Introduction

The 2020 Kia Stinger hatchback emerged three years ago to groom new buyers in the Kia brand. Luxurious and sporty, the Stinger's big hatchback opens to a space that can hold as much cargo as some SUVs. 

With attractive styling, the Stinger has excellent performance and safety, good handling, a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and a spacious, calming interior. It can also be fitted with all-wheel drive. 

The standard turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the Stinger offers decent horsepower, at 255 hp, while the 365-hp twin-turbo V-6 can blast it to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. 

The Stinger is reasonably fuel-efficient, although both engines require premium fuel.
The rear-wheel-drive base Stinger is rated by the EPA at 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 combined. Available all-wheel drive delivers 21/29/24 mpg. The twin-turbo V-6 is rated at 17/25/20 mpg whether it's configured with rear- or all-wheel drive. 

The Stinger scores well in the crash testing that's been done so far. The IIHS calls it a Top Safety Pick+, even though the base model's halogen headlights rate 'Poor.'? The base model does not include as standard equipment those collision-avoidance features that are standard on most new cars. Only the costlier GT1 and GT2 trims include automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control. 

Lineup

The 2020 Stinger lineup counts four trim levels, three of which (GT, GT1, GT2) use the 365-horsepower 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6. Base turbo-4 cars are called GT-Line. 

Standard equipment in the GT-Line includes leather upholstery, power front seats, automatic climate control, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen fitted with intuitive software and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Every Stinger comes with an impressive 5-year/60,000-mile warranty plus a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

The GT1, for less than $50,000, adds the active safety equipment, digital instrumentation, and an upgraded audio system. The GT2 lays on nappa leather, a head-up display, cooled front seats with additional adjustments, Harman/Kardon audio, and more. 

Walkaround

After three years without a change to the styling, the Stinger's sharp lines still grab the attention of onlookers. The streamlined hatchback-like styling is well received though it's somewhat cluttered by ducts and spoilers. 

The front overhang is short and the hood is long. The roofline streams back almost to the end of the hatchback. A bulky rear roof pillar is tempered by a delicate chrome strip. 

The Stinger admirably disguises its size. It is 190 inches long, significantly longer than the related Genesis G70. 

Interior

The Stinger's cabin is a model of form and function. A six-footer will have enough legroom in the rear of the Stinger, as well as head room even under the sloping roofline. The front and rear seats are especially comfortable, firm but not confining, and softer with the nappa leather on the top GT models. 

The Stinger uses sober black and silver trim, and real metal. The high-end feel of the soft-touch materials and low-sheen surfaces surpasses many luxury sedans. The controls are clear and simple, a refreshing departure from the overwhelming screens of some others. 

When the big hatchback is opened, it offers nearly twice as much cargo space of other big sedans: 23 cubic feet with the rear seat raised. With it folded, that space increases to 41 cubic feet, nearly as much as some SUVs. 

Driving Impression

The Stinger's supple suspension takes big bumps with ease, and it handles well on the road. It's grippy and compliant even on relatively narrow tires. The suspension uses struts in front and five links in the rear. The handling is neutral and comfortable on winding country roads. It has soft tires that are fine on the road, but limit hard cornering on the track. 

The GT-Line model, with its 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, provides acceptable acceleration, enhanced by the standard 8-speed automatic transmission. 

However the acceleration of the twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 is exceptional, hitting 60 mph from a standing start in 4.7 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 167 mph. In Sport mode, it's hard-pressed to keep up with the rapid paddle-shifts of the strong 8-speed automatic. 

Every Stinger has four drive modes that adjust its throttle response, steering resistance, and more. 

All-wheel drive is available as an option that's reasonably priced. It improves grip and adds confidence on slick roads. Notably, the option includes a limited-slip rear differential and brake-based torque-vectoring.The twin-turbo V-6 deserves it. 

Summary

The 2020 Kia Stinger offers eye-catching looks, a classy and spacious interior, a supple ride, good handling, outstanding cargo space, an awesome twin-turbo V-6 engine, and a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. All that comes at a price that's many thousands of dollars less than the German rivals it targets.