Likes
- Genuinely practical performance car.
- Excellent levels of safety, tech and equipment.
- Premium interior.
- Great ride and handling.
Used Kia Stinger review
2017 - 2022
Dislikes
- Short service intervals.
- Heavily abused examples not ageing gracefully in terms of rattles and issues.
- Standard exhaust sounds a tad plain.
Stuff you should know
On paper, the Q3 2017 arrival of the Kia Stinger looked like mana from Heaven for Aussie petrolheads hurting from loss of their beloved, locally produced large sedans. Of all nations and of all place, Korea’s Kia had sprung a performance flagship five-door, suitably large in stature, available with a big turbo six-cylinder heartbeat and, importantly, rear-wheel drive.
For the most part, its half-decade on local terra firma has been a solid if unremarkable success. Both in terms of a modest sales success for Kia in a perilously dwindled mainstream large-car segment and in establishing a bit of a cult following that’s sure to bloom in future.
It’s a good car. It’s an exciting car, at least in its larger-engine choice. And with Chrysler putting the 300SRT to pasture it’s the last thing standing as a genuinely affordable four- or five-door rear-driven sport sedan. But it’s not quite the new messiah many had foreseen.
In October 2017, within a month or so of Holden shutting its Elisabeth plant in SA, the Stinger hit local showrooms in a choice of two turbocharged engines, each offering three variant trim levels depending on buyer budget and taste.
The heroic choice is the twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6. Plying 272kW and 510Nm through an eight-speed auto the form guide suggests it’ll hit 100km/h form a standstill in 4.9 seconds, traction loss notwithstanding. Sub-five performance if properly heady by most reasonable measure.
The sixes kicked off with base 330S at $48,990, offering all of the thrills – Brembo brakes, LSD – if trimming the frills, such as fake leather trim and AEB. It was a seven-grand set-up to the ($56k) mid-grade 330Si, which added leather, AEB, active cruise and 19s as perhaps the sweet value spot in the entire 2017 line-up.
The top dog GT sixer, at a tenner under $60k, stacked features such as active dampers, nappa leather, 360-degree cameras, a head-up display and 15-speaker premium sound. A bi-model exhaust ($2500) could be optioned on any V6 version.
A trio of 2.0-litre turbocharged four versions, offering a still-healthy 182kW and 353Nm, largely mirrored the six-pot line-up in spec, kicking off at a wallet-friendly $45,990 for the 200S. The four-pot Si was also three-grand cheaper that it V6 twin, while the 200 GT-Line, at $55,990, loses little to the GT in features (though isn’t identical) for those buyers where 6.0sec 0-100km.h performance was perfectly adequate, thanks.
Execution and design inside are quite sound an typically Kia but the big drawcard is the five-door liftback format that brings almost wagon-like practicality, if without quite so much luggage space (406 litres). In GT/GT-Line trim, the Stinger feels downright opulent.
The spirited clip of either engine choice is married with fine on-road character. The Stinger is comfortable and refined, underpinned by a ride and (locally fine-tuned) handling package intended to be measured against the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The three effective grades also bring slightly different suspension and steering tunings.
The Stinger got a mild facelift in late 2020 (for MY21) found in the current new range, including new wheels, new LED lights, a range-wide upgrade to high-spec 10.25-inch infotainment and broader safety for a breed that now started from just under $50k. A new quad-tip bi-model exhaust was added to all V6 versions for an academic two-kilowatt power hike.
Trainspotters after something a little different can search out one of a number of special editions launched locally to date, including the two-litre Rafa Edition (MY18) and the six-powered Carbon Edition and Night Sky Edition (MY20-21) variants.
The doomsayers are suggesting that Stinger’s days are numbered, a once compelling concept that arrived on the stage too late and one that might soon be retired due to a lack of sales interest globally. In the US, where it was debuted and largely targeted at, the Stinger hasn’t nearly risen to its makers hopes for popularity and buyer acceptance.
For now, the Stinger continues its steady course on the Aussie new car market.
