Review | 2018 Stinger GT2 | Exiting the Hype Train 

Three years and 145k, my Stinger has not had one problem and still pulls hard!!! Edit: update 190 K and it still pulls hard and I pull a trailer everywhere. Edit: 198k. No problems.

I got a 2 year AWD GT model with 24.000km for about 34.000€, and I couldn't care less about the badge honestly. Buying a relatively big used 2 year old car with a 366hp V6 for that money and still having 5 years of drivetrain warranty left is just nuts. Great value for everyone who doesn't care about badges, though even with the kia badge it turns heads, at least here in germany.

21:17 i understand you don't love the car but you didn't have to drive it into a pond.

I like the idea that a lot of people seem to be "overlooking" the Stinger - makes them more unique on the road. You don't see one on every block...and that translates to more head turning. Nothin' worse than getting a nice new car and they seem to pop up everywhere like dandelions. Stinger's been exempt from that.

Here's the bottom line: You cant walk into ANY BMW, Mercedes or Audi dealership with $50K in your pocket and drive away with anything but a 4 cylinder car. They've managed to sell you less horsepower for more money but nobody has even noticed. I like German cars but the price-to-horsepower quotient has gotten completely out of wack!

As a Stinger GT owner, this review is spot on. It's a great car that's affordable. I've gotten nothing but compliments, thumbs up, and people taking pictures. So far no other car I've owned has gotten this level of attention. I do not have any of the rattles or problems he shows in the video. Maybe because this is a press car. For the price I understand some of the cut backs but they are totally acceptable and I understand why it was done. I was expecting for him to completely trash talk it, but it was more praise than anything. Great review.

Great review, thank you. As someone who has had the GT2 since February and have 4,600 miles on it, I thought I'd mention a few differences in opinion only. I agree with most of what you said: 1. Personally, I haven't experienced ANY rattles. I find it hard to believe that you and 1 other reviewer I've seen so far who also mentioned rattles, didn't just have a (maybe the same) unit that was a dud. If I had a few rattles here and there, I'd say ok, this is an issue. I have none, period. 2. The firmness of the suspension, and the differences between sport mode and comfort mode. I live in the DC Metro area and commute into DC by car about 50% of the time, using the subway the other 50%. If you're familiar with DC Metro, you'll know that once you cross from either suburban MD or VA into DC, you immediately start hitting massive potholes, jarring roads etc. I literally switch from Custom/Sport suspension to Comfort mode at the border line. There is a huge difference. In Sport mode it's uncomfortable. In Comfort mode, these bumps are barely perceptible. Comparing it to previous E92 BMW 3, it handles these way better in Comfort mode than that did, or than my Infiniti G35, or Golf R (with DCC). It is supremely comfortable on very bumpy roads in DC. 3. The cheap plastics, ok, yes, they are there when you look below knee height, but they're not noticably cheaper than the plastics on the BMW 3. Those are also cheap when you get below that height. Finally, the closest hatchback that has this kind of performance luxury mix is the Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. Neither can be bought for anywhere near this price with this power. You'd need to go for the S5, or the 440i xDrive, which optioned as the GT2 is, would cost $63,759 and $59,390 respectively. That's still a significant price difference for cars that are also both way smaller. Granted, you get the name badge, and a few advantages, but not enough in my books to make it worth the extra cost.

I find it actually quite commendable that they made it a Kia and didn’t just make up a new brand for it. That sorta thing always seemed like a cop-out to me.

A former Audi and BMW M employees both worked on this project that’s why it’s so good.

thanks for showing the bottom of Stinger! great review! I own a Stinger GT2 AWD as well but mine does not have any rattling noise, and that center console sliding storage thingy slides smoothly just fine. :)

Nice review. I'm from Germany and love this car. I don't know how prices of "competitors" are in the US, because I have the impression that especially German cars are sold for a way lower price than here. Here the Stinger is about $25.000-30.000 cheaper than a comparable Audi S5 Sportsback or BMW 440i Grand Coupé (list price before negotiating discounts with the dealer)... And now matter how hard I look, I don't see how the German brands are worth that much more!

Glad to hear you are taking this on full time , love your offhand humor and perspective on things. I think you can move to the head of this space your reviews are bueno

Replace the Kia badges with Maserati badges. 90% of people wouldn’t even know the difference.

