Roll Call! Who's Test-Driven a Kia Stinger?

[Brian Keenan]

Okay I'd like to get as many opinions together as possible. Who's test driven (or currently drives) a Stinger? What are your thoughts? What does the car compare most to? What do you like and dislike about the way it drives, creature comforts and the whole experience?

 

[Buttercream]

Me! Test drove a GT2 AWD in Hi-Chroma Red. Also test drove a Audi A5 Sportback as well. I had about 20 minutes driving the Stinger, and close to 45 minutes driving the Audi, so consider these first impressions. My cousin and her partner tagged along as well for moral support and wisdom, as this is my first car buying experience. I currently drive a 2002 Ford Explorer.

First, full disclosure. My cousin and her partner both drive Audi A3s. So when it came to set up a test drive for the A5, I asked her help for a referral to her old salesman (who she had good experience with). So one way or another, they's slightly biased toward Audi. On the other hand, I've been following the Stinger since the unveil at January, so I'm biased toward the Stinger.

Exterior
Personally, Stinger wins hands down. The Audi looks kinda of bloated, with a pinch nose that I really am not fond of, and the proportions are a bit off to my eyes. Whereas the Stinger just looks correct, with long and low hood, long wheel base, and sculpted quarter panel.

Ergonomics
Nod to the Stinger. Audi's cup holders is placed in front of the shifter, so a tall 20oz tumbler will get in the way of the climate control. Not a problem on the Stinger with cup holders to the right of the shifter. Audi has a steering wheel that is manually adjustable, the Stinger is a electronically adjustable. Audi's round steering wheel is on the thicker side, Stinger's flat bottom steering wheel is slimmer and more contoured; my hand preferred the Stinger's. Stinger has more comfortable and adjustable driver seat, and more spacious back seats.

Infotainment
Nod to Stinger again. Audi's MMI system is not my cup of tea. The whole system is controlled by toggle and scroll wheel as there is no touchscreen, and it's not always obvious when you need to go further into a sub menu to adjust your setting. For example, when I tried to adjusting the heads up display, I need to set the height with a knob to the left of the steering, then adjust brightness, color, etc, in a sub menu that I had a hard time finding until the salesman showed me where it is. The Stinger's heads up display is adjusted with buttons on the steering wheel with menus in the instrument cluster. Which makes much more sense since the heads up display is an extension of the instrument cluster. Speaking of, Stinger's heads up display is bigger and brighter than the Audi's.

Android Auto works better on the Stinger, since the interface is really designed for the touchscreen, which the Audi lacks. Much easier to swipe through and browse songs or set up navigation with the Stinger when stationary. When driving, both are equal using Android Auto/Google's voice recognition.

Drive
Driving position in both car are very low (slightly lower in the Stinger), which took a little getting used to coming from a SUV. Front visibility is better in the Stinger, and rear visibility is better in the Audi. The beltline is lower on the Stinger, and I definitely feel I get a better view of the road in it.

Steering is very light with the Audi, even in dynamic. There's also very little feedback, so I don't get much sense of the road from the front tires through the steering wheel. Steering is nicely weighted with the Stinger in sport mode, thought I don't really remember much about the feedback (need to set up that second test drive with the Stinger).

Throttle response is better on the Stinger. You mash the gas and it goes, and it really hustles when I floor the pedal and activates the kick-down mechanism. 70 MPH is reached easily and it still pulls hard at that speed. On the Audi, there's a half beat delay from when you press the gas to when it really accelerates. It pulls hard in the city but loose some vigor as you approach highway speed. Also, better breaking feel with the Audi, I get more bite from the pedal on the top travel, though the Stinger comes to a stop smoother.

Suspension is firmer in the Audi, I can feel more imperfections from the road transmit through the tires to my seats. The Stinger has a more compliant ride, but it is still by no means soft. I'm surprised I feel more road bumps in the Audi considering it has 18" wheels compared to the Stinger's 19" wheels.

Cabin noise is a wash, slightly more wind noise in the Stinger, slightly more road nose in the Audi.

Pricing/Availability
I'll most likely go through the lease route. After dealer discount, the Audi is similarly priced to the Stinger. But, there's no rebate on the Audi, and the Stinger has a juicy $6,800 off the GT2. Definitely better lease deal for the Stinger.

