Is the base model Kia Stinger even any good?! 

My thoughts and your thoughts are pretty much the same on this car. Seriously with those Mini Cooper lights up front though lol. Also I feel the same with the liftgate and it’d be nice to see it on other cars. Awesome detail, that’s always great. Keep it up!

Glad to see a review on the 2 liter. Everyone is reviewing 3.3

I paid $37,000 for my premium. Has LED lights from the GT, Harmon kardon 15 speaker sound system, heated seats, bigger infotainment screen, slightly nicer wheels, and a sunroof. It’s also a 2.0. I love it so much! My next one will be the GT2 for sure though. Such an amazing car.

OMG! That trunk is NICE! 1st thing i noticed when i saw it at the dealership! I ended up buying a Optima GT..but im still contemplating purchasing a Stinger GT in next yr

I don't like the base wheels but damn it is a good car for the money.

Forrest. Thanks for another well though out and executed review.You’ve addressed all my questions on the 4 banger Stinger. I agree save for the GT.

Better than a base Dodge Charger

On the 2019 base you can get the led headlights, sunroof, and Harmon Kardon radio with the Sun and Sound package for $3K.

GREAT video and the blue does look pretty good...we like the white and red ones too..thanks!

I also wanna say thx for reviewing the 2.0. your video is very relevant despite the fact that the stinger is relatively unknown. from one automotive journalism enthusiast to another, I think your video is on the long side unless you have a 30 min review on every car yo do and plan do do it with most production cars. but what do I know, ive uploaded 0 videos. I still prefer your review to the hundred of CD, MT, AM, RT, Consumer Rpts, consumer guide magazines I have

Why didn't Kia at least give the lower trim models HID headlights? The Optima SX (among others) has had them for years. Would it have really been that difficult?

Thanks for the review, I'm gonna look at the premium model now. Can't afford the GT 😬

Bro I work at Kia the base model is totally worth it

I have the 19 Base with upgraded wheels. There’s nothing base about it. I have heated seats, heated steering wheel, front sensors, rear sensors, rear cross traffic alert, etc. what’s base about it? Nothing. People, get over it.

Amazing works! I am a huge fan of Kia and Hyundai for their efforts to be better and improve! Love your works for night looks and walk through everything to show about the difference between base and fully trim! I would save up and go for GT 1 (GT 1 is really good enough for me that I don't need GT 2 ). I am wondering if you may possibly review GT 1 soon or later??? Thanks !

Love my GT2 AWD and have been averaging 21-22 mpg with the v6.

Great review. Thumbs up, nice job. Yesterday I stopped off and saw the new Genesis. They had 2 of the G-70 2.0 turbo models on display. It is a sexy looking car. I didn’t have time to drive it but I’ll bet it is very quiet. It also comes with the 3.3 twin turbo motor but of course at a much higher price point. I’d probably wait a year or 2 and get one pre owned and certified. Let someone else take the depression hit. I sold high end luxury cars for 20 years and switched to Hyundai before retiring. Learned a lot about buying at a great value. 2 years old is going to be your best savings. Just make sure it’s certified by the dealer, that guarantees the car has a clean car fax and it will retain the original factory warranty. The 10 year 100,000 mile power train warranty is only given to the NEW car buyer unless it is certified by the manufactures dealer!!! Again, thanks for the great review!!! And that’s a complement from a retired luxury salesman that had 100% CSI almost every month. When you/I sell expensive luxury cars like Infiniti,Lexus, and Jaguar as I did, you learn to treat your customers like family! Not bragging, just sayin!!

I was looking for base stinger vids and found this old Forrest video 😂 Bro’s channel really grew big now

Nice video, editing has really improved. I think I would buy a loaded optima instead. But I’m old haha.

I just bought an 2018 Stinger with diesel engine, its very nice car! Had -91 year Audi S2 before, its same feeling now! 4 wheel drive and 8 automatic! Only one thing i want to change and that are the rear diffuser so i can have exhaust pipes to the left and right!

You called the look Dollar General. I laughed halfway through the rest of the video. Good stuff, guy!

Late to the party on these, but I testdrove a blue GT last night and it was a ROCKET. Got nice and sideways right on the first turn-and-stomp, with less traction-control nannying than my Challenger has - VERY easy to rein in by just feathering the throttle, super surprised. Dealership had a 4cyl also in the micro blue, but I didn’t have time to check that one out - for $6k less right out of the gate, I don’t think I’d have an issue taking the 4 at all instead of the GT. Power isn’t everything, this seems like a fantastic roadtrip car with so much room for people and/or stuff...

I had the 2.0 turbo in my Optima Sx and it went pretty good as far as acceleration. Not blazingly fast, but good enough. However, this was also a lighter and smaller car. I just don’t feel personally it’s that great of an option when you can get the twin turbo V6. It’s a night and day difference with performance. Even being cheaper, pay a little more because you’ll have V6 envy in the long run.

Thank you for this review!!

