Kia must not want to sell many GT's

[Mike_TX]

This may be a dupe, and I apologize if it is. But ...

It looks like Kia has strategically omitted a few key features from the GT that are available on some other trims. Namely -

- Sunroof. You can get it on the Premium, but then it just skips right over the GT and goes on to the GT 1. Can't have one on the GT.
- Navigation. Ditto. Just skips right over the GT.
- Homelink mirror. Ditto again. Now, why this is not available on the GT is beyond me. I guess they don't expect GT owners to keep their cars in garages (?)

Now, I could possibly manage without the Homelink, since I already have a transmitter for my garage door opener I could stick on the visor (although that's tacky), but no way am I going to go without Nav and a Sunroof. And I'm sure Kia knows many others feel the same way, so it seems obvious they are limiting availability in such a way as to direct sales from the GT to the GT 1 or GT 2.

Probably price control, but if they made those things options and charged for them, they could still get their pound of flesh. A grand for the roof and a couple of grand for the Nav would still make the GT $2,500 less than the GT 1. And I don't like paying for things I don't particularly want, so bumping up to the GT 1 to get them is a little vexing.

Just seems a little odd to me. *shrug*

(Oh, and let's not even talk about Kia's strategy across all their lines on paint color.)

 

[Mhol]

The weird thing is the GT has LSD as an option but the GT1 does not. I can’t figure that out.

 

[FadedLine]

I noticed that too. I wanted a GT until I learned all that. Couldn’t find any GT1s around so just went all in with a GT2. They are actually targeting people like me who want the big engine and all the bells and whistles.

 

[SonomaGT]

I feel your pain- I didn't want all the driver support tech, but did want the sunroof and navigation so I bought the GT1. I read somewhere that Kia is streamling options in the future. Good luck on your decision!

 

[STNGRNV]

Yeah, it is basically a Base with a V6. I think the pricing forced them in that direction. It's only about 1k more than the Premium. If it had all the same features, then no one would buy the Premium. It seems the GT is for the guy who doesn't care about the frills and just wants speed.

 

[Dave Miller]

The weird thing is the GT has LSD as an option but the GT1 does not. I can’t figure that out.

Because the LSD only comes on the Sunset Yellow models (or GT2s) which only comes as a GT or GT2 this year.

Unfortunately Kia has always been a company that puts their features together in packages. It helps keep their costs lower and have their cars be more easily mass produced. The Premium model is for the people that are happy with 255 horsepower but still want a premium car. The GT is for the people that care more about the engine than the extra features inside.

 

[Mike_TX]

Yep, and I find it interesting that the MSRP for a Stinger Premium is only a little more than the MSRP of an Optima SX-L like mine, with essentially the same engine and a few less features in the Stinger (around-view camera, ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, etc.). But it would have the 8spd trans, 10 more hp, and RWD (which is good or bad, depending on how you look at it).

Trouble is, I consider the ventilated seats, around-view camera and heated wheel to be very desirable features. But maybe they'll be available on the 2019 Stinger.

I've driven a 2.0 Stinger, and honestly it's not a bad ride. It's lighter than the V6, and of course that affects not only performance but also handling. I've had all kinds of great-performing cars in my day, and I actually find the 2.0 turbo Optima to be a pretty darn good performer once you get familiar with it. The Stinger i drove was pretty spunky, too, and in Sport mode it was all the way to lively.

I just might have to consider a 2.0 Premium when the time comes.

 

[Jayce]

Yep, and I find it interesting that the MSRP for a Stinger Premium is only a little more than the MSRP of an Optima SX-L like mine, with essentially the same engine and a few less features in the Stinger (around-view camera, ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, etc.). But it would have the 8spd trans, 10 more hp, and RWD (which is good or bad, depending on how you look at it).

Trouble is, I consider the ventilated seats, around-view camera and heated wheel to be very desirable features. But maybe they'll be available on the 2019 Stinger.

I've driven a 2.0 Stinger, and honestly it's not a bad ride. It's lighter than the V6, and of course that affects not only performance but also handling. I've had all kinds of great-performing cars in my day, and I actually find the 2.0 turbo Optima to be a pretty darn good performer once you get familiar with it. The Stinger i drove was pretty spunky, too, and in Sport mode it was all the way to lively.

I just might have to consider a 2.0 Premium when the time comes.

I would consider the premium, but I don't see ventilated seats or the surround view camera coming to that model.

 

[jrhodes87]

wait a sec what do you mean it doesn't have navigation? Like I can't use gps?

I prefer no sunroof, and can totally live without homelink option.

 

[Dave Miller]

wait a sec what do you mean it doesn't have navigation? Like I can't use gps?

I prefer no sunroof, and can totally live without homelink option.

It only has Android Auto/Apple CarPlay for nav unless you upgrade to the GT1 (or Premium group on the 4 cyl model)

 

[jrhodes87]

It only has Android Auto/Apple CarPlay for nav unless you upgrade to the GT1 (or Premium group on the 4 cyl model)

Oh, ok, that's not a huge issue, I like the android auto navi

 

[Jayce]

wait a sec what do you mean it doesn't have navigation? Like I can't use gps?

I prefer no sunroof, and can totally live without homelink option.

That's correct. You can use the android auto nav though.

 

[mldavis2]

Waze or Google maps both work on Android very nicely. In fact my wife prefers them to our Garmin.

 

[oxide365]

GT was perfect for me. didn't want lame navigation, waze and google maps are the best, didn't want the sunroof for taller passengers. homelink wasnt big deal either. i wanted the fast V6. only feature wished had option was the headsup display.

 

[Dave Miller]

GT was perfect for me. didn't want lame navigation, waze and google maps are the best, didn't want the sunroof for taller passengers. homelink wasnt big deal either. i wanted the fast V6. only feature wished had option was the headsup display.

It's obviously nowhere near as cool as the built in one but there are some aftermarket HUDs you can buy that just stick on your dash.

 

[jrhodes87]

GT was perfect for me. didn't want lame navigation, waze and google maps are the best, didn't want the sunroof for taller passengers. homelink wasnt big deal either. i wanted the fast V6. only feature wished had option was the headsup display.

This was my idea from the beginning, I just want the hatchback for cargo space and then the 3.3 Turbo and i'm good to go.

 

[StingerGT68]

GT was perfect for me. didn't want lame navigation, waze and google maps are the best, didn't want the sunroof for taller passengers. homelink wasnt big deal either. i wanted the fast V6. only feature wished had option was the headsup display.

Same here. Got the base GT and loving it. I wanted the big engine, couldn't care less about the sunroof, homelink, or nav. I use Android Auto so nav is all taken care of.

 

[vsic112]

Question: I've heard a few people say no sunroof/moonroof is better for tall people. Is there more head room without sunroof?

 

[ScottE]

Question: I've heard a few people say no sunroof/moonroof is better for tall people. Is there more head room without sunroof?

Yes, definitely... The sun roof requires some space that lowers headroom.

 

[vsic112]

Oh okay I see, thanks.