2018 Kia Stinger

2018 Kia Stinger Highlights

The goal of the 2018 Kia Stinger was simple: put the sports sedans from Europe on notice. Its subdued yet muscular fastback styling and excellent all-round performance positioned it solidly against its rivals.

As for engines and drivetrains, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is standard in the 2018 Kia Stinger Premium and Base trims, while a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 comes standard in the GT trims. The buyer could choose rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) in any combination.

The interior of the Stinger features a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials and the latest infotainment and safety tech. From the base model to the top-tier 2018 Kia Stinger GT2, the car is engaging and fun while remaining daily driveable.

Key Details

• Midsize sedan body style
• Fastback body styling
• Two engine options: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 3.3L twin-turbo V6
• Standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
• 0-60 mph in as low as 4.7 seconds (GT models)
• Maximum output of 365 horsepower (GT models)

Benefits

• Ample power, especially from the twin-turbo V6
• Spacious interior
• Practical liftback design with generous cargo space
• Available all-wheel drive
• High-quality interior materials
• Advanced technology and safety features

Learn More: Which Years Of Used Kia Stingers Are Most Reliable?

2018 Kia Stinger Overview

2018 Kia Stinger Overview

Performance

The 2018 Kia Stinger offers two engine options:

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine:

• 255 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque
• Available in Base and Premium trims

3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine:

• 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on GT, GT1, and GT2 trims

Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters for manual gear selection. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available.

The 2.0-liter engine provides enough power to reach 60 mph in around 6 seconds, while the twin-turbo V6 propels the 2018 Kia Stinger GT from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 4.7 seconds.

GT models come with Brembo brakes, featuring four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers. The Stinger's suspension was developed on the Nürburgring racetrack for comfortable yet confident handling. GT models received additional tuning for even more responsiveness.

Drivers can customize the Stinger's performance characteristics through multiple drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Custom, adjusting throttle response, shift points, and steering feel to suit different driving conditions and preferences.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not evaluated the 2018 Kia Stinger.

Standard safety features across all 2018 Kia Stinger models include:

• Seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag
• Vehicle stability management (VSM)
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Traction control system (TCS)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Hill-start assist control (HAC)

Additional safety features available on select trims include:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane-keeping assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Driver attention warning
• Automatic high beams

Driving

Daily drivability, engaging performance, and exceptional utility are what you’ll find across all 2018 Kia Stinger configurations. The RWD models can provide exciting moments when breaking the rear tires loose, while AWD models offer consistent performance regardless of the weather conditions.

While the base 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder delivers perfectly responsive acceleration, the twin-turbo V6 in GT models transforms the Stinger into a genuine 4-door sports car. The eight-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly in automatic mode and responds quickly to manual inputs via the paddle shifters.

Steering is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback to the driver. The Stinger feels planted in corners, with minimal body roll, especially in Sport mode. As for ride quality, the suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride for long-distance cruising. Step up to more performance-oriented trims such as the 2018 Kia Stinger GT1, and the suspension offers a firmer ride, but not at the expense of overall comfort.

Interior

Upon entering, occupants are greeted by a driver-focused cockpit design that emphasizes the car's performance intentions while maintaining a premium feel. Front seats offer excellent support, adjustability, and comfort for long drives. The GT2 trim features a 16-way power driver's seat with four-way aircell lumbar support. Rear seats offer surprisingly generous legroom for a sports sedan.

The material quality is impressive, with soft-touch surfaces, available Nappa leather upholstery, and metallic accents. Higher trims feature additional touches, such as a suede-like headliner and aluminum trim.

Open the liftgate to reveal 23.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 40.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Notable interior features available on select trims include:

• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power tilt and telescopic steering column
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Wireless phone charger

Technology

The 2018 Kia Stinger comes equipped with a UVO infotainment system to control its range of technology features. Key technology features on select trims include:

• 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Navigation system with real-time traffic information
• Harman Kardon premium audio system with 15 speakers
• Heads-up display
• 360-degree camera system
• Wireless phone charging pad
• Proximity keyless entry with push-button start and remote start

The Stinger also features a color TFT screen in the instrument cluster, providing the driver with essential information, including performance data such as G-forces and lap times.

Fuel Economy

The 2018 Kia Stinger's fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder:

• RWD (mpg): 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined
• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined

3.3L twin-turbo V6:

• RWD (mpg): 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined
• AWD (mpg): 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined

2018 Kia Stinger Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book give the 2018 Kia Stinger an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5. Owners give the Stinger high praise for performance, value, and style.

Reasons to Buy It

• Powerful performance, especially the twin-turbo V6
• Attractive fastback design with practical liftgate
• Spacious interior with ample rear seat room
• Engaging driving dynamics
• Available all-wheel drive

Problems

• Fuel economy can be surprisingly low, especially in V6 models
• Some advanced safety features are limited to higher trims
• The infotainment system lacks a primary scroll knob
• Brand perception may not match established luxury marques

Explore: The Kia Stinger Years To Avoid

CoPilot's Take

For its first foray into the European-style sports sedan segment, Kia’s Stinger represents a shockingly competitive and cohesive offering. Whether a buyer chooses the turbo-4 or the twin-turbo V6, RWD or AWD, or any of the trims, they’ll still enjoy a competent, usable, compelling, performance-oriented vehicle.

Interior quality (and space) is impressive, with materials and fit-and-finish that compete well with luxury brands. Adults can enjoy sitting in the rear without feeling cramped, yet cargo space is still voluminous.

However, the Stinger isn't without compromises. While reasonable for its performance level, the fuel economy may disappoint those expecting more efficiency. Some buyers might also find that the Kia brand doesn't carry the same prestige as established luxury marques. That said, buyers looking for a performance sedan that doesn’t destroy budgets with high repair and maintenance bills will find a sweet spot with the Stinger.

2018 Kia Stinger FAQs

Is a 2018 Kia Stinger a good car?

Yes, the 2018 Kia Stinger is generally considered a good car. It offers strong performance, attractive styling, a spacious and well-appointed interior, and a range of modern features at a competitive price. Potential buyers of a used 2018 Kia Stinger should consider fuel economy, reliability, and personal brand preferences.

Are 2018 Kia Stingers reliable?

A 2018 Kia Stinger can last 200,000 miles or more. Since the Stinger is more focused on performance (especially twin-turbo V6 models), buyers of used models should look closely for signs of abuse and carefully inspect maintenance records.

Is the 2018 Kia Stinger fast?

Yes, the 2018 Kia Stinger is considered fast, particularly in its GT trim with the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. The V6-equipped Stinger can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.7 seconds. Even the base model with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers respectable performance, with a 0 to 60 mph time of about 6 seconds. Suspension tuning is excellent, and steering provides agile handling.

Check Out: How Long Do Kia Stingers Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan