Living with the 2018 Kia Stinger 4 Cylinder Turbo: - V6 Envy? 

Coming in late to the party, but I just bought a used 4 cyl Kia stinger premium. Since I’m single and in my 20s, the first thing I did was put my foot to the floor on a left turn and even with traction control on, the rear end swung out into a power slide. For the price, I could not be happier with my performance sunroof.

Im so proud of kia turning things around and starting to shut the haters up

Got myself the Premium 4 cyl RWD stinger. Man it gets compliments everywhere. People have complimented both the exterior and interior design! I love it!

For my first car I was able to afford, I absolutely love my Stinger 2.0 premium. Granted, it is a 4 cylinder, but it does what is needed and is definitely a fun drive!

I got the more expensive one. The GT limited 365hp AWD fancy one! Thunder grey with the red leather, she is a beaut I tell ya.

I bought my first Kia Stinger , Fun car to drive and I get people asking me, “ what kind of car is that “, makes me feel like a proud owner! Kia Corp. Kudos on a well produced vehicle!

I did choose. I got the GT 2. Love it.

I'm baffled, I recently bought a Kia and I love it. I don't get why so many people hate them.

I have a white one with the AWD and it is a looker, but the beauty is not only skin deep, it’s a performer, the handling, the acceleration, this is a superb automobile period.

Most reviewers talk about soft plastics and cupholders, so I appreciate your researching medium ordnance carrying capacity .

Don't need a stiffer suspension ... unless you drive only on perfect roads.

Ever since I bought in 2013 a Kia Sorento 2.2 diesel that could outrun just about any SUV with bigger engine displacement, I have become a Kia convert and believer. Now I have a sportage and a seltos. i am proud of the badge as it stands for quality and dependability.

I Have the basic 4 cyl version and have put 3300 miles on it. It has beaten my expectations on virtually every situation. Plenty of power, handles great, great gas mileage and you can't beat the looks. I think the biggest asset is the rear wheel drive. You just can't beat the feel and handling of a rear wheel drive car. I even drove it in Wisconsin during a snowstorm, and it handled beautifully and the traction control worked perfectly. Literally no issues.

I got the 2018 2.0 priemium with sunroof and AWD and it was because of the fuel prices and the fact that that it was $29,200 with 20k miles. Also, when the dealership guy pulled up in this black on black beauty, I fell in love. 8k miles later, I still love it. KIA dealership experience is awesome too!

I'd buy less coffee/snacks and get a loaded V6

You are my favorite reviewer! Great delivery, and a recognition that those of us who buy this car are not street racers. This car will be driven to work and the grocery store.

Warranty: 5 yr/60,000 mi basic, 10 yr/100,000 mi powertrain yes. this is something all luxury car makers need to do.

I chose the premium V4!!! Not an issue with the difference in cost between the base V6 and the premium!!! I took both out and I shocked the salesman with how I pushed the V4 - he said no one had even tried to push it. I realized the sun roof and the kick ass sound system with how powerful the V4 ACTUALLY is made for a better experience for me. I LOVE THIS CAR SO MUCH. I can out drive just about any car on the highway and it's smooth as silk. My only problem is I have to keep it in check so I won't get a ticket!! Let's face it, most people won't be racing around a track or have the opportunity to push the V6 to its limit anyway. Put it in custom with sport setting for the steering and comfort for everything else and the car drives even better. It's very annoying how this version of the car is ignored to the point of people not even mentioning it exists. No car salesman even showed us that it was a hatchback!! I can't get over how much fits into the back of the car. It makes you think there can't possibly be a back seat with that much space!! Would I have gotten the V6 fully loaded with the sunroof and sound system if money was not an issue - yes but I wouldn't have needed it and the money can go elsewhere!! I recommend this car to ANYONE and THANK YOU for recognizing how superior this car is to other cars that are for regular people.

Nice video on the Turbo 4. If I had the money, I'd still go for the standard v6 GT. Was lucky enough to test drive one and was super impressed with Kia's design and performance. Not to mention it has the space for two car seats and a sizeable trunk. Father of two here in CA.

I've had a 2019 2.0T for 4 years now, Ceramic grey with red nappa interior and all the bells and whistles (over here in the UK it's a GT line -S) - heated and ventilated seats (including heated rear seats), heated steering wheel, 15 speaker stereo, full width sunroof, head up display, power tailgate etc - absolutely love it!

