New GTS at Ourisman KIA NOVA

[RUFFSTUFF]

And are we also including the old Android Auto or the new Android Auto?

 

[Doel]

Maybe I'm looking at this wrong... I see this only as an issue (or benefit) if you want to come to a stop in 2nd gear, and then take off from 2nd gear without having to do ANYTHING... Last time I checked, D at a stop is 1st gear...

that's not the problem at all. If you want to drive in manual mode, it's annoying having to get back into manual mode every time you stop. Sure, D at a stop is going to put you in first but it doesn't put you back in manual once you start moving again.

Which price point are we referencing? The infotainment system in $53k GT2s is the same as the one in $23k Fortes and Souls.

As for who has one that is better, how do we quantify that? What does "better" entail? Does it have to be better compared to the identical infotainment on a mid $20k Forte or better than what's found in a $53k Stinger?

I'd prefer the infotainment system from a current gen A4. It costs $10-15k less than a Stinger but $15-20k more than a Forte or Soul. Does that make it better or worse?

I'm talking about car brands in general, Kia doesn't compete with Audi, it competes with Chevy, Honda, Nissan, etc. Kia/Hyundai isn't going to make an entirely new infotainment for one trim level of one car model just because it's over $50k, that's absurd, no one does that. A 65k Nissan Armada has the same POS infotainment as a 15k Versa. You may have a point if you were talking about a Genesis who competes with the Germans, but it makes no sense with the Stinger. When you buy the most expensive car from a manufacturer, there are aspects of it that will be shared with the far cheaper models.

In my opinion, and the opinion of most car review publications, is that infotainment is mostly rated on ease of use, number of features, response rate, and mobile connectivity. What infotainment feature is the Stinger missing that you wish it had? I can't think of anything I would want that I've experienced in other cars, especially considering I'm always in apple car play anyway and that's identical in all cars with apple car play. Hell, a lot of cars, even German cars, don't even have it standard! Everytime I get a cheap rental, I ask for a Kia, because I know that thing is going to have apple car play STANDARD!

 

[Ty Davis]

Rather than bash Kia, who has better infotainment system? Kia seems to have one of the best implementations with a good combination of physical buttons and touchscreen.

There are quite a few better systems out there, some of them right across the floor at the Kia dealership...
The Kia Soul, Telluride, and K900 do. Any modern day BMW idrive is better. Jaguar Intune looks more sophisticated as well. Mercedes infotainment is quite nice too. The Volvo System excels at displaying info clearly, logically, and crisply. Dodge/Chrysler’s UConnect looks and works surprisingly well. The system from GM looks and feels polished as well. The new Acura System exudes a premium feel. So, yeah there are many, many, more upscale systems out there. Quite a few of these better systems reside in significantly less expensive cars than the Stinger.

Specific complaints about the Kia system:
1. Screen wayyy to small.
2. Map display and resolution is subpar. Really the whole system could use better graphics, menus included.
3. Lag, lag, lag. For example, turn a climate control knob and note how long it takes for the change to be reflected on the screen.
4. Too much bezel around both the 7 and 8 inch screens.
5. This system would have been acceptable in a Soul or Optima a few years back. It has no place in a GT1 or GT2 Stinger today.
6. No Bluetooth Albulm Art
7. Sirius XM albulm art only displays the stations logo, not the art related to the song currently playing.
8. Though they’ve provided wireless charging, there’s no wireless Android Auto. So you have to plug your phone in anyway.
9. Radio menu cluttered with too much info. The info should be displayed prominently and boldly.
10. No Radio Station Albulm Art.

On the upside:
The unit is mostly very functional.
The unit is easy to use. There’s very little learning curve here.
A few menus do look decent.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, so you really don’t have to use or look at the Kia System.
Music played from USB have a great display menu and big, bold, clear Albulm art. Very good Kia! Many companies fail here with postage stamp size Albulm Art that you can barely see.