I have this car and I love it I get compliments everywhere I go.

I would purchase a base stinger. I currently own a 2016 Optima with the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine. The torque and horsepower are higher than the Optima. The dealer markups for the base model is outrageous here in Oklahoma City.

Kia cars always have so many discounts, guarantee a lower price compared to the sticker price.

Standard leather, and, if you get the Premium pkg you’ll get all the goodies. For 19, the ventilated seats are included.

Thumbs up. I think Kia did a good job of visually differentiating this car from the 3.3TT, but as you said, it just looks really really cheap. Still a compelling choice, especially compared to a loaded Accord, Camry, Malibu, ect.

Good and informative video.I think I'd opt for the Genesis G70 in 4-cylinder over this Stinger variant; lighter overall weight and a smaller package on the same chassis should equate to livelier handling. Please review that variant when you can.

In some markets, Kia does offer the GT Line trim, and it is quite popular :)

I agree with you Forrest! At that price point I'd rather buy the Camry XSE V6 for that amount of money plus more features. Yes the tuning is different but still for the money I would wait or go for another option!

The 2.0 Premium has the headlights for the GT1 and up

I have the Blue Atomic 2018 Stinger GT AWD,great in the Canadian hinterland,WOOHOOO!!!!

Good honest review, couldn't live with road noise

There IS a model between the base 2.0 and the GT. It's the "Premium." It's basically the GT1 package with the 2.0 (minus a few other things). It's the next step up and has LED headlights.

I think Korean cars are up there with Japanese cars.

There is probably a few people like me who only spend around 20k on car. I always buy something 4 or 5 years old then put 2 or three years driving on it before selling it and buying another 20k car. I don't want to pay speeding fines anymore and if i buy the fast one that's all I'm gunna do. You say it sounds crap but I can't think of a time I wasn't driving without tunes, so would prefer the thing to be quiet. Wheels are so cheap 2nd hand now that, that's not an issue anymore. If these are 37k now then I'm only a couple of years of this being in my price bracket . So this 2L, not the V6, is on my wish list for next car.

my kia forte5 sx has a lifetime powertrain warranty from dealer (I drive it hard 6 days a week for work 100 miles a day.) 120k miles on it. I've only had 2 problem, faulty spark plug and now a bad BOV. Everything has been covered under warranty great car

what is the song playing in the beginning? Great vid, keep it up!

In the UK the car you are testing is the GT. The more powerfull one is the GT-S. The car you referred to wishing existing "a base model with the looks of the GT-S" is called GT-S line.

good video man, thx

I NEED THIS SONG IN MY LIFE!

This Stingers center console area kinda reminds me of a 2017(ish) Mercedes CLA-class center console, Just the way the vents and the screen are placed/shaped. Along with the button placement for the air controls and music & media.

I wish Kia offered a naturally-aspirated V6 as an option. They sound and feel so much smoother than turbo-4’s.

Just purchased a new gt line 2 litre and can say that it’s performance rivals the Subaru Le borg 2 litre turbo. Well finished off inside and out. Great car

Great video awesome review, with nothing held back, but i'm still worried about retail value, if i went for the G.T. and sold it three years later (my usual turn around) how much of my 50 plus grand will i be getting back? only time will tell !!!

I have the 2.2 Crdi with 200hp and i'm pretty happy with it

Can't disagree that the $36k price point gives the consumer a lot of competitive options. I dig the wheels and those projector halogens should be able to be "fixed" with replacement LED bulbs. I am very glad that Kia has produced the Stinger to spur on competition. Thanks for sharing your impressions.

I have the base model in black it worth the money ride good an it turn a lot of heads

Nice color... just bought a Black GT1 ... awesome! Beats my MCpe, Porsche and Lexus G

I would like to know which car you believe is better for the money of 37,000, the Premium Stinger 2.0 or the Honda Accord touring.

Good vehicle and value, but I'd go for the Stinger GT.

31:29 How funny, I'm looking at the 2019 GT Line 2.0T 2WD right now.

Still debating between the mazda 6 and ths kia stinger. Dont really care about all the extra features and stuff, just debating on how drives, space, and safety. Was diehard fan for mazda 6 at first now I'm stuck

GT owners complain about the black chrome front grills showing water spots like crazy. I don’t have this issue with my 2.0 model regular brushed chrome look. Also some of the paints have issues and chipping. The Red, Yellow, and Blue paints having the most issues. some being resprayed but all yellows had a factory respray and cash check for the troubles. The 2.0 is a everyday drivers car that competes with the Buick Regal sport back, Alfa Giulia 2.0Ti and other cars with that size engine. While the GT is against the BMW 5 series, Audi S4, and some other twin Turbo V6 cars.

That's lakey inspired's music! 👐🏼

Crazy how a kia can look better or drive better than a Acura that’s intended to be luxurious

The front end ruins it need the gt front might be able to do a conversion if not too expensive

Wheels and instrumental cluster is exact as my 2017 Optima SXL . Although it’s good but my SXL has more features.

