2018 Kia stinger gt vs 2021 Kia stinger gt line

[Zayboy]

Long story short I’m trying to decide between a 2018 Kia stinger gt and a 2021 Kia stinger gt line. The 2018 has about 34,000 miles and the gt line has basically none. BUT I really want the speed and the small touches to the exterior that the gt has. I also just like the way it sounds way better.The gt line is quick but it’s not quite there, I really want at least sub 6 0-60 time. This is my first sports car and I want it to be good. I may run into issues with the 2018 but I don’t see that happening tbh. It’s Kia certified and has the powers train warranty coming with it. They are about the same price. Do I cut my losses and settle for the gt line and just get it tuned? Or do an older riskier car through the Kia stinger Gt?

 

[MerlintheMad]

You're right the first time: the 2018 is not likely to have "issues", especially with the Kia certified status. 34K miles is low, a bit.

I don't know what GT "touches to the exterior" you are referring to. Starting in 2020, I believe, the Base and Premium Stinger got the same "GT" exterior treatment; since then there has been no visible difference that I know of between the 2.0L and 3.30L trims. And from 2022 there isn't even a difference in headlights except style, since all headlights are now LED. You could wait for the 2.5L and see if that satisfies you. Otherwise, if the 3.3L ends as non negotiable, get that 2018.

 

[Zayboy]

You're right the first time: the 2018 is not likely to have "issues", especially with the Kia certified status. 34K miles is low, a bit.

I don't know what GT "touches to the exterior" you are referring to. Starting in 2020, I believe, the Base and Premium Stinger got the same "GT" exterior treatment; since then there has been no visible difference that I know of between the 2.0L and 3.30L trims. And from 2022 there isn't even a difference in headlights except style, since all headlights are now LED. You could wait for the 2.5L and see if that satisfies you. Otherwise, if the 3.3L ends as non negotiable, get that 2018.

The small differences I’m talking about is the chrome on the car the chrome I think is darker on the 2018 vs 2021. And I think the grill is slightly different. But maybe that’s the earlier models. The only thing about the 2022 is the pricing is going to be higher. I found pretty good deals for the 2018 gt and 2021 gt line both around 29,000. So Id end up waiting longer than I want to. I am leaning towards the 2018 gt tho.

 

[EClapp3]

I'm with merlin, get the 18. Its certified, already depreciated a bit and much faster.

 

[Jayphil]

Try to find the best deal on a GT, GT1 or GT2. 2.0t performance does not match the look of the car, unfortunately it is not as powerful as for example an Audi A4 2.0t that performance would be totally acceptable for the Stinger in fact pretty sure it is close to 2.5T Stingers...

Tune 2.0T + bolt on Stinger do not even break the 300whp mark(maybe 280whp if lucky), Stock 3.3 RWD is around 335whp+

 

[monusa]

You could wait for the 2.5L and see if that satisfies you

I agree!!!!

If your decision has some $$$$$ reasons behind it, I would wait for the 2.5. It will still be 60+ HP less than the 3.3 but you would get a new vehicle W/warranty and the performance should be vastly improved over the 2.0. Otherwise, the used 3.3 will probably satisfy you.

 

[Devin]

3.3 in sports mode is just sexy. But a brand new car is also sexy. Me? I'm just glad there aren't any four cylinders in the driveway anymore.

 

[hummus]

For reference, my 2021 GT RWD purchase price ended up 35k and 1.9% without much effort. If you can do without some of the GT1/2 specific features and can stretch a bit, that might be worth pursuing. The interest rate alone might close the gap considerably depending on what you can get on a used car loan

Also, since the 22s are on the lot now, you might be able to push the purchase price down further than I did. If you're flexible on color, location, okay with possibly more test drive miles, and can wait, the deals are bound to get better and better.

One thing I would say about the 2.5 versus the 3.3: try not to be seduced by power numbers. The difference in driving experience between most 4 and 6 cylinder engines of similar market position is usually pretty dramatic, regardless of measured performance. For some, this isn't important or noticeable--best way to know is to try both. There is at least one video on you tube where someone does a POV drive including hard pulls in a 2.5, and the same reviewer does a 3.3. Check those out with decent headphones to get an idea.

 

[7Andrei7]

I would say it also depends on the type of driving you do and how important interior confort is to you.
First, from what I've seen, the american GT is lacking a few options I consider important for long trips: premium sound, ventilated seats, bigger screens, sunroof, 360 cameras, level 2 autonomous driving etc. I have all those on my GT-Line and would not give them up for the bump in performance.
And, if you drive a lot of twisty roads, the lighter car might feel a little nicer as the nose is lighter and the tail a little less happy.
But if performance is what you're looking for, the GT is definitely a different experience. I would have gotten the GT if I could afford it, but only with the same options I chose on the GT Line.
I might seem superficial but this is my daily driver and overall enjoyment is very important. That can also mean listening to music with the sunroof open while still enjoying 0-60 in 6.0.

LE: Never mind, I just checked and realised that the GT Line is the same as the GT in terms of options.

 

[hummus]

Definitely, need to weigh the total package: creature comforts, performance, ease of use. I originally had a base model and aspired to have a GT1, figuring its creature comforts were the most appealing. Years later, when I drove a GT1 and a GT back to back, I realized I didn't want some of the GT1 features: I don't like sunroofs, the suspension settings weren't didn't seem to do much, and the sound system, while good, didn't justify paying more and having to accept the sunroof. The upgraded screens make an impression in the show room but the difference disappeared when driving, at least in my case.

Also, there are some things that aren't usually discussed in advertising or emphasized in reviews: how does the engine feel when you use it?

