Summary
When the Kia Stinger launched in the winter of 2017/18, it was something very different and distinctive from the Korean brand, described by its designers as a Grand Tourer for long-distance motoring and with an exterior shape apparently partially inspired by a Coca-Cola bottle.
Most reviewers praised the Stinger as evidence of how far Kia has progressed as a manufacturer, and Autocar added that the rear-drive chassis, Kia’s first, showed that the brand “wants to be taken seriously as a manufacturer of impressively engineered, engaging driver’s cars.”
When first on sale in 2017, the Stinger was available with two petrol or a diesel engine. However as part of an update in 2020 only the 3.3-litre turbo petrol unit was retained, its 370hp put through an eight-speed auto-manual gearbox and Kia quoting a 4.9-second 0-62mph time.
Testers liked the potency of this engine. Carbuyer said it beats its sportiest rival in the Audi range for power and added; “We reckon the Kia is even more entertaining to drive than the four-wheel-drive Audi RS5 Sportback quattro, which is far more expensive.”
The Kia’s price became even more attractive when its specification is taken into account; “It comes loaded with equipment,” said Carbuyer, pointing out the wireless phone charging, powered tailgate, 360-degree camera, sunroof and top-level sound system, as well as the Kia standard seven-year warranty.
That body shape did have some drawbacks, however. While rear seat headroom was better than one might expect, Motors.co.uk pointed out that the 406-litre boot “is a bit behind the rest of the class.”
Overall, however, the car’s distinctive looks and exclusivity won it fans, Top Gear concluding; “There’s more than enough to like here for the Kia Stinger to deserve its albeit small following.”
Kia announced in November 2022 that the Stinger has been permanently withdrawn from sale in the UK, although it remains available in other markets around the world. There may be some stock available at your local Kia dealer if you want to get in before they’re all gone.
No longer on sale, the Kia Stinger holds an Expert Rating of 71% from 22 reviews.
Stinger highlights
- Distinctive, bold looks
- Rear-drive powertrain aids handling
- Seven-year warranty
- Extensive equipment adds value
Stinger lowlights
- Badge still turns some off
- Big engine costs in economy and emissions
- Boot not as big as rivals
- Intrusive stability and traction electronics
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door liftback
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £42,655 on-road
Launched: Winter 2017/18
Last updated: Summer 2020
End of production: Late 2022
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 3.3-litre petrol automatic GT S
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Does the Kia Stinger deserve to stand alongside similar cars from Audi and BMW? Yes, definitely. It’s not perfect, but it’s more than a match for the German duo.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic
Score: 7 / 10
“Despite the smaller engine and lower list price, Kia’s most affordable Stinger retains much of its charm.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kia Stinger has the muscle, quality, kit and style to upset the sporty executive class regulars.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic GT-Line S
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kia Stinger makes a decent fist of matching but not bettering key cars in this class in most areas, although it falls down in a significant one: efficiency. It’s a shame given this diesel variant is likely to be used as a business vehicle by many people.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 3.3-litre petrol automatic GT-S
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Kia Stinger GT-S is a great first attempt at a potent sports saloon from the brand and is a worthy alternative to its German rivals.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“A sleek and sporty alternative to premium German models like the Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, the Kia Stinger does an admirable job of pushing Kia into new premium territory. The Stinger is an excellent car with distinctive looks, loads of kit and real driver appeal.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“As a comfortable, responsive, well-equipped and refined grand tourer, the Kia Stinger doesn’t fall too short of the mark at all. Breaking into the executive saloon segment with little to no prior experience was never going to be a cakewalk for Kia.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic GT Line
“The diesel may sound hoarse, but the eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth right through the range, allowing for effortless overtaking when needed. It has still got plenty of bite when bouncing the rev counter though, allowing you to detour off the beaten track onto a B road if you fancy it.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Kia Stinger is a sporty four-door family car that looks like great value next to German rivals.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Kia Stinger is a smart-looking coupe that’s exciting to drive, comfortable and comes with a seven-year warranty – but it’s almost as expensive as more premium alternatives.”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic GT-Line S
Score: 8 / 10
“The Stinger certainly grabs attention, and should help change perceptions of Kia, but it’s tricky to recommend a car that’s more than 30g/km off the best rivals.”
