US pricing?

[Merkur720]

Note that the US-spec photos from Kia do not show passenger seat movement controls mounted on the side wall as seen in the Korean-spec car. I think it is a very useful feature, but too bad Kia removed it for the US.

Our 2017 Kia Sedona SXL has those same passenger side controls. US Spec. I'm sure it will be there.

 

[Jumpy]

I'm interested in the 2.0T and was hoping it would be affordable. I don't that I ever thought it was going to start at $27k (although I would definitely buy it at that price). I got excited when some of the articles last week were saying $29k, which I thought could be reasonable depending on the options. Now, we're hearing $32k for the base and the features don't seem impressive, so I might be out. $32k still has my interest, but the features would have to justify it for me.

The base 2.0T is just too bare bones for me. I don't think I would ever settle for the worst version of any car, so that's not an option. The Premium is my target trim, but I need that to be about 35k and to have an optional GT appearance package. If not, then no thanks.

 

[davebo]

What's really impressive to me about the 2.0t is that the 0-60 is 5.9 seconds. And that's since they detuned it down from 274hp to 255 from the early 2010's in favor of fuel economy. Yet the Optimas that had the extra horsepower, and were a hell of a lot lighter than the Stinger, only did 0-60 in like 6.6 seconds. I'd be pretty happy with the 2.0t, but since I'm in a position to get the v6, of course I'm gonna.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Today's article is less specific about features, and the last sentence can either give us hope, or a chill in our bones: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2018-kia-stinger-is-a-performance-bargain-at-31900/

"Kia also mentioned that these prices might be subject to adjustment before the car actually hits dealerships later in 2017." - this is exactly why I started the "Open Letters to Kia Motors" area. Because it's possible they can still be convinced to keep the car more affordable if the right executives speaks up at the right time. But if Kia's biggest fans and loudest critics don't want to say anything..... --> SPEAK UP!

 

[jbweb7]

I'm working on an apples to apples comparison of the 2018 Dodge Charger GT, Ford Fusion Sport/Titanium, Subaru WRX Limited and the Buick Regal. Kia and the auto journalists are so very proud to be $10,000 grand under the competition for the GT. However, I don't hear as much bragging about the 2.0. Maybe all the BMW 328i drivers will be enticed by a $2000 discount on the 2.0T. However, brand snobs and the depreciation factor are going to force Kia into direct competition with the cars I list above. I know Kia wants to compete with BMW's, but I really think they need a bigger discount to pull in the BMW crowd and pull up the crowd of hi trim mass market shoppers. Why not attract both groups? Hopefully my comparison will show them the errors of their ways. If nothing else, it will help cross shoppers like myself on this forum.

 

[Kia Stinger]

I don't think Kia is aiming for BMW buyers with the Stinger. They're a tough crowd to conquest. Cadillac's CTS-V is faster than the M5 and pretty darn close to German quality with the CTS-V, but for the most part they still do not budge. Kia is most likely aiming the Stinger at Infiniti, Lexus and Acura buyers. The same goes for Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Most of those buyers are attached to the brand/badge and the feeling that goes along with owning/driving those products. It'll be decades before Kia can conquest BMW buyers.

Now that's not to say some BMW buyers are going to see the Stinger as a great value proposition and jump ship. I'm talking "generally". You can say, "everybody likes chocolate more than vanilla" - but you don't literally mean "everybody"...

 

[CoconutRob]

I was hoping for a GT spec'd 2.0, or at least a well spec'd one for 35.
Went yesterday to order my '18 loaded Mustang on xplan and will be about 38 otd. Hope they'll have official numbers by December.

On my lunch hour yesterday, I did a price comparison for every car I really like. All were more expensive than the stinger gt2 except for the regal gs (which has not been released yet). The stinger gt2 meets all my wants and needs except price but I am starting to think it's my budget not the price. With that being said if the Regal GS just does not excite me like the stinger ,but I have not seen it in person yet. So if I do not buy a Regal I will most likely save and wait until next model year to purchase the stinger gt2 (with hopefully a few new additions and bugs worked out). On a side note I think if the Toyota Camry was rwd or awd and maybe a few more hp up to 300 I would get it now.