What goes wrong
- The paint on Sunset Yellow Stingers was defective. However in Kia’s defence, of the 71 cars affected here in Australia, approx 75% of owners had their Stinger resprayed under warranty while the other customers opted for a full refund or a replacement vehicle.
- There are some sporadic reports of other colours fading a little over time, this is not a common fault by any means, it is extremely rare but if you’re looking at buying one of these, thoroughly inspect the paint work.
- The trim above the windows can stain or blemish due to the transparent blue plastic wrap that is put on the cars for shipping reacting with the plastic of the trim. This is easily fixed with a polish and Kia have replaced trim pieces that are being problematic.
- Early model Stingers fitted with sunroofs have been known to get a bit rattly but again, Kia have generally fixed this under warranty.
- Early models are also reported to have a rattle coming from the rear tailgate hatch but this is easily fixed with some washers and later models resolved this from the factory.
- The fabulous Brembo brakes do love to exude copious amounts of brake dust all over the wheels and there are quite a few reports that they can warp if driven hard, resulting in shuddering and vibration at speed.
- The solution for many owners has actually been fitting DBA rotors and pads, just don’t tell Brembo, they’ll get upset.
- There are very occasional reports of the Central locking being faulty when ignition is on, however we need to state this is a very rare problem and generally sorted under warranty.
- Mechanically, generally speaking there are no major common issues however both the four and six cylinder power plants can suffer from sporadic issues, in the same way we see with power plants from every other manufacturer.
- There are reports of the rear diff failing. This is generally covered by Kia’s warranty however, the diffs may continue to fail and eventually, the warranty will run out and the cost of repair will fall back to then owner.
- There are quite a few reports of the Brembo brakes beginning to shudder. This is commonly resolved by fitting aftermarket pads and rotors.
- Quite a few Stingers are being modified and it is critical that all modifications are done professionally with quality equipment.
- The paint on Sunset Yellow Stingers was defective. However in Kia’s defence, of the 71 cars affected here in Australia, approx 75% of owners had their Stinger resprayed under warranty while the other customers opted for a full refund or a replacement vehicle.
- There are some sporadic reports of other colours fading a little over time, this is not a common fault by any means, it is extremely rare but if you’re looking at buying one of these, thoroughly inspect the paint work.
- The trim above the windows can stain or blemish due to the transparent blue plastic wrap that is put on the cars for shipping reacting with the plastic of the trim. This is easily fixed with a polish and Kia have replaced trim pieces that are being problematic.
- Early model Stingers fitted with sunroofs have been known to get a bit rattly but again, Kia have generally fixed this under warranty.
- Early models are also reported to have a rattle coming from the rear tailgate hatch but this is easily fixed with some washers and later models resolved this from the factory.
- The fabulous Brembo brakes do love to exude copious amounts of brake dust all over the wheels and there are quite a few reports that they can warp if driven hard, resulting in shuddering and vibration at speed.
- The solution for many owners has actually been fitting DBA rotors and pads, just don’t tell Brembo, they’ll get upset.
- There are very occasional reports of the Central locking being faulty when ignition is on, however we need to state this is a very rare problem and generally sorted under warranty.
- Mechanically, generally speaking there are no major common issues however both the four and six cylinder power plants can suffer from sporadic issues, in the same way we see with power plants from every other manufacturer.
- There are reports of the rear diff failing. This is generally covered by Kia’s warranty however, the diffs may continue to fail and eventually, the warranty will run out and the cost of repair will fall back to then owner.
- There are quite a few reports of the Brembo brakes beginning to shudder. This is commonly resolved by fitting aftermarket pads and rotors.
- Quite a few Stingers are being modified and it is critical that all modifications are done professionally with quality equipment.
- The paint on Sunset Yellow Stingers was defective. However in Kia’s defence, of the 71 cars affected here in Australia, approx 75% of owners had their Stinger resprayed under warranty while the other customers opted for a full refund or a replacement vehicle.
