What did you cross-shop with the Stinger? (440i, A5, G70)

[GronkSoyFiesta]

First, thanks for everyone's insights. This site is a goldmine for a prospective Stinger owner.

Having driven all these cars (except the yet to be released G70), here's my highly subjective evaluation.

I've seen some comparative posts get heated, so hoping to avoid that here and keep it respectful. Of all the things I'm looking at, the Stinger is unquestionably the most fun and seriously wins bang for buck. That's not my only criteria and I'm having a bit of a hard time wrapping my head around a $50k Kia, as I'm sure some of you might have. All of these cars will get hammered on depreciation, so I didn't include that, but it's a bit of an unknown with the Stinger.

What are your thoughts? How did you decide to pull the trigger on the Stinger? We are buy and hold car owners, so I want to go into this with as much info as possible.
Thank you.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I was sold over months of casually flipping through the promotional brochure. Kia, really? I kept coming back to that. I couldn't believe it was real. But finally I just went to my nearest Kia dealership and drove a GT2. Then I really, really thought about it all weekend, rereading that finely crafted magazine. I had been impressed from the getgo by the Stinger Story: the concept cars, the concept of a 70s style gran turismo retro design. I liked the whole approach: from the ground up it's a new car; years of development; testing in extreme climates, and performance testing at the Ring, etc. It all speaks to me. Imagining myself doing numerous and long road trips, I could see it happening in this car. And so I finished thinking about it and went out and bought one. The final decision was sudden. And I haven't regretted a thing over five months in. In fact, I have been repeatedly impressed by this car in ways I never expected. I am a bit of a technophobe (I only got my cell phone less than a year ago); but for some reason I didn't fear getting to know my car, and "she" has been very user friendly. Patient, even. I did a "launch control" a couple of months back and botched it and rather than let me red line, "she" took over and yanked me out of manual and dropped the RPMs: it felt very weird, but I was grateful when I realized what had happened. The stability and smoothness and quiet all betray how fast you are going. I didn't expect that either. That's enough for now.

 

[ScottM]

My comparison was against a 2017 Dodge Charger Scat Pack. I did a similar comparison spreadsheet and in the end it came down to driving both and I decided which one fit my style more (this Stinger). I think that's the key with any comparison and it is usually not included. The numbers on car a,b,c will tell you the "paper" side of things, but will never tell you which one will fit your style.

I first test drove the Stinger at KIA (15 minute mixed street and highway). I then test drove the Charger about 20 minutes later at a Dodge dealership (15 minute mixed street and highway, almost same exact route as the Stinger). For me I could tell the Charger had the motor and it was what it was, but I kept thinking about the Stinger. The KIA just did it for me in so many ways. Yes, it's a KIA...but being hung up on brand name isn't my thing.

I didn't even think about testing a BMW, Audi, etc. I appreciate the BMW's, the Audi's, and such...but I'm not in awe of them. They are what they are, designed well...with the brand name attached. Those just aren't my style, if that makes sense.

In any event, my opinion on this and I'd say this to anyone. Find the one that fits your style and go with it, analysis paralysis is a real thing.

 

[westcoastGT]

We have had 9 BMWs in our past and quite frankly I was looking for something different , better reliability , great styling and performance . The JD Power IQ surveys with Kia #1 or 2 ahead of Porsche put me over the top . I've debadged mine which changes everything from a brand perception perspective and I've worked past my brand snob issues spending way too much time in BMW service waiting rooms and driving loaners as my BMW's were being "fixed" ...............its hard to explain but I have a certain degree of smugness as I drive by the German "pack" knowing the quality and value of these cars .....................break away from the "herd" buy a GT and you'll start feeling the excitement of driving the next "ground breaker "

 

[Soca Boy]

It was easy for me, the Stinger is a great car, stands out from the pack and you get value. Is it a Porsche GT3 RS, no but boy she can make you smile.

