2.0 Kia Stinger vs Kia Optima

[xot1]

The stinger has much better handling and chassis stiffness. The 2.0T may not be faster than an Optima, it is way more pleasant to drive. (my previous car was an optima)

 

[Never thought]

I actually told the sales guy after I drove the 2.0T Stinger Premium that I’d rather have an Optima SXL for the price. In my area, you can easily get an SXL for $30k, Stinger premium with drivewise is $41k. I had a 2013 Optima SX and almost bought an SXL last year. But then I read about the Stinger and decided to wait. Best decision I’ve made in a while . I’d rather have a base GT then a Stinger Premium. But everyone is different, and I was over the 2.0T engines.

Those are just my 2 cents.

 

[Never thought]

But I can definitely see why someone would buy the Stinger Premium and not consider an Optima SXL.

 

[Mike_TX]

There's no question Optima owners are looking at Stingers ... and many Stinger shoppers will end up in Optima's. As has been pointed out, Kia elected for some reason to option the Optima better than the Stinger, and people like options and features.

I'm one of the Optima SXL owners who is interested in the Stinger, and it's a little frustrating. My 2.0 runs pretty doggone well in the Optima, and gets better gas mileage than you guys report: 22 in town and 35 on the highway. On Regular gas at that. If I have to go to Premium to get 19 in town and 29 highway, I see that as a meaningful step down.

Yes, the 2.0 in the Stinger has 10 more ponies and some additional ft/lb of torque, but it's also porkier, so it needs that power just to run with my Optima (let's not debate 0-60's ... RWD cars will usually get better launches s than FWD's. It's real world driving that counts.) Now, tune the Stinger's 2.0 for more grunt and things would change. Unless Kia puts the 8spd in the next Optima.

And yes, the 8spd in the Stinger probably makes for more efficient power. Can't argue that. But I'm surprised it didn't help the highway mileage. My Optima blows it away in that department.

So, for a Stinger to mean anything to me, I need to go at least to a GT1. But that means I pay more for less content, except for the 3.3 engine. And for some of us, who have had all manner of big-hp cars in our day, horsepower ain't everything. I want creature comforts, too.

So ..... if Kia decides to put more horsies in the Stinger 2.0, or puts some more features into the GT1, and maybe throws some more incentive money on the Stinger ... my decision would be easier. Lol.

 

[Rufus]

There's no question Optima owners are looking at Stingers ... and many Stinger shoppers will end up in Optima's. As has been pointed out, Kia elected for some reason to option the Optima better than the Stinger, and people like options and features.

I'm one of the Optima SXL owners who is interested in the Stinger, and it's a little frustrating. My 2.0 runs pretty doggone well in the Optima, and gets better gas mileage than you guys report: 22 in town and 35 on the highway. On Regular gas at that. If I have to go to Premium to get 19 in town and 29 highway, I see that as a meaningful step down.

Yes, the 2.0 in the Stinger has 10 more ponies and some additional ft/lb of torque, but it's also porkier, so it needs that power just to run with my Optima (let's not debate 0-60's ... RWD cars will usually get better launches s than FWD's. It's real world driving that counts.) Now, tune the Stinger's 2.0 for more grunt and things would change. Unless Kia puts the 8spd in the next Optima.

And yes, the 8spd in the Stinger probably makes for more efficient power. Can't argue that. But I'm surprised it didn't help the highway mileage. My Optima blows it away in that department.

So, for a Stinger to mean anything to me, I need to go at least to a GT1. But that means I pay more for less content, except for the 3.3 engine. And for some of us, who have had all manner of big-hp cars in our day, horsepower ain't everything. I want creature comforts, too.

So ..... if Kia decides to put more horsies in the Stinger 2.0, or puts some more features into the GT1, and maybe throws some more incentive money on the Stinger ... my decision would be easier. Lol.

Funny you should mention mpg for the 2.0....today was our 1st day for an extended hwy trip here in western Washington. Me, my wife, and our son and carseat, no luggage. Had to take a pic after I looked down a few minutes after engaging cruise control: we hit upward grades heading toward Lake Stevens, then hilly back roads to a friend's house. 70% hwy. End of trip mpg was 36.5. We took nothing but hilly Snohomish county back roads home to keep varying rpm while the car finishes breaking in. Return trip ended with 30.5 mpg. Even accounting for an optimistic onboard readout of 3 mpg, that still puts it well above EPA estimates. Results will no doubt vary, but a light foot can do wonders when outright power isn't needed. But it sure is nice to have when the moment dictates.

 

[Euljiro1ga]

Even though they aren't exactly the same type of cars, I think it's only natural people would consider and compare both at some point.