- There are some sporadic reports of other colours fading a little over time, this is not a common fault by any means, it is extremely rare but if you’re looking at buying one of these, thoroughly inspect the paint work.
- The trim above the windows can stain or blemish due to the transparent blue plastic wrap that is put on the cars for shipping reacting with the plastic of the trim. This is easily fixed with a polish and Kia have replaced trim pieces that are being problematic.
- Early model Stingers fitted with sunroofs have been known to get a bit rattly but again, Kia have generally fixed this under warranty.
- Early models are also reported to have a rattle coming from the rear tailgate hatch but this is easily fixed with some washers and later models resolved this from the factory.
- The fabulous Brembo brakes do love to exude copious amounts of brake dust all over the wheels and there are quite a few reports that they can warp if driven hard, resulting in shuddering and vibration at speed.
- The solution for many owners has actually been fitting DBA rotors and pads, just don’t tell Brembo, they’ll get upset.
- There are very occasional reports of the Central locking being faulty when ignition is on, however we need to state this is a very rare problem and generally sorted under warranty.
- Mechanically, generally speaking there are no major common issues however both the four and six cylinder power plants can suffer from sporadic issues, in the same way we see with power plants from every other manufacturer.
- There are reports of the rear diff failing. This is generally covered by Kia’s warranty however, the diffs may continue to fail and eventually, the warranty will run out and the cost of repair will fall back to then owner.
- There are quite a few reports of the Brembo brakes beginning to shudder. This is commonly resolved by fitting aftermarket pads and rotors.
- Quite a few Stingers are being modified and it is critical that all modifications are done professionally with quality equipment.
Should you buy it?
Well the thing is, if you want a car this size, with this level of lift back practicality, with a powerful engine up front and rear wheel drive, what else can you buy?
Yes there are hot hatchbacks that are faster and some of them may even match the Stinger for luxury and equipment but they’re all substantially smaller.
Yes there are sedans and even lift-backs that match the Stingers size but for what this thing costs, none of them are as powerful or arguably as fun to drive.
And yes there are wagons and even performance SUVs that might offer similar levels of performance and are equally as practical but none of them offer Kia’s superb 7 year warranty and sheer ownership affordability.
So therefore if you’re shopping in the Stingers budget, and you want the same set of skills and attributes that the Stinger offers, you pretty much have to buy a Stinger.
It’s just incredibly fortunate that even when used, the Stinger is still an awesome thing.
Should you buy one, absolutely.
Well the thing is, if you want a car this size, with this level of lift back practicality, with a powerful engine up front and rear wheel drive, what else can you buy?
Yes there are hot hatchbacks that are faster and some of them may even match the Stinger for luxury and equipment but they’re all substantially smaller.
Yes there are sedans and even lift-backs that match the Stingers size but for what this thing costs, none of them are as powerful or arguably as fun to drive.
And yes there are wagons and even performance SUVs that might offer similar levels of performance and are equally as practical but none of them offer Kia’s superb 7 year warranty and sheer ownership affordability.
So therefore if you’re shopping in the Stingers budget, and you want the same set of skills and attributes that the Stinger offers, you pretty much have to buy a Stinger.
It’s just incredibly fortunate that even when used, the Stinger is still an awesome thing.
Should you buy one, absolutely.
Should you buy it?
Well the thing is, if you want a car this size, with this level of lift back practicality, with a powerful engine up front and rear wheel drive, what else can you buy?
Yes there are hot hatchbacks that are faster and some of them may even match the Stinger for luxury and equipment but they’re all substantially smaller.
Yes there are sedans and even lift-backs that match the Stingers size but for what this thing costs, none of them are as powerful or arguably as fun to drive.
And yes there are wagons and even performance SUVs that might offer similar levels of performance and are equally as practical but none of them offer Kia’s superb 7 year warranty and sheer ownership affordability.
So therefore if you’re shopping in the Stingers budget, and you want the same set of skills and attributes that the Stinger offers, you pretty much have to buy a Stinger.
It’s just incredibly fortunate that even when used, the Stinger is still an awesome thing.
