2022 Kia Stinger revealed with more performance, upgraded styling



(March 17, 2021) IRVINE, Calif. — The Stinger established a new era in Kia’s history when it debuted in 2017 as a 2018 model, but that was just the start of the story.  It “crashed the party” in a way never expected and converted enthusiasts stuck in the old “German is better” doctrine. For 2022, Stinger continues to evolve and maintain its position as Kia’s halo sport sedan while pushing frontiers in expected style, performance and engineering.


It’s been revamped with new exterior design details that offer a more upscale appearance, enhanced performance thanks to a more powerful standard engine, and an unparalleled driving experience with several technologically advanced driver assistance systems as standard. 



“The Stinger confidently shows Kia’s ability to build a sport sedan that can compete — and beat — the best the world has to offer. It is definitive proof of our proud and evolving engineering prowess,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia Motors North American and Kia Motors America. “We continue to push Stinger to new heights as it is the catalyst behind our dynamic model lineup, from the award-winning Telluride to the highly praised K5. The Kia Stinger is world-class, and the refreshed 2022 model continues to evolve expectations.” 



The 2022 Stinger will arrive this spring and be available in GT-Line, GT1, and GT2 trims, with a special edition Scorpion model released at a later date.

The Stinger is getting more performance, especially with the base model, which gains 45 horsepower over the outgoing car. It flexes with more power to accelerate away from the traditional definition of “entry-level with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters that makes 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This combination yields a 0-to-60 time of 5.2 seconds according to Kia.

The GT twin-turbo V6 continues to offer higher-performance upgrades including Brembo brakes and launch control, and will et an additional three horsepower from its 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Now with 368 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. of torque it has an estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds

The Stinger's styling updates include Kia's new script-like logo, standard LED headlamps, a horizontal taillight that runs across the hatch, new geometric-pattern wheels and more aggressive exhaust tips. Inside, there are new black-gloss and chrome details on the instrument panel, LED lighting with a vibrant color palette and special stitching on the higher-level GT trims.


   
The Scorpion Special Edition set to arrive this late Spring further accelerates Stinger appeal with:  Select exterior colors: Snow White, Aurora Black, and Ceramic Silver; rear spoiler; blacked out fender garnish, side mirror caps, and darkened exhaust tips; unique black wheels; and interior carbon fiber pattern trim. 



There also are technology upgrades across the trims — a bigger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a larger 4.2-inch "helper" display within the instrument cluster and a wireless charging pad. An optional 7-inch "helper" screen in the instrument gauge cluster provides a live camera view of adjacent lanes when the turn signal is activated, Kia said.

Kia did not release pricing, which typically comes closer to the on-sale date. The 2021 Stinger GT-Line starts at $34,135, with shipping. The highest GT2 trim starts at $51,435 with shipping. AWD is a $2,200 option across all trim lines for the current model year.