The rattles are what confused me. I bought a base GT and the only rattle I noticed were my sunglasses bouncing around in the sunglass compartment, but that had more to do with them being $20 sunglasses.

I have this car and I love it. Great fun car to drive. Super quick, a little heavy feeling around turns, but over all a joy to drive. My only wish is that they gave it a better sounding exhaust. Low exhaust note does not do the engine justice. I bought the base GT and I am very happy with it. My opinion is to save your money on the GT2 and use it to buy upgrades like a new exhaust, etc.

I've been driving a Stinger GT for about a month, I have no issues with squeaks or rattles.

I love the panning effect when you get in the car for the drive (besides everything else). By far the best motoring reviewer on RU-vid. Keep it up, stay savage.

Your camera work is just incredible. Keep up the good work. Great review. Thanks!

Had mine for almost 4 years. Zero problems, thousands of smiles!

I watch most of your videos, and I think it's time I thanked you for putting quality content out there. It's clear to me that you really care and spend a lot of time and energy doing what you do.

Not sure how you’re not more popular dude, your reviews are AMAZING. Keep doing what you’re doing!

I recently got a 2023 GT2 AWD and going from a 2019 GT RWD to a 2021 GT1 RWD I must say the latest GT2 AWD is absolutely amazing. No hatch rattles that I had in my previous cars (the 2019 one was super bad), much quieter, stock exhaust is still garbage but bit louder with the valves open, much better features and I totally love the AWD system. Already did a catback exhaust and intakes on it and it is a much more pleasing experience than stock. It's a more rare car that has dual personality and that is pretty much why I've been loving the stinger. Now with it being gone it will be even more rare. This car definitely turns heads in white color with red nappa leather. Still hard to beat it for the value while BMW's are all easily starting in the 70k range to get anything close to this as far as features. Plus I am not a huge fan of a super wide screen all across the dash.

I have a GT1 AWD. Hardly any difference and I must say, for $380 for some Eibach sway bars, $200 for some subframe collars and bolts upgrade, and a MandoECS10 suspension customization module for $400. At less than a $1000, it COMPLETELY transforms the car. It makes you think you're driving the G70 instead which does handle better. As for cabin noises, yes they can be annoying but nothing a little bit of ingenuity cannot permanently fix. I have fixed those issues myself because Kia pretends the problems aren't there. For less than $700 you can get a tuning solution that increases a nearly and astounding 100 HP AND Torque. Simply put, this is the easiest way to get to 450 all wheel horsepower for not much money. The car is badass and yes it is not as "nice" as an S Audi or AMG mercedes however, if someone tries to compare a Stinger to an Audi, mercedes or whatever, that's just stupid. Reliability I would put it on Kia well before Audi, BMW, or Mercedes. Cost of maintenance is a win for the Kia, Warranty is a win for the Kia, interior space and storage another win for Kia. And, you can take some fast cars to gapplebees pretty damn easily.

You are just about the only reviewer who does a real review, not a commercial for the car companies. Thank you.

Kia's had to change their product mix at the GT1 and GT2 levels to add more color combos because serious shoppers have been demanding more variety. They're also planning a number of special editions, like the Atlantica. The old rhetoric of "that's too much for a Kia" is quickly dying away. It outsold the Giulia and XE, and did about as well as the ATS in March.

Gotta give props to the Koreans. They are producing some amazing cars lately. The Stinger is just another great product out of South Korea.

I was working in a remote area of Australia with one bar of reception. It was with this tiny pocket of reception that i received a notification on email from youtube that savagegeese a channel i subscribe to has uploaded a new video review of the Kia Stinger. I Promptly packed up my belongings and threw them into my truck, with the sun scorching on to the bonnet, the rays of sun searing into my eyes off the reflections, i drove for 3 days to the nearest town that had an internet signal capable of viewing youtube. It is on this day the 14th of may that my 3 day journey from the deserts of the outback has come to an end, and a sigh of relief and euphoria it was to sit back and rip the heads off a few stubbies of beer enjoying all 24 minutes and 28 seconds of a savage review of the Stinger.

