The Official Stinger Feature Wishlist

[Karl Davlin]

I've got another one, in event of the unlikely chance Kia/Hyundai scan this forum:

An optional hybrid rearview mirror where it can either be configured to be a screen displaying the view of a rear-facing camera, or an actual mirror, like the new C8 Corvette. This would solve the rear visibility problem .

The 2021 Toyota Venza has the rear-view mirror that switches between a mirror or camera with the push of a button. The camera is very clear and high res. It is very cool.

 

[AusStinger]

I have a gt option without a sunroof, it's a base gt. It has awd as an option, which I have, yet I can't have a sunroof. They don't come with a sunroof. I absolutely hate it, paid 36k and I couldn't even get a sunroof unless I got a gt1 for 40k. I used to use my sunroof a lot on previous cars

Where I live in Australia the summers are hot and humid ( near the coast ) so my #1 feature I wanted in the Stinger was the vented seats. To get that I had to get a sunroof ( we have different options/versions to America ). Just a personal preference but I don't like sunroofs. Plus I like the fact that there's more structural integrity without a sunroof.

 

[Transmetal]

Where I live in Australia the summers are hot and humid ( near the coast ) so my #1 feature I wanted in the Stinger was the vented seats. To get that I had to get a sunroof ( we have different options/versions to America ). Just a personal preference but I don't like sunroofs. Plus I like the fact that there's more structural integrity without a sunroof.

Hey, I totally understand, people have different likes, needs, wants. Which is why I miss the days of being able to cherry pick options when buying a vehicle. My budget was limited (since recently buying a new house) so I had to get a gt, instead of a gt1/gt2. Had to have awd instead of rwd (live in MN). If money wasn't an issue I woulda got a ceramic silver gt2. Really wanted the 8" screen, sunroof and the smart trunk. The rest of the gt2 package isn't that big a deal to me. I will be swapped in the 8" screen and the nav head unit out of the gt2, already have all the parts. I've gotten used to not having a sunroof but I still miss it and obviously still complaining about it

 

[AusStinger]

Hey, I totally understand, people have different likes, needs, wants. Which is why I miss the days of being able to cherry pick options when buying a vehicle. My budget was limited (since recently buying a new house) so I had to get a gt, instead of a gt1/gt2. Had to have awd instead of rwd (live in MN). If money wasn't an issue I woulda got a ceramic silver gt2. Really wanted the 8" screen, sunroof and the smart trunk. The rest of the gt2 package isn't that big a deal to me. I will be swapped in the 8" screen and the nav head unit out of the gt2, already have all the parts. I've gotten used to not having a sunroof but I still miss it and obviously still complaining about it

"If money wasn't an issue I woulda got a ceramic silver gt2."

LOL, Just got back from dropping a friend off to pick his new 2021 Ceramic Silver GT ( the top spec over here ). Going over to see it this afternoon.
Park my Red 2020 next to his Ceramic 2021 and play spot the difference

 

[Transmetal]

"If money wasn't an issue I woulda got a ceramic silver gt2."

LOL, Just got back from dropping a friend off to pick his new 2021 Ceramic Silver GT ( the top spec over here ). Going over to see it this afternoon.
Park my Red 2020 next to his Ceramic 2021 and play spot the difference

I crashed my car in July 2020, didn't even know that they didn't make ceramic silver in a gt for the 2020 model. The whole time I intended on buying a gt2, then a gt1, once the numbers were crunched. I had to "settle" on a awd gt if I wanted to buy new, which is what I wanted to do. Ceramic silver was my 1st and only choice, then I was open to micro blue, indigo blue, red. Of course none of those colors could be had in a gt when I was ready to buy. The dealership that I bought my car from has a whole bunch of 2021 ceramic silver cars in stock now. I actually thought about trading mine in on the color I wanted but I'd lose money I'm sure.

 

[colnago1331]

Hey, I totally understand, people have different likes, needs, wants. Which is why I miss the days of being able to cherry pick options when buying a vehicle. My budget was limited (since recently buying a new house) so I had to get a gt, instead of a gt1/gt2. Had to have awd instead of rwd (live in MN). If money wasn't an issue I woulda got a ceramic silver gt2. Really wanted the 8" screen, sunroof and the smart trunk. The rest of the gt2 package isn't that big a deal to me. I will be swapped in the 8" screen and the nav head unit out of the gt2, already have all the parts. I've gotten used to not having a sunroof but I still miss it and obviously still complaining about it

Sadly I think the days of cherry picking options are pretty much over, at least with mainstream vehicles. Manufacturers have essentially concluded that people who really want sunroofs are willing to pay $4,000 for it, even if it means getting a bunch of stuff they don't want (or at least don't care about); and people who aren't willing to pay that will simply buy the lower trim model that doesn't include it. To me it's a lot like the cable TV model. I always used to gripe about not being able to "buy" channels on an a la carte basis, but the truth is if I wanted ESPN and other sports channels I would pay the extra $80 to get them along with the 73 other channels I had no interest in . . . and cable companies knew that. (For you young'uns, I'm talking before streaming services were so widespread. )

 

[Transmetal]

Sadly I think the days of cherry picking options are pretty much over, at least with mainstream vehicles. Manufacturers have essentially concluded that people who really want sunroofs are willing to pay $4,000 for it, even if it means getting a bunch of stuff they don't want (or at least don't care about); and people who aren't willing to pay that will simply buy the lower trim model that doesn't include it. To me it's a lot like the cable TV model. I always used to gripe about not being able to "buy" channels on an a la carte basis, but the truth is if I wanted ESPN and other sports channels I would pay the extra $80 to get them along with the 73 other channels I had no interest in . . . and cable companies knew that. (For you young'uns, I'm talking before streaming services were so widespread. )

Man you sure we not twins??? Was just talking to my son yesterday about this as I was opening the damn cable bill. Told him how a la carte would be SOOOOO much better.

