2023 Kia Stinger Review

Kia has unveiled the 2023 Stinger, the final version of its acclaimed model. This release precedes the arrival of a new electric performance sedan, the EV6 GT. If you value enhanced driving dynamics but aren’t quite ready to leap to a fully electric powertrain, the Stinger could be the perfect fit for you.

Motopickers Rating: 8/10

The 2023 Stinger not only enhanced the reputation of Korean auto manufacturing but also set a new standard for value in the mid-size performance sedan segment. With its unique blend of style, substance, engine choices, and high-quality interior, the Stinger is priced at $36,690, significantly lower than many of its rivals, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Kia reports that it extensively developed its 2023 Stinger at locations like the Nordschleife race track in Germany and frozen lakes in Sweden. MotoPickers is here to sort fact from fiction to determine whether this mid-size model’s finale is worth its cost. During our review, we’ll provide:

• In-depth spec reports
• Comparisons to rivals like BMW
• Examples of real-world auto professionals giving their opinions on the vehicle

Ready to learn more? Dive in below.

Sleek and sporty aesthetics

The 2023 Kia Stinger reflects its performance prowess in its exterior design—a factor that often makes or breaks a driver’s decision to invest in this sedan class. Drivers can choose between the model’s GT-Line or GT2 trims.  

GT-Line exterior spotlight

Opting for a GT-Line trim supplies the 2023 Stinger with 18” alloy wheels, LED Multifaceted Reflector headlights (MFR), LED Daytime Running Light (DRL), and body-color outside door handles for additional design flair. Dark chrome electric folding outside mirrors, heated with integrated turn signals and puddle lamps, provide stylish utility. At the same time, an Exclusive GT grille with matching lower-trim helps you reflect a passion for sporty sedans. 

Complimentary exterior features within the GT-Line include exclusive GT black chrome side vents with unique side air vent surrounds, body-color unique rear bumper shape with side accents and diffuser, and a dual muffler with black and chrome coating.

GT-2 exterior spotlight

The 2023 Kia Stinger GT-2’s exterior ups the ante with six more standard features than its GT-Line counterpart. These features consist of 19” alloy wheels, ventilated front and rear 4-wheel disc brakes to shed more heat, sleek Red Brembo brake calipers, LED Bi-Function Projection headlights, dynamic low-beam headlight assist, auto-dimming outside mirrors, an expansive power-tilt slide sunroof, and a smart trunk with power opening capability.

Color options 

This Kia Stinger’s color options include: 

• Aurora Black Pearl
• Snow White Pearl
• Ceramic Silver
• HiChroma Red
• Micro Blue Pearl
• Panthera Metal
• Ascot Green

A special edition Stinger, the Tribute Edition, which we’ll explore more in-depth later, comes in Ascot Green or an available Moonscape matte gray paint.

Interior design and comfort 

Both 2023 Kia Stinger trims offer well-equipped interiors that reflect the model’s sportiness without compromising comfort. Noteworthy elements include a flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather and sizable aluminum pedals. Take a closer look at this model’s two trims and the interior offerings below. 

GT-Line interior  

One of the GT-Line’s most overlooked features is its manual tilt and telescopic steering column, which allows drivers to adjust their steering wheel’s position before hitting the road. While this trim’s cabin contains a front overhead console lamp, it doesn’t offer a front overhead LED mood lamp, a factor that may detract from night rides. Still, satin chrome inside door handles help elevate the sedan’s interior ambiance.

GT-2 interior

Select a GT-2, and you’ll receive an electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel instead of the GT-Line’s manual version, increasing convenience. Performance enthusiasts will likely opt for the GT-2 due to the trim’s additional oil temperature, torque, turbo boost PSI, and chrono lap timer digital gauges. Instead of standard plastic door scuff plates, the GT-2 offers an aluminum variety for a sharper, more durable cabin.

Cabin space, storage, and materials

The 2023 Kia Stinger seats up to five passengers, although front-row seats offer more comfort with additional legroom. Despite its high performance, this sedan can act as a family car with its child safety seat accommodations. The cabin contains two complete latch connector sets for installing outboard child seats and a tether anchor for the rear-middle seat. However, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) described this latch system as having its lower anchors situated too deeply within seats.

It’s also worth noting that this interior’s materials are described as less luxurious than competitors like Audi’s A5 Sportback and BMW’s 4 Series Gran Coupe. Still, these rivals are more expensive than the 2023 Stinger, so drivers may find that the Stinger is a better deal. 

Both Stinger cabins deliver quality storage solutions, such as underfloor rear cargo space, cargo net hooks, and a cargo shelf with a covering. Overall cargo capacity with seat area remains competitive at 23.3 cubic feet (cu ft).

Advanced technology and infotainment

GT-Line fans may be pleased to learn that this base trim’s technology capabilities are almost equivalent to those of the GT-2. Both trims offer a 10.25” infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging.

The GT-2 is slightly different, with 15 cabin speakers instead of the standard nine and Harman Kardon 720-watt quantum logic surround sound with clari-fi signal-enhancing technology. GT-Line enthusiasts can still attain these features, but only as optional upgrades.

Comfort and Convenience Features

The best sports sedans strike an ideal balance between performance thrills, comfort, and convenience via offerings like comprehensive driver-assist features. Rest assured: Kia’s 2023 Stinger is no slouch in these areas—no matter the trim you choose.

Each trim contains: 

• Dual-zone automatic temperature control with rear vents and Smart ventilation
• Rear heater ducts
• Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
• Automatic window defogger
• Power door locks with remote keyless entry system
• Push-button start with Smart Key (Fob) and Remote Start

Both trims’ wireless Bluetooth technology is about more than connectivity; it’s about control. With voice recognition, you’re always in command of your drives.