I have a '19 GT RWD that I picked up used with low miles for a very reasonable amount. Stock it performs well, definitely quick in every day situations and a good commuter. Milage varies but mine ranges between 22 - 26 around town and 28 - low 30's highway. Performance wise I've had no complaints, and when you factor in all of the mods available from JB4 tunes, after market intakes, downpipes, exhaust you can really make this car pretty fast if you want to. All that aside, it looks good, gets compliments easily, has a nice warranty and it has a lot of room. This is a car with easy comfort for rear seat passengers and very respectable cargo space. No issues so far maintenance-wise, minus having to repaint the roof drip rails. I have noticed the tires wear very quickly, so expect to pay more for tires.

haven't watched this channel that much since hurricane Harvey...but it was worth losing everything! good job bro excellent editing 👍

I’m the 1 out of 10. I’ve owned BMW, Audi, Lexus (and many others) and in the last 3 years been fortunate enough to have had, for at least a month each, a V8 Vantage, CL500 and an XKR. The Vantage is better looking, the CL500 quieter for longer journeys but, genuinely, honestly, the Stinger is the best car I have owned by a country mile. It’s quick, quiet, very comfortable, very well specced, as a GT handles very well and has a 7 year warranty. I have the GT (rwd) MY20 in pearlescent white and with the dark red interior. It’s a great looking car and I get more questions and “take me for a drive” requests in this than anything other than the Vantage. I’ve had no squeaks and rattles at all in a year. Things I don’t like - cheap silver buttons and gloss piano black in the centre console, gas tank is too small ... that’s it. Lovely car.

Great video thanks. The piano at the start is very nice and the Turkish "Davul" at 21 min sounds also superb. Thanks for your efforts Savagegeese.

Definitely earned a like here. I don't like videos often but really this was well produced and you give real, deep insight. Quality and depth that a lot of other popular reviewers lack.

Just picked up my GT2 a week ago. Long time Audi owner and now KIA convert

Again...... fantastic review. I am going to test one. Can't help it. You can not touch BMW, Infinity or Lexus fully loaded for 50k. This car is giving us the chance to get value.

Yes! My most anticipated review of the year from you. Thank you.

Smooooth and classy intro, Savage Goose! Seriously, others are blowing out our earbuds. Oh, and the no bullsh*t reviews are appreciated as usual.

To be fair, the complaints you make about the Stinger, like the cheap plastic on the lower surfaces, also applies to all of the german makes at that price range; look at BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and S4, or even Mercedes lower end offerings, you're going to find the same thing; premium materials or premium-looking materials where they are most visible, then crap materials where the car gets kicked and kneed and doesn't ever really get looked at. Rattles eventually show up in all sportscars and sports sedans... whether it's a lowly Saab, a BMW M3, or Corvette. They're nice and tight when new, then around 50K-60K miles the stuff suspension has caused some of the interior to loosen up. That can all be fixed with some felt tape and gaffers tape, and careful torqueing of screws. If you want an interior that holds up, you don't want any sort of sporty car, but a land yacht with a mushy suspension.

We never got the RWD review they mentioned, and considering they omitted discussing some features in order to save some things for that model, I think they should review the latest model with updated interior and infotainment. I was hoping to get their take on the HK audio system

one of the less than a handful of reviewers i trust. the best reviews on the tube, gotta love the savage.

I haven’t even watched it and I still liked your video in anticipation of another excellent review!

did you drive it into a pond @21:18?

Just got a refreshed 2022. I would love to see you guys review it.

Your usage of cinematography just like your camera angles and way you film this is so freaking fantastic I love it.

I am c. 21 months into my 2019 GT1. I love driving it as much as day-one. It is FUN. Road trips, all day-long drives, are a snap; super comfortable. And QUIET: no rattles, squeaks, creaks or thumps. No complaints of any kind. Never had it in the shop for anything but regular maintenance (oh, and for an aftermarket Eibach rear sway bar; which made a great ride even more confidence inspiring).

Good review. I see the Stinger GT as a great start for a more performance minded Kia/Hyundai but where my interest really lies is with the upcoming G70 Sport with this same engine. I hope Kia/Hyundai are successful with their performance models and are able to keep bringing them to us for a long time to come.

Idk why, but I feel like the shot at 14:22 is the best, I've seen so far and the music makes it Epicer, if that means anything.