 

[AusStinger]

My 2020 next to friends 2021.

 

[AusStinger]

Sadly I think the days of cherry picking options are pretty much over, at least with mainstream vehicles. Manufacturers have essentially concluded that people who really want sunroofs are willing to pay $4,000 for it, even if it means getting a bunch of stuff they don't want (or at least don't care about); and people who aren't willing to pay that will simply buy the lower trim model that doesn't include it. To me it's a lot like the cable TV model. I always used to gripe about not being able to "buy" channels on an a la carte basis, but the truth is if I wanted ESPN and other sports channels I would pay the extra $80 to get them along with the 73 other channels I had no interest in . . . and cable companies knew that. (For you young'uns, I'm talking before streaming services were so widespread. )

Cherry picking options is still available but we're then talking about house prices for a car ( Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin etc ).

As a mechanic, I remember the days when a customer would request a sunroof and we would get out the template and cutting tools and install the sunroof ! I still cringe when I think about cutting into the roof of a new car.... And since we're talking about "now vs then", we also used to install the entire air conditioning system into the cars before delivery. Yes, A/C 'was' an option.

 

[Transmetal]

My 2020 next to friends 2021.
View attachment 54492

Huh?

Since when does the new model not have Stinger on the back? And isn't that a 2022?

 

[colnago1331]

Huh?

Since when does the new model not have Stinger on the back? And isn't that a 2022?

I believe that most of the world got the new Stinger as a 2021 model (but without the new Kia logo). North America is getting it as a 2022.

 

[Transmetal]

Ah, makes sense

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

I like how a lot if the features people are requesting are just software based. We really need to petition manufacturers to keep adding tweaks like this to adapt the product to customer desires and win customer loyalty in the process. Heck tesla already does this.

 

[mfenske]

More front USB ports (that access USB drives quicker), customizable interface (start/stop, mode, etc), larger gas tank.

 

[AusStinger]

I like how a lot if the features people are requesting are just software based. We really need to petition manufacturers to keep adding tweaks like this to adapt the product to customer desires and win customer loyalty in the process. Heck tesla already does this.

100% Agree !

I'll see if I can find an email address for Kia Head office and see if they would entertain the idea/s if enough people worldwide got on board.

 

[BigCityD]

Having had my Stinger GT Limited (Canadian Version) (GT2 AWD in US) for about a month now, Wireless Apple CarPlay would be my first wish. It seems like a simple software upgrade as other Kia models have it already. As the flagship Kia vehicle it should be done. I know why they default to Comfort mode and the Engine Start/Stop function, the CAFE fuel ratings force them into it. However, you could allow us to deactivate the Start/Stop and engage sport via a hard Custom button function. This way, it's one stop functionality for the sport enthusiast. Otherwise this is the finest GT car I've ever driven. I upgraded from my 2011 Optima SX Turbo and what a difference! Faster, better grip and handling and better fit and finish. The Optima was a good start. The Stinger is the best GT car available in North America under $75,000.00.

 

[GT2Goods]

Dealerships should start working with exterior auto parts manufacturers (M&S) or showcase some parts or tell customers/buyers what is offered for the Stinger - would help with sales.

Back door handle lights, not just front.

 

[Nocostinger]

I like how a lot if the features people are requesting are just software based. We really need to petition manufacturers to keep adding tweaks like this to adapt the product to customer desires and win customer loyalty in the process. Heck tesla already does this.

It should be doable to a pretty good degree too. The current UVO system to the best of my knowledge is Android based AND will do software updates over the air.

 

[LordShadow]

It should be doable to a pretty good degree too. The current UVO system to the best of my knowledge is Android based AND will do software updates over the air.

THink though, one line of bad code and your car is *bricked*. For a more tech saavy manufacturer this isn't a problem, like Tesla. For Kia, I don't have the same level of trust in their ability to do software rollouts or firmware updates. I know that in places like Canada it seems that they do OTA updates though, so who knows?
Point being, they should offer software updates and feature upgrades that are software based for free to end users. Even if they did an Android/Apple model where they only do so for 3-5 years based on hardware compatibility.

 

[Nocostinger]

THink though, one line of bad code and your car is *bricked*. For a more tech saavy manufacturer this isn't a problem, like Tesla. For Kia, I don't have the same level of trust in their ability to do software rollouts or firmware updates. I know that in places like Canada it seems that they do OTA updates though, so who knows?
Point being, they should offer software updates and feature upgrades that are software based for free to end users. Even if they did an Android/Apple model where they only do so for 3-5 years based on hardware compatibility.

Kia actually started doing OTA updates back when the K7 launched stateside back in 2014. I've run it many times without issue. Now, the previous UVO system ran on a Windows 98 shell...that thing would brick like you wouldn't believe. I had clients come in with SXL Optimas and the "blue screen o' death" on it. Thankfully Kia put a reboot button near the screen so, easy fix.

Between both systems and their included reset button, I haven't seen the UVO completely brick beyond repair in my many years of selling Korean cars. Worry not!