If you want a sports sedan with a practical liftback, performance credentials, and a starting point that undercuts much of the competition, there’s a name that should be on your list: Stinger. The Kia Stinger proves that Kia can step into the ring with the likes of Audi and even Dodge’s V8-powered Chargers. Of course, opting for a fully-loaded 2022 Kia Stinger might push your budget close to luxury sports sedan territory. Is a range-topping 2022 Kia Stinger GT2 worth it, or should you stick with the entry-level GT-Line or GT1?

How much is a fully loaded 2022 Kia Stinger?

The best option for potential owners looking for a fully loaded 2022 Kia Stinger is the range-topping GT2 AWD. The GT2 starts at $52,335, but the AWD option pushes the base to around $54,535. Moreover, special paint options like Hichroma Red can cost about $495. With that point at around $55,000, the Stinger GT2 AWD approaches premium heights, like that of a 2022 BMW M340i. 

Still, with a melodious exhaust note and 368 horsepower on tap, the Kia Stinger GT2 is a serious sports sedan. Better yet, if the GT2’s starting point of around $52,335 is too steep for your liking, you can get the same 3.3L turbocharged V6 in the more affordable 2022 Kia Stinger GT1 at a more accessible starting price. The 2022 GT1 starts at $45,035, making it much cheaper than the range-topping GT2 AWD. 

Is the Stinger worth it?

The 2022 Kia Stinger is worth consideration if you want practicality and power in your daily-drivable sleeper. For bragging rights, Car and Driver managed to coax the 4,179-lb, AWD-equipped GT2 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. That puts the four-door five-seater within striking distance of the V8-powered Ford Mustang GT. Moreover, the Stinger’s liftback platform accommodates around 23.3 cubic feet of cargo. 

The combination of speed, practicality, and competitive pricing make the Kia Stinger GT1, and even the fully-loaded GT2 with AWD, performance bargains. Of course, if you want a more premium badge in your sports sedan, options from BMW and Audi are relatively close to the GT2 AWD, like the 2022 Audi S5. 

Is there a 2023 Kia Stinger GT1?

Unfortunately for fans of the middle-point trim, Kia isn’t producing a 2023 Kia Stinger GT1. Instead, the 2023 Stinger lineup will include just two trims: the entry-level GT-Line, and the performance-oriented GT2. That’s unfortunate news for potential Stinger owners who liked the lower starting price point of the GT1 without giving up the powerful 3.3L turbocharged V6. 

What can you buy instead of a fully loaded 2022 Kia Stinger? 

While the 2022 Kia Stinger and its fully loaded GT2 AWD option provide excellent performance without sacrificing practicality, you have some options. First, a gas-guzzling, tire-scorching Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack produces 485 horsepower, has around 16.5 cubic feet of cargo volume, and the conspicuous Widebody starts at roughly $56,335. The Charger is a questionably sensible sedan with hilarious horsepower. 

Better yet, if you want a premium badge on your sports sedan alternative for the Kia Stinger GT2 AWD, check out a BMW M340i. The Bavarian brute in a sensible suit hit 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and starts at a similar point to the GT2 AWD. Of course, Kia’s performance liftback is a solid choice for just about any sleeper shopper. Scroll down to the following article to read more about the Stinger and other quick sedans!