2020 Kia Stinger Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

First introduced to the market in 2018, the Kia Stinger instantly became a hot commodity. It’s Kia’s first-ever true sports sedan. An affordable MSRP and exciting performance capabilities make the Stinger a clear value. Even some of the top European models are threatened by the Stinger’s sleek styling.

While the Stinger is fun to drive, it also offers a great deal of practicality. While good interior room enables your family to fit comfortably, a hatchback design allows the Stinger to offer an above-average amount of cargo space.

Although the Stinger remains mostly unchanged for 2020, a high-performance GTS model has hit the lineup. There are now a total of five trims: base, Premium, GT, GTS, GT1, and GT2. Let’s check out the primary differences between each Stinger trim.

 

Compare the 2020 Kia Stinger Base vs. Premium Trims. What is the difference?

The base Stinger is more than just a money saver. It’s a legitimately good option for anyone in the market for a new sports sedan. It comes standard with an underrated 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Total output stands at a competitive 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Standard Drive Mode Select allows you to flip through various driving modes, including an exciting Sport+ setting.

An eight-speed automatic transmission routes power to the rear tires. However, all-wheel drive is on the base Stinger’s list of options. When it comes to fuel efficiency, expect the Stinger to return up to 29 mpg.

Although the base Stinger is less expensive than the other trims, it still has a rather striking appearance. LED running lights and 18-inch alloy wheels come standard. You’ll also enjoy heated and power-folding mirrors. On the rear, dual exhaust pipes give the Stinger a more powerful look. Available paint options include Aurora Black, HiChroma Red, Micro Blue, Panthera Metal, and Snow White Pearl.

Despite sitting at the bottom of the trim ladder, the base Stinger comes loaded with some impressive amenities. Standard leather upholstery gives this sedan a big advantage over the competition. Heated and power-adjustable front seats enhance the Stinger’s everyday comfort. Other highlights include dual-zone automatic climate control and 60/40 split-folding rear seats.

Today’s most popular high-tech features are standard on the base Stinger. Drivers will certainly appreciate Kia’s UVO infotainment system. Its 7.0-inch touchscreen provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A six-speaker stereo with satellite radio seeks to keep you entertained. You and your passengers can take advantage of the three USB ports. Keyless ignition is standard as well.

Luckily, the base Stinger doesn’t force you to miss out on advanced safety tech. Blind-spot monitoring, which features rear cross-traffic alert, definitely helps you to avoid danger. Meanwhile, front and rear parking sensors make the Stinger easier to manage in small spaces. Nighttime driving is made more secure with the auto-dimming rearview mirror. Automatic headlights are also standard.

Priced about $6,900 more than the base Stinger, the Premium trim is just a bit more upscale. While its exterior appearance is similar, LED headlamps help set it apart. Color options remain the same.

On the inside is where the Stinger Premium separates itself from the base model. When listening to the Stinger Premium’s 15-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, you’ll notice a big difference in sound quality. A power-adjustable steering wheel makes obtaining a comfy driving position a bit easier. Kia also equips the Premium trim with a larger driver information display. The standard infotainment screen is replaced with a bigger 8.0-inch touch display. A sunroof and driver-seat memory functions add to the cabin’s luxuriousness.

When stepping up to the Stinger Premium, you’re rewarded with additional safety features. While Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist helps you to steer clear of unexpected obstacles, smart cruise control keeps you at a safe following distance by automatically adjusting your speed. Lane keeping assist and automatic high beams are also found on the Stinger Premium.

Compare the 2020 Kia Stinger Premium vs GT Trims.  What is the Difference?

In terms of performance, the Stinger GT is a step above the Stinger Premium. However, it’s only about $100 more expensive. Under the hood is a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter, V6 engine. It feeds 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque to the wheels. The same eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard. When test driving the Stinger GT, you’ll quickly feel its extra power. A launch control system helps ensure the quickest possible acceleration off the line.

While a rear-wheel-drive setup is standard, you can opt for Kia’s AWD system. While the Stinger GT may offer greater performance, it will increase your fuel costs. The EPA lists the Stinger GT with a highway fuel economy rating of 25 mpg.

Kia also equips the Stinger GT with a few more performance goodies, which are designed to improve road handling. While adaptive suspension dampers help limit body roll around corners, a variable-ratio steering system automatically adapts to your specific speed. It has an especially sporty feel on the highway. Meanwhile, stronger Brembo performance brakes decrease the sedan’s stopping distance. A mechanical-locking rear differential also enhances the Stinger GT’s driving dynamics.

Upon stepping inside of the Stinger GT, you’ll notice its sportier cockpit. A flat-bottom steering wheel seeks to give you a more commanding grip on curving roads. Alloy pedals also highlight the Stinger GT’s racy nature. While you won’t get the Stinger Premium’s 15-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, you will receive a nine-speaker unit.

