Newbie considering Kia Stinger 2,

[Zahmed1094]

I am new to forum, 75 yr. Old, just 4 months ago, I bought a 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 after selling my 2014 Porsche Cayman. One, I was getting older and driving a manual as well as getting in and out of the Porsche had become tough. The wife was urging me to get an SUV but I was always a sports coupe guy (Corvette C 7 before the Porsche).

To make a long story short, I ended up purchasing the Ioniq 6 EV. It’s a great car, very fast, normal range over 300 miles. However, I am also a road tripper, having driven thru all the lower 48 states since my retirement 7+ years ago. Before I went cross country in my Ioniq 6, I tried some shorter road trips and learned that driving an EV was a hassle. Great car in city but range drops from some 330 to 230 when driving at 75 mph, and the chargers were often crowded, not working and it was too stressful.

So, now I am considering a Stinger. Used to power and speed and needing a bit of luxury too, first choice seems to be a Stinger GT2. Sadly, my Ioniq 6 that I paid $45k just 4 months ago is worth a lot less at dealerships and online buyers. So, looking to either find someone who wants to trade or sell my Ioniq privately.

My questions then have to relate to which year is best? Are the difference between the pre 2022 and the latter very significant? How reliable is it?
Comments?

 

[Snicklefritz]

howdy. 71 here. I've had a 2018 gt1 for close to six years. zero issues, and since I wash it weekly or more, and clean the interior, it still looks almost brand-new. we got a 2019 premium last fall and it has been great too. for long road trips, if you don't demand the full raw power of the 3.3l the 2.0l has plenty of passing power with the added bonus of mpg pushing 40 when conditions are perfect, and 30+ mpg all the time otherwise. the 3.3l averages c. 25 mpg, for me, on road trips. the 'refresh', '22 gt1 got 'cheapened', as in reduced in many important features to earlier gt1. I think that the gt1 2018-21 is the sweet spot for features and price point. I happen to not want the shift by wire gt2 tranny. I like putting the 'T' shifter into manual gate and using the paddles, which I do 99% of the time. in sport mode, the gt1 and 2.0l versions will stay in the gear your in even not in manual gate until you come to a full stop, then you bump it into gear again and it stays until you want out or stop again. manual gate, of course, allows you to stay in the selected gear in all drive modes and at a full stop.

you mentioned getting in and out. well, the stinger is low, no argument. but unless you are incapacitated I don't think that you'll find getting in and out too burdensome because of the perks otherwise. the seat I find very comfortable. this is huge on long trips. all previous vehicles I've driven on road trips created some stiff muscles even aches. the stinger is relaxing and after a few steps toward the motel desk I feel completely normal, no aches or returning recirculation, etc.

finally, the practicality factor was the deciding point for me. if the stinger did not have a hatch I would never have bought one.

 

[LordKOTL]

For what it's worth:

My father is in his late 70's. He doesn't have any more trouble getting in/out of my Stinger than he does in his Camry--back seat or passenger seat.