 

[Kia Stinger]

On my lunch hour yesterday, I did a price comparison for every car I really like. All were more expensive than the stinger gt2 except for the regal gs (which has not been released yet). The stinger gt2 meets all my wants and needs except price but I am starting to think it's my budget not the price. With that being said if the Regal GS just does not excite me like the stinger ,but I have not seen it in person yet. So if I do not buy a Regal I will most likely save and wait until next model year to purchase the stinger gt2 (with hopefully a few new additions and bugs worked out). On a side note I think if the Toyota Camry was rwd or awd and maybe a few more hp up to 300 I would get it now.

I think you're right. The price really isn't bad. I've said it before - I wish they stayed under that $50k mark - and maybe they still will. But compared to what's out there, the Stinger's price is excellent.

The new Regal appears to be a really nice car. I'm almost positive it's going to give you a more luxurious, serene experience while driving. After all, that's what Buick is all about. I'm sure the GS will be "sporty" - but it's not going to hold a candle to the Stinger GT2 V6. If you're comparing it to the 2.0T, then it could be very close. But the Stinger will most likely prevail as the car that turns more heads, has more people asking about it - and has a more sporty edge...

The new Camry, while not RWD or AWD, does have 300hp. It's a pretty impressive car if you ask me. I really like it inside and out. Especially that dash. It's a really nice car. There's no more calling the Camry "vanilla". It's quite nice. But, of course, a completely different car from the Stinger or even Buick Regal GS...

 

[Bamm1]

I don't think Kia is aiming for BMW buyers with the Stinger. They're a tough crowd to conquest. Cadillac's CTS-V is faster than the M5 and pretty darn close to German quality with the CTS-V, but for the most part they still do not budge. Kia is most likely aiming the Stinger at Infiniti, Lexus and Acura buyers. The same goes for Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Most of those buyers are attached to the brand/badge and the feeling that goes along with owning/driving those products. It'll be decades before Kia can conquest BMW buyers.

Now that's not to say some BMW buyers are going to see the Stinger as a great value proposition and jump ship. I'm talking "generally". You can say, "everybody likes chocolate more than vanilla" - but you don't literally mean "everybody"...

If that is the case then someone needs to tell the folks in Kia marketing that produce their material. They had an entire webpage where they compared the Stinger's horsepower, brake size, acceleration et al to BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc.

Even in the latest announcement for the US on the 26th of Sept.: http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/12966/2018-kia-stinger-overview
They make mention of the Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 4 Gran Coupe and even the Mercedes CLS.

If they don't want me comparing then maybe, what do the kids say "keep their name out yo mouth".

 

[BahamaTodd]

Will be interesting to see where the Regal GS comes in pricing. It starts at just under $40k, but that's also with no options. It even comes with halogen reflector headlights. Based on estimates from Australian VXR reviews (>6 sec 0-60), it also sounds like its going to slower than the 4cyl Stinger.

 

[Bamm1]

Will be interesting to see where the Regal GS comes in pricing. It starts at just under $40k, but that's also with no options. It even comes with halogen reflector headlights. Based on estimates from Australian VXR reviews (>6 sec 0-60), it also sounds like its going to slower than the 4cyl Stinger.

The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback order guide puts the GS at 4270 lbs. That would explain the slow part.

 

[Kia Stinger]

If that is the case then someone needs to tell the folks in Kia marketing that produce their material. They had an entire webpage where they compared the Stinger's horsepower, brake size, acceleration et al to BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc.

Even in the latest announcement for the US on the 26th of Sept.: http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/12966/2018-kia-stinger-overview
They make mention of the Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 4 Gran Coupe and even the Mercedes CLS.

If they don't want me comparing then maybe, what do the kids say "keep their name out yo mouth".

They're mainly doing this to convince Lexus, Infiniti and Acura buyers that they can have the superior German product for less money.

Aim high. You don't want to compare yourself with "pretty darn good". You want to align with the best...

 

[eljay]

The new Regal appears to be a really nice car. I'm almost positive it's going to give you a more luxurious, serene experience while driving. After all, that's what Buick is all about. I'm sure the GS will be "sporty" - but it's not going to hold a candle to the Stinger GT2 V6. If you're comparing it to the 2.0T, then it could be very close. But the Stinger will most likely prevail as the car that turns more heads, has more people asking about it - and has a more sporty edge...

The new Camry, while not RWD or AWD, does have 300hp. It's a pretty impressive car if you ask me. I really like it inside and out. Especially that dash. It's a really nice car. There's no more calling the Camry "vanilla". It's quite nice. But, of course, a completely different car from the Stinger or even Buick Regal GS...

I'm still doing a price/feature comparison, too. I'm hoping to see a Regal GS this weekend, if there's one at the Anaheim auto show. I owe it to dad and grandpa, Buick fans both. It'll probably do in every respect except emotional appeal.

