2018 Kia Stinger GT 2 AWD Review

[@maxtroy8511]

Finally, a automotive journalist who understands that for all the performance, most performance cars NEVER see the track. Enough with all these track tests already. As always, great work Tom.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well, I think many know that, they just don't talk about it much. And while there is an element of chest thumping in track testing, it definitely has its place. It's good to know how cars perform full out and I wish I had access to a track full time. Maybe that handling potential won't be used in the real world much but you never know when that extra dynamic will help a driver steer out of an accident situation in the real world.

[@jody024]

Well this is the best car reviewer in the world....

[@shawnlee664]

That's because those cars are worth $100,000. But since stinger is only half that much and can outperform them, people will be going crazy with them. Even if you wreck one, you can get another one. What I hear is that $40k stinger outperformed $90k porche panamera.

[@candi0497]

Well said. I always wondered about this track stuff.

[@limpunsing224]

Nice honest review Kia/Hyundai are getting stronger in recent years

[@ZambonieDude]

nice unbiased review, especially saying serious buyers should give a test drive. I've heard alot of people's view of Kia changed after driving the Stinger.

[@weedmastersr]

Tom, I really appreciate the effort you and Martin put into your videos. I've been watching them for around 7 years now. Never missed one. I really love them for the beautiful cinematography of the Seattle area and the relaxed style. Keep it up!

[@benhaze1010]

+1

[@MrNemo721]

YES! I was waiting for this. All the Car reviewers I respect seem to like it a lot. The GT2 AWD is currently #1 on my next car list.

[@chigasaki06]

The more I learn about it, the more I want it. However, I will wait until the Genesis G70 is released. The G70 will have the same engine, but it will be a more direct competitor to the 3 series, A4, etc., so I'm hoping that the handling will be a big more sporty.

[@Coupydog]

Probably worth waiting for the "refresh". Kia is likely to up the power, add REAL heat extractor vents in hood, door handle lock sensors on all doors & remote start. They've made leaps & bounds to this point already, Great job KIA!!!

[@GerryStilton]

Thanks Tom, great review as always!

[@matthewlongtin4148]

And you two are masters of the craft. Keep it up!

[@teslasnek]

That part of the tail light wasn't actually an after thought: if you look at the Kia GT concept from 2011, it had that

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I thought it looked like an afterthought on the concept as well.

[@imeddy8]

Tom I love the videos. I appreciate the real world review with honest opinions. Every time I am looking to watch a car review, I look to see if you've done it first. Keep up the great work!

[@wizeguiz]

I loved your review!

[@forcelegend4526]

Just found your channel, great content.

[@ken.wenzel]

I grew up in the muscle care era, and the idea the KIA can build a car that would make them look average to slow, WOW! I like you adding zero to sixty times into the reports.

[@crownr0yalonice]

Liking this because hangover car reviews deserve.

[@TheBigCarp321]

That looks like a cool machine. I bet it was fun to drive! Thanks for a great review and the work!

[@FasterThanSoup]

Ooooh..."cog" swaps! That makes much more sense than what I thought I heard.

[@MostlyElectrolytes]

I just picked up a GT2 last weekend. Did the Mercedes and Jaguar thing for years and had no real problem paying more for quality. They were good cars, but I got tired of paying "premium" prices for scheduled maintenance and insurance. For whatever reason this is either classified as a hatchback or something so my insurance dropped significantly. I also have 10 years of warranty on the powertrain. In terms of ride and performance it is extremely engaging and I know that it doesn't have the most feedback in the steering wheel that there ever was, but I like the way that it handles; it goes where you point it and it feels planted even at speeds where your license is in danger of being revoked. The tech is really good. The responsiveness of the screen and the navigation is better than almost anything else out there. With all that said.....the hatchback was what sealed the deal. It ticks all the checkmarks.....fun, engaging, responsive, comfortable, and practical and everything seems to be focused on real world use. Could it be more powerful? Sure. Do I feel like I need more power? No. Not even a little bit.

