What Makes the Kia Stinger an Icon?

When it comes to the Kia Stinger sports car, it was some spectacle when it first released in early 2018. The 2018 Kia Stinger was the first model year for the new vehicle, and it instantly won many awards. Actually, the Kia Stinger won awards all year . It’s one car that breaks the sports car mold , and the Kia Stinger is faster and more affordable than many of its competitors. With all of this going for it, one has to wonder…Why wouldn’t Kia Motors name this their new halo car ? With a new Kia GT-Line set for the icon of the brand in 2020, let’s look at the 2018 Kia Stinger GT, the car that started it all.

So Much Style

First off, it doesn’t matter what tier is being driven. Whether behind the wheel of the Kia Stinger base trim (2.0L) or the high-tier GT2, this sports car is turning heads wherever it goes. Designed by the award-winning designer, Peter Schreyer, not only does the Kia Stinger command attention, but it also incites a lot of curiosity. Not many consumers are used to the blend of luxury and performance aesthetics when it comes to Kia Motors.

The fastback shape is so popular, it’s bleeding into other Kia models going forward. Because standard features are shared so well across the lineup, it’s hard to point out anything that makes the GT trim more stylish than the others. They all deserve a little praise.

Roomy for the Driver and Cargo

When it comes to the interior of the Kia Stinger, one may be surprised. Although a sports car, plopping down in the driver’s or front passenger’s seat feels very roomy. If uncertain, one may think they just stepped into a next-generation Kia Optima. The Kia Stinger and the Kia Optima are both great, roomy vehicles, but the tech and performance sets them apart.

The Stinger is a sports car, however, and that means limited room for rear passengers. Head, shoulder, and hip room are all about the same in the front and rear, but rear passengers lose nearly a foot of leg room. If just seating the driver and passenger, the rear seating is made up of a 60/40 split-folding bench for additional cargo space, a total of 23.3 cubic-feet. Plus, with the hatchback design of the trunk, loading cargo is so easy.

Multiple Personality

The Kia Stinger also comes with a bit of a diagnosis – multiple personalities. Like we said, many standard features are shared across the lineup, and Drive Mode Select is one of them. Able to choose one of 5 driving styles, the Kia Stinger morphs depending on the style selected.

Looking to save some fuel? Choose the “ECO” driving mode. For a little more performance (with launch control) and increased response, drivers will want to choose “Sport” mode. If the road’s a bit bumpy, “Comfort” mode will provide lighter handling to the driver and smoother suspension all around the vehicle. An automatic adjusting “Smart” mode adjusts vehicle operation accordingly and picks the right mix of settings depending on road conditions. Lastly, for the more advanced, there’s a “Custom” mode so that drivers can get their Kia Stinger settings _ just _ right.

The Price is Right

The 2018 Kia Stinger has a starting MSRP of $31,900 (plus destination fee). With a twin turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine under the hood, the Kia Stinger GT gets 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. Whether choosing a rear-wheel drivetrain or all-wheel drivetrain, the fuel economy is the same – 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Right now, fuel is cheap, so gunning it on the highway won’t be so bad, and is surely tempting. Just remember ECO mode for when the fuel tank is looking a little slim.

The New Icon

The Kia Stinger will always be the hallmark of when Kia Motors turned up the heat, but it was only the beginning. With Kia Motors starting its own GT-Line of vehicles, the automaker is also working on an X-Line. We saw the GT-Line earlier with the debut of the Kia Rio GT at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show , and again at the 2018 SEMA Auto Show with the Kia Forte GT . At the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2020 Kia Soul was revealed, and Kia also has a Kia Soul GT set for the lineup.

For instance, the front fascia has changed, with the headlights getting narrow and spanning across the front fascia of the car, primarily the nose. The grille has also become more angular in style for the new look of the GT-Line, combining luxury and performance. Another style appeared, the debut of the X-Line from Kia Motors, with the Kia Soul X. This trim comes with a more rounded grille and small fog lights, with a sleeker and rounded nose for a sporty appeal.

With so many great things going for Kia Motors, we can’t see the Kia Stinger losing its allure anytime soon. Still, the new GT-line and X-line vehicles are also getting a lot of attention. Check out the Kia Stinger at Miami Lakes Kia , and learn more about the new GT-line and X-line on Miami Lakes Kia social media .

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Ad Planner

Previous Post Two Kia Models Win Best Buy from Consumer Guide Next Post A New Refreshed 2019 Kia Forte Is a Great Catch