I think Motoman got it just right. That's the beauty of this car. In base form, it competes with Accords, the Fusion, Passat etc. But it's rear wheel drive and far more fun than those cars. It still comes really well equipped too. High quality interior, 8speed, quad exhaust, leather seats that are heated and ventilated, heated wheel and so on. Great deal.

Tough call, but I'd get the loaded 4cyl and have a blast 'after marketing' it up as it already has plenty of power for a GT cruiser type car. In reality, most people are not going to drive it like they stole it on a day to day basis, which to me makes the 4cyl more than adequate with the perks of better mpg and less weight. As for the suspension and minor interior details, that's all fixable. There is a very real value in the fun of getting aftermarket stuff for your car and customizing it to your liking. Not everyone wants a cookie cutter configuration and have to pay for what they don't even want, therfore, I think the Stinger offers a lot even in its stock form, which also makes it good for people who wouldn't be getting aftermarket stuff for their car. The Stinger is serious business and a legit contender. Great job Hyundai/Kia... + That 10 year warranty on a car like this? Even a fool would be haunted of the reality of how awesome that is if he looked the other way due to brand snob syndrome.

The reason why I like your reviews motto man, you actually admit when you’re wrong. You also address those issues also.

I love mine. cant live without it. dont care what anyone thinks about kia they are the shit.

I absolutely love my Stinger! I've bought it in December after trading my Volvo S60. I did buy the base model 4 cyl turbo with the drive assist thingys, it's peppy and my son's call it my midlife crisis car. I have adult children and a granddaughter, her car seat fits well in the back and still leaves room in the back seat for passengers. I do wish the base Stinger came with the heads up display as well.

I got the 4 Cycl awd for a daily driver and so far so good. I also agree with most of the points in this video.

My mom just bought a white Kia Stinger Premium yesterday. It's amazing!!! I wish she got the blue but... Either way it's definitely a step up from her Optima

Ok ok he got me,He talked me into getting the base,but not until may 2019 when my lease is up on my 2016 Optima Hybrid

I just made this decision for myself. I live in Chicago and since my daily driving is from one stoplight to the next, I opted for a Premium AWD in Micro Blue and with Drive Wise. As much as I would've loved the GT2, I couldn't justify the extra expense for something I really wouldn't utilize but once in a blue moon. I love the car and think I made the right choice for myself. This is my 4th Kia--Soul Shadow Dragon Edition, Optima EX, Optima EX Hybrid, and have had close to no issues with any of them. I did want something a little more fun to drive this time and this fit the bill! Granted the last one was a hybrid, so pretty much anything else would have been more exciting! Love the car and highly recommend it!

I bought the premium 4 cyc Stinger about a week ago and absolutely love it! I previously had a 2013 Avalon v6, and as the guy say in the video, you wouldnt kno the Stinger was a 4cyc! very smooth ride and picks up fast! Got the 4cyc premium for $35K with sunroof and ALL the options! keep in mind, the GT base has nothing in it for $40k+ .... i rather have the options personally... and the savings

Love the payload capacity! So does my dog :) I have the base model, bought it used traded my Z4 bc needed AWD in winter here. Love this car - heated comfortable steering wheel. Really moves up the PA hills.

I recently bought the 4cyl Stinger Premium w/Driver Assist which is right at $40k MSRP (the lease cash buyout deals right now are awesome, and who pays MSRP anyway?). I wanted the car & all the tech (Kia's lane centering & radar cruise is actually pretty darn good in comparison to other 2017/2018 cars), but I didn't care about the horsepower since A) the 4cyl has plenty of power anyway and B) it's just a commuter and highway cruising car for me. Saved at least $6k versus a similar TTV6 car (GT1+Driver Assist), have lower on-going fuel costs (probably $2500 saved over 100k miles), and get the benefits of 18" vs. 19" wheels (cheaper tires, less chance of wheel damage, less NVH). I also think the long-term repairs (past the 60k and 100k mile warranties) and the maintenance costs will be lower on the 4cyl cars since they don't have the active dampers, twin turbos, and won't be putting as much of a beating on the 8sp transmission. I do have a family, and I was checking out various hatchbacks and wagons before I found the Stinger. The hatchback + folding rear seat design was an absolute must have for me, and I was really glad to be able to get what I wanted in such a cool and reasonably priced car.