I cant wait for depreciation on these

My first mod when I get a stinger in the future is to completely de badge the exterior

For a base model it still has a lot of features other cars that's in base model category doesn't come with half of the stuff that this one comes with! One thing I don't like is the display sitting on top of the dash Kia should put that lower inside the dash it would make it look a lot nicer

That 2.0 turbo motor thanks to the aftermarket can get a lil more beastly bigger intercooler turbo down pipe and a lap 3 tune will put you in the 300hp club and probably 330lbs trq that will get you out the hole a lot better. Plus you 200lbs lighter than the gt. I say its a pretty fair deal for the money its like a budget audi a7.

Idk about $36,000... But I am looking at one this weekend. I’m not even going to test drive the GT because I can’t afford it.

I feel like when going thisbin depth you might need to pick up the pace a little bit

they do have the 2.0 GT Line - all features on the GT but the 2.0 engine

does this model come with the remote start feature? I couldn't really see the key fob

Anyone know the song in the intro? Something about it sounds familiar.

Hard to find the used, and the price is not dropping. Maybe it will after Stinger 2 comes out in 2021

Ummmm they do have an in between model. The 2.0 premium that gets the gt headlights and more equipment and better wheels

I own the in between they do make it. It's called the premium and I love it. I feel that it's totally worth the money. It feels well made and tight. . it's a premium built machine and runs like one too. I would like to see more reviews on the premium model. People need to face the fact that Kia stepped up it's game and built a serious euro contender but not euro... lol .. even though the designers are euro.. you tell me if the engineers and designers are from Porsche and BMW why can't this be a great vehicle? Price? Does that make it cheap or a smart buy? I think everyone spends so much time on the hate bandwagon when you should just go test drive the thing and you'll see what we see. ..unless your afraid to be different.

I’m 14 and actually sat here for half an hour and watched this

So what year is this stinger?

I prefer the headlights on the 2.0 based model i like the round lights

Does it make the turbo boost sound like the GT model?

Is this the 2018 or 19

I love Korean cars especially the Stinger, but I'd rather get the Optima SX (fwd, but way better looks) for less than $30k. The Stinger GT is a better value. Great review as always!

You can get a cheaper version with the GT looks, it is called GT Line... in EU.

Were you aware that the Kia actually gave the Stinger base model a launch mode. You should have used it in your 0-60 acceleration run. Great review though. Just fyi, preowned Stinger bases, are running low to mid 20s, that is an extreme bargain if you ask me. You lose out on the 10 yr, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty though.

Isn't gdi a mitsubishi technology????

The taillights have that dodge charger design I been noticing that a lot of these cars are designed the same for competition with the same door handles shark fin like antenna etc.

I cant see the flakes because all paint have swirls

Does the GT have the same road and wind noise?

Install a VR Tuned ECU flash on this plus a new exhaust system and air filter, you'll get probably around 310hp and 350 pounds of torque combined with the chassis.... Holy Crap that is a lot of car... And a lot of dealer incentives right now!

They should paint the brushed trim.

i guess that GTline came in handy for some folks.

i drive my accord 2013 2.4v all the time like i stole it and still it gives me well over 25mpg any day of the year...

V8 coming? They can use the Equus Genisis engine 5.0

11.8 mpg only ? I'm getting about 18 mpg with my Stinger GT Limited (V6 twin turbo) driving in Sport mode all the time ! Forget about that 4 cylinder, get the superb V6. Worth every penny.

both the 2.0 stinger and the g70 are excellent cars. the 3.3t are even better.

Good review but hating on projector beam headlights is dumb. It's a great design that controls light. Doesn't blind other drivers like the trash LED headlights do. Plus they don't cost $1,500 when the headlight goes out. Embrace projectors!

What's odd is the European market has a 2.0 GT trim.

I'd rather have the G70 with the same engine and the only thing I'd miss is the lift-back. The Stinger infotainment screen looks like a piece of crap for an overall really nice car! They would've been better off with the one from the Elantra.

Launch control???

I'm just not a fan of base models for any car. I have to have top trim or 1 step under.

I wanted to buy it, but lack of blind spot monitoring along with a 360 camera kinda killed it for me. Also, I would also be thinking "if only i got the v6". But to get the tech i mentioned it would be over 40K

As per kia... the strip behind was for the reflection mirror as per the safety rules to be sold worldwide .. they tried mounting it on the back fender but it wasn't going to look right thus they have integrated it with the taillights... it is ugly and do not light on or have any purpose than reflecting on both side from the taillights... in the video he has mentioned it with putting his hand over it and he is right it would be better looking without stretching to the sides ... personally i also do not like the light between the taillights also ... if the car was red both of them wouldn't be bad as I've seen one before

I absolutely love my Stinger GT, but I just couldn’t justify getting a base model. It starts at $32k with 255hp, whereas I could just get a loaded Optima SX for $32k with 245hp.

I have this same stinger in black