Debating whether to go Stinger or G70

[Kimberly Lazarski]

Hello folks! I'll be mostly lurking, searching, and reading for now since I'm in the car shopping stage...

I was dead set on a WRX STI Limited, until I realized I don't want to spend near $50K on a glorified econobox with a crappy interior, gets significantly worse fuel economy than my C4-era ZR1 got, and in the US market doesn't even even the front and curb side cam that most if not all other markets get to help avoid curb rash. (Yes, I realize the AWD and tune on the STI is more than that... but it still has an econobox interior... for $47K) So, I'm taking a look at the Stinger.

The G70 offers the features I want, but the lines of the car and the interior are meh... and even though G70 is the better performer, I like the lines of the Stinger far better, as does my partner, and I like the increased cargo capacity of the Stinger. If the G70 didn't look so dang boring, it would be an easy decision.

It puzzles me that Kia cripples the car in the US market, then in interviews they express surprise and disappointment at the slow sales because they said they expected it to be hot here, since they designed the car for this market. Um, consider globalization and the Internet; we see other markets offer other features like remote lock/unlock and vehicle tracking, your stated competitors (BMW/Audi/Porsche/Mercedes) offer it, and heck, Hyundai and Genesis divisions of Hyundai offer all that in the US, so you clearly have the infrastructure and capability in the US market. Stupid people. All they need to do is read forums or watch the "what I hate about my Stinger" videos to find out why it's a slow seller here.

Stinger GT2 is very nearly the sort of car I want except the open diff, soft swaybars, and the lack of remote lock/unlock/geofencing/vehicle locator/defogger/climate control adjustment/etc. via smartphone app over LTE. The first two issues, I can resolve, or since I don't have a lift, have a tuner resolve to avoid several hours' worth of cussing.

The remote start... not so much.

Remote start: Is there any way to add control to the CANBUS module from K8 via LTE using something like DroneMobile, or to use CompuStar to turn on the defogger or ideally perform all the features that UVO Link does in other markets (and on other Hyundai Marques in the US market)? I'm currently reading through existing threads on the subject and it appears no.... all for the sake of a decision on Kia's part to not install a sim and deny themselves recurring revenue. Heck, I'd be happy if I could integrate DroneMobile with K8SS Canbus Control Module?

Heck, even Lesbaru's glorified econobox STI Limited offers vehicle locator and lock/unlock via smartphone over LTE (no remote start though because it's a stick shift).
Sigh.

Maybe I should wait for next MY and see if UVO Link and 3D gauges and AA integration in the HUD make it into the US model?

 

[Sabs]

Compustar DC3 + Dronemobile is a better combo than other markets have with UVO, and should cost $500 or less at Best Buy (DC3 is currently $80 off at Best Buy). Canbus + DroneMobile would cost more.

Relays can be added to turn on heated and cooled seats, and probably the defroster as well, though I would check with an installer.

We’ve gotta be pretty close to 2020 specs being officially released, so you could wait a bit, but so far no indication any new features will be added to GT2’s.

I planned to wait for a 2021 refresh for fully featured UVO, turn signal cameras, full digital gauges, etc. Instead, I went for a ‘19 with lease buyout, since it cost ~$5k less than any new GT2’s would when they first come out.

It does seem as though some features have been held back, but there’s always something newer and better around the corner. A ‘19 GT2 at $40k is still a lot cheaper than its competitors and a great buy.

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

The S4 Prestige I've looked at comes in at $56,300, but I actually like the interior better and I don't have to choose between sport seats or ventilated seats. Stinger is the clear winner on styling, imho. The performance is certainly better in the S4, but a tune and some swaybars can address that. Things like the HUD, instrumentation, are degrees of perfection better in the S4. However, the open diff, and the lack of connectivity are problems, as is the nickle-and-diming for map and software updates -- that Ill need to buy, download, and then install manually. Even Subaru's hot rodded econobox STI will pull down software and map updates over wifi.

 

[turboAWD]

How is the STI coming out at $47K? After tax? I was quoted ~38-39k on a 2019 Limited about 6 months ago (+tax).. You can get them below invoice, if you look around a little at a volume dealer. Around $1k to ship across the country, IIRC.

GT2s can be had for low-mid 40s + tax if you do the lease cash + buyout. Up to you if the S4 is worth $10-15K more to you. Kia dealers generally suck. Audis get expensive after warranty runs out..

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

Well, I also added the roof rails and carrier, that accounts for about $900 IIRC. The rest is body options like the rear spoiler, front lip, mudguards, body side mouldings, window and moonroof wind deflectors, the weathertech liners, short throw shifter, upgraded shifter bushing, dealer-installed footwell lighting option, and so on, arriving about $47K. Then, I was going to have a Compustar remote starter installed, which bumps it up a bit higher than $47K, MSRP.