Very detailed review.. exactly what I was looking for. Terrific. Thank you.

What a great technical review, thank you!

Once again thank you for this beautiful review, You're vids are def worth the wait, I've been wanting to see an unbiased no bullshit review on this car, everybody else has been making the same old same old reviews. I def agree with you the interior is nice but I respect their cost cutting, they put the shitty plastics where you don't really touch it so I'm cool with that. I have not driven the 4 cylinder version of this car but that twin turbo 6 is def the way to go with this car, since you're already compromising with the kia badge you might as well get everything you possibly can from them. A lot of people have actually complained about the rear hatch making some rattles, I'm going to be completely honest, my GT2 RWD stinger has been solid and I did not actually have any rattle issues, but I think I'm alone on that as I have heard a few people complain about that. Finally yes, this car is not "super sporty" this is actually a comfy GT car at the end of the day, I'm actually happy with that since I'm not a boy racer and I'm not super skilled, I enjoy just how easy it is for a schmuck like me to get the ass out, and overall how confidence inspiring it is. The hatch really did sell me on this car if this car was a regular sedan I don't think I would like it that much, but if you enjoy driving more I think the G70 is perfect for the driving enthusiast I just don't think their leases will be as aggressive as Kia and the car is smaller overall which for some could be an issue. Either way sorry for this long comment haha, thank you for this lovely review can't wait to hear your thoughts on the RWD stinger and perhaps a G70 in the future! Take care

I'm so stoked on the Koreans lately. I just wish they brought the i30 N to the states.

Love the piano music, you wild duck! Love your reviews to there big shot.

Found this channel a few days ago. You guys are my kinda people. Well done.

I bought a GT2 a few weeks ago. This is a good/no-BS review. But honestly, this is the first "squeak and rattle" compliant I've heard. Have driven it 1500 mi so far, and she's snug and tight. Agree with the hate on the faux hood vents. Why, Kia? You have a serious car with those un-serious plastic things that take away from the looks of the car, IMO. I thought he was over the top on the stand-up display hate, though. Yes, it would be better if integrated with the center console, but I have no issues with. I love the car so far. I am driving a car, not a brand. This is a true Gran Turismo, and to get this level of power, performance, luxury.... and fun, you'd have to take an extra $20k to your local BMW or Audi dealer

why don't more car manufacturers make sportback sedans?

Had my 2018 Kia Stinger GT2 for over a year now. Not one rattle or Creek in the cabin. Great car karifa price point!

About time you reviewed this

Have a 17 Kia optima sx. Put 25k in a year and man what a car. This manufacturer is definitely underrated. Super fun and quick.

Still waiting on rwd review!! I have one that’s a gt rwd and you can turn it all off. The awd model you have to have a GTS model to get into drift mode, aka no traction no stability control. She will drift from side to side and do some fun stuff in the white fluffy stuff in the winter. Gotta get snow tires on it though.

Well done guy. You reached a new plateau after the camaro video. Keep going, the subs will come

I love the way he threw the trunk tray on top of the folded seat lol

I'm sure you've been told this already, bu at 1:33 you have the engine listed as a 3.8L when it's a 3.3L.

before everyone takes one opinion and run with it...go drive it. the 640GT is 30k more. Put a different badge on this thing and views would change. $30k is a salary of some on here who are trying to bash the vehicle without even being near it.

Amazing, simply amazing review.

What a great review... best on the Internet, for true car lovers! And where would we be without the under body assessment! I am absolutely hooked to your particular brand of detail... So my next car is between G80 and Sprinter!

RWD review never happened. Meybe now with the facelift?

Analogue gauges look so damn good.

The quality of this channel is incredible. It makes other professional channels look like amateurs.

Amazing production value...dont know how I didn't know about your channel...sub added.

We live in an age where we can buy a Kia with a V6 twin turbo. I can't wait to see how this car evolves in the future. I just wish they made a 6MT for this car.

In the shoppe without Scott Turbowski

great review -- as always

Solid review. Very critical at times, but you are a reviewer and that is what we need to hear more of when we are trying to make an informed and expensive decision. It's surprising that many reviewers don't really mention many negative things about cars they review. I suspect it is to stay in good graces with the auto brands, make sure they get access. Or, maybe they don't have the knowledge to actually break down a vehicle like you have. Great work.

