2023 Kia Stinger 2.5T Review – Stinger Is One Of My Favorite Cars On Sale – Perhaps one of my favorite new automobiles is the Kia Stinger. This overlooked treasure is even better in 2023 thanks to the prospect of a fresh entry-level motor that makes the Stinger even more exciting to drive than ever before.
2023 Kia Stinger 2.5T Review
Exterior Design
The Stinger 2.5T doesn’t disappoint on a twisting road. Although it lacks the adaptive dampers of the GT, the power electronics steering offers excellent feel and response time, and I actually prefer the vehicle’s body roll over that of the GT. In comparison to the GT, the standard Stinger is noticeably lighter on the front axle; it’s also a lot more fun and easy to turn around. The 18-inch wheels and all-season tires on the 2.5T provide a comfortable ride, but the brakes are prone to fade and understeer. A Stinger 2.5T GT Line, on the other hand, is a fun sedan with a strong argument for staying with the standard engine.
If you’re a fan of the Stinger 2.5T, you might want to consider turning on the artificial engine sounds. Its Stinger’s exhaust tips are a shame because the engine’s sound isn’t really unique either from inside or outside of the vehicle. However, Kia’s Active Sound Design is basic on the Stinger and may be activated alone or in conjunction with the vehicle’s drive mode. It enhances the cabin’s sound with a throaty and amazing tone that doesn’t seem manufactured. You don’t have to like artificial engine noises to like Stinger’s music; you either have some fun with it.
As far as styling changes go, the new 2023 model’s facelift is OK by me because the Stinger is still one of my favorite vehicles. The taillights are connected to the headlights by a full-width LED bar, and the design of the basic LED system has been updated. Since only one GT Line trim level is offered for the four-cylinder Stinger, it gets a new set of sharper bumpers like the GT, which has a V6 under the hood. Besides the fresh Ascot Green paint, Kia also fitted the Stinger with new wheel designs, wider exhaust tips, and a reworked emblem.
Interior Design
With a 10.3-inch touchscreen instead of the previous 7-inch unit, the new software is much cleaner and easier to use than the previous version. Apple CarPlay, as well as Android Auto, are also featured. Including the revised gloss black but also chrome trim pieces, the Stinger’s interior will feature a larger 4.2-inch screen between the gauges in 2023. The cabin in the Stinger is comfortable thanks to basic leather seats and just a stylish design, but some of the components and finishes appear dated in comparison to Kia’s most recent models. The T-shaped shifter is still there.
It’s true that the Stinger 2.5T is more expensive than it was before, but that’s still a great deal considering the GT’s V6 engine costs an additional $7,600. Fully automated high beams, folding mirrors, parking sensors, keyless, warmed-up front seats, an electric driver’s seat, a double automatic climate control, as well a leather steering wheel but instead shifter are all included as standard equipment on the 2.5T GT Line. 2023 Kia Stinger 2.5T Review
In addition, all Stinger models come regular with an adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitors, motion detection, lane keeping, as well as safe exit assist. Adding this $2,300 Sun and Sound package brings the overall price to a fairly affordable $39,435, which includes an 8-way power adjusting passenger seat and then a 15 Harman Kardon audio system. 2023 Kia Stinger 2.5T Review
2023 Kia Stinger 2.5T Engine
The existing turbo 2.L 4-cylinder is being replaced with a modern 2.5-liter turbo-4, which is also featured in Hyundai Motor Group vehicles including the Santa Cruz as well as Genesis GV70. It has 45 hp and 51 lb-ft more torque than the original 2.0T engine but is 68 hp as well as 65 lb-ft less powerful than the twin-turbo 3.3L V6 in the Stinger GT. For an additional $2,200, the 2.5T can be outfitted with just an 8-automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive as standard. In order to have a heated steering wheel, you’ll need an AWD vehicle (which is a pain). 2023 Kia Stinger 2.5T Review
As a result of this upgraded engine, the Stinger is noticeably faster than it was before. According to Kia, the 0-to-60-mph sprint takes just 5.2 seconds, which really is half a second faster than the GT’s. It feels like the 2.5T is more responsive than that of the old 2.0T, particularly when overtaking at highway speeds as well as the 8-speed automatic shifts quickly when left alone. I get more than 35mpg in real-world motorway driving with the new 2.0T motor, which has an EPA highway rating of 32mpg, which is 3mpg better than the 2.0T’s.
2023 Kia Stinger 2.5T Price And Release Date
Because it is the only car like it on the market, fewer than 60,000 Stingers have indeed been sold since its debut in 2017. Even though the 4 Series Gran Coupe was significantly more expensive, it isn’t quite as athletic or stylish as the Kia Sportage. The Stinger is unlikely to be replaced by a new model from Kia in the near future because of the company’s focus on electric vehicles. Stinger’s spirit is alive plenty in the EV6, even though the car actually may not be around for much longer.
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