Don’t think that I am bashing Kia. However I will continue to voice my displeasure in some of the design and calibration choices they’ve made that made no sense or were just plain lazy or wrong. Don’t forget that Kia views the Stinger as a “Premium” product and desires that the general public shares this perception.

If I make a criticism of the Stinger, it only serves as an instance of something I find glaringly out of place, out of sorts, and is a call out to Kia to not carry these same mistakes into the next generation Stinger (because I plan to purchase one of those too).

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

that's not the problem at all. If you want to drive in manual mode, it's annoying having to get back into manual mode every time you stop. Sure, D at a stop is going to put you in first but it doesn't put you back in manual once you start moving again.

Well then, I guess it's a good thing I have a GT2 which is probably why I'm not annoyed...

I now encourage everyone to get a GT2!!!

 

[Kamauxx]

I'm talking about car brands in general, Kia doesn't compete with Audi. . .

When you buy the most expensive car from a manufacturer, there are aspects of it that will be shared with the far cheaper models.

The question that he asked was "who has better infotainment system?" To that question, you answered "At the Kia price point? No one."

My point was that there are cars cheaper (since you brought up price) than a GT1/2 available that have technologically superior infotainment systems when compared to the Stinger. Hell, in the mid-$30k range you can get yourself an A3 with Virtual Cockpit. "Better" and "at Kia price point" is what I was replying to.

Yes, it will be an Audi. Yes, it will be considerably smaller than a Stinger. But he didn't ask "who has better infotainment system, excluding the Germans and at a certain price point, model segment, and is in direct competition with Kia?" Those are qualifiers you added on to his question.

 

[Ty Davis]

And are we also including the old Android Auto or the new Android Auto?

I don’t find there a big enough difference in Android Auto, old. Vs new, to make a significant distinction.
Yes, I was super excited to get the new AA. But also disappointed that it’s pretty much the same program, but now with more refined looks. I do think the new version is a bit snappier though, so that’s a plus.
But in my opinion, Android Auto, could benefit from a ground up redesign as well.

 

[Doel]

Well then, I guess it's a good thing I have a GT2 which is probably why I'm not annoyed...

I now encourage everyone to get a GT2!!!

GT2 is the annoying model that reverts it back to automatic at every stop.... if you haven't noticed it, you haven't ever really used your manual mode.

The question that he asked was "who has better infotainment system?" To that question, you answered "At the Kia price point? No one."

My point was that there are cars cheaper (since you brought up price) than a GT1/2 available that have technologically superior infotainment systems when compared to the Stinger. Hell, in the mid-$30k range you can get yourself an A3 with Virtual Cockpit. "Better" and "at Kia price point" is what I was replying to.

Yes, it will be an Audi. Yes, it will be considerably smaller than a Stinger. But he didn't ask "who has better infotainment system, excluding the Germans and at a certain price point, model segment, and is in direct competition with Kia?" Those are qualifiers you added on to his question.

Why do you feel the need to argue every single point? Give it a break. I added qualifiers and I answered the question with those qualifiers. Is there some rule I can't do that? Seriously man. Obviously the more premium brands have better infotainments. Considering they have 6 figure cars in their line ups that share the same system as their cheaper models, they better.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Albulm Art.

I am not a grammar Nazi. But you used this spelling so many times that I have to point out that there is no second "l" in Album.

Otherwise, On Topic: your list of objections to the Stinger's infotainment system mostly do not resonate with me. It's because I have no comparative point of reference. The Stinger's system works so well that I can't complain about anything. Everything is clear and crisp and efficient. I think that the rest of you are arguing over trifles. I'm not sophisticated enough to know where the cutting edge of this technology is. And the Stinger's amenities please me completely.

 

[Kamauxx]

Why do you feel the need to argue every single point?

I was answering questions asked by you and him...on a discussion forum. What do you expect to happen on a discussion forum? Someone ask a question to which no one should be allowed to answer? Lmao.

Is there some rule I can't do that?

Now isn't that interesting...yes, apparently there are rules to what can be asked and answered...apparently...

