In an era dominated by SUVs and crossovers, the Kia Stinger GT stands out as a rare sports sedan. Introduced in 2017 (as a 2018 model), this sleek four-door coupe quickly proved itself with strong acceleration and agile handling. Fans loved its mix of power and practicality. However, when Kia ended Stinger production in 2022, many wondered if it marked the end of the line for true sports sedans. Rumors of a 2025 version – possibly electric – have since raised excitement and questions. In this article, we look at the Stinger’s history, its performance specs, potential 2025 updates, and how it compares to other sporty sedans.
Table of Contents
Legacy and Performance of the Kia Stinger GT
The Kia Stinger GT debuted in 2017 (as a 2018 model) as Kia’s first true sports sedan. It had a long hood, sporty grille, and a fastback roofline, signaling its performance focus. Kia positioned it against rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A5, offering similar driving thrills for less money. Over its short production run, the Stinger built a dedicated following by combining high-speed excitement with everyday practicality.
The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making about 255 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, available in rear- or all-wheel drive. For more power, the top model used a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 with roughly 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. This V6 launched the Stinger GT from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.7 seconds.
The chassis helped put those numbers to use. Kia’s engineers used a multilink rear suspension and even four-wheel steering to improve cornering. The steering feels precise, giving a confident feel through turns. Despite its performance focus, the Stinger remained comfortable on highways thanks to adjustable dampers. Overall, it handled more like a German sports car than any previous Kia, surprising many drivers.
Inside, the Stinger offered more room and features than one might expect. It had leather seating and an 8- or 10-inch touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto). Top trims added a premium Harman/Kardon sound system, a sunroof, and heated or ventilated seats. Unusually for a sports car, the Stinger has four doors and a wide hatchback trunk opening. This provides about 23 cubic feet of cargo space — plenty for luggage or large gear.
All together, the Stinger GT became known for great value. It matched or exceeded the performance of many German rivals while costing thousands less. Reviewers praised its luxury looks, sporty handling, and feature-rich interior at a bargain price. In its brief production run, the Stinger proved that Kia could build a true performance car. Its legacy is that it blurred the line between mainstream and luxury brands, showing that exciting sedans can come from unexpected places.
What to Expect from a 2025 Kia Stinger GT
After 2022, Kia officially stopped making the Stinger, which left many fans curious about the future. By 2024, whispers began that Kia might revive the Stinger concept in some form around 2025. Company leaders hinted at studying a new “halo” car, likely with an electric powertrain. If a 2025 model does appear, it would probably be an electric grand tourer rather than another gas-powered sport sedan. Rumors hint at a sleek fastback EV with instant torque and advanced technology inside. The car would likely be an all-electric sedan with instant torque and cutting-edge tech under the hood. Nothing has been confirmed.
It’s even unclear if Kia will use the Stinger name again. Patents and concept sketches hint at a futuristic sedan, but automakers often change plans. For now, we can only guess what form a new Stinger might take. The most likely scenario is a limited-run electric sports sedan that honors the original’s spirit, rather than a straightforward update of the old design.
Comparing the Stinger to Other Sport Sedans
To understand the Stinger’s place in the market, it helps to compare it with other sporty sedans, both past and present. Its main rivals have traditionally come from luxury brands like BMW, Audi, and Genesis, each with a different focus on performance and comfort.
German Competitors (BMW, Mercedes, Audi)
BMW and Mercedes-Benz have long set the standard for performance sedans. Models like the BMW 3 Series sedan (and the 4 Series Gran Coupe) focus on sharp handling and a luxurious cabin. Even the base BMWs accelerate quickly, though they carry a higher price tag than the Stinger GT. At the high end, BMW’s M3 and M4 produce supercar-like speeds far beyond the Stinger’s power, but they cost far more. Mercedes’ AMG lineup (for example, the AMG C-Class) also competes here. AMG cars have plush interiors and powerful engines, achieving similar 0-60 times (around the low-4-second range) but at a significant premium in cost.
Audi is another key player. The Audi A5 and S5 Sportback, for example, have four doors and sporty performance. The S5 (with all-wheel drive and about 349 hp) launches to 60 mph in around 4.4 seconds – a bit faster than the Stinger GT – but it starts at a much higher price. Audi cabins are very modern and tech-packed, yet they often sacrifice some cargo space for style. In general, Audis feel more tech-oriented, while the Stinger’s focus is raw driving excitement.