There are some exterior differences on the Stinger GT. A larger set of 19-inch alloy wheels give the sedan a bolder stance. Red-painted brake calipers also set apart this more powerful trim.

Compare the 2020 Kia Stinger GT vs. GTS Trims.  What is the Difference?

From a standpoint of performance, the racy Stinger GTS tops the lineup. While it uses the Stinger GT’s same twin-turbo V6 engine, Kia offers it with an exclusive D-AWD system. This is cutting-edge AWD system can send up to 80 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels. It’s a great upgrade for serious driving enthusiasts who may occasionally take their Stinger to the track.

There’s no overlooking the GTS trim’s unique exterior treatments. It features a one-of-a-kind Federation Orange paint color. Carbon-fiber accents also help the Stinger GTS to make a powerful statement. Exclusive badging also helps differentiate the Stinger GTS. A blacked-out "tiger nose" grille and blacked-out headlamps give the sedan an even cooler look.

Kia also outfits the Stinger GTS with a few special interior touches. Alcantara upholstery on the steering wheel gives the Stinger GTS a premium feel. A suede-like headliner also helps the Stinger GTS to leave a lasting impression. The previously mentioned 720-watt Harman Kardon audio system and the larger 8.0-inch touchscreen come standard.

Compare the 2020 Kia Stinger GTS vs Stinger GT1

Powering the Stinger GT1 is the same twin-turbo V6 engine. However, it goes without the GTS trim’s extra performance goodies. The Stinger GT1 is essentially an upgraded version of the Stinger GT. Styling is actually identical to the Stinger GT.

While the Stinger GT1 may look like the Stinger GT on the outside, it comes loaded with all of the Stinger Premium’s more luxurious features. Most importantly, Kia equips the Stinger GT1 with all of the available safety features. You’ll also enjoy ventilated front seats, which help cool you down on hot days. Upgraded sport gauges also give the Stinger GT1 a more exciting atmosphere. In regard to pricing, the Stinger GT1 is roughly $1,300 more expensive than the high-performance Stinger GTS.

Compare the 2020 Kia Stinger GT1 vs GT2 Trims. What is the difference?

Atop the lineup sits the Stinger GT2. It boasts a few niceties not found on the other trims. You’ll certainly appreciate the Stinger GT2’s hands-free smart trunk. It automatically opens up without you needing to wave your foot underneath the car. Premium leather upholstery and upgraded front seats create a plusher driving environment. Passengers sitting in the back will enjoy the heated rear seats.

There’s just a tad more technology on the Stinger GT2. A heads-up display eliminates the need for you to glance down at the gauge cluster. Your speed and other info can be viewed on the lower windshield, which enhances safety. A surround-view parking camera replaces the regular backup camera.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

As you can see, the 2020 Kia Stinger has an impressive lineup. Your financial situation will likely impact the trim you choose. Even the base Stinger has some very good qualities. Like the rest of the lineup, it benefits from Kia’s 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. You’ll also like its attractive starting price, which well under $35,000. Kia doesn’t even force you to may more money for leather upholstery.

Powering the base Stinger is a zippy turbocharged engine, which enables you to hit 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. Drivers can certainly have fun behind the wheel of the base Stinger. This trim also gets high marks in the styling department. Standard blind-spot monitoring is a big plus. You will also enjoy the Kia’s UVO touchscreen with full smartphone support.

While the Stinger Premium has some upsides, it’s a noticeable price jump from the base model. You must decide if the Stinger Premium’s upgrades are worth the extra money. Not only does the Stinger Premium look the same, but it also offers the same level of performance. Many buyers will be interested in the Stinger Premium’s more comprehensive list of safety technologies. Smart cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist help promote a more secure drive. It’s Harman Kardon audio system sounds wonderful.

If you crave more performance, the Stinger GT is definitely going to win you over. Its twin-turbo V6 engine delivers the thrills. Meanwhile, handling is aided by adaptive suspension dampers and an upgraded steering system. A larger set of 19-inch alloy wheels boost the sedan’s curb appeal. Before deciding to get the Stinger GT, be aware that it doesn’t come loaded with as many upgrades as the Stinger Premium.

The limited-edition Stinger GTS is bound to be a hot item. Aside from flaunting carbon-fiber exterior treatments and a cool Federation Orange paint finish, this trim also offers a special AWD system with drift mode. It’s arguably the best V6-powered trim for the money, especially for serious driving enthusiasts.

Drivers seeking power and luxury will be looking at the Stinger GT1. It gets you ventilated seats and upgraded performance gauges. However, are these upgrades really worth it? You must make that decision.

With a starting MSRP of more than $50,000, the Stinger GT2 sits atop the lineup. Despite its more expensive price, this trim does provide a number of upscale features. Highlights include a hands-free smart trunk, upgraded leather upholstery, and a head-up driving display.