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Kia Stinger compact executive 4-door fastback on display at Brussels Expo

Is the 2019 Kia Stinger Actually Fast?

Many Kia Stinger owners would be the first to defend the car as a sports car with four doors, but others might need some convincing. Heck, there are still some people who refused to acknowledge the capabilities of the BMW M3 simply because it has four doors and actually usable back seats. Whether you will …

Many Kia Stinger owners would be the first to defend the car as a sports car with four doors, but others might need some convincing. Heck, there are still some people who refused to acknowledge the capabilities of the BMW M3 simply because it has four doors and actually usable back seats. Whether you will accept that the Kia Stinger is a sports car or not, can you argue with the car’s performance?

There is no easy answer

The simple answer is that there isn’t an easy answer. What the Stinger’s performance really depends on is the trim level that you are looking at. So, depending on what trim level you get affects more than just the car’s appearance and safety features. In fact, it might make the difference between whether or not you consider this car an actual sports car. In fact, some websites, like US News, aren’t shy in comparing the car to the popular BMW M3.

An orange Kia Stinger GTS performs a burnout
A Kia Stinger GTS performs a burnout | Kia

True performance for the Kia Stinger

There is a version of the 2019 Kia Stinger that would easily leave you in the dust. When you chose the option for the 3.3-liter engine supported by twin turbochargers, the Stinger will impress you. It has a top speed of 167mph, which is faster than most people would reasonably drive, but that isn’t the impressive part. The vehicle can go from a complete stop to 60mph in about 4.7 seconds, which is pretty quick for a passenger car.

2019 Stinger GT2 RWD | Kia
2019 Stinger GT2 RWD | Kia

Practical yet quick

While those numbers might not be that impressive, they still prove that the 2019 Kia Stinger can be quick if you chose the right options. But, chances are, you need a happy balance of more than just performance, and that’s why you are looking at this car. The Stinger offers just as much style and practicality as it does performance, and that is what people love about the car. Well, that and the starting price of $33,000 for one brand new.

New Kia Stinger during Mondial Paris Motor Show 2018 in Paris, France
The Kia Stinger | Daniel Pier/NurPhoto via Getty Images

So, while the 2019 Kia Stinger might not be fast as you buy it, that doesn’t mean the car can’t be modified privately. With the right trim level, the platform and turbochargers are designed to provide the car with longevity, but they can be easily tuned and modified to provide the car with even more power. As they come from the factory, however, they aren’t necessarily fast, even with the higher end trim levels.

With that being said, they aren’t fast in comparison to some of the newer sports cars on the market, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t fast compared to other comparable passenger cars. Plus, there are a lot of others reasons to love the Kia Stinger.

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