Consumer Reports rating is out

[MarkyMark]

I have the top end GT2 and I disagree with the ride and the shifter. Both are fine to me and those who have driven in my car!

CR - IMHO - is stupid. No way I value what some company that's resorted to trolling iPhones and testing toaster ovens is going to push me towards which car I should buy - seriously?!... The shifter on the GT2 is confusing? What does that mean? It means: A. It's different and you'll need to spend a few times getting use to how it operates. B. Evidently, you will be dumb - always - and never figure it out - it's just too confusing. How dumb is this. "Wow, this Touch ID is different. It's confusing. Wow Face ID is so different it's bad." No, technology marches forward CR, and if you can't understand it's a shifter and it takes 30 seconds to figure it out, wow... Hey, CR, let's just go back to big shifter sticks from the 70's, because those weren't confusing...

Okay, I feel much better now. Time to break out my Eddie Rabbit on my 8-track!

 

[mldavis2]

I agree with the "holistic" label for CR. They seem to be more intent on generic value than excellence with all their product reviews. If it's a $50,000 Kia, it's just a Kia, so that can't get top marks. If it's a Lexus, well, those are supposed to be expensive so they can overlook that and rave about the fancy stuff while still complaining about the price. CR tries to do too many things. Read everything but don't limit your reading -- just like politics. Bottom line is, go drive one and then decide what it's worth.

 

[MarkyMark]

I agree with the "holistic" label for CR. They seem to be more intent on generic value than excellence with all their product reviews. If it's a $50,000 Kia, it's just a Kia, so that can't get top marks. If it's a Lexus, well, those are supposed to be expensive so they can overlook that and rave about the fancy stuff while still complaining about the price. CR tries to do too many things. Read everything but don't limit your reading -- just like politics. Bottom line is, go drive one and then decide what it's worth.

It's just weird. One of the CR guys talked (in the video link) talked about how the ride can be stiff but can't be harsh the entire time and punish the drive, and the Stinger does. Wow. I've watched about 20-30 reviews, even with guys driving 500+ miles and the entire key to this car is it's a non-punishing cruiser that can perform when needed.

NO ONE has critized it for this - no one. I've test driven the base and GT models. It is NOT harsh in the least. So I look at what these guys talk about and how they rate it, and think "Wow, they are clueless."

 

[A Member Who Left]

We all have opinions but I am convinced that CR has been biased for many many years, if not out-right bribed to say some of the crazy stuff they say. Maybe they are really THIS stupid but it is hard to believe at times.

 

[LeoDragon]

I subscribe to CR and have for many years, so I believe they are usually pretty thorough in the work they do. While I do not agree with some of what they are saying about the Stinger, here are the stats from the 2018 auto issue and the Kia brand. In the issue from April 2018: (2018 models)
Recommended Kias:
Cadenza
Forte
Niro
Optima
Sorento
Soul
Sportage

N/A Kias: (not enough info yet)
K900
Rio
Stinger

Not recommended:
Sedona (although it did have an overall score of 72)

So for the most part I think Kia is very well respected by CR.
Also, CR rates Kia as the #6 Brand out of 34 brands listed.

There are links to how CR tests their vehicles. You can decide for yourself.

 

[mldavis2]

Consumer Reports evaluates can openers and mixers. They haul groceries. They are not car people. JMHO.

 

[weew]

-Ride
-Tight Rear Seat
-Difficult Access

i don't understand that. I just drove 5 people (ok, so it was 3 girls in the back seat) but everyone was comfortable and 2 fell asleep on the ride. hmm...

Also don't understand "difficult access". it's as easy to get into as any typical sedan, and the hatch in the back makes the trunk easier to access than average.

 

[LeoDragon]

-Ride
-Tight Rear Seat
-Difficult Access

i don't understand that. I just drove 5 people (ok, so it was 3 girls in the back seat) but everyone was comfortable and 2 fell asleep on the ride. hmm...