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“In its most powerful V6-powered form, the Stinger works as a real drivers’ car. While the four-cylinder models are also enjoyable.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel automatic GT-Line S
Score: 9 / 10
“The Kia Stinger 2.2 CRDi GT-Line S combines a fantastic driving experience with comfort, space and good economy on long journeys.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kia Stinger is not an obvious choice and might take a bit of explaining to people who don’t quite get what it’s all about. It’s an interesting alternative to premium German rivals, however, and its rarity means it turns heads in the way a BMW 4 Series never will.”
Read review
Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Kia Stinger is a rather hefty saloon, meaning there’s plenty of passenger room. Even in the rear, where one may assume the sloping roofline might cut into headroom, space is in fact quite generous.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Kia’s flagship model doesn’t disappoint.”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: 3.3-litre petrol automatic GT S
“Kia reckons it’ll sell about 2,000 a year of the Stinger in the UK. A bullish claim but why not when it’s the fastest and prettiest Kia ever. After our test drive, we think it might also be one of the best value cars on the market right now.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 3.3-litre petrol automatic GT-S
Score: 8 / 10
“In many ways better than a fast BMW, Merc or Audi, but you’ll never buy one” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic S Premium
Score: 8 / 10
“With a seven-year warranty and PCP finance deals that vie with the best, the Kia Stinger makes a good case for itself as a big, old-school, rear-drive GT. Little details let it down though – they are indicative of the next steps Kia needs to take to get on terms with premium car-makers.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 3.3-litre petrol automatic GT S
Score: 8 / 10
“The Stinger GT S is not going to be a volume model for Kia, and we’d check PCP prices carefully against what the premium brands can offer. However, those buyers who do take the plunge will be rewarded with a car that is fast, fun and brilliantly composed.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“A credible first ever sports saloon from Kia. Interesting to look at, and huge value for money. Needs a better gearbox though.”
Read review
What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Avoid the less powerful engines, but the Kia Stinger 3.3 V6 GT S is a belter: sweet handling, potent and much cheaper than an Audi S5 Sportback.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 78%
Safety assist: 82%
The Kia Stinger was tested in 2017 when it launched, gaining a top-level five-star rating. Testers praised the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking system, awarding it maximum points in one of the tests. However its rear passenger protection was criticised in one test simulating an impact with a full-width barrier.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of February 2023, the Kia Sportage has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. However, it’s a performance car powered a 3.3-litre petrol V6 engine, so it’s highly unlikely to win any environmental awards…
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of February 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Kia Stinger to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Stinger, we’ll publish the score here.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia Stinger has received
2019
- What Car? Awards – Best Performance Car for less than £50K
2018
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Performance Car
- Autocar Awards – Game Changer
- iF Design Awards – Product Design
- Motor Trader Awards – New Car of the Year
- Tow Car Awards – Best Petrol Tow Car
- What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car for more than £35K
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Kia Stinger, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulia | Audi A4 | Audi A5 Sportback | BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé | Mercedes-Benz CLA | Peugeot 508 | Volkswagen Arteon
The Kia Stinger’s price put it in the mid range of its obvious rivals. It was a more distinctive and less common car than mainstream large saloons such as the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 508, and for those who are not badge conscious, a more value-pitched option to executive models such as the Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Kia Stinger at The Car Expert
Buy a Kia Stinger
If you’re looking to buy a used Kia Stinger, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
Buy a car online from your sofa. We’ll deliver it. Find out more
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more
Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more
Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Lease a Kia Stinger
If you’re looking to lease a new Kia Stinger, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Hippo Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from LeaseLoco. Find out more
Subscribe to a Kia Sportage
If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help (PS: What’s a car subscription?)