Update: It actually comes to $48,620 sticker price (Build ID 536100). Add in the Compustar, it's now over $49K, firmly in Stinger GT2 territory. Then I have to get it wrapped (at least the front clip), and then ceramic coat it, which while easy, is time consuming (to be fair, the same would have to be done to the Stinger). And then, I need to source the connectors to make the pigtail to reach from the wire harness to the front camera location, and source the front camera from Japan for about another $300.

I'm seeing GT2s discounted to $48K to $50K. With the price that close to the STI, even though the STI would give me more of the driving experience that I am looking for, the Stinger is a better buy because when you come down to it with the STI you get a jazzed-up econobox interior. Oh, and did I mention I'm not wild about the WRX's interior? To me the attraction with the STI is the c.diff and suspension. Oh, yeah, and the interior... what I can say in the Rex interior's favor, is I can put a sport water bottle in the door pocket, like I can with our Forester.

 

[Todd Piefer]

Unless you're spending time on road course tracks (and why would you?), the G70 performance isn't significantly different. It's the motor that's the dominant performance feature for both. And both have great steering. The Stinger is easily the looker of the two. The G70 front end is hard on the eyes. Save some money. Get the Stinger GT. Enjoy the ride!

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

Unless you're spending time on road course tracks (and why would you?), the G70 performance isn't significantly different. It's the motor that's the dominant performance feature for both. And both have great steering. The Stinger is easily the looker of the two. The G70 front end is hard on the eyes. Save some money. Get the Stinger GT. Enjoy the ride!

I do plan to hit Palmer Motorsports.

However the geofencing, lock/unlock, vehicle locator, and remote defogger enable are features I really want. I'm looking for a way to emulate what UVO link provides. K8SS covers only part of it, DroneMobile covers another part, but I'm not sure the two can integrate.

 

[Slip_Angle]

Looks are subjective. Obviously on the G70 forums everyone things it looks way better than the Stinger. I like both.

My .02 cents making a case for the G70 but giving the Stinger props..

Stinger is more practical, with more leg room and storage.
Stinger rear end looks great and front 3/4 shot
G70 has more features and better handling - and no, it's not just for the track
G70 is elegant, refined and has a better ride
G70 has Genesis concierge service. Never have to visit a dealer!
G70 has a remote start app with lots of info features
G70 out performs the S4 in handling and acceleration (real world tested)

..bottom line. If you like the Stinger looks, get it. I think that's pretty important.

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

Looks are subjective. Obviously on the G70 forums everyone things it looks way better than the Stinger. I like both.

My .02 cents making a case for the G70 but giving the Stinger props..

..bottom line. If you like the Stinger looks, get it. I think that's pretty important.

G70 - closest dealer is 75 miles away as the crow flies, 112 miles by the fastest route. I don't think their concierge service would cover my area?

I like the Stinger's lines, interior, and cargo space (great for carpooling to travel games).. but the lack of UVO intelligence due to KIA management shortsightedness is an issue I need addressed, either by Kia America product management getting a clue and offering it as an accessory from the dealer; the support network is already in the US; see Blue Link and Genesis Connected Services), or finding a way to utilize the K8SS (or another CANBUS interface?) and DroneMobile to get the features the us model is currently missing.

Kia, are you reading this?

 

[MerlintheMad]

Maybe I should wait for next MY and see if UVO Link and 3D gauges and AA integration in the HUD make it into the US model?

You're car shopping and you can wait a whole year? Heh! That does not work for me. When I want, I buy. I didn't even know I wanted this car. I didn't know it existed until a friend dropped the promo book on me. All winter I read through that little book (especially the Nürburgring chapter). Then a test drive late in March, and I had my GT1 three days later. That's how it's supposed to be done: not "maybe I'll wait to see next year if Kia pulls their head out", etc.

Either you like the practicality and the looks of the Stinger enough to go with it, or you decide otherwise (I agree that the G70 is just not inspiring to look at, at all; and it lacks the practicality/room). Waiting is for immortals.

 

[Capital AL]

You're car shopping and you can wait a whole year? Heh! That does not work for me. When I want, I buy. I didn't even know I wanted this car. I didn't know it existed until a friend dropped the promo book on me. All winter I read through that little book (especially the Nürburgring chapter). Then a test drive late in March, and I had my GT1 three days later. That's how it's supposed to be done: not "maybe I'll wait to see next year if Kia pulls their head out", etc.

Either you like the practicality and the looks of the Stinger enough to go with it, or you decide otherwise (I agree that the G70 is just not inspiring to look at, at all; and it lacks the practicality/room). Waiting is for immortals.