 

[BlueByYouGT]

Rather than bash Kia, who has better infotainment system? Kia seems to have one of the best implementations with a good combination of physical buttons and touchscreen.

I know who is worst. Lexus! Absolutely terrible!!!

 

[Ty Davis]

Well then, I guess it's a good thing I have a GT2 which is probably why I'm not annoyed...

I now encourage everyone to get a GT2!!!

My GT2 does indeed, switch back to auto mode at stops. This really shouldn’t be that way, though I’m sure the vast majority doesn’t mind.

A more eloquent solution (especially at GT2 prices) would be to have the system act as it currently does, going back to D at stops IF you entered manual mode via using the paddle shifters.

But, there should have also been a manual shift gate position on the GT2 that allows you to select manual mode and it stay there. The transmission would downshift to first at a stop but remain in manual mode until you move the shifter back to the regular D position. This is the way the industry does it in general and it works great.

Granted, I agree there are owners who won’t care one way or the other. They really couldn’t care less.
I look forward to replacing my current GT2 with a second generation Stinger when they come out after a complete redesign. But the fact is, this car is really not selling in record breaking numbers. Sales are quite low (comparatively). That is a recipe for the Stinger to get cancelled, eliminating the chance for 2nd/3rd/or4th generation Stingers. The point I’m making here, is that I have vested interest in the Stinger being done right, because I want the models to continue to be produced, and sold. I’ve been on forums for every car I’ve ever owned (mostly Honda’s and BMW’s) and one thing about Stinger forums I’ve noticed is that there is a large segment of members who feel that if the car is acceptable to them, then it’s perfect. Many here truly get aggravated seeing posts about Stinger complaints, issues, problems, and flaws. That stance really doesn’t help further the brand. I care about the complaints, issues, and experiences of others, even if they don’t personally effect me or my particular car... because in the end, it will effect me. If Kia doesn’t fix some of these issues, sales will suffer further, then when I pull up to the dealership for my next generation Stinger, there won’t be one to by because low sales killed the model.

One thing is for sure, other brands owners don’t seem so lenient and/or accepting of their vehicles faults. Over on the BMW forums, we crucified BMW for some of the most trivial oversights (and some not so trivial). Same on the Honda forums... The forums are such a useful tool to the manufacturers, often times, mid year updates were made to the cars (especially at BMW) to correct said issues and complaints. Honda tends to sneak their corrections in at the start of the next model year, many times in an undocumented manner. Still, complaints, led to updates and bettered products.

When the Stinger debuted, Kia made it a point to target BMW and Porsche in their promotions. BMW and Porsche owners are notoriously picky, demanding, and aware of their vehicle. Stinger owners seem more willing to turn blind eyes to the Stingers inadequacies. The Stinger recently won a JD Power Award for best Initial Quality.
That, with the amount of Stingers delivered with overinflated tires, wonky audio system, rattling hatches, misadjusted headlights, subpar paint finish and miscellaneous squeaks and rattles. But I digress, But Kia needs real feedback if this car is going to make it and succeed in the long run.

But before I go, I’ll say it again. It would really be best if the Stinger had a dedicated manual shift gate on the GT2. Hell, it’s the only Stinger that doesn’t have one. I for one, move up in trim packages to GAIN features, not lose them. The current system is ok for some, but the discerning owners of those Porsche and BMW models Kia compared the Stinger to will surely take offense to this oversight.

 

[Ty Davis]

Maybe I'm looking at this wrong... I see this only as an issue (or benefit) if you want to come to a stop in 2nd gear, and then take off from 2nd gear without having to do ANYTHING... Last time I checked, D at a stop is 1st gear...

The issue is that when you stop, the car is in manual mode with the shifts under your control.
However, AFTER the stop you are back in Auto mode with the computer automatically upshifting for you again.
Yes, you are in 1st gear in both GT1 and GT2.
But the GT1 will wait for you to shift out of first and into 2nd after you take off in manual mode.
The GT2 will automatically upshift from 1st into 2nd when you take off unless you put it back into manual again.