My first kia is the 23 stinger gt2 and I've been in love with it I can't believe how well it performs! May not be the fastest thing out there but definitely fast and fun!

Great review!!....you also forgot to mention the amazing 10 year 100k miles warranty. Happy owner of a GT2 RWD Stinger.

If the question weren't posed, of course GT2 with all the fancies. That said, I would prefer 4 cyl all in. On one hand, I'm a tech head and I love the gadgets and gizmos. On the other hand, as those of you from LA know, my opportunity to drive all out is next to nil, so I wouldn't be able to take advantage of the V6. I would rather be comfortable and entertained 100% of the time with my daily driver than to have the ability to MAYBE drive a bit harder, but still wishing I had all the things.

I got myself the 52k fancy one haha absolutely love it, but i would love to test out this 4 cylinder one I still think its good bang for the buck, It's just the overall package this can be your only car, its comfortable, sporty, practical, nice tech, interior I think that's why it does so well I have a hard time finding any flaws with it haha

I'd probably go with the GT trim, it's the best bang for buck with the V6.

Thanks for the great review. I'm a family man and will be grabbing a used one in the base or premium trim soon!

What a great video! I truly enjoyed your perspective. Thank You!!

I got the base GT in that exact blue. It did come with the 2k nanny pack, and the 2.2k AWD which gives you a lot of car for 43k out the door. Honestly, I got those because that car was sitting right in front of me, and I didn't want to wait. I think the BIG takeaway here is that you get value at every trim level and price point. Maybe a little less at the 54k GT2, but as you found out, there are plenty of people talking themselves into it.

You make a pretty good argument for this car. I was in the mindset that one should only buy the V6 and the I4 was a throw away option. But I just went and configured a fully loaded Optima for over $37k and yes I would much rather have the Stinger for $38k. You have opened my eyes to possibilities

Surprising enough I had to make that decision. I chose the Stringer Premium in blue like in the video over the GT. It does everything I need in Los Angeles. Love it!!

I work at a Kia dealership and i have personally driven all trims levels. I would definitely pick the lower model with the added packages because even with the twin turbo 4 cylinder, you're still gonna have a lot of speed, the v6 isn't necessary. But i love all the cool features you can add in the lower models.

Drove the base 3.3TT AWD and a premium 4 cylinder AWD back to back in town and on the highway today. I truly thought the V6 would blow me away but other than the power, it really didn't. If anything, the V6 felt heavy and the ride wasn't as smooth as the premiums (19inch wheels played a part, i'm sure). The 4 just felt more nimble and tossable. For the price, you get sooooo much more with the premium. That's where i'd put my money.

I have a optima with the same engine and it's a fantastic car. It's fully loaded and the best car I have ever owned it soaks up the wide open spaces of Australias country roads like a true GT should.I'm getting mid 8's even around town and down to low 7's on country roads. I would love the GT2 but will consider a fully loaded 4cyl

I would pick the base stinger gt over the other cars It has a poweful engine💪🏼

I would go with the loaded up 4 banger over the base V6 because I live in Los Angeles and will need to enjoy the fancy stuff while sitting in traffic with my family.

Just bought the 4 cyl Stinger, with the sunroof. Had a GT1 2019 to compare it with and it was surprisingly not that much difference to me, plus the way these hog gas, the 4cyl I'm still only getting 21MPH, I hear the 6's are averaging 19, so I think it's just a better package. Mine's AWD, as I live in the snowy northeast.

Another thoughtful episode! Thank! You.

I would get the top of the line 4cyl. It's a great daily driver with more HP than you need of daily driving.

Good video! And blue socks matching the car, thats great! :) Regards from an Swedish Stinger man with diesel engine!

The Stinger is an interesting option. I could make the case for the Honda Accord with the 2.0L power plant, especially because of the available third pedal. BUT that hatch is a game changer. If Honda was still offering the Contour, then I'd probably could make the case for sticking with their product. Yet, the Stinger's hatch and available AWD with the 4 cylinder is compelling -- especially if you want to stay out of the cute ute market. Agreed that the Camry is a contender, but no hatch, no AWD and the six cylinder puts a buyer into the mid $30k range. If Subaru were to offer a Legacy sedan with the new Ascent power plant, that might be worth a look. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the 4 cylinder Stinger. Cheers!

