Expert Rating

Kia Stinger (2018 to 2022)

NOTICE: This car is still assessed using our previous Expert Rating Index calculations. We are currently rolling out a completely overhauled Expert Rating Index in early 2024, so this vehicle will be updated shortly.

Expert Rating

Kia Stinger (2018 to 2022)

Not a current model

    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    Kia announced in November 2022 that the Stinger has been permanently withdrawn from sale in the UK, although it remains available in other markets around the world.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


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    The Car Expert

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    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Business Car

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Company Car Today

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    Evo

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    Green Car Guide

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    Honest John

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    Motors.co.uk

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    The Sunday Times

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    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

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    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 news, reviews and information about the Kia Stinger at The Car Expert

    Kia Stinger gets tech upgrades and styling tweaks

    Kia Stinger gets tech upgrades and styling tweaks

    Kia Stinger GT-Line test drive

    Kia Stinger GT-Line test drive

    Kia Stinger GT S review

    Kia Stinger GT S review

    £32K buys Kia Stinger flagship GT

    £32K buys Kia Stinger flagship GT

    Detroit show: Kia Stinger targets the Germans

    Detroit show: Kia Stinger targets the Germans

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    Best car rankings

    The top cars in every category

    The Car Expert has the ultimate ranking of the best and worst new cars on sale, based on scores from 30 of the top UK motoring websites. We'll be adding more cars and more lists all the time, so keep checking back for the latest results.

    The Kia Stinger was one of the fastest and most distinctive car in the Korean brand's range with only its badge keeping Audi and BMW buyers at bay. Kia Stinger (2018 to 2022)