This is repetitive in city conditions. Foolish (programming) too.

 

[Nuthadey]

My GT2 does indeed, switch back to auto mode at stops. This really shouldn’t be that way, though I’m sure the vast majority doesn’t mind.

A more eloquent solution (especially at GT2 prices) would be to have the system act as it currently does, going back to D at stops IF you entered manual mode via using the paddle shifters.

But, there should have also been a manual shift gate position on the GT2 that allows you to select manual mode and it stay there. The transmission would downshift to first at a stop but remain in manual mode until you move the shifter back to the regular D position. This is the way the industry does it in general and it works great.

Granted, I agree there are owners who won’t care one way or the other. They really couldn’t care less.
I look forward to replacing my current GT2 with a second generation Stinger when they come out after a complete redesign. But the fact is, this car is really not selling in record breaking numbers. Sales are quite low (comparatively). That is a recipe for the Stinger to get cancelled, eliminating the chance for 2nd/3rd/or4th generation Stingers. The point I’m making here, is that I have vested interest in the Stinger being done right, because I want the models to continue to be produced, and sold. I’ve been on forums for every car I’ve ever owned (mostly Honda’s and BMW’s) and one thing about Stinger forums I’ve noticed is that there is a large segment of members who feel that if the car is acceptable to them, then it’s perfect. Many here truly get aggravated seeing posts about Stinger complaints, issues, problems, and flaws. That stance really doesn’t help further the brand. I care about the complaints, issues, and experiences of others, even if they don’t personally effect me or my particular car... because in the end, it will effect me. If Kia doesn’t fix some of these issues, sales will suffer further, then when I pull up to the dealership for my next generation Stinger, there won’t be one to by because low sales killed the model.

One thing is for sure, other brands owners don’t seem so lenient and/or accepting of their vehicles faults. Over on the BMW forums, we crucified BMW for some of the most trivial oversights (and some not so trivial). Same on the Honda forums... The forums are such a useful tool to the manufacturers, often times, mid year updates were made to the cars (especially at BMW) to correct said issues and complaints. Honda tends to sneak their corrections in at the start of the next model year, many times in an undocumented manner. Still, complaints, led to updates and bettered products.

When the Stinger debuted, Kia made it a point to target BMW and Porsche in their promotions. BMW and Porsche owners are notoriously picky, demanding, and aware of their vehicle. Stinger owners seem more willing to turn blind eyes to the Stingers inadequacies. The Stinger recently won a JD Power Award for best Initial Quality.
That, with the amount of Stingers delivered with overinflated tires, wonky audio system, rattling hatches, misadjusted headlights, subpar paint finish and miscellaneous squeaks and rattles. But I digress, But Kia needs real feedback if this car is going to make it and succeed in the long run.

But before I go, I’ll say it again. It would really be best if the Stinger had a dedicated manual shift gate on the GT2. Hell, it’s the only Stinger that doesn’t have one. I for one, move up in trim packages to GAIN features, not lose them. The current system is ok for some, but the discerning owners of those Porsche and BMW models Kia compared the Stinger to will surely take offense to this oversight.

Well said. Discussing specific issues we have/don't have with our cars will hopefully provide Kia with the feedback needed to improve upon them in future years/generations.

Ignoring things we want improved or being more willing to accept faults because of the car's relatively low price (which I've seen a lot of on the two Stinger forums) will only hurt the future of of the platform.

 

[Ty Davis]

The question that he asked was "who has better infotainment system?" To that question, you answered "At the Kia price point? No one."

My point was that there are cars cheaper (since you brought up price) than a GT1/2 available that have technologically superior infotainment systems when compared to the Stinger. Hell, in the mid-$30k range you can get yourself an A3 with Virtual Cockpit. "Better" and "at Kia price point" is what I was replying to.