I have been car shopping and looking at what to buy for over a year already and don’t plan to buy a stinger until at least next summer, maybe even later. I don’t plan on even taking one for a test drive until I am actually ready to buy because I am afraid I will like the car so much and want to buy it that day.

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

Well, I've been very happy with the Saab and held out for BMW to make good on their AA announcement, then they reneged and announced they will never offer Android Auto, so I crossed them off the list. Then I got interested in the STI and waited for it to get Android Auto and a vehicle locator and remote lock/unlock... and then when that became a thing, I started taking another look at the Stinger realizing that I don't want to spend $47K-$48K on a tuned econobox and then another few thousand sourcing the JDM accessories I want and connectors to make pigtails to plug them into the wiring harness, and having to get body accessories painted.

If The GT2 is getting what I want soonish (UVO intelligence/link in the US), I'm happy to wait. but... if I can emulate the full UVO link/intelligence feature set with a combination of CANBUS + Dronemobile or similar setup, I'll buy a 2019. I figured if I can wait this long, I can wait a bit longer. The 3D gauges would be awesome fun and quirky but I admit it is a gimmick, so I wouldn't hold back buying on that. The open diff though.. good god, why the heck would anyone put out a car like the Stinger then gimp it with an open diff gear carrier in the rear?!

I've actually put off buying a new car for a few years now because there is always something that's half baked, or kills my interest in the car... primarily because of the youtube reviews and seeing what $features other markets are getting we don't get those features because artificial $reasons.

For me a stick shift used to be a requirement, but today's automatics generally shift so well they're actually preferable, providing they offer a manual shift mode.

I have been car shopping and looking at what to buy for over a year already and don’t plan to buy a stinger until at least next summer, maybe even later. I don’t plan on even taking one for a test drive until I am actually ready to buy because I am afraid I will like the car so much and want to buy it that day.

Same here. I don't kick tires; I test drive when I am ready to buy, to make sure the car is a good "fit."

 

[P22Tyler]

Hello folks! I'll be mostly lurking, searching, and reading for now since I'm in the car shopping stage...

I was dead set on a WRX STI Limited, until I realized I don't want to spend near $50K on a glorified econobox with a crappy interior, gets significantly worse fuel economy than my C4-era ZR1 got, and in the US market doesn't even even the front and curb side cam that most if not all other markets get to help avoid curb rash. (Yes, I realize the AWD and tune on the STI is more than that... but it still has an econobox interior... for $47K) So, I'm taking a look at the Stinger.

The G70 offers the features I want, but the lines of the car and the interior are meh... and even though G70 is the better performer, I like the lines of the Stinger far better, as does my partner, and I like the increased cargo capacity of the Stinger. If the G70 didn't look so dang boring, it would be an easy decision.

It puzzles me that Kia cripples the car in the US market, then in interviews they express surprise and disappointment at the slow sales because they said they expected it to be hot here, since they designed the car for this market. Um, consider globalization and the Internet; we see other markets offer other features like remote lock/unlock and vehicle tracking, your stated competitors (BMW/Audi/Porsche/Mercedes) offer it, and heck, Hyundai and Genesis divisions of Hyundai offer all that in the US, so you clearly have the infrastructure and capability in the US market. Stupid people. All they need to do is read forums or watch the "what I hate about my Stinger" videos to find out why it's a slow seller here.

Stinger GT2 is very nearly the sort of car I want except the open diff, soft swaybars, and the lack of remote lock/unlock/geofencing/vehicle locator/defogger/climate control adjustment/etc. via smartphone app over LTE. The first two issues, I can resolve, or since I don't have a lift, have a tuner resolve to avoid several hours' worth of cussing.

The remote start... not so much.

Remote start: Is there any way to add control to the CANBUS module from K8 via LTE using something like DroneMobile, or to use CompuStar to turn on the defogger or ideally perform all the features that UVO Link does in other markets (and on other Hyundai Marques in the US market)? I'm currently reading through existing threads on the subject and it appears no.... all for the sake of a decision on Kia's part to not install a sim and deny themselves recurring revenue. Heck, I'd be happy if I could integrate DroneMobile with K8SS Canbus Control Module?

Heck, even Lesbaru's glorified econobox STI Limited offers vehicle locator and lock/unlock via smartphone over LTE (no remote start though because it's a stick shift).
Sigh.

Maybe I should wait for next MY and see if UVO Link and 3D gauges and AA integration in the HUD make it into the US model?