Availability is scarce for both surprisingly. Of the colors I inquired for the Stinger, there's about a dozen Micro Blue coming in December to the State of Washington, same for Hi-Chroma Red, and none for Silky Silver or Ceramic Silver. Didn't ask about when the next batch will be coming in. The Audi is even more limited, with a handful of cars in the Prestige trim in the colors I'm interested in, and ordering a car will take 4 months.

Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[Marko]

Me! Test drove a GT2 AWD in Hi-Chroma Red. Also test drove a Audi A5 Sportback as well. I had about 20 minutes driving the Stinger, and close to 45 minutes driving the Audi, so consider these first impressions. My cousin and her partner tagged along as well for moral support and wisdom, as this is my first car buying experience. I currently drive a 2002 Ford Explorer.

First, full disclosure. My cousin and her partner both drive Audi A3s. So when it came to set up a test drive for the A5, I asked her help for a referral to her old salesman (who she had good experience with). So one way or another, they's slightly biased toward Audi. On the other hand, I've been following the Stinger since the unveil at January, so I'm biased toward the Stinger.

Exterior
Personally, Stinger wins hands down. The Audi looks kinda of bloated, with a pinch nose that I really am not fond of, and the proportions are a bit off to my eyes. Whereas the Stinger just looks correct, with long and low hood, long wheel base, and sculpted quarter panel.

Ergonomics
Nod to the Stinger. Audi's cup holders is placed in front of the shifter, so a tall 20oz tumbler will get in the way of the climate control. Not a problem on the Stinger with cup holders to the right of the shifter. Audi has a steering wheel that is manually adjustable, the Stinger is a electronically adjustable. Audi's round steering wheel is on the thicker side, Stinger's flat bottom steering wheel is slimmer and more contoured; my hand preferred the Stinger's. Stinger has more comfortable and adjustable driver seat, and more spacious back seats.

Infotainment
Nod to Stinger again. Audi's MMI system is not my cup of tea. The whole system is controlled by toggle and scroll wheel as there is no touchscreen, and it's not always obvious when you need to go further into a sub menu to adjust your setting. For example, when I tried to adjusting the heads up display, I need to set the height with a knob to the left of the steering, then adjust brightness, color, etc, in a sub menu that I had a hard time finding until the salesman showed me where it is. The Stinger's heads up display is adjusted with buttons on the steering wheel with menus in the instrument cluster. Which makes much more sense since the heads up display is an extension of the instrument cluster. Speaking of, Stinger's heads up display is bigger and brighter than the Audi's.

Android Auto works better on the Stinger, since the interface is really designed for the touchscreen, which the Audi lacks. Much easier to swipe through and browse songs or set up navigation with the Stinger when stationary. When driving, both are equal using Android Auto/Google's voice recognition.

Drive
Driving position in both car are very low (slightly lower in the Stinger), which took a little getting used to coming from a SUV. Front visibility is better in the Stinger, and rear visibility is better in the Audi. The beltline is lower on the Stinger, and I definitely feel I get a better view of the road in it.

Steering is very light with the Audi, even in dynamic. There's also very little feedback, so I don't get much sense of the road from the front tires through the steering wheel. Steering is nicely weighted with the Stinger in sport mode, thought I don't really remember much about the feedback (need to set up that second test drive with the Stinger).

Throttle response is better on the Stinger. You mash the gas and it goes, and it really hustles when I floor the pedal and activates the kick-down mechanism. 70 MPH is reached easily and it still pulls hard at that speed. On the Audi, there's a half beat delay from when you press the gas to when it really accelerates. It pulls hard in the city but loose some vigor as you approach highway speed. Also, better breaking feel with the Audi, I get more bite from the pedal on the top travel, though the Stinger comes to a stop smoother.

Suspension is firmer in the Audi, I can feel more imperfections from the road transmit through the tires to my seats. The Stinger has a more compliant ride, but it is still by no means soft. I'm surprised I feel more road bumps in the Audi considering it has 18" wheels compared to the Stinger's 19" wheels.

Cabin noise is a wash, slightly more wind noise in the Stinger, slightly more road nose in the Audi.

Pricing/Availability
I'll most likely go through the lease route. After dealer discount, the Audi is similarly priced to the Stinger. But, there's no rebate on the Audi, and the Stinger has a juicy $6,800 off the GT2. Definitely better lease deal for the Stinger.