 

[GronkSoyFiesta]

I was sold over months of casually flipping through the promotional brochure. Kia, really? I kept coming back to that. I couldn't believe it was real. But finally I just went to my nearest Kia dealership and drove a GT2. Then I really, really thought about it all weekend, rereading that finally crafted magazine. I had been impressed from the getgo by the Stinger Story: the concept cars, the concept of a 70s style gran turismo retro design. I liked the whole approach: from the ground up it's a new car; years of development; testing in extreme climates, and performance testing at the Ring, etc. It all speaks to me. Imagining myself doing numerous and long road trips, I could see it happening in this car. And so I finished thinking about it and went out and bought one. The final decision was sudden. And I haven't regretted a thing over five months in. In fact, I have been repeatedly impressed by this car in ways I never expected. I am a bit of a technophobe (I only got my cell phone less than a year ago); but for some reason I didn't fear getting to know my car, and "she" has been very user friendly. Patient, even. I did a "launch control" a couple of months back and botched it and rather than let me red line, "she" took over and yanked me out of manual and dropped the RPMs: it felt very weird, but I was grateful when I realized what had happened. The stability and smoothness and quiet all betray how fast you are going. I didn't expect that either. That's enough for now.

Thanks! the most important line to me here is "I haven't regretted a thing five months in"

 

[Joseph Spiegel]

I didn’t need a new car. I had a five year old Honda with low miles, but I’m a car guy and haven’t had a car I a decade+. I saw it and I knew. I wanted the Stinger. My first view on YouTube (can’t remember what was true first) maybe MotoMan or Doug or an accidental viewing of someone loving the car. I compared nothing else, I’d keep the Honda if I could not find the deal to make it happen. Paying over sticker is not something I do. So, no deal was a non-starter. Then I learned here about the lease rebate. Found my car was worth more than anticipated at CarMax and checked Costco to see what my starting point would be. It all worked out for the good.

 

[Ruturaj]

My friend has Lexus IS 300, loved red seats and handling on that. I was dead set on getting a GS 350 F sport. Then Kia Stinger started showing up in news. Another car I considered seriously was 2019 RDX SH-AWD (as a family car).

I have bought the stinger yet, but would probably get 2019 if lease rebates continue of at least $6500 value (as of initial deal on 2018).

 

[bumble bee]

Word of mouth took me to the web page. Checked it out and loved the info and the stinger. Went few days later...bam just a wicked ride.

 

[Dubbaduba]

I was coming from an Acura TSX which was a very good car for me so I wanted to stick with Acura and was looking at the 18 TLX. Went for a test drive in one and the v6 power was not very impressive, although the SHAWD could definitely be felt. Also there is a ton of user reviews having issues with the transmission and vibration throughout the car so I took it off the list. Next was a '17 Audi A4 but after dealing with dealers who did not want to budge on price and then seeing the extra costs of the warranties or out of pocket expenses I did not want to deal with it.

Saw all the reviews on the Stinger and decided to take one for a spin. I was very impressed but I even tried to talk myself out of it cause "It's a KIA" but I talked some sense into myself. Pulled the trigger and have been very happy.

 

[Waynerm002]

I can speak from another KIA product, the Optima, I have had 3 in 6 years and haven't experienced any major issues with them. Backup camera went wonky on the 2014 and it got replaced. My buddy has a '12 Optima hybrid, he drives the snot out of it, in the over 120K miles he has put on it, the issue he had was the heated steering wheel works intermittently, the power adjustment for the passenger backrest sticks at times and he broke a spring at 105 miles. Typically, if folks complain about something or an issue crops up, it is fixed in the next year release, not a mid-cycle refresh.

Most KIA owners will say they are reliable and they typically but another one. For me, it was the additional options over my 5 series and cost that lead me to the Optima and the Stinger is the car we have been hoping the Optima would be so Stinger it is for me. Crossed shopped Genesis G80 Sport, looked at A5 and 4GC, the A5 was the one I initially though about getting as I loved it's designed when it first came out (years ago across the pond) and was ecstatic when I found out it was stateside. Then when I saw the Stinger I was intrigued, when I drove it, that was it! I wanted that car! For me, I'm happy with KIA's treatment, their vehicles, they way they perform has been getting better and now this car that drives like a BMW, yep, I'm in for one!

 

[Socalstinga]

My perspective was “I don’t drive Kias” lol. Not enough power, not tough enough, not enough luxury yada yada. But I’d been following this concept since 2015ish from seeing it at a car show. Never thought they’d actually make it.
Cross shopped w/ :
A5 sportback
ATS
A7
440 GC m package(excellent mechanically but small for my needs)
GS 350 f sport(felt big but really nice interior; not as fast as I thought)
Jag (really disappointed w/ that one)
3 series m package(too small)
Infiniti Q70 RS( for 400hp felt slow)

I really liked the 4GC but had so many issues w/ a previous 335. Previous experience w/ my Porsche Cayenne maintenance costs totally put any “high end” cars out of the park (I commute 50+ miles daily).

