I was under the impression that the 2022 Stinger GT1came with the 15 speaker stereo system and the ventilated seats. The reason why I was under the impression is that when I went to test drove the 2021, because they didn't have a 2022 on-site, I had mentioned to the salesman that I loved the fact that the stereo in it was louder at half volume than my 2018 Cadenza was at full volume and I had also mentioned to him that my wife is going to love the fact that it had the ventilated seats. So, when I saw a 2022 GT1 & GT2 comparison and noticed that the GT1 only came with 9 speakers instead of 15 and that it didn't come with the ventilated front seats, it took all of the excitement of being a Stinger owner out of me. It was liked getting kicked in the b****. Maybe not the best analogy, but that is how I felt. Getting to the point of being able to purchase a Stinger has been a journey for me because I waited until later in life to get married, so I never worried about credit. I always figured that if I couldn't pay cash for it then I didn't need it. So, when I got married, I started working on building up my credit over the past four years. Like I said in my Intro, I 1st bought the 2014 Optima SX Turbo, then leased the 2018 Cadenza, and now I was finally able to purchase a Stinger GT1. I was really excited about the fact that I would be getting my first Stinger in a couple of days, but now I feel disappointed. Is there anyone here that knows if I can have the extra 6 speakers that the GT2 has installed in the GT1 as an extra or are the extra 6 speakers that the GT2 has that the GT1 doesn't that big of a difference in sound output and clarity or not? Also, what about having the ventilated front seats, is that even a possibility as an extra?
Let Down
- Thread starter Kyler22
- Start date
If those things are really that important to you, then is getting a GT2 a possibility? Perhaps the dealership can help you cover the difference if you say you were somewhat misled?
My perspective is the best thing about the Stinger isn't any individual feature, it's the overall driving experience. It's the fact that you have almost 400 lb ft of torque to enjoy from the rear wheels, the styling, smooth shifts, etc. I'm biased though I just have the GT (stopped being available in '22) and the features are plenty for me.
If you do end up with the GT1, you need to take a step back and not be disappointed. It's an amazing machine.
My perspective is the best thing about the Stinger isn't any individual feature, it's the overall driving experience. It's the fact that you have almost 400 lb ft of torque to enjoy from the rear wheels, the styling, smooth shifts, etc. I'm biased though I just have the GT (stopped being available in '22) and the features are plenty for me.
If you do end up with the GT1, you need to take a step back and not be disappointed. It's an amazing machine.
powermatt
Member
Yeah, unfortunately the '22 GT1 lost some things that the '18-21 GT1 had. Definitely not as good a value as it used to be. I think the only thing it gained was adaptive dampers (they were exclusive to the GT2 previously).
I'd say don't bother with trying to fit factory speakers in there, and just go straight to aftermarket audio options. Nearly all factory audio deficiencies can be solved with aftermarket options, and can be done to your taste.
I'd say don't bother with trying to fit factory speakers in there, and just go straight to aftermarket audio options. Nearly all factory audio deficiencies can be solved with aftermarket options, and can be done to your taste.
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Sadly KIA stripped down the 22 GT1. Inferior sound system, no memory seats, sunglass holder and a few other key items? Why? Obviously to push people into the GT2. So I picked up a 2019 GT1 w only 3,100 miles for 39K. Did some some exterior mods and fricken love it! What a fun little ride.
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MerlintheMad
10000 Posts Club!
Howdy and welcome. Those two features sound like deal breakers to me. A deal breaker is a very personal thing. It does no good for someone to tell you that you don't own your own feelings. That said, the nine speaker system is still a Harman Kardon, just not as tricked out with sound directional granularity; and the amplifier is not as powerful: those under the seat subs still put out a lot of bass, though: I compared recently, and the nine speaker subs compared to the 15 speaker subs sound really good, just not as loud. Ventilated seats are of course another whole matter. But I go along with the already expressed opinion: that the Stinger even the lowest trim is a lot of car for the money compared to the competition, and a driving experience not dependent on individual features. If I had to replace my Stinger with another, two of my original "must haves" (aka deal breakers) would no longer apply: the HK 15 speaker surround sound system, and the sunroof: I'd be happy with a new GT1 as long as it had the 3.3L engine. 
With the new 2.5L engine, I might even be satisfied with a reduction in engine size: I'd have to test drive one to be able to tell.
With the new 2.5L engine, I might even be satisfied with a reduction in engine size: I'd have to test drive one to be able to tell. From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
stoopid
1000 Posts Club!
In Vegas and don't have the vented seats and don't really notice. The air conditioning gets going pretty quick. It's been 110F+ the entire week. I'm speaking from fairly extreme experience.
We have vented seats in the SUV, and after a long drive they are sometimes welcome because swamp ass. I don't seem to have the same issue with the Stinger seats though, even on longer drives. Tells me the Stinger seats are better than the Mazda's.
The 9 speaker stereo is okay, I've never been 100% satisfied with it, even after some minor additions/changes. I can't see spending time and money to swap out the entire thing at this stage, but in hindsight spending the bit of money I have towards more substantial/complete speaker upgrades might have been prudent. That said, if you have the ability yourself or the money available to upgrade just the speakers, I'm convinced the stock amp is up to the task. But everything is easily accessed from the trunk area, and with a wiring diagram you could easily swap amp and speakers without having to rewire the speakers. There's definitely stereo upgrade options and access to do it is much better in the Stinger than ins some vehicles.
We have vented seats in the SUV, and after a long drive they are sometimes welcome because swamp ass. I don't seem to have the same issue with the Stinger seats though, even on longer drives. Tells me the Stinger seats are better than the Mazda's.
The 9 speaker stereo is okay, I've never been 100% satisfied with it, even after some minor additions/changes. I can't see spending time and money to swap out the entire thing at this stage, but in hindsight spending the bit of money I have towards more substantial/complete speaker upgrades might have been prudent. That said, if you have the ability yourself or the money available to upgrade just the speakers, I'm convinced the stock amp is up to the task. But everything is easily accessed from the trunk area, and with a wiring diagram you could easily swap amp and speakers without having to rewire the speakers. There's definitely stereo upgrade options and access to do it is much better in the Stinger than ins some vehicles.
adauria
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I went into the 2022 GT-1 decision with my eyes open on all the feature differences (I made a spreadsheet and everything). After adding up all the GT-2 features missing in the GT-1, I still decided the GT-1 was the better value for me. While I definitely miss some of the GT-2 features, none of them individually or even taken as a whole were worth the extra cash.
The GT-1 is an awesome car - easily the most fun I've ever had driving my own car in my life. It has plenty of features, and all of the ones I really care about. Yep, I wish it had ventilated seats and memory seats, etc., but I feel good about a (slightly) more responsible financial decision. I especially feel good about it when I tear up the roads in sport mode.
-Andrew
The GT-1 is an awesome car - easily the most fun I've ever had driving my own car in my life. It has plenty of features, and all of the ones I really care about. Yep, I wish it had ventilated seats and memory seats, etc., but I feel good about a (slightly) more responsible financial decision. I especially feel good about it when I tear up the roads in sport mode.
-Andrew