[@Kingjay814]

This is the model I was thinking about buying maintenance because I want the Gray with Red Leather and that's only on the GT2. I test drove one this past weekend a RWD model and I loved it. But I think the better buy is to wait a few months and pick up a certified pre owned one. I feel like depreciation on these things is gonna be pretty gnarly.

[@ATRichard]

Great review, best and realest Stinger review I've seen yet. "Smart buyers will give it a test drive." Also true that many of these performance cars seldom get driven how they were intended to be driven.

[@pdlynch4330]

Super review, as always!

[@ernestoquintero747]

Tom I just saw a video showing a rear view camera button that's located in between the heated/cooled seat buttons, the person did state it only activates in drive. I suppose your test vehicle didn't have that option installed. Keep up the great reviews.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Mine had rear view, not surround view.

[@hellodlo]

Great review, I personally like that elongated reflector from the tail lamp, but on stingers that are not red :)

[@markg1531]

My wife and I are picking up a 2019 Stinger 3.3T GT2 AWD, fully loaded, tomorrow. About $53k. After driving Audis, the new S60, and I have a BMW M240i xDrive, we made our decision to buy the Stinger in about five minutes after test driving one. What a fantastic car. I got completely cured of any European car snobbery after driving the range topping Genesis G70 3.3T AWD and the Stinger. We picked the Stinger because we need more room that the G70 provides. Wonderful cars, both. And BTW, the 2019 GT2 does have a 360 camera.

[@AlainHubert]

The Canadian GT Limited model comes with all the bells and whistles, like surround view camera, free remote starter from your cell phone, rear heated seats, and a few other things that the American top trim didn't get. Moreover, it costs a little more in the US than in Canada, too. I don't quite know why that is, but I'm glad to be living in Quebec so I could get my hands on this superb car at a bargain. Thanks for an honest, real life, review.

[@stew675]

I read somewhere that the USA adds a 15% tariff on cars imported from South Korea, so that may explain the difference in price (assuming such is true). The prestige option pack on the Stinger in the USA (which I have) adds everything that you mentioned, except for the remote starter, which is available as a further option.

[@MrJasonBeckett]

thanks for taking the time a happy new year! great review as always.

[@TorkMotorsports]

We have the TT 3.3 GT for our shop car, and with it being at 455 WHP... it has surprised a lot of people :)

[@bassistdc]

Flaunting badges has gotten old. It's the product that matters!

[@Timodon1]

New badges is coming now! 2021! :)

[@bassistdc]

@@Timodon1 You totally missed my point, but that's okay.

[@Timodon1]

@@bassistdc Dont worry comrade, i have Stinger too! :) Have a wonderfull day sir! :) First car i had back in 1972 was Dodge Dart -65! :) And some other Mopars too!

[@fgeiger41]

Great vid and waiting till the a.m. paid off. Beautiful scenery

[@AnsrMax]

The drone footage from over the bridge was beautiful.

[@fatherlarsathon]

I really like the looks and power here. I went with the Q50 red sport, but this Kia would likely be very nice as well.Oh, and I really like the hatch. I wish my Q50 had that instead of a trunk.

[@hughn1]

As usual, another great car review! We miss your reviews in the NY Times!

[@ruoideptrai]

Excellent review, I like how you point out that stinger is a practical sport car, not a performance machine

[@gester27]

Glad I was able to find your channel. Had to scroll through 2 pages of stingers to get here. I have subbed for great content.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well, sorry you had to weed through the chaff and hope it's worth it. Welcome to the best kept secret on KZbin.

[@gester27]

@@DrivenCarReviews Hahaha. No worries at all! It must be youtube! You have more subscribers than some of the ones I passed. A bit odd actually. Some were 4-5k while you have a whopping 81k. I enjoy your style. Will be watching the rest of your content shortly. Keep it up! :)

[@sunlee3561]

Thank you Martin and Steve for an ace video!!!

[@TinLeadHammer]

The extra effort you put in your videos (two-man production, a drone) is noticeable, but I wonder just by how much you are beating the new 4,000 hours/12mo requirement...