You sold me on the value of the base car. $32k base is compelling - I see a new one at a distant dealer for $28k. I'm likely to cross shop the Accord 2.0L 6MT at this price, though expect the Kia is be more fun to drive. Drooling over big German five doors for my next car, and the Stinger fits in that class. New England rust here, DINK. Snows like it's free, I'd go with the 2WD anyway on principle.

I've owned only coupes and hatchbacks, never a sedan. I own a 2015 Mustang GT and would replace it with either Stinger choice if I have kids, for the same reason you said that this is a more compelling choice over your typical mid-size sedan. I live in the San Francisco peninsula.

I drove the 2.0 turbo for a couple of days, I was absolutely charmed, and I would definitely stay with it (Poland). (the rest of the money would go for fuel and travels)

Bang on ! Great review.

Give me the 2.0 premium, I think that has plenty of power and looks awesome, the GT is great but honestly I dont even think I need all that power.

I did pick, got the 4cyl AWD premium stinger because at the time (right at launch) Kia was giving enough money off a lease that the premium AWD 4cyl cost the same as the base RWD 4cyl cost now.

from my experience in owning a car, creature comforts and safety features are more important in daily driving. If its going to be a second car, DEFINITELY the V6, but I'd daily the I4!!

Brisbane Australia, I would go the V6. A sunroof in Brisbane is just not an option with 30C plus temps in spring and summer. We are 4 weeks into autumn (you call it fall) and we are still getting 28C temps. All the kids have left home.

Basic GT. Bought it with the Drivewise package. Great car!

I will take the 4 banger with fancy seats and speakers any time of the day. Cuz i love better interior features. They are gonna be used more than the occasional backroad driving, where 4 banger is still enough.

i was swaying back and forth regarding Premium vs GT basic and decided to go Premium. Nice to have 355 hp but in reality not going to use or need it. I would have liked some of the GT inside trim touches and alloy pedals but overall i am totally in love with the 720 watt Harman Kardon sound system... nice to have the sunroof as well.

I got the loaded basic model. I drive a lot for work but mostly in traffic so I didn't see the need for 365 hp. Plus a sun roof is a must for me. I love everything about it.

I’d take the maxed out 4cyl, but I would really want some different color options, especially Panthera Metal & Red Chroma exterior and Red / White Leather interior. My ideal build would be Premium at ~41k w/ drive wise pkg in Panthera Metal (GT only) and White Leather interior (only offered in GT2 w/ blue.)

Of wow, that burnt oranges stinger stung me!!!! I'm a Subaru guy and I approve this car

I got the loaded 2019 Premium which added wireless charging and cooled seats plus got grey leather package with white. The power is enough to fishtail under sport mode with traction off and don’t miss more power.

As an owner of a gt2 awd I would have to say pony up but I had also test drove the 4 cylinder a year prior and I honestly felt the how much lighter it really was. It was smoother on the road and was far more eager on its turning dynamics some of the best steering I had ever felt, yes better than the gt2. Unless you are someone like me who thrives on the speed and acceleration you will probably be happy with the 4 cylinder.

Your review on the car was awesome! I just lease the base model last week even before I saw your video. Even though I've had the car for only a week I'm super happy with it. I got my car at Kia of Carson, sticker was 34885 I put down $1600 down, 15k a year at $400.01 payment a month. ( with taxes included) I had seen lease specials for 299+taxs and fees but of course it required a much bigger down payment and only 10k a year. I think I got a pretty ok deal... thoughts?

I bought a new Inifiniti Q60 with the turbo 4 last year. What a hot car! I test drove the v6 and found it had way too much torque for the car and it just couldn't put it all to work without losing traction. I am SO glad I went with the turbo 4. I don't play boy racer. Like most people who aren't unhinged with this kind of money I prefer something I can live with everyday that isn't going to beat me up. Now I am in the market for a replacement car for another older sedan and this one looks like it for me. I don't have the need to impress others with how much I can borrow or how much I can owe. I'm just looking for the best bang for the buck. I'm old enough to remember when everyone thought they HAD to have a v8. Then the manufacturers started making and marketing decent v6's with lots of torque. Now you have a few dinosaurs around with v8's in them and they are mostly my grandfather's type of car. The turbo torque at low end with the 4 cylinder combined with the outstanding 5 year 60,000 mile warranty that is standard on all Kia's has me convinced. You mentioned the significant weight reduction with the turbo 4 and 2wd and that brings the weight ratio to a nearly perfect 50/50 ratio. Who else does that? Tell me 1 Porsche product that offers that kind of perfect weight ratio. By the way does anyone know what kind of engines the formula 1 race cars have been using forever at the Indianapolis 500? Turbo 4's of course. Best bang for the buck!

