Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "A do-it-all driver's car | 2022 Kia Stinger Review" video.

  1. Kudos for reviewing the GT-Line Stinger. At an MSRP of slightly over $40K with AWD, upgraded HK sound with 15 speakers, and a sunroof, it's a screaming bargain. That's especially the case with the addition of the 2.L turbo that replaces the previous 2.0L engine. (That 2.0L version, by the way, is inexplicably retained in the base Genesis G70 model, at least for the present.) With the new engine and AWD 0-60 mph in ideal conditions is 5.1 seconds. That's about 1.5 seconds quicker than the model with the previous engine and only about 0.5 seconds slower than the comparable GT1 and GT2 V6 twin turbo models. Willing to sacrifice half a second in 0-60 time for a savings of up to $14,000? I would. Furthermore, the GT-Line comes with the same engine as the KIA K5 GT and Sonata N-Line. But each is available only in FWD that without any form of LSD makes putting the full power to the road very difficult. The Stinger's available AWD largely solves that problem. With a significantly more upscale interior and amenities that include greater passenger and cargo space than the K5 or Sonata the MSRP difference of around $4000 for the Stinger seems well worth it. And compared to a top trim Touring model Accord or an XSE Camry V6 with MSRPs around $38K and no AWD, the Stinger is even more appealing. Finally, it's worth understanding just what kind of vehicle the Stinger is. Unlike its G70 cousin, the Stinger isn't a "sports sedan" in the BMW 3 series mold. Rather, it is a true "GT" (Grand Touring) vehicle designed to transport four or five passengers and their gear at high speeds (100 mph+) over meticulously maintained European highways and over winding backroads many of which were originally laid down by the Romans. Comparable GT vehicles are the far more expensive Audi A7 Sportback and the VW Arteon. The VW is comparably priced to the GT-Line Stinger with slightly less power. That deficit, however, can be eliminated with a relatively inexpensive ECU tune in about half an hour. And for 2022, the US will be getting the Eurospec Version of the Arteon with power and performance comparable to the GT-Line Stinger. I've driven both the current GT-Line Stinger and the R-Line Arteon. For me, the VW wins but only by a nose. Despite earlier reports that KIA would drop the Stinger after mid-2022, KIA now says that the Stinger will continue at least until the 2023 model. Whether there will be a new generation Stinger, however, is questionable. KIA is putting their performance eggs in the fully electric basket with the EV6, a vehicle with considerably better straight line performance in its top trim than the V6 Stinger. Some speculate that if the Stinger survives it will be an EV, not an ICE vehicle. Time will tell. What is certain, however, that anyone tempted to purchase a top trim Accord or Camry or the KIA K5 GT or Hyundai Sonata N-Line would be well advised to take a close look at the GT-Line Stinger.
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