Availability is scarce for both surprisingly. Of the colors I inquired for the Stinger, there's about a dozen Micro Blue coming in December to the State of Washington, same for Hi-Chroma Red, and none for Silky Silver or Ceramic Silver. Didn't ask about when the next batch will be coming in. The Audi is even more limited, with a handful of cars in the Prestige trim in the colors I'm interested in, and ordering a car will take 4 months.

Let me know if you have any questions!

I see some flaws here. You tested a 4cyl a5 vs a gt2 with a 6cyl tt. Did the a5 you test drive have the sport package with sport suspension?

You can't compare an a5 to gt2. For a real comparison you should test drive the s5 with the sport package. The steering is much better in the s5, the steering wheel is d shaped and thinner. The engine upgrade of course. And the suspension is much better to me as well.

If you want to compare an a5 then you need to compare it to the premium stinger non gt.

 

[Merkur720]

Nice job! I have questions!

1). Does the A5 has decent storage in center console? Pics indicate the stinger has a much larger storage cubby.

2). On the Audi, there is a knob right of the shifter (by passenger). Is that audio volume?!? If so that seems to be a strange knob placement.

3). How is rear seat room compared to each other?

Thanks!

 

[Marko]

Nice job! I have questions!

1). Does the A5 has decent storage in center console? Pics indicate the stinger has a much larger storage cubby.

Nope. Stinger beats it for you.

2). On the Audi, there is a knob right of the shifter (by passenger). Is that audio volume?!? If so that seems to be a strange knob placement.

Yes it's another volume button on the passenger from what I remember. Word for sure lol.

3). How is rear seat room compared to each other?

Thanks!

I believe the stinger is more roomy in the rear. You can look up the dimensions of height, foot, and shoulder room on their websites.

The a5 is basically the same inside as a a4 just with a sportback instead of a regular trunk.

 

[Buttercream]

I see some flaws here. You tested a 4cyl a5 vs a gt2 with a 6cyl tt. Did the a5 you test drive have the sport package with sport suspension?

You can't compare an a5 to gt2. For a real comparison you should test drive the s5 with the sport package. The steering is much better in the s5, the steering wheel is d shaped and thinner. The engine upgrade of course. And the suspension is much better to me as well.

If you want to compare an a5 then you need to compare it to the premium stinger non gt.

Yes, S5 to GT2 is more of an apple to apple comparison in specs, but the S5 cost $67,000 when similarly equipped, ~$15,000 more than the GT2. I test drove the A5 because it's similarly priced and equipped (except for the power train). The A5 I test drove did not have the sport package with sport suspension.

 

[Buttercream]

Nice job! I have questions!

1). Does the A5 has decent storage in center console? Pics indicate the stinger has a much larger storage cubby.

2). On the Audi, there is a knob right of the shifter (by passenger). Is that audio volume?!? If so that seems to be a strange knob placement.

3). How is rear seat room compared to each other?

Thanks!

1). The Stinger's storage cubby is similar in width and depth, but much longer. Also, Audi place their USB ports in the storage cubby, and I keep forgetting to take my phone when we got out of the car.

2). Yip, volume knob. I think it's an Audi thing for their volume knob to be placed there since my cousin's A3 has it at the same position. There's a volume knob on the steering wheel as well.

3). Don't remember much about the head room, but better leg room in the Stinger. Make sense since the wheelbase is 3" longer than the Audi's.

 

[Brian Keenan]

Thank you for the comparison @Buttercream. Wow $15000 more for a comparable S5. Forget it. It's not worth that much more than the Stinger to me. I guess this is why we're all here. Even despite missing a few features like surround view camera and wireless charging.

Has anyone else done a test drive? Let's see more reviews.

 

[Marko]

Thank you for the comparison @Buttercream. Wow $15000 more for a comparable S5. Forget it. It's not worth that much more than the Stinger to me. I guess this is why we're all here. Even despite missing a few features like surround view camera and wireless charging.

Has anyone else done a test drive? Let's see more reviews.

15k depending on what you want. There is alot of features I would shut off or not care to use.

 

[Scotty@SherwoodKia]

I have test Driven A GT Limited. I have also worked in the BMW World I would Compare it more to a Cadillac CTS. A BMW 4 Series.

An Audi A5/S5

Also Strangly feels similar to the pull of an infiniti q50 red sport without the terrible steering . Joining on here with Sherwood Kia in Sherwood Park AB !!