Just bought a Stinger Premium. Love it!!! Out-the -door for under $34,000.

This is on my shortlist, mainly because I love that it's a hatchback. I can put bikes or surfboards in, and not have to drive an SUV. You can't do that in an accord or camry as easily, and the stinger is longer than all the compact hatchbacks. Realistically, the 4 cylinder is more than enough for me, since I drive in LA traffic 99% of the time. The last time I drove on a winding, canyon road was a few years ago.

I love my 2.0 Premium model. With rebates for lease it's under 30k what I got it for based on invoice minus rebates. I would of had to go to the gt1 just to get moon roof, 16 speaker system and navigation that my 2.0 premium comes with. Bought mine in Florida and yes have a family of 3 kids and wife. They love it and fit comfortably.

I'm a proud owner of a 2017 Ford Fusion se 1.5 ecoboost. When I went shopping they had a deal on this car had 32000 miles I bought it for $16,500. They had to do alot of convincing to get me to drive a 1.5L 3300Lb car glad I did. I don't think people understand how far they have come with turbo charged 4 bangers! I can only imagine what the 2.0 in the stinger is like. Even though I really like my blacked out Fusion I'm sure if I drove a stinger I would be disappointed coming back to my Fusion! I am a single dad with 2 high school age children so I would definitely choose the 4 over the six and I'm sure there will be plenty of bolt-ons in the near future to give that extra thrill to them that want it!

32-37K you are in the Dodge Charger Scat Pack range, that's a 485 HP 6.4L V-8. I don't have much of a commute, so fuel consumption isn't an issue. Still thanks for an honest review of the 4 banger Stinger, it looks like a really good car, and I'm also surprised that people are queuing up to spend 52 large for a Kia.

Wouldn't the Buick Regal compete with a base Stinger? As for which car to choose, I'd take a well equipped 4 cylinder vs the GT. I'm a realist: In SoCal traffic, I need amenities inside the car to pass the time. And 365hp won't get me from Beverly Hills to Burbank any faster then the 2 ltr.

I'd probably go with the basic GT package over the sunroof. My previous car had a sunroof that I never used, and my current car doesn't have one. I don't miss it at all. Whichever trim level I chose, I'd get the AWD option. It's useful where I live just often enough to warrant having it.

it's true, my neighbor has the GT2 but I hardly see any other Stingers out here in Los Angeles

Almost bought the blue 4 cylinder Stinger base with the AWD, but in the end, bought the Honda Accord 2.0 T Touring for 32.9k. The Accord is faster 0-60, has a sunroof and has more variation in the interior color, bigger wheels 19". I gave up the cool blue color and the AWD, but no regrets.

I own a 2015 pearl white Kia Optima SXL recently bought a 2020 Aurora black Kia Stinger GT I love both my cars

Give me the manual from the Genesis G70 so I could have the sport back with a manual and the 2.0 turbo. That would be a great car.

From 19-21 I drove a 2016 Ford Fusion s with about 175 horsepower. I Just bought my first car, a Kia stinger 2.0 premium Rwd sun and sound package along with full safety package. I’ll let you know what I think when I take delivery!

I bought the GT2 because I love all of the bells and whistles! I also love the beautiful 19" rims. Unlike the base Stinger, when I turn on the auto hold function in my car it kicks in each time I stop. I don't have to constantly keep pushing the button.

I would definitely get the base gt. The power to me is more important than the tech when it comes to driving enjoyment. I live in Florida and drive about 40,000 miles a year in my car and have a wife and 2 kids. Current vehicle is a 18 Kia Sportage SX

Fellow SoCal resident, I would get the GT + LSD option in that stunning blue.