Performance and Handling 

Exceptional performance, handling, and drivetrain options enhance the 2023 Kia Stinger’s value. Surface elements reflecting this performance prowess include an active exhaust noise system helping drivers adjust their vehicle’s exhaust volume based on personal preference—but there’s much more lurking beneath this car’s surface.

Engine and Transmission Options

Two trims mean two turbocharged engines: a 2.5-liter turbo four churning out 300 horsepower and a more potent 3.3-liter V6 delivering 368 horsepower. Each motor utilizes an eight-speed automatic transmission, which results in fast-shifting capability during instances like redlining. Still, real-world reviews indicate drivers seek faster response times from this sedan’s paddle shifters. 

The 2023 Stinger GT is a high-performance marvel, particularly in the acceleration department. It can go from 0 to 60 MPH in a mere 4.6 seconds. However, it’s worth considering that it may produce rear suspension noise under stress and exhibit momentary instability during cornering on uneven terrain. Motorists can select all-wheel drive (AWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD).

Fuel Efficiency

EPA estimates cite the 2023 Kia Stinger as offering 17-22 MPG in the city and 24-32 MPG on the highway. Drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency over factors like speed will find this model’s 2.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 powertrain offers the most mileage.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Sporty performance demands more capable safety systems, and Kia’s 2023 Stinger delivers on this front with high passenger security ratings.

Both 2023 Stinger trims offer the same standard safety features, and the list is comprehensive. Highlights within this category include but aren’t limited to Hill-start Assist Control, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and power window lockout protection.

Crash Test Ratings and Real-World Safety

The IIHS awarded this sedan a Top Safety Pick+ designation—the highest possible score for crash testing. According to the IIHS, its crashworthiness evaluations explored the model’s: “moderate overlap front test (formerly known as the frontal offset test), driver-side small overlap front test, and passenger-side small overlap front test.”

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) officials also recognized the 2023 Stinger with a five-star overall safety rating. The NHTSA analyzes vehicle safety capabilities in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests.

Pricing and Value

The 2023 Kia Stinger GT-Line starts at $36,690 while moving up into the GT2 variant presents a $51,890 base cost. Selecting an AWD powertrain instead of RWD increases each trim’s starting price by $200, allowing consistent performance in varied conditions to remain within arm’s reach.

Cost of Ownership

CarEdge reports the average 5-year cost of ownership for a 2023 Kia Stinger as $35,924. This figure covers expenses like market depreciation, insurance, service, financing, and gasoline. Maintenance is rated as costing the least of these factors, with fuel the highest at $9,790 or 27%. 

These numbers are not only ideal; they are a testament to the 2023 Kia Stinger’s strong market position. CarEdge’s resale value calculation tool reveals that a base 2023 Stinger, with 13,500 miles annually, maintains a strong market position with a five-year resale value of $34,148. The end of the Stinger’s production only enhances this resale value, providing a confident investment for potential buyers.

2024 Kia Stinger Tribute Limited Edition

The 2024 Kia Stinger Tribute Limited Edition, a rare gem, made its debut at Kia dealerships in 2023. With only 440 units allocated to the United States, the chances of securing one are slim, making it a highly sought-after collectible. You can confirm the authenticity of a model by locating the unique numbered door sill plate.

Steven Center, COO & EVP of Kia America, said: “A catalyst that set off Kia’s advancements in engineering and driving dynamics, the Stinger ultimately put the brand on the map among enthusiast drivers. Thanks to our learnings from the Stinger, we were able to develop adrenaline-inducing products like the EV6 GT.”

The 2024 Kia Stinger Tribute Limited Edition, a vehicle that stands out from the crowd, shares the same 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 and available AWD as the G2 trim. However, it sets itself apart with distinctive black-accented details on the exhaust tips, Brembo brake calipers, side mirrors, and exclusive 19” alloy wheels.

Step inside this limited production vehicle’s cabin, and you’ll discover Terracotta Nappa leather-trimmed seats featuring a custom logo, a synthetic suede headliner, and simulated carbon fiber interior trim.

Real-world customization

Auto influencers like Concept III Performance garage in Santa Fe Springs, California, a service shop specializing in Kias, show that this sporty sedan’s potential extends beyond its standard and available features. Concept III performance, which boasts 1.6 million TikTok followers, posted clips on this booming social media account of its mechanics installing aftermarket conveniences in Stingers like remote start. The California-based shop’s owner, William Chang, highlighted how the Stinger is the Infiniti G70’s sister model.

Final Verdict 

The 2023 Kia Stinger is ideal for budget-conscious drivers who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg to access specs like 300-plus horsepower. While moving up into the GT-2 presents a reasonably significant price gap, the Stinger’s resale value and market scarcity as the model’s last production example, besides the limited edition variant, underscores its premiere status. 

Drivers can also attain peace of mind knowing that the 2023 Stinger has a well-reviewed five-year or 60,000-mile basic warranty, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty runs for 10 years or 100,000 miles. While you could buy another sporty sedan like a slightly-used BMW M3 for a comparable price to this Kia, you’ll receive more standard features than many competitors. 

With the model’s production recently ending, you’re also likely to find plenty of new and certified pre-owned models available, so you don’t have to sweat sorting through vehicle history documents from multiple previous owners.

MotoPickers rates Kia’s Stinger 8/10 due to the model’s well-equipped cabin, straight-line speed, and substantial resale value, a vital asset in a continually fluctuating market. Plus, there’s something special about knowing that you own one of the last Stingers ever made—especially if you get your hands on a limited edition trim.

Drivers can maximize the GT-2’s performance capabilities with the model’s extensive aftermarket options. Performance upgrades can include engine tuning to increase horsepower and torque, intake and exhaust systems for better airflow and a more menacing exhaust, plus turbo enhancements.