 

[Kia Stinger]

I have test Driven A GT Limited. I have also worked in the BMW World I would Compare it more to a Cadillac CTS. A BMW 4 Series.

An Audi A5/S5

Also Strangly feels similar to the pull of an infiniti q50 red sport without the terrible steering . Joining on here with Sherwood Kia in Sherwood Park AB !!

Welcome aboard, Scotty! Thank you for signing up. Either the Audi, Cadillac, or BMW are all good company to be in.

 

[Scotty@SherwoodKia]

Aha yes for sure! Still am eager to try the 2.0 Turbo and see how well it preforms. Love my Optima SX Turbo !

 

[Kia Stinger]

Aha yes for sure! Still am eager to try the 2.0 Turbo and see how well it preforms. Love my Optima SX Turbo !

We hear it's a bit of a better handler due to less weight at the front...

 

[SanDEngineer]

Thank you for the comparison @Buttercream. Wow $15000 more for a comparable S5. Forget it. It's not worth that much more than the Stinger to me. I guess this is why we're all here. Even despite missing a few features like surround view camera and wireless charging.

Has anyone else done a test drive? Let's see more reviews.

I just replaced my Audi S5 with a Stinger GT2 3 days ago .

Pros

• fully loaded Stinger GT2 RWD cost $6K less than a lightly optioned S5 from 3 years ago (more now), and $14K less than comparably equipped 2018 S5 Sportback. About $10K less than a comparably equipped BMW 440i Grand Coupe.
• Faster in most situations (e.g. passing). The midrange grunt in the Stinger is fantastic.
• Cornering ability, and handling in general (with a few exceptions) is great. Body roll is very well controlled.
• RWD There's definitely an appeal to having an AWD, particularly if you're in an area with snow or frequent heavy rain, but I'm in So Cal, and RWD is just more fun in the sun.
• Infotainment system works great, very easy to navigate
• LOVE the HUD. I was on the fence about the GT1 vs. GT2 trims, the HUD made the difference. Never had one before, would have a hard time living without it now. The ability to have the blind spot warnings appear in the HUD is great.
• Engine note inside is great. Sadly I think it's mostly artificial, but it sounds almost V8ish inside.

Cons

• Rear axle dampening isn't as good as it should be. Going over bumps at moderate speed you'll feel the back end "bounce" a bit. Can be a little unsettling going around a corner that isn't flat.
• Feels a bit heavier than the S5 (though it really isn't).
• View out the rear is a bit compromised. S5 definitely had better visibility out the back. Rear window is narrow (both side to side and top to bottom). Can be compensated for by proper mirror adjustment to eliminate blind spots, but took some getting used to.
• Some decontenting noticeable compared to established premium brands, for example, the fuel filler door needs to be opened from a push button in the cabin. The BMW and Audi both will unlock the fuel filler door with keyfob proximity.
• Personal preference, but the steering wheel is a bit thinner than the BMW or Audi, and I prefer the slightly thicker wheel of those brands.

Some initial impressions anyway from my first 3 days with the car. All in all though, it's a great car.

 

[Kia Stinger]

I just replaced my Audi S5 with a Stinger GT2 3 days ago .

Pros

• fully loaded Stinger GT2 RWD cost $6K less than a lightly optioned S5 from 3 years ago (more now), and $14K less than comparably equipped 2018 S5 Sportback. About $10K less than a comparably equipped BMW 440i Grand Coupe.
• Faster in most situations (e.g. passing). The midrange grunt in the Stinger is fantastic.
• Cornering ability, and handling in general (with a few exceptions) is great. Body roll is very well controlled.
• RWD There's definitely an appeal to having an AWD, particularly if you're in an area with snow or frequent heavy rain, but I'm in So Cal, and RWD is just more fun in the sun.
• Infotainment system works great, very easy to navigate
• LOVE the HUD. I was on the fence about the GT1 vs. GT2 trims, the HUD made the difference. Never had one before, would have a hard time living without it now. The ability to have the blind spot warnings appear in the HUD is great.
• Engine note inside is great. Sadly I think it's mostly artificial, but it sounds almost V8ish inside.