Lots of people get caught up in the high HP game even though most of them will never use the power of a 360 HP car. I bought the 2022 2.5T AWD GT Line this past week. 300 HP is quite a bit of power on every day streets, going to work or going shopping. You won't be launching these cars in traffic unless you're an idiot. For grown adults, that work for a living, this car is the most fun I've ever had. I can get after it once in a while and listen to the engine growl but remain comfortable and in control on my way to work.

Great review!!!

I beg to differ with your statement starting around 4:20. I went to the Kia dealership a couple of weeks and left with the stinger with the 2.0 twin turbo 4 cylinder. I figured I could live with it. I drove from the dealership to my house which is approximately 13 miles from the dealership and immediately called the salesperson when I got home. I told him I made the wrong decision and asked if I could bring the car back and get the GT. Luckily the dealership was accommodating and I was able to take it back and get what I really wanted. 2.0 Stinger is just flat out boring.

Base GT thank you very much. 👍🏻

I've been on the Stinger forums and there are some serious discounts to be had on these. I've been cross shopping this with the A5 Sportback and 430GC, because I want something I can haul a bike in the back and mount kayaks to the roof, while still being a bit fun to drive. My biggest issue is the dealership/sales people themselves, which come across like those "no credit-no problem" used car dealerships. That said, I didn't really look at the 4cyl, so now I'm torn because if it's good at $38k... still the red interior is a must have, so I will stick with the GT1 package.

I got the GT for 42k. In white. I love the car. I chose the GT over the 4 cylinder because of the extra power. It’s white with the red and black leather.

I bought a 2019 Blue 2.0 T 4 cyl stinger and love it. The sunroof package on it is really nice in California and i think helps with the overall driver visibility by lightening up the inside a bit. I think the power is great and the fuel economy is even better considering. The GT has a lot of kick from the test drive, but the 2.0 really is not that bad of a step down if you want more of a "family" sedan with a good kick plus you can drift around turns if you turn off the traction control. Plus if you really want a step up with the 2.0T, just aftermarket the exhaust and the intake, Might push the ponies up near 290 if tuned right. Overall I would buy this car again a thousand percent!!!

Would get the V6 hands down. Family of 4. Now we just need KIA to put in the 360 camera, wireless charging, and alcantera headliner in the US model with a red on red GT2 and Ill be all over it. Until then, sticking with what Ive got.

I came up on a 2014 optima sxl for $18000 with 28000 miles 274hp a few years ago all the bells and whistles Great deal especially after seeing some stingers dont even make that much. Put on a few mods and a pedal commander and its fast. Did a quick review on it.

Everyone raves about Audi A4, A5 and A6 with the same type HP and torque specs - why not the Stinger? I would definitely strongly consider the loaded 4 cyl turbo of this vehicle. I originally looked hard at the A5 Sportback with the lift-back design being practical for the rare times I may need to haul something home from a Costco shopping trip but the price quickly gets to loaded Stinger GT levels and beyond. However, without looking hard at the specs on the base GT vs loaded 4 cylinder, the mid-life crisis me cries "more power" I would not go AWD on this car - just more to maintain and break I live in Florida, have no kids but have 3 mini-Schnauzers (which are as stubborn as kids and can't clean up after themselves) - I lived in the Mid-Atlantic for many years and brought my 4WD Nissan Titan down to Florida with me - I've had that thing for 13 years now and even living in an area that got its fair share of snow and Nor'Easter blizzards, I can count on two hands the number of times I actually felt the need to put it into 4WD (and most of them involved driving over muddy grass areas).

The last question you posed, I have a tough time deciding. I was hoping you’d tell us your opinion since you drove them both. I’m really leaning towards getting a stinger now but not sure which one to get.

I usually don't like Korean cars because I hadn't driven one in over 18 years. The other day, I drove a crossover and I was actually very impressed with the power. Kia has come along way.

Is there a big difference in insurance costs? Any good remaps for the 2.0? Definitely could use some coilovers.

I know 52k is a lot compared to the lower trim levels. But the V6, HUD, Napa leather seats, memory seats, sun roof, premium sound, tech package, cooled seats and on and on. It changes from a good car to a really great place you want to spend time in. My opinion anyway.

Living in South Florida I would stick with rear wheel drive. For me the most compelling is the base GT followed by the base 2 litre. Kia packs enough standard features that I'm wouldn't be interested in upgrading.