Car and Driver: The Four Doesn't Bore

[Kia Stinger]

We’ve tested a couple of 2018 Stingers before, first a rear-drive example and then another with all-wheel drive. Both cars were top-of-the-line GT models powered by a 365-hp twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 and with $50,000 sticker prices. All Stingers share a rear-wheel-drive chassis with the Genesis G70; our test car’s all-wheel-drive system added $2200 to its sticker price and a claimed 181 pounds to its curb weight, which still totaled only 3845 pounds on our scales.

This time, our test vehicle represents the Stinger that most people will pay monthly for, and it has a sticker price of $37,000. Under its hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that also does duty, albeit mounted sideways, in the less expensive, front-wheel-drive Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata family sedans. The four-cylinder is rated at 255 horsepower, and its torque peak of 260 lb-ft hits at just 1400 rpm. It isn’t quite as smooth as some other turbocharged 2.0-liters out there and it doesn’t rev as high, topping out at a 6500-rpm redline, but the double-overhead-cam engine gets the job done, with a flat torque curve and a nice kick just over six grand. Read more...

Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED: $37,000 (base price: $35,000)

ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection

DISPLACEMENT: 122 cu in, 1998 cc
POWER: 255 hp @ 6200 rpm
TORQUE: 260 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
WHEELBASE: 114.4 in
LENGTH: 190.2 in
WIDTH: 73.6 in HEIGHT: 55.1 in
PASSENGER VOLUME: 96 cu ft
CARGO VOLUME: 23 cu ft
CURB WEIGHT: 3845 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.2 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 25.2 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 7.4 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 4.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.7 sec @ 95 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 132 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 182 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.88 g
*stability-control-inhibited

C/D FUEL ECONOMY:
Observed: 19 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined/city/highway: 24/21/29 mpg

 

[Waynerm002]

I agree with a lot in this review, the noise level is too high for a car that sits above the Optima, considering what it’s target competition is. It should also have a power lift gate and have a large screen even if navigation is not being offered. I’ll admit the noise level bothered me so much, I cut the test drive short so didn’t get a change to really drive it but the power delivery didn’t feel as snappy as my Volvo in sport mode, with a similar engine but their performance numbers are in the same range and I think the Stinger is a bit heavier. If KIA makes it a tad quieter than the Optima, add some more exterior and interior color options and give the premium options like the GT plus the missing features, I would be fine with the 2.0T, although a bit more power wouldn’t hurt.

 

[STNGRNV]

I wounder how much of the cabin noise is due to the tires and/or being lower to the ground?

 

[Waynerm002]

The one I drove had noise by the window area, more like the glass did not have as much acoustic damping and the door seals are probably not at the same level as the 2016+ Optima. This KIA needs to correct here. Folks who drive the 2016+ Optima and want the Stinger 2.0T will notice this car is noisier, it will be a let down to them. Coming from a older Optima, or older KIA car, it is probably a little quieter than those. For the price point and the vehicles it targets, it needs to be quieter.

 

[Dennis]

A very strong testament! From C&D.
This will get BMW attention!!!
Now I truly understand the meaning "Poached"...

 

[MarkyMark]

I agree with a lot in this review, the noise level is too high for a car that sits above the Optima, considering what it’s target competition is. It should also have a power lift gate and have a large screen even if navigation is not being offered. I’ll admit the noise level bothered me so much, I cut the test drive short so didn’t get a change to really drive it but the power delivery didn’t feel as snappy as my Volvo in sport mode, with a similar engine but their performance numbers are in the same range and I think the Stinger is a bit heavier. If KIA makes it a tad quieter than the Optima, add some more exterior and interior color options and give the premium options like the GT plus the missing features, I would be fine with the 2.0T, although a bit more power wouldn’t hurt.

Is Scott (reviewer at Car & Audio - I mean Driver) saying the 2.0L is loud, or louder than the GT? When they reviewed the GT they didn't make nearly the fuss about the road noise that they have with the 2.0L version. Could be less sound deadening material in the 2.0?...

 

[Robs]

Maybe cos of the piped-in engine soundtrack in the 3.3 they didnt hear or perceive road noise as much as the 2.0 which may not have that feature?

 

[Kia Stinger]

We're having a discussion about interior noise here: Are some Stingers more quiet inside than others?