BTW, did Marc ever do a Kia Stinger RWD video? I searched for it, but couldn't find it on this channel?

Dream car. Contrary to what people thought, the GT model is far outselling the cheaper 4 cylinder. Great video goose dude!

Honest almost emotion free review...good job...

Excellent review Mr. Geese!

"I kind of feel mixed about this..." That's probably why the first 3 and a half minutes of this video made absolutely no sense.

Hope to see a 2019 Kia K900 review, especially versus the G90 review you have done.

Another great review. I'd only add a couple of interior shots at night to see the gauges and ambient lighting. Other than that, the best car review channel I've seen.

Great review! Very technical, knowledgeable and honest!

Wait. Did you review the RWD?

13:55 - I like how the fuel range goes down by 2 miles in 10 seconds.

First time seeing one of your videos. There is another guy out there who does a very good job, probably gets more into the technology parts of the car as far as how the nav, this and that work, but he (and every other person I've seen) is not a car guy! I really like that you got into the suspension set up, weight distribution and all the other mechanically-technical stuff that serious car guys know about. Excellent!!

Bro I subscribed because I watch a lot of reviews but you dont try to be cool, you just state the fact and you know your shit. Goodjob bro. The in the shoppe segment bro = Notification squad.

Also, it's marketed as a GT car, not a sports car. It's the Stinger GT. So why are you expecting sports car handling? It handles very well if you're not racing it. Not even for the money, or for a Kia, this is just an awesome car.

I will pick this up for $20k next year. Just like I picked up $48k 2016 Sorento SXL for $20k last year. Resale value is one of worst. Great car. Dont get Kia if you change car often. You will get killed on trade in/resalr value later on.

Excellent review as allows!!!!

A lot of comments in this thread about the squeaks and rattles, and having driven several thousand miles now in a GT1, the cabin is rock solid. There is wind and road noise, but no creeks or rattling to be heard. It's also worth mentioning that the GT and GT1 allow the shifter to be pulled towards the driver to lock in manual mode.

I haven't watched the video yet, but I'm glad that you decided to review this car so I can see if the hype is real or not

I own the Stinger GT2 AWD. No rattles...at all. None. And the console under the stereo opens and closes as designed. No sticking like you see in this video. This whole review seems way off to me. The Stinger is, simply put, awesome. Lots of room for people and cargo. Looks great, handles great, it's really fast, it's crazy comfortable (good thing to cause it's a GT). There's a reason it won some major awards and was a finalists in other major awards. Great daily car and it handles great in bad weather.

2400th like. Probably the best unbiased review I've seen. Not only talking about the pors, but the cons too.

This car has so much road presence, great review.

I too hate the infotainment look. Literally didn’t buy Mazda’s because of it. Love the Hyundai/Kia in dash units. This is the first review I saw where interior creaks, noises were stated. Good to hear an honest non-hype review. Waiting on G70

When my wife said she liked the way these looked, you know they actually designed this for the right group! LOL I was shocked she even knew what it was. It may be time for Kia to make a luxury brand like Hyundai did with Genesis. Koreans are definitely where the Japanese were in the late 80s to early 90s and look where those brands are today!

One of the only car reviewers I trust. Awesome job.

I am definitely into this car.. I'd have to drive one. That V6 seems like a real sweetheart. Seems to just rev and pull so freely and effortlessly. I wonder if its based off the 3.3L they used for so many years. One would assume it might actually stand up well, as well. Nice review!

If you're spending $50K on a German luxury car, you might get a 2.0 diesel, if you're lucky.

just so everyone knows 50k for gt2 is crazy right now. I got the GT awd version for 33k, same performance as one he tested minus adaptive suspension which as he said not much difference. you can have this thing for a steal.

great review. very detailed. subscribed

I own a new GT2 and I can thankfully say they must have fixed the rattles/creaks because I have heard none. I'm at 2400 miles and still quiet. Hopefully it stays that way or it will be going in for service. I don't mind the screen in the middle but I get what you are saying. It's more of a matter of opinion which everyone is entitled to. I put some intakes on mine and it sounds amazing now although it might actually be a little too loud sometimes. Major turbo spool sound and a really good blow off sound if your under high boost. Really great car, very happy with it so far.