Is The Kia Stinger A Suitable Vehicle For Families?

The Kia Stinger is a luxury-minded sports sedan that offers up to 368 horsepower and is considered a perfect family car. It is fast, AWD for bad weather, practical, 4 doors, reliable, good tech, and semi uncommon. The 2023 Stinger is very uncommon in Austin but can be found occasionally in the Seattle area.

The reliability of the newer Stingers is questionable, and it may not be the best choice for everyone. Some may prefer the updated layout, while others may find the lack of certain elegant features infuriating. The 2020 Kia Stinger is a small sports coupe that fits some lifestyles, while the 2021 Stinger is a car of character and individuality.

The 2021 Kia Stinger has practical features for families, such as boot space and legroom when rear-facing child seats are used. The 2022 Stinger is a good used car with plenty of power even in base models. Entry-level Stingers have a nine-speaker sound system and GT-Line S.

The 2021 Kia Stinger GT-Line is a fantastic car to drive, smooth and fun when dropping the kids off, and practical and easy to drive. The Stinger is suitable for 2 adults and 2 kids that don’t pack too heavy on a weekend trip. If you need more space, an SUV is recommended.

The 2021 Kia Stinger GT-Line is a great mix between fast, comfortable, and family car, ticking all the boxes. However, it is a fairly niche vehicle in a world that either prefers family-friendly crossovers or SUVs.

Why Is The Kia Stinger Not Selling Well?

Kia has officially announced the discontinuation of the Stinger after the 2023 model year, primarily due to poor sales performance. The brand intends to shift its focus towards electric SUVs, aligning with market demand trends. While the Stinger received positive reviews and boosted Kia’s credibility, it struggled to gain traction in the market, with sales figures totaling just 6, 643 units through Q3 of 2023. The car, which debuted in 2017, was often cited as an expensive offering in Kia's budget-friendly lineup, limiting its appeal.

Kia’s decision to halt production isn't surprising; the Stinger consistently faced weak demand, a concern that had circulated for years. Although it is known for its superb suspension and reliability, the Stinger failed to sell in significant numbers, often entering the market with hundreds sold per month rather than thousands. The automaker's move to discontinue the model aligns with broader industry shifts towards EVs and reflects the inherent challenges of competing in the sports sedan segment against more established brands. Despite its shortcomings in sales, the Stinger is expected to become a sought-after used car for enthusiasts in the future, especially those who missed the initial opportunity to buy one.

What Car Is Equivalent To A Kia Stinger?

The 2023 Kia Stinger has no direct rivals, yet shares its chassis with the premium Genesis G70. Several competitive alternatives to consider include the stylish BMW 4 Series, known for its refinement and performance. The Volvo S60 stands out for its fuel efficiency, while the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 offers a traditional four-door sedan experience. The Acura TLX, especially the top-tier A-Spec Red SH-AWD model, also presents a compelling option. Other notable contenders are the Audi A5 and BMW 3-Series, both of which provide excellent driving dynamics and features.

If you examine the performance specifications, the BMW and Alfa Romeo models often receive the highest praise, while the Infiniti lineup excels in acceleration metrics. The Kia Stinger, despite being a hatchback with a sporty demeanor, garners attention for its design and practicality, making it worthy of consideration in the luxury small car segment. There are opportunities to compare different trims and years of the Stinger directly against rivals like the Audi S4, Jaguar XE S, and Mercedes-AMG C43. Use side-by-side reviews to evaluate aspects such as price, features, and performance to make an informed purchase decision.

Is The Kia Stinger Roomy?

The 2023 Kia Stinger is a stylish sports sedan that stands out for its spacious interior and hatchback-style cargo area, offering 23. 3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and over 40 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This ample storage makes it ideal for carrying bulky items, surpassing typical midsize sedan capabilities. The Stinger is exceptionally comfortable for long drives, even more so than some luxury models, and provides generous legroom (42.

6 inches) and headroom (38. 3 inches) in the front. Additionally, it boasts up to 368 horsepower, enhancing its appeal as a performance vehicle. While most controls are user-friendly, some drivers may find the touchscreen a bit hard to reach. In celebration of its fifth year, Kia has simplified the Stinger's lineup for 2023 and introduced two special edition models, marking this as the final production year. With an MSRP starting at $29, 302 for lower trims, the Stinger offers an attractive price point while delivering a roomy, upscale cabin that accommodates families.

Notably, despite its spaciousness, taller passengers might find the rear seat a tad cramped due to the sedan's low roofline, although overall, it remains a solid choice for those seeking comfort and performance.

Why Is Kia Killing The Stinger?

Kia is discontinuing the Stinger sports sedan after the 2023 model year due to weak sales, a common reason for vehicle discontinuation in the automotive industry. The Stinger, which debuted in the US market in 2019 and sold over 60, 000 units, will be replaced by a focus on new electric models as Kia shifts its production strategy. The Stinger’s unofficial successor, the Kia EV6 GT, boasts impressive performance, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 3. 4 seconds, outpacing the fastest Stinger variant, the 2023 GT2 AWD.

As a farewell, Kia will release a limited Stinger Tribute Edition, limited to 1, 000 units globally, featuring unique paint and a revised interior. Despite its performance capabilities, the Stinger struggled to capture a new generation of consumers, leading to its eventual demise. Reviews have praised the Stinger for its rear-drive liftback design and performance, positioning it as a potential cult classic, despite its commercial challenges.

Initial expectations for its longevity extended to 2024, but sluggish sales have precipitated an earlier end. Kia’s decision reflects a broader transition towards electrification in its lineup, with plans for mass production of electric models in the future.

