Skip to main content

The Kia Stinger is heading to the chopping block after years of proving that even Kia can create a sports-oriented sedan to run with the best. However, the Stinger isn’t going quietly; instead, the marque is producing a limited-run Tribute Edition to round out the Kia sports sedan’s tenure. Here’s what you need to know about the Kia Stinger’s end and its Tribute Edition. 

Why is the Kia Stinger being discontinued?

The automaker is discontinuing the Kia Stinger after the 2023 model year due to a lack of sales. That’s a common cause for vehicle discontinuation in the automotive industry, and not even Kia’s sports sedan is immune. According to The Drive, the Kia model’s sales decreased 36% from Q3 of 2021 to 2022. Numbers like that could kill any model with ease.  

Furthermore, the industry is pushing for electrification and hybridization; the Stinger GT2’s 368-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.3L V6 is a conventional reminder of gas-powered performance cars. The Stinger isn’t the only one, either; the Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Chrysler 300 are dying off to make room for alternative energy choices. Moreover, the Mopar models are headed out of production with special editions, just like the Kia Stinger. 

How is the Kia Stinger so fast?

While the Kia Stinger hasn’t sold very well in the last couple of years, its merits as a sports sedan are undeniable. The Kia model can beat many cars at straight-line speed, including sports cars and performance sedans. Specifically, the Stinger offers two engine options, a 300-horsepower 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine, and a 368-horsepower 3.3L V6. 

Moreover, the Stinger GT2 AWD uses grippy all-wheel drive to launch hard. According to TrueCar, the V6-powered Stinger GT2 AWD can hit 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. That’s fast enough to outrun many sports cars like the Ford Mustang EcoBoost and Dodge Charger R/T. Also, the new Stinger Tribute Edition will pack that same 3.3L twin-turbocharged V6 to send off the sports sedan model. The Stinger might be on its way out, but it cut a path through unfamiliar performance territory for the Korean marque.

Is the Kia Stinger rare?

A 2023 Kia Stinger shows off its celebratory edition and gray paintwork.
Kia Stinger | Kia

The Stinger didn’t sell well, so it’s unlikely that you’ll see as many as other sports sedans. However, the new Kia Stinger Tribute Edition is rare in every sense. Kia says the marque will produce just 1,000 Tribute Editions, which is fewer than the swan song Chrysler 300C and the Dodge Charger Super Bee “Last Call” models. The Tribute Edition will pack the larger of the Stinger’s two engine options and a new Moonscape Matte Gray paint scheme. Also, numbered door sill plates will let owners know it’s a unique edition model as they enter the upgraded cabin.

“The Stinger Tribute Edition denotes an important chapter in the story of Kia’s high-performance ethos,” Senior Vice President and Head of Purchase CX Design Sub-division Chang Sung Ryu said about the Tribute Edition. While the Stinger didn’t sell well, it’s a shame to see another conventional sports sedan disappear. With any luck, a high-performance hybridized or electrified option will take its place. 

Will you miss the Stinger? Let us know in the comments below!

Related

The New Integra Is Killer, But the Type S Could Topple a Kia Stinger

Best in News
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).