I test drove all the cars on the list 2-3 times and the stinger 3 times. The process was literally over 4 months but kept going back to the stinger. I was always hesitant w/ first year models but remembered my Infiniti was a mid cycle refresh and had issues w/ tranny calibration so rendered the first year model argument moot, at least to me.

Needed a car that was comfortable for DD, practical for two car seats and giant stroller, but still had enough oomph to be fun to drive. The stinger wasn’t perfect w/ some cheaper interior materials but had enough quality in areas that counted. Mechanically- it was really good, felt solid smooth tranny powerful engine really good handling for such a big heavy car. It’s also a very modifiable car (the aftermarket is still catching up) and just seemed more fun than anything I tested.

If I didn’t drive so much for work, I would’ve went rs7 or m3 sedan (but my cousin has one and it’s just too small and expensive to maintain). The stinger gave me a good balance of luxury performance and practicality - so much different than any other car tested (w/ the weird quirks too lol). We’ll see if it is tough enough and stands the test of time. My Infiniti has been solid for 7 years so if the stinger craps out I still have my G.

 

[BlaydeX15]

I can come in at the low end here, since I didn't buy a $50k Kia, I bought a $38k Kia and paid 31k for it. Lol. I was looking to replace a 2011 Fusion v6 SEL w/240hp and ~90k miles that was starting to develop transmission issues that I didn't want to deal with. I wanted something with a bit more oomph, a slicker more modern look, big enough to fit a weekends worth of luggage, and room for my family of 4 when necessary (I just bought my wife a minivan just so it wouldn't be necessary very often, lol). As far as tech, I wanted a touch screen with android auto, didn't want a sunroof, and didn't care about drive assist features. I also wanted to buy new, because I wanted to know my car had been taken care of properly. My choices boiled down to:

Ford Fusion Sport (325 HP, 40k, FWD)
Nissan Altima SL (270 HP, 33k, FWD)
Chevy Impala Premier (305 HP, 38k, FWD)
Toyota Camry XLE V6 (301 HP, 34k, FWD)
Kia Optima SX (245 HP, 32k, FWD)
Buick Regal GS (310 HP, 40k, AWD)

After considering the looks, I removed the Camry and Impala. I test drove the Optima and Altima, and they weren't fast enough, so those got axed too.

That left me with the Fusion Sport and the Regal GS. Both at the top end of my budget, but I could make it work. Test drove both of those, didn't like the weird center console of the Fusion, but the Buick was pretty nice. Then Ford announced they were going to kill off most of their passenger car line, and the last thing I wanted was to be stuck on the last MY of a dead car, would make parts rare and expensive. No thanks.

So it was down to the Buick. I was skeptical to drive an old person car, but it honestly wasn't bad. It handled better and was tons faster than my Fusion. I didn't love it, but it wasn't bad. I was about to pull the trigger, but then I heard about the Stinger.

Kia Stinger GT (365hp, 38k, RWD)

Whoa.

Faster, cheaper, and RWD. It was BEAUTIFUL compared to everything else I was considering, especially in Blue. It was faster and handled better, it was new and unique, the inside looked great, and to top it off, I couldn't find a SINGLE bad review of the car, anywhere. Everyone that drove it, loved it. The warranty didn't hurt either. Lol. To everyone else, Kia was fighting an underdog battle vs Audi, Lexus, BMW and Benz. But to me, it was absolutely destroying the top end Ford, Nissan, Chevy and Toyota offerings. Unfortunately, I was missing out on some options with a low end 'luxury' car vs a top of the line 'nice' car, but nothing I cared too much about. Sunroof, driver assist and adaptive suspension? Eh. The only reason I got any of that in the other cars was because they were a prerequisite for the good engine. Lol. It had a touch screen with android auto, big engine, good looks inside and out, and leather seats. I was happy.

So I spent the next few months researching everything I could about the car, watching videos, reviews, etc. I got pricing, juggled and pulled some pretty cutthroat pricing wars between the dealers in my area, took advantage of some lease offers, and my final quoted price of 31.5k after incentives was low enough that I was able to convince my wife to not murder me. So I went to buy one as a birthday present to myself. Saw it in person and I was in love. Nearly crapped myself freeway merging on the test drive, but it was solid, it felt good to drive, and I knew it was everything I wanted it to be. Signed the paperwork, and she was mine. Bwahaha.

4 months later, and I still do a double take to admire her as I walk into the office. I'll even pop open the garage door when I'm at home just to have a quick look. I can't help but smile any time I sit down to go for a drive, it's always exciting. I'm probably still in the honeymoon phase, but at this rate, it's going to last a looooong time. Lol.