Genesis (Kia’s Luxury Sibling)
The Stinger GT’s closest relative is the Genesis G70, since Genesis is Kia’s luxury brand under the same parent company. In fact, the G70 uses the same platforms and engines as the Stinger. Both cars offer the same turbocharged choices (a 2.0L four-cylinder or a 3.3L V6), and their performance is nearly identical. The differences come down to luxury and style. Genesis gives the G70 an even more upscale interior and a firmer suspension. The Stinger GT, being a hatchback, has a bit more cargo space and a more approachable price. In the end, they share the same heart, and choosing between them often comes down to personal preference for luxury badge versus practicality.
Pros and Cons of the Stinger GT
Pros: The Kia Stinger GT’s biggest strengths are its powerful engines and responsive handling. Drivers praise its 3.3L twin-turbo V6, which delivers quick acceleration and a satisfying exhaust note. The four-door layout and large hatchback trunk make it much more practical than most sports cars. The Stinger also came well-equipped: even base models had heated seats and modern safety features, while higher trims added luxury touches like a premium sound system. All this came at a much lower starting price than many rivals, plus Kia’s long warranty for peace of mind.
Cons: The Stinger GT is relatively heavy (around 3,800–4,000 pounds), so it isn’t as quick or agile as some lighter sports cars. This weight also means fuel economy is only average. Some drivers missed having a manual transmission (it was offered early on but then dropped). Its interior materials and technology can feel dated compared to newer luxury sedans. Finally, production has ended, so there won’t be any new Stinger models in the future.
FAQs
Q: Will Kia bring back the Stinger GT in 2025?
A: Kia has not announced any 2025 Stinger GT. The original Stinger ended production in 2022. However, the company’s leaders hinted at studying a high-performance sedan. If a new “Stinger” appears, it will likely be an electric halo model or concept car, rather than another gasoline version.
Q: What are the key specifications of the Kia Stinger GT?
A: The Stinger GT came with two engine choices. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making about 255 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The high-performance version used a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 with roughly 365 hp and 376 lb-ft. Both used an 8-speed automatic transmission. By default it was rear-wheel drive (all-wheel drive was optional). With the V6, the Stinger GT could do 0–60 mph in roughly 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed north of 160 mph.
Q: Which sports sedans compete with the Kia Stinger GT?
A: The Stinger GT’s rivals include models like the BMW 3 Series (and 4 Series Gran Coupe), Audi’s A4/A5 (especially the S4/S5), and Mercedes-AMG C-Class sedans. Its closest sibling is the Genesis G70, which shares the same platform and engines. Other examples are the (now discontinued) Cadillac CT4-V/CT5-V and sporty Lexus IS sedans. What sets the Stinger apart is that it offers similar power and features at a much lower price, plus a practical hatchback design.
Q: Why do enthusiasts call the Kia Stinger GT a great sports sedan?
A: Fans love the Stinger GT because it blends speed with everyday usability. It has powerful turbo engines and a rear-drive layout for an authentic sports-car feel, yet it has four doors and a roomy hatchback trunk. It undercuts many luxury rivals on price while matching their performance. In short, it gives sports-car thrills without sacrificing practicality.
Q: Will the new Kia Stinger be electric?
A: Yes, most signs point to an electric successor. Kia has said it will focus on EVs in the coming years, and reports hint at an upcoming electric performance sedan from Kia. If that happens, the new car would use electric motors (likely dual motors with very high output), providing instant torque and very high horsepower. In other words, any “2025 Stinger” is expected to be an EV-based sports sedan rather than another gasoline GT. It may not even carry the “Stinger” name, but it would carry on the spirit of a fast Kia sedan.
Conclusion
The Kia Stinger GT has earned its place as a standout sports sedan of its era. It combined powerful engines, sharp handling, and a spacious hatchback cabin in one appealing package. Even if the 2025 model turns out to be the final chapter, the Stinger’s legacy lives on. It proved that Kia could produce a true performance car, and it delivered thrills for drivers who wanted sports-car excitement with everyday usability. Looking for more automotive insights? Check out our recent posts on TillDrive.com. Ultimately, the Stinger GT set a high bar for performance sedans — and if it truly is the last of its kind, it went out on a high note that fans won’t forget.
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