There has been talk about a mid-cycle refresh for the Kia Stinger sports car since last summer (August 2020). The mid-cycle refresh was destined for the 2021 model year, but it seems that Kia Motors held off for the 2022 model year, because the most recent news about the Kia Stinger is also introducing a new powertrain to the lineup and will be replacing one of the current options. No sense in releasing a less-powerful engine and then replacing it with a more powerful version halfway through the year – that’s just a quick way to get angry consumers feeling cheated. With this new 2.5-liter turbo engine, the new 2022 Kia Stinger should be worth the wait.
New Powertrain
Currently, the 2021 Kia Stinger is powered by one of two engine options. The standard engine, found only on the base GT-Line trim, is a Twin Scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC I4 engine, optimized with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) for added performance, can generate up to 255 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The next engine up powering the rest of the GT trims – yes, all trims on the Kia Stinger are GT trims, but only the base is a part of the GT-Line collection – is a twin turbocharged 3.3-liter DOHC V6, also optimized with CVVT, able to deliver up to 365 horsepower 376 lb-ft of torque.