I plan to test drive the 2018 Camry, but I really dislike the dash--sorry to disagree with you, Kia Stinger--it's too busy, too many lines going too many directions, creating that black hole in the corner to the right in front of the gearshift. I don't have high hopes, though, considering the lackluster driving reviews, and the fact that it has neither Apple Carplay nor a hatch (or HUD? I'm not sure), all features I really want. I would love to hear from others on the Forum if any of you drive one.

I wouldn't be considering either of these if the GT2 RWD looked like it was coming in at $47k or below--or if it was already out there to purchase. But by making me wait, Kia is also giving me time to worry about the cost and make elaborate charts comparing it to the competition.

 

[davebo]

That 2018 Camry redesign is fine in the side and so-so in the rear, but the front grille and hood are just gross to me. I know they've been moving all the Toyota/Lexus design language to this new Neo-Tokyo anime theme, and they may have taken a lot of guff from enthusiasts for being boring appliance cars for decades, but really that was their bread and butter. Everyone I know with a Camry couldn't care less about cars or driving and just wants a box to get them to work and last 300k miles. Toyota is introducing new Gazoo Racing trim lines in future models which is great that they're actually trying to get back into performance and fun. They'll be offering a severely overpriced 205hp Yaris that I'm sure will be entertaining but cost more than a Mustang.

 

[Bamm1]

I think you're right. The price really isn't bad. I've said it before - I wish they stayed under that $50k mark - and maybe they still will. But compared to what's out there, the Stinger's price is excellent.

Here is to hoping if moves down at launch.

I wouldn't go excellent given the 11k discount Canada gets on the same top model (with more options, see below).

Not sure how I am going to like the dealer experience for recalls, warranty work, etc.

The small gas tank is an annoyance.

But, ultimately, I am MOST p**sed about the missing options (360 degree camera, wireless charging and heated rear seats). There is no reason to not offer those items in the US. I HOPE it is an error.

So to sum up, they need to make sure the above options are at least on the GT2 AWD model. Then I will see if the dealers go the "MSRP or bust" direction. if both happen, I will be officially out.

 

[Terry S]

Here is to hoping if moves down at launch.

I wouldn't go excellent given the 11k discount Canada gets on the same top model (with more options, see below).

Not sure how I am going to like the dealer experience for recalls, warranty work, etc.

The small gas tank is an annoyance.

But, ultimately, I am MOST p**sed about the missing options (360 degree camera, wireless charging and heated rear seats). There is no reason to not offer those items in the US. I HOPE it is an error.

So to sum up, they need to make sure the above options are at least on the GT2 AWD model. Then I will see if the dealers go the "MSRP or bust" direction. if both happen, I will be officially out.

My experience with my local Kia dealer when I was looking at a Niro not long ago is "MSRP PLUS ADM or bust!"

 

[Jumpy]

Kia dealers are kind of archaic. They insist on calling me and leaving voicemail (lol) rather than emailing or texting like every other dealer I've communicated with recently.

 

[davebo]

The small gas tank is an annoyance.

Wait I haven't heard anything about the gas tank yet. What size is it?

 

[jwhollan]

15.9 Gal

 

[Kia Stinger]

I plan to test drive the 2018 Camry, but I really dislike the dash--sorry to disagree with you, Kia Stinger--it's too busy, too many lines going too many directions, creating that black hole in the corner to the right in front of the gearshift.

I don't blame you. I'm kind of a tech-nut so I like all that whiz-bang-wacko stuff coming out these days. And I like the Predator-like Lexus grilles so, naturally, I like Toyota's toned-down version...

That 2018 Camry redesign is fine in the side and so-so in the rear, but the front grille and hood are just gross to me. I know they've been moving all the Toyota/Lexus design language to this new Neo-Tokyo anime theme, and they may have taken a lot of guff from enthusiasts for being boring appliance cars for decades, but really that was their bread and butter. Everyone I know with a Camry couldn't care less about cars or driving and just wants a box to get them to work and last 300k miles.

Here's the thing about making the Camry more exciting. Like you said, it's been Toyota's bread and butter for decades. Now they're not only appealing to people who don't buy based on appearance (because they really don't care what the car looks like) - but also to people who do. Those who prefer the less aggressive look by the non-sport version. Those who prefer it buy it sport version. Instead of being plain vanilla for everyone - now they're only plain vanilla for those who want it that way...