Home Comparisons Trim Comparisons 2022 Kia Stinger: Choosing the Right Trim

2022 Kia Stinger: Choosing the Right Trim

Returning with several notable changes, the 2022 Kia Stinger remains an approachable alternative to German powerhouses like the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Leading the change charge:

  • A new turbocharged base engine
  • Several standard driver aids
  • Standard LED headlights and taillights
  • A significantly larger touchscreen
  • The new Scorpion Special Edition
  • GT trim level is gone

Plus, there are the typical changes in wheels and other cosmetic enhancements.

We like the Stinger for its superb handling, powerful turbo engines, impressive list of standard features, and industry-topping powertrain warranty.

For 2022, the grade lineup is GT-Line, GT1, and GT2. All three are rear-wheel drive (RWD). However, you can add all-wheel drive (AWD) to any trim for $2,200.

The GT-Line comes with an all-new 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

Stepping up to the GT1 or GT2 gains you the 368-hp 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. For 2022, Kia introduced a new electronic variable exhaust, which intensifies the exhaust note.

Both engines use an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters to hustle engine production to the wheels.

The driver may choose five drive modes: Sport, Comfort, Eco, Smart, and Custom.

In a recent drive of a 2022 Kia Stinger GT2 RWD V6, we could sense notable differences among these modes. We found that Smart works best for everyday driving, as a good blend of everyday comfort and composed handling. Sport, on the other hand, provides the quick shifts and agility you cherish on a twisty mountain road without sacrificing much in overall ride quality.

The EPA rates the 2022 Kia Stinger, in RWD 2.5-liter form, at 22 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg in combined driving. The AWD 2.5-liter Stinger is rated at 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway/24 mpg combined.

Stepping up to the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 reduces the mileage for RWD models to 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway/20 mpg combined. Although adding AWD further reduces city and highway efficiency by 1 mpg, the estimate for combined driving remains 20 mpg.

2022 Kia Stinger GT-Line (starting at $36,090)

2022 Kia Stinger GT-Line

2022 Kia Stinger GT-Line starts at $36,090.

The standard features are 18-inch alloy wheels and LED exterior lights (auto on-off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights.

Also included are a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, leather seating, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats.

A leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, hill-start control, and high-beam assist are also standard.

Keyless entry with push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a wireless phone charger are included.

The infotainment system has a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 9-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and navigation.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included.

The driver aids are forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning. lane-follow assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, and adaptive cruise control are also standard.

You can add the Sun and Sound Package for $2,300. It includes a power sunroof, a 15-speaker 720-watt Harman Kardon audio system, and an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat.

Adding the $1,045 destination fee to the GT-Line base price brings the total to $37,135. If you put no money down and financed for 60 months at 3% interest, it works out to $667 per month. See 2022 Kia Stinger GT-Line models for sale

2022 Kia Stinger GT-Line includes:

  • 2.5-liter turbo – This turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generates 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Kia claims a standstill-to-60 time of 5.2 seconds.
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Allows your smartphone to interface with your vehicle. Not only can you access the music on your phone, but you can also send messages, receive messages, make calls, and so forth through your vehicle’s media system.
  • Driver aids – This bundle includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and more.

2022 Kia Stinger GT1 (starting at $43,690)

2022 Kia Stinger GT1

The 2022 Kia Stinger GT1 starts at $43,690.

The GT1 adds the twin-turbo V6, 19-inch alloy wheels, launch control, a limited-slip rear differential, and red Brembo brake calipers to the GT-Line.

Also included are a power sunroof, interior LED accent lighting, interior aluminum accents, and an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat.

Kia doesn’t offer any factory-installed options for the GT1.

Adding the $1,045 destination fee to the GT1 base price equals $44,735. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing works out to $804 per month. See 2022 Kia Stinger GT1 models for sale

2022 Kia Stinger GT1 includes:

  • Twin-turbo V6 – This is a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 that generates 368 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. According to Kia’s stopwatch, it can reach 60 miles per hour from a stop in 4.7 seconds.
  • Launch control – This is an electronic aid to assist drivers in accelerating from a standstill.
  • Limited-slip rear differential –  This controls the drive wheels on the same axle, sending more torque to the wheel with grip when the other wheel is slipping.

2022 Kia Stinger GT2 (starting at $51,290)

2022 Kia Stinger GT2

The 2022 Kia Stinger GT2 starts at $51,290.

The GT2 adds an electronically controlled suspension, LED bi-function projection headlights, and adaptive headlights.

Also included are a hands-free power trunk lid, a power-adjustable steering wheel, Nappa leather seating, and heated rear seats.

A 16-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 12-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and ventilated front seats are also standard.

Other features include a 15-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.

For $1,295, you can add the Scorpion Package. This is basically an appearance bundle with black 19-inch alloy wheels and exterior accents.

Adding the $1,045 destination fee to the GT2 base price brings the total to $52,335. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $940 per month. See 2022 Kia Stinger GT2 models for sale

2022 Kia Stinger GT2 includes:

  • Adaptive headlights – These swivel in the direction of the steering wheel, lighting corners that would otherwise be dark.
  • Head-up display – A projector on the dashboard at the windshield base displays key driver information on the windshield just below the driver’s line of sight.
  • Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle.

FAQ

  • What is the best 2022 Kia Stinger trim?

    The base GT-Line is a good value, but driving enthusiasts looking for an exciting sport sedan will want to upgrade to the V6-powered GT1 model.

  • How many mpg does the 2022 Kia Stinger get?

    The 4-cylinder Stinger gets 22 city/32 highway mpg with RWD and 21 city/29 highway mpg with AWD. The V6-powered Stinger GT models get 18 city/25 highway with RWD and 17 city/24 highway mpg with AWD.

  • Which 2022 Kia Stinger trim level offers the most safety?

    The GT-Line and GT1 models get a slightly better safety rating than the GT2 because the headlights are different. However, the GT2 trim has a head-up display and a surround-view camera. The Kia Stinger is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and gets a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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