3.3L twin turbo in another KIA

[stung cb]

While part is that the Stinger should have gotten a nicer interior from the start (no reason for the F/L Cadenza to have the better interior), part of it is also how nice the K900's interior happens to be.

Not that far off from the G90's interior and even better in some respect to the pre-F/L G90 (which didn't get a leather wrapped center console until the F/L); in addition, the K900 got the full digital gauge cluster whereas the NA spec F/L G90 only got the digital screen btwn the analog gauges.

Which one do you enjoy driving more or does it depend on your mood?

I pretty much favor the one I happen to be driving. I love the Stingers acceleration but cruising the highway in the K900 with the Lexicon sound system is so comfy nice. The left/right blind spot camera view on the gauge cluster also makes for a fine safety feature on the interstate. I paid $47K (and some change) for the 2020 AWD GT2 and $52K (and some change) for the 2020 K900.
I don't know how they can offer sooooooooo much more car for just $5K.

 

[Gargamel]

Congratulations! If you bought it in April, yours is one of 12 K900s that sold in the US (77 sold year to date). Good luck running into another one .

Is it not better to not crash into another car?

 

[YEH]

I pretty much favor the one I happen to be driving. I love the Stingers acceleration but cruising the highway in the K900 with the Lexicon sound system is so comfy nice. The left/right blind spot camera view on the gauge cluster also makes for a fine safety feature on the interstate. I paid $47K (and some change) for the 2020 AWD GT2 and $52K (and some change) for the 2020 K900.
I don't know how they can offer sooooooooo much more car for just $5K.

Putting aside what one can negotiate (basing things on MSRP), the K900 is about $7,500 more than the AWD GT2 for the 2020MY.

Kia saves some $$ on the K900 since it shares its platform w/ the G90 (no need to separate develop a platform of a different length like for the Stinger).

Also, liftbacks cost more to produce (hence the 4 Series GC and A5 Sportback being more $$ than their 4-door sedan counterparts) since having a hatch opening requires strengthening the frame.

But yeah, at their respective pricepoints, the top spec of the Stinger should offer more (improved interior bits, larger nav screen, digital cluster, etc. - most of which seems to be coming for the MCE).

A little over $50k for near flagship level interior is a crazy buy.

 

[Waynerm002]

The K900 is a really nice vehicle, if they had more in my area and the dealer was making good deals, I might have been in one instead of the 2019 Stinger. The comfort of that vehicle is really nice but I would have preferred a little firmer ride. With the Mando box, it is now possible to do all sorts of adjustments. So who knows what the future holds.

 

[SomeBlondeGuy]

Since Kia/Hyundai/Genesis share similar components, would that still be an issue? One of the reasons I picked up my '18 Stinger GT LImited with little worry (despite common wisdom advocating never buying cars in their first model year) is because I knew that the same Lambda II T-GDI engine, 8-speed transmission, and AWD was used in the G90 & G80. I bought her before the G70 released, so in my mind I was buying a more fun and value oriented G80 (without their refinements, ofc). The major mechanicals had demonstrated short-term reliability, and if not the warranty would kick in, the only gamble would be the electronics, fitment, cosmetics and small fixes (and I was right, I have the annoying sunroof squeak and minor red paint issues. No electrical issues like the audio system going quiet in mine).

With that in mind, what are you thoughts now?

I'm more worried about replacement exterior parts than internals. Also, the insurance would be even higher due to rarity.
Far more Stingers have been made than K900's.

A big part of me does wish I bought a K900, but there were none in my area available to peruse at the time I bought my Stinger (which I absolutely love). There still aren't any.
Not even Cadenzas (which are basically, correct me if I'm wrong, in between the Optima and the Stinger).

Our next family vehicle will be a Telluride.

 

[Waynerm002]

I think the Cadenza sized vehicles were typically for older folks however, those folks are finding it easier to slide into SUVs/CUVs easier than going down in the seat of a sedan. This, I feel is the reason why cars at that price range are losing out. As SUVs/CUVs start to get sportier, similar sized cars will feel the pinch as well. I think the K900 is more in line with the G80 in terms of space than the G90, which is should compete. I might be wrong as I haven't seen one without the VIP package and those adjustable seats take up some space to make the rear seat space seem similar to my Optima Hybrid. Albeit a nicer space but compared to the version before it, you don't feel you are far back from the front seats. That was the reason I liked it. It wasn't massively huge inside not did it feel that way to drive.

I have my eyes on the upcoming Sorento Hybrid with the 1.6T and and electric motor. It would have been nice in my opinion, to have the 2.5T and an electric motor. However, that 1.6T with the smart stream system seems to be doing well, so it should prove sufficient.