Are Kia Stingers Good Family Cars?

The 2023 Kia Stinger is a sport sedan that resembles a low-slung coupe but offers ample space for a family, making it ideal for road trips. It combines sharp performance with available all-wheel drive for traction in adverse weather, and features strong build quality and spacious hatchback practicality. With a base MSRP of $36, 690, it is competitively priced within the luxury small car market, reaching $51, 890 for the performance-oriented GT2. This hatchback sports sedan manages to provide luxury features alongside engaging driving dynamics comparable to European counterparts.

The interior is well-appointed, making it a comfortable option for families, with enough room for kids and luggage. The Stinger caters well to practicality while delivering powerful performance with its base engine as well as a more robust 3. 3-liter twin-turbo V-6. Expert reviews highlight the Stinger's enjoyable driving experience, having both versatility and fun driving dynamics. Although transitioning from other sedans, new buyers, especially novice ones, can benefit from Kia's longer warranties.

Reviews suggest a good balance between fun and family utility, making it a strong competitor for those seeking an alternative to SUVs. The Stinger is well-regarded as a good option for a family car that ticks boxes for both speed and comfort.

Why Is Kia Discontinuing The Stinger?

The Kia Stinger, a performance-oriented four-door hatchback, experienced declining sales throughout its six-year production from 2017 to 2023, culminating in just 5, 452 sales in its final year. Kia announced the discontinuation of the Stinger following the 2023 model year, citing weak demand as the primary reason. To commemorate its production run, Kia is releasing a limited Tribute Edition of the Stinger, restricted to only 1, 000 units globally.

This edition aims to celebrate the Stinger's legacy as a high-performance vehicle in Kia's lineup, known for breaking the mold of the brand’s reputation for more economical cars. However, many owners expressed dissatisfaction with the vehicle's transmission performance, which contributed to its dwindling popularity over the years. Despite its discontinuation, there are hints of a potential all-electric replacement for the Stinger in the works, indicating that Kia is not entirely moving away from this segment.

The Stinger's demise reflects broader challenges in the market, although certain models, like the Soul, continue to thrive despite sluggish sales elsewhere. As the Tribute Edition rolls out, it serves both as a farewell to the performance sedan and a showcase of Kia's evolving automotive vision.

What Competes Against The Kia Stinger?

The Kia Stinger faces competition from a diverse array of rivals, including the 2023 Subaru Legacy, 2022 Acura TLX, 2022 Audi A5, 2022 BMW 3-Series, and 2022 Genesis G70. Each of these models offers a different blend of performance and luxury, making it essential for potential buyers to compare options. The Stinger is known for its civilized yet sporty driving dynamics and is priced from $31, 900 to $51, 400. It positions itself competitively against vehicles like the Genesis G80 and Audi S4.

While the four-cylinder GT-Line can outperform some rivals despite a smaller engine displacement, the Stinger GT2 provides a powerful 3. 3L V6 alternative. The debate continues over whether the Stinger can outperform models like the Jaguar XF. Reviewers highlight that the Stinger holds its own amidst pricier German competitors, such as the BMW 340i and Mercedes C43 AMG. Additional rivals worth considering include the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Lexus IS. As buyers navigate the midsize performance sedan market, side-by-side comparisons will be crucial in determining which model best fits their needs and preferences.

Does Kia Stinger Lose Value?

The KIA Stinger is projected to depreciate by 48% over five years, resulting in a resale value of approximately $25, 425. An individual interested in purchasing a Stinger plans to wait six months, but potential market changes could affect this decision. After three years, the KIA Stinger experiences a depreciation of 31. 9%, translating to a resale value of $24, 987. Over longer periods, the vehicle's value diminishes further, reflecting a depreciation of 55.

9% after seven years and 67. 1% after ten years. Concerns arise regarding the Stinger's resale value following the announcement of the end of production, with some pondering if prices will drop as the electric vehicle market expands. Recent data shows that a 2021 Stinger has depreciated by $13, 262 over three years, leading to a current resale value of $22, 880 and a trade-in value of $20, 013. For a 2022 model, the depreciation is $9, 030, yielding a resale value of $27, 144.

Additionally, a 2023 KIA Stinger has depreciated $2, 476 in one year, with a resale value of $30, 122. Despite fluctuations in value due to the EV trend, the Stinger remains favored among enthusiasts, suggesting that depreciation may stabilize for well-maintained models over time.

How Reliable Are Kia Stingers?

The Kia Stinger is generally considered a reliable sports sedan, with notable attributes including excellent suspension and responsive steering. It has achieved an 81 out of 100 reliability rating from J. D. Power, with newer models like the 2023 and 2022 earning a predicted score of 84. Reported issues primarily involve non-engine electrics, such as unpleasant odors and electrical system malfunctions, while significant problems are rare, supporting Kia’s solid reputation for reliability.

If you’re considering purchasing a Stinger as your first car, evaluating model years is crucial; the best years are 2020-2023, while 2018 and 2019 received less favorable reviews. The Stinger features a powerful twin-turbocharged 3. 3-liter V-6 engine, delivering impressive performance figures, making it an exciting choice for a sporty experience.

When contemplating ownership, think about whether to buy new and sell in a few years or to lease. Generally, buying used models from the recommended years may be more cost-effective, especially given expensive maintenance. Conversely, leasing offers the benefit of enjoying a new vehicle without long-term commitment. Overall, the Stinger’s combination of affordability, performance, and reliability makes it a strong contender in the sports sedan market, balancing value with driving enjoyment.