[@atom5221]

2019 model comes with the 360 camera, wireless charging, rear heated seats, etc etc. this was the 2018 that was reviewed. i think theres even the possbility of getting those things added to the 2018 model year vehicles

[@cadsux]

Kia doesn't need to convince me. I own a Soul! and Mustang GT. Hyundai's Tau 5.0L V8 would make it even more enticing. A friend asked me how can Kia be tops in reliability if they hired German engineers/designers. Obviously, there's more to it.

[@chamade166]

You might want to check some of the recent reliability ratings. BMW and Audi are right up there with simpler cars such as KIAa in terms of reliability. Ford is near the bottom with other American brands. Hiring Germans and developing in Europe is the best thing KIA ever did, smart move. www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/car-brands-reliability-how-they-stack-up/

[@cadsux]

Yes, I read that a couple of months ago. Thanks. JD Powers too. Although I'd be concerned about long term reliability of turbos. The Audi & BMW ones are notorious for oil burning, as reported by CR. Ford's Ecoboost lineup is a mess. That's why both my Soul & Mustang are naturally aspirated ;)

[@tommihelich2613]

cadsux My 2005 Volvo x XC 70 has 200,000 miles and the turbo has never had a problem.

[@cadsux]

Good for you. Last year Volvo ranked #23 with Consumer Reports Reliability Survey.

[@djizzah]

not as reliable as a toyota, but what is?

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

No panoramic sunroof because it has a hatch. New Buick Regal has the same thing. Audi A5 has the same thing. Don't complain about things engineering cannot solve (not enough roof reinforcement for a large sunroof). Otherwise, nice review.

[@deinbleiz]

Great review as always

[@swanblake]

I love this car RWD is really the performer when checking the test figures. If this had a manual transmission option it would be in my garage already

[@brucec43]

Hate to break it to you but this beat the Q50 red sport in tests. To cite just one, it was faster in acceleration (.7 sec to 60!), had better steering feel, better grip, better braking (by 9 feet), and scored higher in ergonomics, comfort, noise, etc.

[@saadqureshi7127]

Bruno TaTa id still take the Q50 over kia anyday. At the end of the day its just a kia. They need Go redesign their ugly brand logo.

[@saadqureshi7127]

Naughtysauce exactly. Its like 50k for a kia? When u can get Audi/BMW/Mercedes.

[@MidnightAspec]

They are neck and neck 0-60, with nearly identical ETs but with the RS400 running a trap at 4mph faster.

[@brucec43]

1. I'm selling a BMW because of "brand" image. It causes problems in certain areas. 2. I need a hatch as we are transporting dogs and items back and forth between our home and a beach condo. 3. The Q50 is fine, I had a G35, excellent dealers. But they have not been what they once were in terms of reliability and resale, unfortunately. Kia seems on the upswing and this car may break their bad-resale habit. Consumer Reports says the Q50 has been their least reliable model.

[@ms3er396]

Beat the Q50 Redsport? I think not, especially AWD vs AWD. In fact the Redsport traps faster. Certainly a nice car but it's still a Kia.

[@gerryt.8622]

Just bought one !

[@marcotsubero]

Love the review!

[@denault3985]

Always good and of course entertaining!

[@consumerthis3169]

I have a 2021 Stinger GT and I believe the quality is amazing. I’ve only drove Lexus for the last 5 years. I’ve had 3. This car is as nice as my GS350 was - but better power. The Lexus was a little more quiet , but I’m happy with power trade

[@DailyMemes20382]

The Canadian model I tested had 360 degrees camera and heated seats...

[@stevewise1656]

L A B yes! That’s a huge issue for me here in the U.S.! The Optima, Cadenza, Sorento etc. all have surround view and it makes absolutely no sense why they’d left this off their second most expensive car...if you want to consider the K900 a vehicle. :)

[@mess0965]

Thank you Tom & Company.

[@gelf6303]

1:32 The kia is NOT a hatchback, it is a fastback sedan!

[@UnderWarranty]

But it opens like a hatchback ?