Cons

• Rear axle dampening isn't as good as it should be. Going over bumps at moderate speed you'll feel the back end "bounce" a bit. Can be a little unsettling going around a corner that isn't flat.
• Feels a bit heavier than the S5 (though it really isn't).
• View out the rear is a bit compromised. S5 definitely had better visibility out the back. Rear window is narrow (both side to side and top to bottom). Can be compensated for by proper mirror adjustment to eliminate blind spots, but took some getting used to.
• Some decontenting noticeable compared to established premium brands, for example, the fuel filler door needs to be opened from a push button in the cabin. The BMW and Audi both will unlock the fuel filler door with keyfob proximity.
• Personal preference, but the steering wheel is a bit thinner than the BMW or Audi, and I prefer the slightly thicker wheel of those brands.

Some initial impressions anyway from my first 3 days with the car. All in all though, it's a great car.

Welcome aboard, @SanDEngineer! Thank you for signing up! What a great first post - a review! That's awesome. I'm really impressed with all this talk about the midrange grunt the 3.3TT has. That's where I'd find the power most useful. It sounds like you're really happy with your Stinger - despite a few minor issues... I'm glad you found us!

 

[corradoMR2]

Test drove a GT Limited last week and signed on the dotted line! Arriving end of Dec!

Plusses:
Solid feel; Fit, finish, quality materials throughout including alcantara headliner (arguably as good if not better than my IS)
Tech (IS doesn't even come close)
Large sunroof with power sunshade (smaller on IS with manual sunshade)
Quiet ride (quieter than IS)
Nice ride comfort/handling balance (similar to IS F Sport)
Minimal body roll/tight handling (though limited test drive)
Smooth engine and tranny shifts
Power felt though limited in the test drive




Minusses:
8" screen could be bigger
Harmon Kardon sound system is not as good as Mark Levinson in Lexus (subjective)
Low seating position (despite highest seating adjustment)
Rear seat room a little better than IS, but so-so for its overall size
Carpeting looks somewhat cheap
Cheap-looking lower center console plastic at rear with "bug-eyed" vents
Uninspiring engine/exhaust note (IS far sportier sounding)
Rear visibility is limited due to thick C-pillar and small rear glass (but 360 cam compensates
KIA badge... sorry if anyone is offended by this, but the fact that I bought the car coming from years of luxury car ownership is a testament to the quality product the Stinger is!

 

[Kia Stinger]

Test drove a GT Limited last week and signed on the dotted line! Arriving end of Dec!

Plusses:
Solid feel; Fit, finish, quality materials throughout including alcantara headliner (arguably as good if not better than my IS)
Tech (IS doesn't even come close)
Large sunroof with power sunshade (smaller on IS with manual sunshade)
Quiet ride (quieter than IS)
Nice ride comfort/handling balance (similar to IS F Sport)
Minimal body roll/tight handling (though limited test drive)
Smooth engine and tranny shifts
Power felt though limited in the test drive

View attachment 1303


Minusses:
8" screen could be bigger
Harmon Kardon sound system is not as good as Mark Levinson in Lexus (subjective)
Low seating position (despite highest seating adjustment)
Rear seat room a little better than IS, but so-so for its overall size
Carpeting looks somewhat cheap
Cheap-looking lower center console plastic at rear with "bug-eyed" vents
Uninspiring engine/exhaust note (IS far sportier sounding)
Rear visibility is limited due to thick C-pillar and small rear glass (but 360 cam compensates
KIA badge... sorry if anyone is offended by this, but the fact that I bought the car coming from years of luxury car ownership is a testament to the quality product the Stinger is!

View attachment 1302

Thank you very much for the review and comparison to the Lexus IS. Coming from Lexus is definitely saying something for Kia and there are obviously plusses and minuses for you - but I think all in all you sound pretty happy with the car. I bet you'll feel even better once you can start driving it.

 

[corradoMR2]

Thank you very much for the review and comparison to the Lexus IS. Coming from Lexus is definitely saying something for Kia and there are obviously plusses and minuses for you - but I think all in all you sound pretty happy with the car. I bet you'll feel even better once you can start driving it.

Yes, definitely positive so far from the test drive. Time well tell but I'm optimistic! If Kia can be at the top with Toyota and Lexus on reliability, its desirability will skyrocket and bye bye brand stigma!

 

[BahamaTodd]

My short test drive at the LA auto show:
https://stingerforum.org/threads/stinger-test-drive-at-the-la-auto-show.1180/

 

[Kia Stinger]

Another test drive right here:
https://stingerforum.org/threads/kia-stinger-test-drive-rear-wheel-drive-gt.1283/