Kia Gives 2022 Stinger More Bite With Extra Power, Style

Competes with: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A4 and Genesis G70

Looks like: Kia sharpened the sports sedan’s already dynamic looks

Powertrain: 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or 368-hp, twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission; rear- or all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Spring

When Kia debuted its rear-wheel-drive sports sedan for model-year 2018, we were taken by the Stinger’s stylish fastback profile, turbocharged engines and high-end interior finishes. For 2022, the automaker is turning things up a notch with more of everything: added style, enhanced performance and additional standard features. 

Related: Kia Stinger GT Vs. Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti: Who Does Luxury and Lap Times Best?

Exterior

Like other refreshed Kia models, the 2022 Stinger will wear Kia’s new badge on its hood and wheel hubs. Other exterior tweaks include new, geometric alloy wheels in 18- or 19-inch diameters, a more aggressive quad tailpipe design, standard LED headlamps with new daytime running light signatures and standard rear LED taillamps with a new full-width design. 

The sport-oriented Scorpion model, new for 2022, adds more visual drama in the form of a rear spoiler, blacked-out fenders, black side mirrors, darkened exhaust tips and specific wheels. It’ll be available in Snow White, Aurora Black and Ceramic Silver paint. 

Interior

Inside, materials include black gloss trim and chrome; there’s also enhanced LED ambient mood lighting, as well as a new Nappa leather seat design for GT models. Scorpion versions get accents in a carbon-fiber pattern. 

The biggest news is a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system with navigation, similar to what’s in the redesigned Kia K5 sedan and Sorento SUV. Last year’s Stinger used a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on trim. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard, and the system also features multiconnection Bluetooth connectivity and split-screen functionality for using multiple devices. 

Available features include wireless smartphone charging and a 7-inch center screen between the gauges, which the Stinger uses with its blind spot monitor and 360-degree cameras. Without it, the gauges have a standard 4.2-inch display. 

Under the Hood

GT-Line, GT1 and GT2 trims will be available for 2022 with a new base engine, plus a more powerful engine for GT models. The GT-Line uses a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder good for 300 horsepower this year, an increase of 45 hp over the outgoing turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Kia estimates a 0-60-mph time of 5.2 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy for RWD for 2022 is up slightly, however, to 22/32/25 mpg city/highway/combined from last year’s 22/29/25 mpg rating. 

GT models get the uprated engine, slightly enhanced for 2022. The twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 now makes 368 hp (an increase of 3 hp), and Kia says it’s complemented by a new, electronic variable exhaust. The automaker estimates 0-to-60 mph happens in just 4.7 seconds. 

Safety and On-Sale Date

More standard safety features join the Stinger roster for 2022. Standards across the lineup include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. Also standard is safe-exit assistance, which uses the Stinger’s rear-facing radar to detect oncoming traffic and can prevent a door from opening if an approaching vehicle or bicycle is detected.  

Available safety features include blind spot and 360-degree cameras.  

The 2022 Stinger will go on sale this spring in GT-Line, GT1 and GT2 trims; Kia says the Scorpion edition will come at a later date.

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