 

[stung cb]

Putting aside what one can negotiate (basing things on MSRP), the K900 is about $7,500 more than the AWD GT2 for the 2020MY.

Kia saves some $$ on the K900 since it shares its platform w/ the G90 (no need to separate develop a platform of a different length like for the Stinger).

Also, liftbacks cost more to produce (hence the 4 Series GC and A5 Sportback being more $$ than their 4-door sedan counterparts) since having a hatch opening requires strengthening the frame.

But yeah, at their respective pricepoints, the top spec of the Stinger should offer more (improved interior bits, larger nav screen, digital cluster, etc. - most of which seems to be coming for the MCE).

A little over $50k for near flagship level interior is a crazy buy.

I have the luxury of owning both in the 2020 model year. I can look and compare them side by side. Other than the engine and trany they share, they are totally different animals. I appreciate and enjoy the Stinger for what it is and wouldn't give it up for any German car at the same price. But.....The K900 for just a few grand more is in a totally different elevated class with respects to fit, finish, material quality, and features like a 12.3" touch & dial operated screen, Lexicon sound system, power operated rear window screen, double paned window glass throughout and more.

 

[stung cb]

I think the Cadenza sized vehicles were typically for older folks however, those folks are finding it easier to slide into SUVs/CUVs easier than going down in the seat of a sedan. This, I feel is the reason why cars at that price range are losing out. As SUVs/CUVs start to get sportier, similar sized cars will feel the pinch as well. I think the K900 is more in line with the G80 in terms of space than the G90, which is should compete. I might be wrong as I haven't seen one without the VIP package and those adjustable seats take up some space to make the rear seat space seem similar to my Optima Hybrid. Albeit a nicer space but compared to the version before it, you don't feel you are far back from the front seats. That was the reason I liked it. It wasn't massively huge inside not did it feel that way to drive.

I have my eyes on the upcoming Sorento Hybrid with the 1.6T and and electric motor. It would have been nice in my opinion, to have the 2.5T and an electric motor. However, that 1.6T with the smart stream system seems to be doing well, so it should prove sufficient.

The K900 by size sits between the G80 and the G90.

I just traded a 2019 Sorento SXL For a K900 I liked the Sorento a bunch until I bought my Stinger and then the Sorento felt like I was driving a Tuna Boat. I've realized (just my opinion) how much more enjoyable the driving experience is with a car over an SUV or a crossover. I wonder if a 1.6T in a 4000 pound Sorento will have enough power. Even the 3.3L 290HP in my Sorento felt inadequate.

 

[Waynerm002]

The K900 by size sits between the G80 and the G90.

We can only hope KIA will do right by the Stinger and do the little things to make it feel truly luxurious and quieter on the interior. I keep thinking back to my old 535 M-Sport and how quiet the interior was and hoping for that level of quiet in the Stinger. The Lexicon (the speaker covers say Harman Kardon but the amp in the rear saya Lexicon) system in the Stinger is sounds pretty good to me and I leave the settings at default most times.

I just traded a 2019 Sorento SXL For a K900 I liked the Sorento a bunch until I bought my Stinger and then the Sorento felt like I was driving a Tuna Boat. I've realized (just my opinion) how much more enjoyable the driving experience is with a car over an SUV or a crossover. I wonder if a 1.6T in a 4000 pound Sorento will have enough power. Even the 3.3L 290HP in my Sorento felt inadequate.

When the new for 2016 Sorento cam out, I took the 2.0T out for a sin as it had a little more torque than the V6. For me the power was sufficient and the vehicle was much quieter than I would have expected (I expected the Stinger to be similar but it isn't) and it felt like my friends 2009 X5, not an M-Sport version. I think the V6 should have gotten a detuned 3.3T with a little over 300hp/300 tq. With the new 2.5T, that should be fine for a top level engine in the Sorento. While I liked it, I wasn't a fan of the huge expanse of black plastic on the dash. It would have been for the wife as I wasn't giving up my Optima hybrid. I was hoping for a KIA suv with a hybrid system and it will be here soon, I would replace the hybrid with that. I really like the looks of the new one, interior and exterior have a nice look.

I haven't been able to find any info on KIA's Korean site on the 2021 Sorento Hybrid however, there are videos out on it and it seems the engine combo work well with that vehicle. If the specs are similar as on the upcoming K5, the 1.6T should offer 180hp/195tq, paired with a 44.2KW motor in the Sorento Hybrid for a combined total of 230hp/258tq, I think it will be sufficient. Would I want more power? Sure, but I will still have the Stinger, which is my daily driver. The K900 is still something I like or it might be the new G80.

