On the surface, the 2022 Kia Stinger and the 2022 Lexus IS are very similar cars. Both offer high-end V6 powertrains and AWD making around 300 hp. Both are more niche options in the luxury sedan segment, and both offer a killer warranty. Frankly, each of these vehicles are incredibly enticing in their own ways.

Styling is all down to preference, but each offers looks that are well outside the sedan status quo. The question is, which one is better? Or perhaps the question should be “Which one fits your needs the best?”

How much is the 2022 Kia Stinger GT?

So, let’s just get price out of the way. Frankly, there’s quite a range you can cover here. The 2022 Kia Stinger, for example, can range from its MSRP of $39,250 up to around $51,000. The 2022 Lexus IS, per Car and Driver, will come in a little higher. Expect those to range from $43,000 all the way up to $62,000. However, I should note that $62,000 goes towards the 450+ hp V8 Lexus IS 500.

Speaking of the Stinger, you’re getting a lot for that $51,000. It is a lot of money yes, but you do get a practical, AWD (optional), lift-back sedan with some great luxury touches. Plus, you’re buying the last of something, as the Stinger may not be coming back next year. That’s sure to help you out on the depreciation front, but who cares when you’ve got 365 hp?

The 2022 Lexus IS offers more variety

That said, the 2022 Lexus IS simply offers more variety than the 2022 Kia Stinger. There’s only 3 levels for the Stinger (GT-Line, GT1, and GT2), as opposed to the 5 flavors of IS. For the purposes of this comparison, we’re looking at the $44,000 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport. It’s the 2022 Kia Stinger’s most direct competitor, making 311 hp through a familiar 8-speed auto that drives all four wheels as standard.

However, what we’re really doing here is comparing three cars. The 2022 Kia Stinger GT is in the middle, both in price and performance (don’t forget the Kia 10yr/ 100,000 mile warranty). Then, we’ve got the IS 350 F-Sport and it’s less than ideal power figures to price ratio at the bottom. Of course, if there’s some room in the budget, there’s the IS 500 and its incredible V8.

To each luxury sedan its own

I can’t pick a winner here. I just don’t know you well enough. Instead, it’s best to examine what you need out of the car. Sure, AWD (or RWD if you want), four seats and a nice, powerful motor are standard here, but the rest is up to you. Do you need the liftback practicality, larger size, and warranty of the Stinger GT? Or does the sonorous V8 mean more to you? In the end, that’s up to you to decide.