Also don't understand "difficult access". it's as easy to get into as any typical sedan, and the hatch in the back makes the trunk easier to access than average.

My take from CR is that I feel they can be nitpicky when it comes to certain things as you stated in your comments. I take those things with a grain of salt when I look at their reviews. I look at the overall picture and my take away is that Kia makes a solid car with excellent reliability. That's why I bought my Stinger. And it's badass. As my wife would say. They are just "fun haters".. lol

 

[MarkyMark]

-Ride
-Tight Rear Seat
-Difficult Access

i don't understand that. I just drove 5 people (ok, so it was 3 girls in the back seat) but everyone was comfortable and 2 fell asleep on the ride. hmm...

Also don't understand "difficult access". it's as easy to get into as any typical sedan, and the hatch in the back makes the trunk easier to access than average.

I do believe they are the FIRST to claim “difficult access” amongst ALL car reviews - please... Tight rear seat?... vs the completion not really. What are they comparing it too, a Toyota Sienna?! Okay, just my $.02 worth.

 

[capnsharpe]

I just watched the video review and it's not really that bad. Full disclosure... I've smacked my head twice getting into the Stinger. I came from a Sportage which CR ranks as a top choice for ease of access. Once you are used to a crossover it's easy to forget to duck.

 

[mldavis2]

Yeah, a lot of older people like the UV's and pickups and vans and "crossovers" (whatever the hell that means) because they are higher off the ground and they can stash their walkers in the back seat before climbing into the driver's seat and trying to drive.

 

[RVance]

I think there is a little bit of defensiveness about this review, which is admirable to the true believer (I am one myself).
The video is very positive. I also disagree with the "flinty drive" comment about the 19" wheel/tire combo. But I am still fumbling with the shifter to get it into reverse. I'm sure this is a temporary issue until I get used to it. And being short, I do not have the ingress/egress problem some notice. That's the price of a sexy, sleek design (the Stinger, not me. lol). CR lauded the Kia for its ability to compete with the Germans. Remember, Car and Driver dropped the Stinger from its 10 Best list after comparing it to an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, a car that is twice as expensive. But we all know we will be ripping around town and enjoying fun road trips in our Stingers while the Alfisti are drinking shitty coffee at the dealer service lounge.

2018 Kia Stinger Quick Drive

 

[capnsharpe]

Yeah, a lot of older people like the UV's and pickups and vans and "crossovers" (whatever the hell that means) because they are higher off the ground and they can stash their walkers in the back seat before climbing into the driver's seat and trying to drive.

My dad's walker fits just fine in the trunk with the backseats up. But he doesn't get to drive my Stinger.

 

[eljay]

Yeah, a lot of older people like the UV's and pickups and vans and "crossovers" (whatever the hell that means) because they are higher off the ground and they can stash their walkers in the back seat before climbing into the driver's seat and trying to drive.

Just depends on what you're used to. You and I have always bought low cars, probably each one probably slightly lower than the previous one. We've trained for that over time.

But please, don't ever ask me to get in my friend's GMC van without a ladder, a winch, or a temporary suspension of gravity . . . but I've seen her 90+ year old mom hop into it like a mountain goat, the result of years of training.

 

[davebo]

My dad's walker fits just fine in the trunk with the backseats up. But he doesn't get to drive my Stinger.
View attachment 5282

This photo makes it look like you're driving your dad to go shovel snow in people's driveways. Give the guy a break!

 

[HughH]

Just depends on what you're used to. You and I have always bought low cars, probably each one probably slightly lower than the previous one. We've trained for that over time.

But please, don't ever ask me to get in my friend's GMC van without a ladder, a winch, or a temporary suspension of gravity . . . but I've seen her 90+ year old mom hop into it like a mountain goat, the result of years of training.