[@joehallen4510]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@joehallen4510]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@joehallen4510]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@joehallen4510]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@vaderprime923]

excellent video as always, there is little to convince me that I won't be trading in my '13 ATS 3.6 for a Stinger GT in about a year once it's been out for a while and the "first model year gremlins" get ironed out for the 2019s

[@IsolestiK]

Canadian version has 360 all around view cam and heated rear seats :) I believe US' atlantica edition is getting it as well.

[@alexmobil7463]

It is more than a great job and the effort is also enormous no doubt about it! Thanks for the nice video.

[@Audace1400]

Good review. I'd love an ATSV but this makes a better compromise as a daily driver with more driver assist features, carrying capacity and better interior than the caddy.

[@gordonho5986]

Good review. Thanks!

[@cindykeselowski899]

So living in sunny, snow free AZ would you recommend RWD or AWD Stinger GT?

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Your efforts on such quality reviews are much appreciated! Hopefully the roads were quiet on New Year's Day. Do you think Kia will sell many Stingers? Also, any good eats in Portland?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I love Porque No, a Mexican place just north of downtown. Roads were very quiet. Can't tell how many Stingers Kia will sell but not as many as they would have 10 years ago. People want crossovers these days. Still, I know one guy who's considering a GT.

[@jamespatrick6939]

this Kia is superb, looks good, and drives amazing, I wasn't interested in buying a new car, but I will promptly drive off to a Kia dealer for a test drive, I want to know what Kia has done and how good it has done it.

[@sutherland559]

Always awesome!

[@cywoods60]

OMG what s review, simply the BEST.

[@thomasc6127]

The backup camera does do all views??? Idk why you’re saying it does not

[@IslandTosh]

"prime gasoline"...was that a nod to the Transformers movie franchise? They did have a Stinger in one of those movies. Either way, great vid as always!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Uh... yeah... that wasn't a typo. It was intentional. Uh huh...

[@1231nlp]

GT2 RWD for me only. The tires are good for dry and wet conditions. Mines will see very very little snow.

[@LokiDaFerret]

The US model also does not have wireless charging. Then again us international folks don't get all wheel drive

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Tom. Can you please do one on the 2.OT AWD?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Probably not. Too many other cars to look at.

[@shawnlee664]

canonlybeme4life one youtube reviewer was surprised by the amount of power it had. Simply put, 4 cylinder turbo 250 horsepower(not GT) is plenty for most people. GT is for fiery suicide.

[@edrickmendez1729]

Nice one #KIA love the design of the Stinger GT-2 and Tom keep it up with your good informative vjdeos!

[@RegM86]

Impressive car. First thing to swap out are those wheels.

[@GoofieNewfie]

Great review. Just my 2 cents. I'm looking at this, the G70, Q50RS or waiting for a TLX Type S. You said it doesn't really compete with a Q50RS. I don't agree. I test drove the Red Sport, then the Kia Stinger, and I'm in Canada so we get 360 camera and heated seats on the Stinger. Then I tested the Red Sport again. Honestly, that Red Sport felt old after driving the Kia, is very under optioned, and the infotainment is beyond laggy. My current 15' TLX Elite is far better equipped than the Q50RS, much slower, but much better on gas and bigger. The Kia blew me away. I'm not a Korean fan and have only ever owned Jap cars. Too bad they are having massive paint issues otherwise I may already own one since I can't get a G70 in my Area. The other area where they messed up is the tire size. They advertise it to be an all weather car for Canada with it's AWD. However, with it's odd staggered tire size with 35's in the back, the winter 18's you'll need are an odd, rare sized tire that'll be too low profile for any winter pothole. I'm already driving on 18's in the winters at 50 series and that's low enough.

[@TheKacper2001]

Stinger in Europe has both of lacks 360 Camera and rear seats heating

[@DjdMenis]

Great job again Tom. The only real problem with this car is the KIA badge. In the future I can see that changing, but maybe Kia should change the way there car badge looks. Just saying.

[@shawnlee664]

Rouge 1972 many people agree with you. Keep the kia lettering but in a much fancier font; italic?

