and the initial test drive was wholly satisfactory. just get one that has as low miles as you can, or acceptable miles at least, and doesn't have the noises going on overhead. a sunroof that is quiet in a used car is likely to stay that way, or at least for a long time, by which time other things will be showing signs of aging as well and you'll bid farewell or keep fixing/maintaining out of passionate attachment. heh.