2022 Kia Stinger gets more power and updated tech

KUALA LUMPUR: Kia has officially unveiled the updated version of its fun-to-drive sports sedan Stinger in the US market that will hit the roads this spring in three versions - GT-Line, GT1, and GT2 trims. A special edition Scorpion trim would join the lineup at a later date. 

The new Stinger boasts a revamped exterior, a more upscale cabin, a more powerful standard engine, and more advanced driver assistance systems as standard. 

Getting into the details, the most significant change can be noted under the hood where a new 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is onboard for the base variant. The said mill generates a maximum power of 300 hp and a peak torque of 421 Nm. This is a big improvement over the ongoing model's 2.0-litre turbo-four unit producing 255 hp and 352 Nm. Mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and either RWD or AWD, the updated Stinger can now clock the 100 kmph mark in just 5.2 seconds. 

Also, the top-spec 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 received updates for better performance. It now kicks out 368 hp and 508 Nm, enabling the sporty sedan to complete a century sprint in just 4.7 seconds.

On the exterior, Kia’s dynamic new logo takes the centre of the hood in all its glory. Included in the updates are new daytime running lights, new headlights, a full-width tail light bar, new wheel designs, and a revamped exhaust tip design. Inside, Kia has come up with cosmetic changes like black gloss and chrome details on the instrument panel, and modern stitching on inside door panels. 

Technological upgrades include a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display, a larger 4.2-inch instrument panel, ambient LED lighting, and an optional 7-inch cluster as the display for the surround-view camera and blind spot monitor. Advanced driver-assistance suite now includes safe exit warning, navigation-based smart cruise control, lane keep assist, and highway driving assist.

“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 America 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.”

Also read: Here’s a first look at Kia’s new electric vehicle, the EV6