[@alstjr]

I love your content sir

[@gardenweasel7606]

With this one being a whole $20,000 more than a base Stinger, they probably should’ve sent both out for reviews.

[@EdgyNumber1]

2:05 Torque limiter on 1st gear to maintain transmission reliability lifespan.

[@DonLee1980]

that's weird, last time when i sat in the back, i thought there was tons of leg room, and i'm 6'. I did notice the driver's seat automatically push backwards when I open the doors to get in and out. Maybe the seat was left pushed back.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Took that into consideration and moved it back for me.

[@fatbaldandhappy]

Time will tell but this sure looks like a winner for KIA. I've seen a few on the road and it's a head turner in person. I've never been a new car buyer and my last 4 cars have been german but in 2-3 years there's a good chance this will be on the shopping list.

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

Get it while you can. Probably the last year.

[@TonyJelev]

Amazing machine

[@MyPropertyID]

Thanks, Tom. I miss you appearing in the NY Times. I'm glad I found you.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Thanks!

[@howardkahn4330]

has the noises quality control improved? i have been told that in earlier models a lot poor quality knobs and controls, also much noise sounds throughout the interior........rattles and squeaks.......has the noises quality control improved? i have been told that in earlier models a lot poor quality knobs and controls, also much noise sounds throughout the interior........rattles and squeaks.......

[@SaiRulez1]

Excellent review as always Tom...hit all the highs and the glaring omissions in this offering from Kia. Wonderful effort from Kia but I expected them to give us all the creature comforts/ bells and whistles that I have in my Optima (rear heated seats, rear sun screens, 360* camera, panoramic sunroof) in the Stinger as well. Disappointed at Kia for leaving those out.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well, first world problems, huh? Still a nice car. Maybe in the refresh.

[@TMS5100]

the stinger is a competitor to the audi s5 or bmw 440i sportback.

[@AwesomeJoe007]

I don't think that was an afterthought (the strip of red accent connecting to the rear lights). It's embedded on the body and do not appear to be just sticker.

[@AwesomeJoe007]

This car should have won the NAIAS 2018 car of the Year award and not the Accord.

[@JDubbs07]

Kia Motors America really dropped the ball with removing the heated rear seats and surround view camera pretty much every other market gets. Canadian ones have them.

[@MelloHubb]

Supposedly the 19' version will be updated with technology. Hopefully it's true.

[@canadabear72]

They also have rear seat heaters and surround camera in Korea. Does anyone know why they'd actually remove it from the American model?

[@johntilghman]

Yes, check out the 2019 Kia Stinger GT Atlantica.. It has those things.. www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/13527/limited-production-2019-stinger-gt-atlantica-brings-unique-features-to-kias-fastback-sport-sedan

[@JDubbs07]

John Tilghman yes I saw. It will also cost extra. They're experimenting on American shoppers to see what the market is willing to bear on pricing.

[@TheLifeOnHigh]

I saw one on a dealer’s lot with a MSRP of $51K

[@gaurd3]

and get a used car comparably equipped

[@pbentsonable]

Nobody pays sticker.

[@ltp9735]

Leaved to 2.0 liter turbo add AWD , than you got your self a 900 hp with a manual transmission from Evo 8 or EvoX AWD set up

[@deanlazzari9117]

In 2013 I purchased a Hyundai Genesis R Spec, until it was stolen in 2016. I loved my Genesis, probably the best car I’ve ever owned and I’ve owned a ton of higher end cars (Saab, BMW’s, Cadillac to name a few). I am torn between the G80 Sport and the Stinger. Interested to hear everyone’s thoughts. Thanks

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I've driven both. It really depends on what you want out of the car. I suggest test driving both and making your mind up that way. And yes, the G80 Sport review is coming (in a number of weeks).

[@michaellim4165]

Dean Lazzari This is a difficult comparison. I haven't test drove a G80 sport yet. But I'm willing to bet that the Stinger will be silighty more agile.

[@deanlazzari9117]

Thank you for replying. I’ve driven both now, and I’m probably going to get the Genesis G80 Sport. A bit more luxurious and at my age I like that a lot 😎

[@ronaldk.wileyjr.5476]

Correction, awd Up to 80% to the front.