Should you buy one, absolutely.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
- 5 door Sedan
Engine Specs
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 182kW / 353Nm (200S 2017 – 2022, Rafa Signature Edition 2017 – 2018, 200Si 2017 – 2019, GT-Line 2017 – 2022)
- 3.3 litre, 6-cylinder twin turbo petrol, 272kW / 510Nm (330S 2017 – 2020, 330Si 2017 – 2019, GT 2017 – 2020, GT Night Sky Edition 2019 – 2020, GT Carbon Edition 2019)
- 3.3 litre, 6-cylinder twin turbo petrol, 274kW / 510Nm (330S 2020 – 2022, GT 2020 – 2022)
Transmission
- 8-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- 6.5 – 12.7 / 100km (200S, Rafa Signature Edition, 200Si, GT-Line)
- 7.5 – 14.9 / 100km (330S, 330Si, GT, GT Night Sky Edition, GT Carbon Edition)
Length
- 4830mm (All Models)
Width
- 1870mm (All Models)
Height
- 1400mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2905mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1831kg (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 1500kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 3 stars, tested 2017 (200S, Rafa Signature Edition, 330S)
- 5 stars, tested 2017 (200Si, GT-Line, 330Si, GT, 200S, 330S, GT Night Sky Edition, GT Carbon Edition)
Body Styles
- 5 door Sedan
Engine Specs
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 182kW / 353Nm (200S 2017 – 2022, Rafa Signature Edition 2017 – 2018, 200Si 2017 – 2019, GT-Line 2017 – 2022)
- 3.3 litre, 6-cylinder twin turbo petrol, 272kW / 510Nm (330S 2017 – 2020, 330Si 2017 – 2019, GT 2017 – 2020, GT Night Sky Edition 2019 – 2020, GT Carbon Edition 2019)
- 3.3 litre, 6-cylinder twin turbo petrol, 274kW / 510Nm (330S 2020 – 2022, GT 2020 – 2022)
Transmission
- 8-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- 6.5 – 12.7 / 100km (200S, Rafa Signature Edition, 200Si, GT-Line)
- 7.5 – 14.9 / 100km (330S, 330Si, GT, GT Night Sky Edition, GT Carbon Edition)
Length
- 4830mm (All Models)
Width
- 1870mm (All Models)
Height
- 1400mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2905mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1831kg (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 1500kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 3 stars, tested 2017 (200S, Rafa Signature Edition, 330S)
- 5 stars, tested 2017 (200Si, GT-Line, 330Si, GT, 200S, 330S, GT Night Sky Edition, GT Carbon Edition)
Body Styles
- 5 door Sedan
Engine Specs
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 182kW / 353Nm (200S 2017 – 2022, Rafa Signature Edition 2017 – 2018, 200Si 2017 – 2019, GT-Line 2017 – 2022)
- 3.3 litre, 6-cylinder twin turbo petrol, 272kW / 510Nm (330S 2017 – 2020, 330Si 2017 – 2019, GT 2017 – 2020, GT Night Sky Edition 2019 – 2020, GT Carbon Edition 2019)
- 3.3 litre, 6-cylinder twin turbo petrol, 274kW / 510Nm (330S 2020 – 2022, GT 2020 – 2022)
Transmission
- 8-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)
Fuel Consumption
- 6.5 – 12.7 / 100km (200S, Rafa Signature Edition, 200Si, GT-Line)
- 7.5 – 14.9 / 100km (330S, 330Si, GT, GT Night Sky Edition, GT Carbon Edition)
Length
- 4830mm (All Models)
Width
- 1870mm (All Models)
Height
- 1400mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2905mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- 1831kg (All Models)
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 1500kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 3 stars, tested 2017 (200S, Rafa Signature Edition, 330S)
- 5 stars, tested 2017 (200Si, GT-Line, 330Si, GT, 200S, 330S, GT Night Sky Edition, GT Carbon Edition)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 7 years / unlimited km (All Models)
Servicing
- 10,000 km / 12 months (All Models)
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Apr 08, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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