 

[Bigserver1]

If I were cross shopping the 2.0 with an SXL, I’d have a hard time giving up everything you get with the SXL for the benefit of better driving dynamics. The Optimas won’t ever drive like the Stinger, but you’re getting features in the SXL that you’re not even getting in the GT2 (in the US) for 30-32k.

IMO they should have made a “loaded 2.0” option for the stinger, but maybe in future iterations.

 

[xot1]

If I were cross shopping the 2.0 with an SXL, I’d have a hard time giving up everything you get with the SXL for the benefit of better driving dynamics. The Optimas won’t ever drive like the Stinger, but you’re getting features in the SXL that you’re not even getting in the GT2 (in the US) for 30-32k.

IMO they should have made a “loaded 2.0” option for the stinger, but maybe in future iterations.

Really? Like what feature?
Here there is nothing I can think of that an optima has that is not in the Stinger. Except for rear set blinders.
My guess is 360 camera and wireless charging but is there something besides these two features?

 

[Bigserver1]

Really? Like what feature?
Here there is nothing I can think of that an optima has that is not in the Stinger. Except for rear set blinders.
My guess is 360 camera and wireless charging but is there something besides these two features?

On the Optima SXL you’re getting a 360 camera, wireless charging, alcantara headliner, heated rear seats, pano roof etc.

It’s better equipped and more feature rich than the GT2, which is 18k more expensive. Obviously you’re in an entirely different class of driving vehicle with the stinger GT, but as far as value goes, the Optima SXL is probably the Best value in the US car market.

 

[xot1]

On the Optima SXL you’re getting a 360 camera, wireless charging, alcantara headliner, heated rear seats, etc.

It’s better equipped and more feature rich than the GT2, which is 18k more expensive. Obviously you’re in an entirely different class of driving vehicle with the stinger GT, but as far as value goes, the Optima SXL is probably the Best value in the US car market.

In our market the stinger also has all these features you listed, so I didn't understand your comment. But it can be seen as better value in the US market, maybe if the driving dynamics are not put into the equation.

 

[Bigserver1]

In our market the stinger also has all these features you listed, so I didn't understand your comment. But it can be seen as better value in the US market, maybe if the driving dynamics are not put into the equation.

Yeah, that makes sense. They really screwed US stinger buyers by cutting key stuff out of the GT2 here.

 

[MarkyMark]

This. I'm looking at getting a Premium. The 4 banger is enough power for me, but I love the exterior styling. I think Kia hurt it's 2.0 sales because of it. I might consider a GT if it had the tech that the Premium did. The 2 things you outlined would make the 2.0 a no-brainer for the non-speed demon crowd. It's also a reason that I will not test drive a GT. I know the feel will make me want one, but I would need at least a GT1 to get the tech I want and I can't afford that right now.

To the original post, I hope this apparent disdain for the 2.0s...err I mean the Optima Sportback, will drive the prices down when I grab mine.

See, you are wiser than me! I first Test drove a 2.0 Premium. Over my Mazda6, no contest! Stinger 2.0 was great, powerful and zippy enough for me... then, I stopped by a dear and sat in a GT in the show floor. I hadn’t noticed the GT used aluminum over piano black in a lot of the interior (which I liked a lot more - piano place shows any spec of dust and fingerprints). It had the flat bottom steering wheel... okay, the 9 speaker system sounded great to me... I took out a GT AWD on a test drive... Ack! Why did I do that!? Never had a car like that before, so this is likely the one time in my life I’ll go for it. However, a GT base is only $1200 or so more than a Premium, so there we go. No sunroof but 19’s, 3.3L and Brembo’s. I’ll go performance over creature comforts this time - all because I drive a GT...

Now, how to get this back to the Optima vs Stinger 2.0?... How about this - I have driven an Optima. Don’t care. Want Stinger ; )

 

[Mike_TX]

Just to make one more comment ... It's hard for hardcore enthusiasts to understand, but probably 95% of buyers are unimpressed with chassis, brakes, suspensions, and all that stuff. They don't know (or don't care, frankly) whether it's a double wishbone or a McPherson strut, or if has a panhard rod or a hydraulic hubcap adjuster. It either rides okay or it doesn't (and most new cars DO), and issues like whether the rearend can be hung out at 85 on a freeway cloverleaf don't even enter into their equation.

So, the fact that the Stinger is built on a different platform from the Optima is well and good, but really only for the enthusiast. To the average buyer it probably just means it costs more. These folks will drive the Optima and it will feel fine, they will be impressed with the content and the price, and they won't be able to justify the extra sheckels for the Stinger. Enthusiasts, OTOH, will appreciate the difference and ante up the extra bread. With the Stinger, Kia is obviously playing to the enthusiast.

But we must remember that not everyone is an enthusiast, so the Stinger isn't a slam dunk.