I have seen another review on YouTube complaining about difficult ingress/egress due to being low. I intend in stopping by the nearest Kia dealership and see how bad it is. Our BMW 535i is perfect in this respect. Our previous car was a BMW 328i that was lower, resulting is not quite as easy in and out. If you use your car just to go to work and return at the end of day this is not a big deal. We are both retired and older than the Pope. We make several stops around town and this makes it more difficult to live with the car.
CU has been complaining about BMW iDrive ever since it came out. They say it's difficult to use. It took me about 10 minutes to figure it out and now I'm having second thoughts about going with a Stinger because of the lack of iDrive. You have to reach and touch the screen. But, in the Stinger case I down't think it will be such a. big deal. I noticed in the photos the Stinger has plenty of knobs for most functions and that will do just great!

 

[HughH]

Just depends on what you're used to. You and I have always bought low cars, probably each one probably slightly lower than the previous one. We've trained for that over time.

But please, don't ever ask me to get in my friend's GMC van without a ladder, a winch, or a temporary suspension of gravity . . . but I've seen her 90+ year old mom hop into it like a mountain goat, the result of years of training.

Well, we always had two cars. My wife always drove the 4 door sedan and I always drove the low slung sports car. Around 20 years ago I remember salivating at the photos of the then new, the original Audi TT. I finally got to see it at the Dallas Auto Show...what a beaut! Then I sat in it. It was low alright. so low I had to struggle to get out and twisting my back I felt something painful on my right side. Next morning I just couldn't get out of bed. I messed a muscle so bad I had to call in sick for three straight days. That was the end of my low slung sports cars days. But I am with you about those extra high trucks and SUV that make you feel you need a parachute to bail out and have a safe landing. Hate having to park next to them and even worst having to drive in town behind on of them.

 

[eljay]

Well, we always had two cars. My wife always drove the 4 door sedan and I always drove the low slung sports car. Around 20 years ago I remember salivating at the photos of the then new, the original Audi TT. I finally got to see it at the Dallas Auto Show...what a beaut! Then I sat in it. It was low alright. so low I had to struggle to get out and twisting my back I felt something painful on my right side. Next morning I just couldn't get out of bed. I messed a muscle so bad I had to call in sick for three straight days. That was the end of my low slung sports cars days. But I am with you about those extra high trucks and SUV that make you feel you need a parachute to bail out and have a safe landing. Hate having to park next to them and even worst having to drive in town behind on of them.

I'm fine with the height of the Stinger but have a few friends who are either in their 70s or used to taller UVs, so I've adjusted the passenger seat to it's highest setting and it seems to work for them--no comments since doing this about how low the car is. Those who get stuck in the back seat have to take their chances. But I know how they feel. After a day of hopping in and out of sports sedans at an auto show last year, on the way out I decided, gee, it's been years since I've been in a 'Vette. Should have tested that on the way IN to the show when my back was rested. I thought I'd need help to get out of that car! Just call me Grace.

 

[HughH]

I'm fine with the height of the Stinger but have a few friends who are either in their 70s or used to taller UVs, so I've adjusted the passenger seat to it's highest setting and it seems to work for them--no comments since doing this about how low the car is. Those who get stuck in the back seat have to take their chances. But I know how they feel. After a day of hopping in and out of sports sedans at an auto show last year, on the way out I decided, gee, it's been years since I've been in a 'Vette. Should have tested that on the way IN to the show when my back was rested. I thought I'd need help to get out of that car! Just call me Grace.

When the present 'Vette model came out, one of my d-i-l sister got a gorgeous yellow one. Her sister let her drive it around and here she comes, she wanted me to drive it. So nice of her, but I had to convince her she wold have to either call 911 in order to be able to extricate me or get the fire department to come with a net so I could just roll out of the car. I'm only 5'8" and 175 lbs but have bad knees...wish I could say it's due to my baseball playing days instead of just plain old age...hehehe!

 

[davebo]

I always loved the height of my Corvette but my wife definitely hated it and is much happier with my Stinger. Guess I'm gonna have to change my avatar image at some point.