 

[Dan1028]

I cross shopped with Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport and Infiniti Q50.

The unknown reliability of the Alfa was a put-off, but I did like the car a lot. The Infiniti I had not test driven, but I always liked the G35/37. In the end, the practicality, style, alleged reliability, and warranty sold me on the Kia -- even if it was more expensive in the end.

 

[MerlintheMad]

4 months later, and I still do a double take to admire her

Five months later, and I still do a double take to admire her.

Long honeymoons are the best.

 

[AngryVirginian]

Your data table is a little skewed. The sale price of the Stinger GT2 AWD should be $10,000 (or more) off MSRP based on current incentives and average negotiated price reported in this forum. My assumption is that the $52,000 MSRP you have there is for a GT2 AWD. The reliability of the Stinger should be higher than 3 as the car is backed by a 10 year 100k miles drive-train warranty.

I don't have a Stinger yet but I have already made up my mind on a GT2 AWD. Waiting to see the price of 2019 MY as it should come with a 360 camera system in which I want. I am cross-shopping with S5 Sportsback and Accord 2.0t Touring. The S5 is very nice but too rich for my wallet. The Accord is an excellent car at its price but a little too ubiquitous for me.

 

[Sasben]

I came from a BMW 335i European delivery so had it on amazing roads for a month too etc.

This time around it was either the 2018 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport AWD Sedan or something else.

Wife said that douchbags drive Jags and how about I get a Honda or Nissan or reasonable Kia for once.

Found the stinger, watched vids and bought it after a test drive a few days later. It’s awesome

 

[hummus]

I was also cross shopping the higher end family car, specifically the NMS Passat GT. Already have one in the family, and it is a gem in its own way. It's got some interesting upgrades over the sharp-looking Passat R-Line, namely a sweetly sonorous 3.6 VR6 engine complete with a tuned exhaust and tastefully lowered suspension on 19" wheels. It's also surprisingly roomy inside when you step in, even after reading and watching video reviews on it, which all praise this exact feature. Between the warbly quasi-straight six "Chewbacca" tunes, the addictive DSG blats on throttle overrun during manual upshifts, and the smooth ride, it gives great driving vibes. I find the only functional downside is its inability to settle quickly over a large rise, such some railroad crossings.

While I was deciding on the Passat, I test drove a base model Stinger. The lease amounts were similar, with the Stinger having a lower discounted cap cost and the Passat having better residual.

The Stinger 2.0T was a revelation. Soooo refined. Incredibly solid, impeccably built. It's an engineering triumph for a car this large to change direction so decisively and nimbly. I expected the Stinger to handle better, but I didn't expect it to ride better--and it surely does. In its break-in infancy, the Stinger's drive train doesn't appear to match the Passat's VR6/DSG combo. I am okay with that, as it is still more than smooth and powerful enough, and it should redeem itself at the pump. I suppose I could tune it as well, and probably give it a significant performance advantage. The main functional downside I have with the Stinger is rear visibility, as I don't have the DriveWise package with rear cross-traffic alert. It hasn't been a problem yet, but at some point, backing out of a spot from between two SUVs will be a scary prospect.

For my shopping range:
Passat GT VR6: 90/100 drive train, 65/100 handling, 80/100 ride, 100/100 passenger space, 80/100 cargo
Stinger 2.0t: 80/100 drive train, 95/100 handling, 95/100 ride, 85/100 passenger space, 90/100 cargo

 

[westcoastGT]

I came from a BMW 335i European delivery so had it on amazing roads for a month too etc.

This time around it was either the 2018 Jaguar XE 35t R-Sport AWD Sedan or something else.

Wife said that douchbags drive Jags and how about I get a Honda or Nissan or reasonable Kia for once.

Found the stinger, watched vids and bought it after a test drive a few days later. It’s awesome

.........hmmmmmmmmmmm ......douchbags drive Jags .......................Bawaaaaa funniest thing I've read here in months ! Tell your wife she's a gem !!

 

[SOCAL2.0]

First thing to remember is that I went into the dealer looking for a Niro plug in which at the time was unavailable in it top trim anywhere in SOCAL. The dealer did have a Stinger base for the same monthly lease payment as the Niro that he didn't have. I then told him I was willing to pay $25 more a month to get the Premium 2.0 with Drive Wise. Few trips to the Managers office and with the assurance that I was a veteran I got the deal. Very happy with my choice.