Yes, it will be an Audi. Yes, it will be considerably smaller than a Stinger. But he didn't ask "who has better infotainment system, excluding the Germans and at a certain price point, model segment, and is in direct competition with Kia?" Those are qualifiers you added on to his question.

What he’s missing is that other Kias have better infotainment than the Stinger. The new Soul, K900, Telluride, etc.
While Kia was throwing together a lackluster GTS model, they should have instead been upgrading the Stingers infotainment for 2020.

 

[Ty Davis]

Well said. Discussing specific issues we have/don't have with our cars will hopefully provide Kia with the feedback needed to improve upon them in future years/generations.

Ignoring things we want improved or being more willing to accept faults because of the car's relatively low price (which I've seen a lot of on the two Stinger forums) will only hurt the future of of the platform.

Yes Sir, you get it!
And while we are on the subject of overlooking faults...
I’ve seen the words “It’s a GT, Grand Turismo, etc.” used farrrr too many times on this forum
to explain away or dismiss various complaints/issues with the Stinger.

That Grand Turismo designation should be an asset, not a liability.
Every car should ride stable, not bounce/porpoise/hop, vibrate while braking, or twitch over bumps while cornering. It’s a car first and should excel as a car. Then it can be a Grand Turismo. But the GT badge is diminished when some of the basics are so wrong.

 

[Ty Davis]

I know who is worst. Lexus! Absolutely terrible!!!

I removed The GS, GS-F, and IS from my shopping list specifically because of the infotainment system.

 

[Doel]

I was answering questions asked by you and him...on a discussion forum. What do you expect to happen on a discussion forum? Someone ask a question to which no one should be allowed to answer? Lmao.



Now isn't that interesting...yes, apparently there are rules to what can be asked and answered...apparently...

I didn't say you couldn't answer his question, it's just pointless to argue with me over how I answered his question because we're answering it with completely different qualifiers. At no point did I even argue your point, hell I agree with it, this "discussion" is absolutely pointless.

The issue is that when you stop, the car is in manual mode with the shifts under your control.
However, AFTER the stop you are back in Auto mode with the computer automatically upshifting for you again.
Yes, you are in 1st gear in both GT1 and GT2.
But the GT1 will wait for you to shift out of first and into 2nd after you take off in manual mode.
The GT2 will automatically upshift from 1st into 2nd when you take off unless you put it back into manual again.

This is repetitive in city conditions. Foolish (programming) too.

I feel like you're being nice, it's part of the reason I didn't get a GT2. I love to use manual mode and I do a lot of city driving, having to shift back into manual at every single stop was maddening in the test drive.

 

[BlaydeX15]

Hijacking to ask a question, since we've been discussing the shifter back and forth in here.

How do you guys with the GT2 shift OUT of manual mode? In the GT, I can slide the shifter to the left and then back to the right to get it back in auto, not sure how you would do it without the gear changes on the shifter.

Also, can confirm that the GT will never shift out of manual if you slide the shifter to the left. Additionally, you can hold 1st gear indefinitely and bounce off the rev limiter if you do that, as a failed quarter mile launch showed me. Oops.

 

[Doel]

Hijacking to ask a question, since we've been discussing the shifter back and forth in here.

How do you guys with the GT2 shift OUT of manual mode? In the GT, I can slide the shifter to the left and then back to the right to get it back in auto, not sure how you would do it without the gear changes on the shifter.

Also, can confirm that the GT will never shift out of manual if you slide the shifter to the left, you can also hold 1st gear indefinitely and bounce off the rev limiter with the GT T shifter, as a failed quarter mile launch showed me. Oops.

if you hold the upshift paddle down for a second it'll revert to drive, works on the GT as well if you're in manual but not in the manual gate.

 

[BlaydeX15]

if you hold the upshift paddle down for a second it'll revert to drive, works on the GT as well if you're in manual but not in the manual gate.

Ah! Good to know. I didn't want to test it and find out that the car upshifts repeatedly as you hold it, though the car trying to be in 8th gear at 20 mph would be hilarious.