The Kia Stinger Isn’t Dead–It’s Getting an Update for 2022
Despite the love it gets, the Kia Stinger and its corporate cousin, the Genesis G70, looked like they were on the chopping block. Happily, that’s not the case. Although it’s not getting a performance boost for 2021, the Stinger sports sedan is getting updated for 2022. Here’s what we know so far.
2022 Kia Stinger: what’s new and what carries over
Technically, Motor Trend reports, the updated Kia Stinger is a 2021 model. However, that’s only in its home South Korean market, where it’s launching in Q3 2020. In the US, the pre-update Stinger carries over for 2021, Car and Driver reports.
Besides new styling, the 2022 Stinger has new LED rear lights, Motor1 reports, new wheels, and larger exhaust tips. US models will offer a Black Package, which adds matte-black wheels, rear wing, and blacked-out side mirrors and side fenders. The Korean Kia Stinger will also offer a Dark Package, which includes blacked-out emblems and exhaust tips, as well as a gloss black diffuser.
Inside, the 2022 Kia Stinger’s center touchscreen goes from 8” to 10.25”, Roadshow reports, and the interior materials are allegedly higher-quality. Part of the interior update includes more real-metal trim, Autoblog reports, as well as contrast stitching and upgraded ambient lighting.
As with the current model, the 2022 Kia Stinger will be available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive forms. The 8-speed automatic also carries over.
What we still don’t know
As of this writing, Kia has not released the 2022 Stinger’s powertrain details. The current sedan offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6. The former makes 255 hp and 260 lb-ft, MT reports, and the latter produces 365 hp and 376 lb-ft.
It’s possible, Autoweek and Car and Driver muse, that the Stinger will receive the Genesis G80’s new engines. That means a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. In the G80, the former makes 300 hp and 311 lb-ft, and the latter makes 375 hp and 391 lb-ft, Car and Driver reports.
Interestingly, the updated Genesis G70 will likely keep the 2.0-liter engine, MT reports. Reportedly, the larger engine doesn’t fit under the hood. That has repercussions for the 2022 Kia Stinger, as it rides on the same platform as the G70.
Also, it’s unknown if the more performance-oriented limited-edition GTS trim will carry over. It features a limited-slip differential, and while it’s available in RWD form, it also comes with a reprogrammed AWD system, MT reports. The GTS also has a retuned version of the base car’s suspension, Automobile reports, which eliminates some of the base model’s “propensity for getting squirrely.”
Will the 2022 Kia Stinger be worth a look?
Kia hasn’t revealed 2022 Stinger pricing as of this writing. The current 2.0-liter model starts at just over $33,000. The 2022 model will likely cost about the same or slightly more.
That’s roughly the same price as the 2021 Acura TLX, Automobile reports. And while the base TLX is FWD, the performance-oriented Type S has AWD. But, while the Acura TLX has a 10-speed automatic, it might be down on power. The Type S’ 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 is rated at 355 hp and 354 lb-ft, while the base car’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 272 hp and 280 lb-ft.
There’s also the 2021 Genesis G70, which is essentially a more-luxurious Kia Stinger. And while it’s more expensive, MT reports it’s worth the upcharge. Though, if the 2022 Stinger gets some extra power, that might change things.
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