[@volvo1354]

will buy in a couple years after reliability studies and a dramatic amount of depreciation for a sweet deal on a sweet car. let the first owner pay $52k

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Good, but no manual transmission option puts it out of consideration for me.

[@dschonsie]

no wonder evil twin wasn't around this time, 1.1. early in the morning isn't the right time for a die-hard party animal. 😁

[@Noposwowskis]

keep doing more reviews plssssssss

[@teslasnek]

A 360 degree camera system is available as an option

[@mdaexpatlife]

bring it here in the philippines kia!

[@liptongtr]

KIA fixed complaints they had in this review, 2019 gt2 has 360 camera and heated rear seats.

[@losmosquitos1108]

They come now with 360° cam view....

[@planetdee3587]

I really like this car but I feel its some versions of it do not fall well in price range. The base version, even with AWD is great in price at about 33k and comes with many features. The GT2 as stated on the video is about $39k which is ok but starts creeping up there. Fully spected out at 52k for a Kia is where it starts to hurt itself. Also, they should give all color options on the base model and I think the Stinger will destroy many cars. The base version is where the value is.

[@zehn916]

How does it compare to the Alfa Romeo Giulia??

[@chamade166]

It doesn't. The Alfa is a much sharper (and faster) car to drive.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Haven't driven the standard Giulia but have to imagine the GT stacks up well dynamically to it. Clearly, the Stinger GT isn't as fast or taut as the Qudrifoglio model though (but the Kia is much more affordable). Yes, I should have mentioned it. D'oh!

[@alexsmba]

I would take the Kia over the Fiat. “Masterpiece” hahaha that was funny.

[@alexsmba]

Jo Blo you completely blew it when you said “subsidy.” You mean SUBSIDIARY. Like Alfa is a Fiat. Look don’t get mad just because Kia and Hyundai lead the industry in quality and reliability, while poor old Fiat is at the bottom. Ok, get mad if you want, nobody really cares about your irrational rage. Fix It Again Tony

[@djizzah]

alfa went broke in australia, their cars were rusting on the ships as they were unloaded here before they had even been driven!!

[@cindykeselowski899]

Why did you say this really wasn't meant to compare with Q50 redsport? I think they are very comparable.

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

There’s no way it’s cargo capacity “matches most mid-sizes sedans.” Not even close. Stinger and similar “sportbacks” have 50-100% more space. Not to mention the hatch door allows bigger absolute objects. Stinger has 22/40 cu.ft. Sedans have like 12-18 / 0.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Exactly the point I made. Hatchbacks are more useful than sedans because of the large hatch opening. But when the back seats are up, it's the same usable space as a sedan. Cubic feet are not always a practical way to evaluate a trunk. I've tested plenty of them with undulations that limit the ability to put suitcases and boxes into. Or bundles of TP...

[@kazzbeast5132]

What is "prime" gasoline?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It's what premium becomes when spellcheck in my graphic program takes over. In other words, a typo. I'd change it but KZbin makes re-uploading a pain.

[@kazzbeast5132]

Ah, OK. The car doesn't require Premium, however. And, my bad, I enjoyed the video. Thanks!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It doesn't require premium but it is specified as the optimal fuel according to the E.P.A.

[@kazzbeast5132]

As any vehicle with an ECU capable of adapting to it should be, as well. Thanks!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yup. I need to point out what the specified fuel is in order to get the power figures I'm quoting.

[@fearfactz1]

love you tom

[@teejay818]

Since a 2020 stinger is confirmed, the Stinger has stayed in production for longer than Chevy’s recent SS sedan. In a world awash with SUV’s there’s apparently hope yet for the sport sedan enthusiast - thanks KIA!

[@brucec43]

People should keep in mind that this is well equipped at $40K. Decide for yourself if "nice to haves" and driver aids for the incompetent are worth $10K, $7K of which will be pure depreciation at resale time.

[@brucec43]

My wife would agree. I prefer 100% of the driving experience for $10K less.

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

Where did you guys party the night before?