 

[YEH]

I have the luxury of owning both in the 2020 model year. I can look and compare them side by side. Other than the engine and trany they share, they are totally different animals. I appreciate and enjoy the Stinger for what it is and wouldn't give it up for any German car at the same price. But.....The K900 for just a few grand more is in a totally different elevated class with respects to fit, finish, material quality, and features like a 12.3" touch & dial operated screen, Lexicon sound system, power operated rear window screen, double paned window glass throughout and more.

Yeah, the K900 is near flagship quality for its interior, whereas the Stinger is more premium than lux (below that of the other entry-level competition) and needs an upgrade in that dept., along w/ tech upgrades (some of which it is getting for the MCE).

 

[Rynil2000]

When the new for 2016 Sorento cam out, I took the 2.0T out for a sin as it had a little more torque than the V6. For me the power was sufficient and the vehicle was much quieter than I would have expected (I expected the Stinger to be similar but it isn't) and it felt like my friends 2009 X5, not an M-Sport version. I think the V6 should have gotten a detuned 3.3T with a little over 300hp/300 tq. With the new 2.5T, that should be fine for a top level engine in the Sorento. While I liked it, I wasn't a fan of the huge expanse of black plastic on the dash. It would have been for the wife as I wasn't giving up my Optima hybrid. I was hoping for a KIA suv with a hybrid system and it will be here soon, I would replace the hybrid with that. I really like the looks of the new one, interior and exterior have a nice look.

I haven't been able to find any info on KIA's Korean site on the 2021 Sorento Hybrid however, there are videos out on it and it seems the engine combo work well with that vehicle. If the specs are similar as on the upcoming K5, the 1.6T should offer 180hp/195tq, paired with a 44.2KW motor in the Sorento Hybrid for a combined total of 230hp/258tq, I think it will be sufficient. Would I want more power? Sure, but I will still have the Stinger, which is my daily driver. The K900 is still something I like or it might be the new G80.

I came here to find this comment. I expected the thread to have more brainstorming between engine and model swaps, not just a K900 appreciation group.

The 2020 Sorento already has the 3.3L NA engine in it. Kia should find a way to squeeze in the turbos and give us a budget X3 M competitor.

 

[YEH]

^ For the new Sorento, Kia has replaced the 3.3L w/ the 2.5T.

Closest thing to a budget X3 M competitor will be the upcoming Tucson-N.

The upcoming Sportage GT won't get the power of the Tucson-N, being akin to the Tucson N-Line but w/ a suspension tune somewhere btwn the 2.

 

[Rynil2000]

Closest thing to a budget X3 M competitor will be the upcoming Tucson-N.

What! How had I not heard of this?! (probably because I don't shop for CUVs) It's super cool to see them actually making a sporty CUV model.

Here's an idea - drop this reportedly 340 hp setup into the upcoming Santa Cruz truck and make a Korean Ranger Raptor! The Santa Cruz is supposedly based on the Tucson platform, so it could be possible.

 

[Waynerm002]

The Sportage with the 2016 redesign was pretty peppy with the 2.0T but for me the interior needed something more. It just didn’t match up based on how it looked outside. Let’s hope they make it better and a sporty ride.

 

[stung cb]

I came here to find this comment. I expected the thread to have more brainstorming between engine and model swaps, not just a K900 appreciation group.

The 2020 Sorento already has the 3.3L NA engine in it. Kia should find a way to squeeze in the turbos and give us a budget X3 M competitor.

I just got rid of a 2019 Sorento SXL 3.3L NA. Very nice vehicle but a real slug off the line. Perhaps the new 2.5L turbo will provide some decent low end torque to move the 4000 pound boat from a standstill.

 

[YEH]

What! How had I not heard of this?! (probably because I don't shop for CUVs) It's super cool to see them actually making a sporty CUV model.

Another (albeit pricier) alternative would be the upcoming Kia sport CUV based on the Imagine concept.

Supposed to have Taycan-level performance (for those who are open to driving an electric).

Something smaller/cheaper than the Tucson-N would be the Kona-N (undergoing late stage testing) which is more like a lifted hatch than a CUV.

And of course, there's the Genesis GV70; right now, no plans for a performance division for Genesis, but likely would get a sport trim w/ the 3.5TT putting out more power (around 420 HP?).

There's also supposed to be an electric GV70, but not sure it it will get the Taycan-level performance or if that will be reserved for the Genesis CUV that's on the dedicated BEV platform.

Here's an idea - drop this reportedly 340 hp setup into the upcoming Santa Cruz truck and make a Korean Ranger Raptor! The Santa Cruz is supposedly based on the Tucson platform, so it could be possible.

If there's demand, Hyundai would look into doing something like that, but if they are going to a Ranger Raptor competitor, it would be based on their upcoming BoF pickup.