The Kia Stinger is a near-premium sports sedan that was produced from 2018 to 2023.
The model is known for its strong value, impressive performance and head-turning good looks.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at all of the best and worst model years of the Stinger.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Kia Stinger Are:
The best Kia Stinger model years are 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. The worst model years of this model are 2018 and 2019. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Kia Stinger?
2023 and 2022 Kia Stinger
The 2023 and 2022 Stinger models are top picks, boasting the latest tech, design and equipment. With either model, you get lots of value, a refined interior with hatchback utility, and a bold design.
For 2022 the Stinger received several styling updates, a more powerful standard engine, a slightly more powerful V6, a bigger infotainment display and more advanced driver aids.
There were no major changes for 2023.
The 2022 model year has 3 trim levels: GT-Line, GT1, and GT2. For 2023 the midrange GT1 model was discontinued.
The entry-level GT line comes with a 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine (300 hp) while the GT1 and GT2 are fitted with a turbo 3.3-liter V6 (368 hp).
For base models, EPA fuel estimates are 25 MPG for combined city and highway driving (which is respectable for the segment).
Both the 2022 and 2023 models received a perfect 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA.
2023 Stinger:
- Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
- JD Power: 79 / 100
2022 Stinger:
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
- JD Power: 79 / 100
2022 Stinger, Edmunds review:
“The Kia Stinger GT with its 3.3 liter engine makes 376 lb feet of power. I’ve had admiring looks everywhere I go! Comfortable seating, lots of power, spacious rear storage and thousands cheaper than Audi S5 and BMW. It nor only best these competitors in power it excels in value. Providing a stellar value proposition. Get yours today! You will be amazed at how awesome this car is!”
2021 and 2020 Kia Stinger
If your budget won’t allow for the latest Stingers or you aren’t fussed about having the most recent design, tech and engines then the 2021 and 2020 Stingers make great choices.
Edmunds referred to the 2020 Stinger as “one of the best sport sedans on the market” and the 2021 model is essentially the same with no significant changes.
They boast flashy exterior styling, great performance, precise steering and handling and a gutsy optional V-6 engine.
4 trims are available: GT-Line, GT, GT1, and GT2.
The base GT-Line has a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (255 hp) while the remaining variants are fitted with a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 (365 hp).
These engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel-drive as standard. For those wanting extra traction, all-wheel-drive is optional across the board.
According to owners, the best attributes of these models are interior, appearance, comfort, reliability, manufacturing quality, acceleration, and technology.
2021 Stinger:
- Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
- JD Power: 75 / 100
2020 Stinger:
- Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5.0
- JD Power: 78 / 100
2020 Stinger, Edmunds review:
“I had no intention of buying a Kia when I started looking. I was looking into BMW 5 and Audi A6. The Kia was as fun to drive and the interior caught me off guard with how nice it was. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase and saved money in the process. Win-win”
Consumer Scores For Best Kia Stinger Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | JD Power Consumer Rating |
| 2023 Kia Stinger | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 79 / 100 |
| 2022 Kia Stinger | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 79 / 100 |
| 2021 Kia Stinger | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 75 / 100 |
| 2020 Kia Stinger | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 78 / 100 |
Related: 14 Top Sports Cars with 5 Seats (With Pictures)
What Are The Worst Years For The Kia Stinger?
2018 and 2019 Kia Stinger
The 2018 and 2019 Stingers should be approached with caution. They were the debut models and unsurprisingly also the most problematic.
According to auto industry data, the biggest issue experienced by owners of both models was engine related, with loss of engine power being the most common symptom.
Here’s what owners had to say on the NHTSA website:
“Vehicle began experiencing loss of power and engine knocking. This gradually became worse and would substantially lose all power upon takeoff at intersections causing dangerous and life-threatening situations.”
“The car will lose power while accelerating and the turbo does not properly work well. Was told it was a fuel pump issue.”
“The car had a throttle hesitation and cut off in traffic while turning through an intersection and when starting again had a check engine light and the car went into limp home mode. I was told there was a loose wire connection…”
Both models were also recalled as they were deemed a fire risk when parked.
According to the NHTSA, the fire may occur in the area where the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) is located in the engine compartment.
“Received a recall notice for my vehicle, stating that there is a major issue with the engine, and they are prone to catching fire – and that the vehicle should be parked outside. I contacted my dealership… Upon arriving at the dealership, I was told that there was nothing that could be done, and I should drive my flammable vehicle home. The vehicle has not exploded yet, but i’m cautious to drive it now…”
“I parked my 2018 kia stinger at home after driving 40 min, mostly highway. Nothing was wrong with the car during this time. After roughly 5 minutes in my house, I began to smell a burning odor. I looked around the house for anything burning… Then I heard fire trucks and police out front. I went out and saw my car in flames.”
- The 2019 Stinger had a total of 7 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 33 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
- The 2019 Stinger had a total of 2 complaints according to CarComplaints.com and 27 problems based on CarProblemZoo.com data.
Common problems:
- Paint flaking, chipping, and cracking
- Cylinder misfire
- Fuel pump issues
- Rear fuse panel caught fire
- Headlights not bright enough
Related: 14 Top Sports Cars with a Sunroof (With Pictures)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (NHTSA.gov) | Recalls (NHTSA.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Stinger | – | 1 | – |
| 2022 Kia Stinger | 5 | 6 | – |
| 2021 Kia Stinger | 3 | 11 | 3 |
| 2020 Kia Stinger | 1 | 6 | 4 |
| 2019 Kia Stinger | 2 | 27 | 1 |
| 2018 Kia Stinger | 7 | 33 | 2 |
What Problems Do Kia Stingers Have?
- Fuel gauge not working
- Gas fumes in car
- Rear fuse panel caught fire
- Paint flaking, chipping, and cracking
- Cylinder misfire
- Rear hatch rattle
- Wireless charger malfunction
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Kia Stinger?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Acura Integra | 8.8 | $31,500 – $36,500 | City: 26 – 30 /Highway: 36 – 37 |
| Audi A4 | 8.7 | $40,300 – $42,400 | City: 24 /Highway: 32 – 33 |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 8.7 | $44,850 – $90,000 | City: 16 – 25 /Highway: 24 – 36 |
| Audi A5 | 8.6 | $44,600 – $53,900 | City: 24 /Highway: 31 – 33 |
| Genesis G70 | 8.5 | $39,400 – $47,000 | City: 17 – 21 /Highway: 26 – 31 |
| BMW 2-Series | 8.4 | $37,800 – $50,900 | City: 22 – 26 /Highway: 32 – 35 |
| BMW 3-Series | 8.4 | $43,800 – $58,400 | City: 23 – 25 /Highway: 31 – 34 |
| Kia Stinger | 8.4 | $36,690 – $54,909 | City: 17 – 22 /Highway: 24 – 32 |
| Volkswagen Arteon | 8.3 | $43,010 – $50,175 | City: 22 – 25 /Highway: 31 – 33 |
| Audi A3 | 8.1 | $34,900 – $36,900 | City: 27 – 28 /Highway: 35 – 38 |
| Volvo S60 | 8.1 | $41,300 – $50,300 | City: 25 – 26 /Highway: 33 – 35 |
| Volkswagen Golf R | 8.1 | $44,740 – $46,190 | City: 20 – 23 /Highway: 28 – 30 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/stinger
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/kia/stinger
https://www.edmunds.com/kia/stinger/
https://www.kbb.com/kia/stinger/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2023/kia/stinger
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Kia/Stinger/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/tsb/kia/stinger/
https://www.cars.com/research/kia-stinger/recalls/