(Did I just state the obvious?)

 

[STNGRNV]

See, you are wiser than me! I first Test drove a 2.0 Premium. Over my Mazda6, no contest! Stinger 2.0 was great, powerful and zippy enough for me... then, I stopped by a dear and sat in a GT in the show floor. I hadn’t noticed the GT used aluminum over piano black in a lot of the interior (which I liked a lot more - piano place shows any spec of dust and fingerprints). It had the flat bottom steering wheel... okay, the 9 speaker system sounded great to me... I took out a GT AWD on a test drive... Ack! Why did I do that!? Never had a car like that before, so this is likely the one time in my life I’ll go for it. However, a GT base is only $1200 or so more than a Premium, so there we go. No sunroof but 19’s, 3.3L and Brembo’s. I’ll go performance over creature comforts this time - all because I drive a GT...

Now, how to get this back to the Optima vs Stinger 2.0?... How about this - I have driven an Optima. Don’t care. Want Stinger ; )

Yeah, I keep cars a long time (I've had my current car for 18 years. Although, I doubt I keep my next car longer than 10). I'm not the driver who would appreciate the benefits of the GT (although they would be nice to have). That's why I want the few little tech and features offered. I know that power has to be intoxicating. I've driven my buddy's 2018 Camaro SS and it moves.

 

[Waynerm002]

Lots of good points being made in this thread! As someone that had 2 BMWs prior to coming over to KIA for the Optima hybrid, I'm still a driving enthusiast and had great hopes for KIA doing a performance Optima. With the introduction of the Stinger, I feel KIA have answered the wishes of their Optima owners in a much bigger way with the Stinger GT. The 2.0T is also a great car on it's own with a lot of performance potential. I am one of those folks that saw a Korean Spec 2.0T in GT guise and wish that was the car KIA brought here as the top 2.0T trim. I browse the Korean site a lot and noticed they came out with a 2.0T Dream Edition ( 기아 스팅어 특징 - 프리미엄 퍼포먼스 세단 | 기아자동차 공식 사이트 ) which is the car I would like. Like mentioned by some here, the GT power is awesome but not what I really need in a daily driver. The power is intoxicating, I love it! It reminds me of the 535 which I loved to drive but didn't enjoy it much with the traffic in my area. Now my Volvo while having 240 hp and 258 lb ft of torque has an overboost feature which provided 285 lb ft of torque (for 10 seconds or if you pay $1500 and get the Polestar Tune it's there all the time), which makes it a real fun car to drive while returning pretty good economy.

I would like KIA to tune the 2.0T to around 290 torques to make it more fun from the factory however, I understand the point of the GT is to showcase what they are capable of to the world and the 2.0T is to provide an affordable version of this great car. I just feel they should also make the 2.0T a standout as well. Maybe after the G70 hits the market they will drop the 2.0T Dream Edition here (fingers crossed) with more power as well.

 

[Rufus]

As much as I LOVE my 2.0, I can't help but think how having this motor tuned to 300/300 would have made it not only a credible sport sedan in It's own right (10 hp diff against the Optima SXL is not enough, IMO), but still give enough space between it and the GT to justify the price differential. Still, I think there will be plenty of aftermarket options to turn the base model into a giant killer

 

[Waynerm002]

I hear the Uncle LAP3 tune for the Optima works on the Stinger 2.0T as well (same engine). That is at least an option one can consider to bump the power a bit.

 

[Rufus]

I hear the Uncle LAP3 tune for the Optima works on the Stinger 2.0T as well (same engine). That is at least an option one can consider to bump the power a bit.

It appears that 93 octane tune will net 52whp which is pretty awesome for the money! Here's hoping the plug issue gets figured out...

 

[Mike_TX]

It appears that 93 octane tune will net 52whp which is pretty awesome for the money! Here's hoping the plug issue gets figured out...

Color me skeptical. I can't believe altering the timing, throttle position and a few other drivetrain parameters will push an additional 52 hp to the wheels. That's a LOT.

 

[Rufus]

Color me skeptical. I can't believe altering the timing, throttle position and a few other drivetrain parameters will push an additional 52 hp to the wheels. That's a LOT.

I'm just reiterating the stats on the K5 Optima store site. But I believe the way the uncle chip works is a bit different from what you may be thinking...?. From what I understand, it intercepts the boost signal and relays it to the ECU as "under boosted" which changes the wastegate duty cycle to provide more boost. I think for the 2.0 it bumps pressure by 3psi. Utilizing the right octane with this pressue addition can certainly reach that kind of bump. Folks have been reporting fouled/cracked plugs, however. Most of those reports are with users who are running the chip. To be fair, though, at least one member has experienced that issue completely stock.