Just FYI there is a Geofence setting in the UVO app (although for the life of me I can't figure out how to set it). There is also a parking minder that will send the location of your car when it's turned off. I don't know, maybe I'm not quite understanding what you're looking for. The rest of what they're lacking is disappointing. I don't quite understand why they only went half way on some things, if you want to compete with brands like BMW then you need to offer a few more things like the remote services.

I haven't driven the G70, but I quite like the look of it myself even if I think the Stinger looks a little better. It sounds like it has some other nice luxuries though. For me the rear hatch on the Stinger is almost a must though, it's so great it will be hard for me to ever go to another car that doesn't have one in the future.

 

[leecm]

I will say that the G70s I've seen in person look way better IRL than they look in pictures. You can't go wrong with the G70 or the Stinger. If you want the hatch and prefer the looks of the Stinger, get the stinger. If you want a slightly smaller, more nimble car with possibly a better tuned suspension, get the G70.

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

I have read that elsewhere and have seen youtube reviewers say the same about the G70, have to admit I haven't been to the Genesis dealer yet... it's a ~112 mile trek. I don't recall seeing a G70 in the flesh so if I have seen one, it wasn't notable.

Also I just read www(dot)harmankardon(dot)com/kia.html -- it has 7.1 surround sound? I'll have to rip the surround mix of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon from the immersion box set. Stereo rips from CD just won't do. =)

I haven't given up on the Stinger just yet; I just need to find a solution for the connectivity UVO intelligence whould be providing if Kia America management had a better grasp on what the market wants.

 

[turboAWD]

You're car shopping and you can wait a whole year? Heh! That does not work for me. When I want, I buy. I didn't even know I wanted this car. I didn't know it existed until a friend dropped the promo book on me. All winter I read through that little book (especially the Nürburgring chapter). Then a test drive late in March, and I had my GT1 three days later. That's how it's supposed to be done: not "maybe I'll wait to see next year if Kia pulls their head out", etc.

Either you like the practicality and the looks of the Stinger enough to go with it, or you decide otherwise (I agree that the G70 is just not inspiring to look at, at all; and it lacks the practicality/room). Waiting is for immortals.

I was shopping on and off for probably 5 years. Pretty intensely for the last 2-3. Drove my wife and kids nuts. Trying to weigh every pro and con..

 

[Gargamel]

You're car shopping and you can wait a whole year? Heh! That does not work for me. When I want, I buy. I didn't even know I wanted this car. I didn't know it existed until a friend dropped the promo book on me. All winter I read through that little book (especially the Nürburgring chapter). Then a test drive late in March, and I had my GT1 three days later. That's how it's supposed to be done: not "maybe I'll wait to see next year if Kia pulls their head out", etc.

Either you like the practicality and the looks of the Stinger enough to go with it, or you decide otherwise (I agree that the G70 is just not inspiring to look at, at all; and it lacks the practicality/room). Waiting is for immortals.

In the last 12-16 months, i've been car Hopping. passing thru 4 cars more or less and now drive a stinger.

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

I should also add, I telecommute, hence the ability to be picky and patient (more picky than patient, admittedly).

 

[ktstinger]

I test drove the G70 and the Stinger and a S4, A5 Sportback and the BMW 3 Series. The G70 is a great car, I liked the interior better and it had a bit more of a luxury feel to it over the Stinger. The smaller size and lighter weight gave it a sportier feel. Its is much more a 3 Series/S4 type feel. The Stinger is much roomier inside and the hatch makes it very versatile. More of A5/S5 Sportback feel.I like the exterior of the Stinger. I've never had so many positive comments and questions about a car I've owned before. The G70 exterior is more blend into the German 4door sedan crowd. You have probably seen one in the wild, but you just didn't know it. I went with the Stinger for the passenger leg room+ hatch and just the looks of it.

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

Today, on Thanksgiving, I made a long post about how blessed we are and wished everyone had reason to be thankful, and it dawned on me: the Stinger GT2 is the closest match to what I want in a sports sedan, and quibbling over the lack of UVO Intelligence Link is the epitome of first world problems. I'm blessed enough that if it is that important to me and it is introduced with the refresh, I can always trade in next year or the year after and get the new toys.

I think after the winter weather is over (which in Maine can mean anytime between March and June; I want to fluidfilm the chassis before salt ever touches it) I'll go for the 2019 GT2 if the 2020 isn't out yet, install K8ss with DroneMobile as a separate unit for vehicle locator and geofencing. I do really wish I could get lock/unlock via smartphone in case we get locked out of the car, but we don't have that now on any of our cars, so... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I still think it's silly Kia withheld feature this from their halo car designed for the US market, in the US market when some of their entry level models have it already, all for the sake of a SIM card's having not being installed in a slot. A halo car they claimed was designed primarily for the US market, should get all the toys in the US.