I'm going to use some mild exaggeration to try to explain what I mean: In my experience with mass market engines, when accelerating, V-8s go "gerrr", V-6s tend to go "vummm", and 4 cylinders tend to go "onggg". This can change with modern sound enhancers and some builders put in the time to engineer nicer voices via exhaust, intake resonators, etc. Some people won't notice or care. But I think it's important to pay attention to this before signing--the acceleration will hit you right away, but you may have to put that aside and pay specific attention to the character of the engine: cruise at 35, shift down to 3rd or second, feather the throttle up to 45, leave it in gear and listen to the engine when it coasts back down. It's not always easy to do, since it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of test driving.

For what it's worth, I did drive a Sorento with the 2.5 and it is capable of pushing you into the seat even in the larger vehicle. Objectively, it should be a great engine, but a buyer would be wise to pay attention to how it feels as well.

 

[monusa]

One thing I would say about the 2.5 versus the 3.3: try not to be seduced by power numbers. The difference in driving experience between most 4 and 6 cylinder engines of similar market position is usually pretty dramatic, regardless of measured performance. For some, this isn't important or noticeable--best way to know is to try both. There is at least one video on you tube where someone does a POV drive including hard pulls in a 2.5, and the same reviewer does a 3.3. Check those out with decent headphones to get an idea.

To the OP, I will give a perspective from a 2.0 owner POV....."hummus" is right that if you go "by the numbers", the answer is simple: 3.3. No doubt about it but I get the feeling that other factors are involved in your "query" so I will say this. My money would go with a warranty and peace of mind and if that came down to a brand new 2.5 vs used 3.3, no debate for me.

That being said, the "emotional" choice will definitely go to the 3.3 but with regards to how a 4 and 6 feel driving wise, I can answer this way: couple weekends ago I test drove both the 2.0 and 3.0 Supras. Night and Day with regards to how power is "felt" as well as delivered but I can tell you this, If the 2.5 Stinger had that ZF transmission that the 2.0 and 3.0 Supra have, you couldn't sell me a 3.3 for even HALF OFF!! The difference is that significant!!!! Of course, the 2.5 nor the 3.3 have this so if power is your game, 3.3 it is. If new warranty and "good" power is all you need, then my money is going on the 2.5.

HTH

 

[hummus]

Good points Monusa. Just to clarify though, I wasn't suggesting that a 3.3 is more appealing because of the numbers. I'm actually saying that choosing a 2.5 over a 3.3 because the numbers are close--and because the 2.5 does indeed pull very well--may not lead to the best ownership experience. In my opinion, even if the performance was identical, for some enthusiasts it may be worth paying more for the 3.3 because it has a different personality, especially when driven hard. This is something that may not be obvious until owning either car for a while, or paying special attention when test driving.

Either way, my main message was that a brand new 2021 3.3 GT model should be attainable in the mid 30 range, and that might be worth considering versus a used GT2 or a new 2.5, especially if the 1.9% is still available.

 

[Zayboy]

I would say it also depends on the type of driving you do and how important interior confort is to you.
First, from what I've seen, the american GT is lacking a few options I consider important for long trips: premium sound, ventilated seats, bigger screens, sunroof, 360 cameras, level 2 autonomous driving etc. I have all those on my GT-Line and would not give them up for the bump in performance.
And, if you drive a lot of twisty roads, the lighter car might feel a little nicer as the nose is lighter and the tail a little less happy.
But if performance is what you're looking for, the GT is definitely a different experience. I would have gotten the GT if I could afford it, but only with the same options I chose on the GT Line.
I might seem superficial but this is my daily driver and overall enjoyment is very important. That can also mean listening to music with the sunroof open while still enjoying 0-60 in 6.0.

LE: Never mind, I just checked and realised that the GT Line is the same as the GT in terms of options.

Thank you for your reply. It gives me a lot of insight of what it's like driving the GT line as a daily. You are the first person that gave me insight on the other car. I think I could end up being happy with it but when I test drove the GT for the first time I had a fat smile on my face the whole time lmao. So idk I have to think about it some more.

Edit: I didn't see your side note at the end lol. But it still did gave me a lot of insight about how I would probably still enjoy the gt line.

 

[Zayboy]

To the OP, I will give a perspective from a 2.0 owner POV....."hummus" is right that if you go "by the numbers", the answer is simple: 3.3. No doubt about it but I get the feeling that other factors are involved in your "query" so I will say this. My money would go with a warranty and peace of mind and if that came down to a brand new 2.5 vs used 3.3, no debate for me.

That being said, the "emotional" choice will definitely go to the 3.3 but with regards to how a 4 and 6 feel driving wise, I can answer this way: couple weekends ago I test drove both the 2.0 and 3.0 Supras. Night and Day with regards to how power is "felt" as well as delivered but I can tell you this, If the 2.5 Stinger had that ZF transmission that the 2.0 and 3.0 Supra have, you couldn't sell me a 3.3 for even HALF OFF!! The difference is that significant!!!! Of course, the 2.5 nor the 3.3 have this so if power is your game, 3.3 it is. If new warranty and "good" power is all you need, then my money is going on the 2.5.

HTH

I would like to point out that the 2021 is a 2.0t I found a good deal on the 2021 gt line but the 2022 will be a bit out of my price range. The 2021 GT line and the 2018 gt are both around 28-29 but the difference in performance is night and day to me. If I was going to do the 2022 GT-line I would do it in a heartbeat because it meets them in the middle. The problem is the price is not the same unless I waited about a year or so. I'm also thinking about depreciation as well.

 

[Zayboy]

Good points Monusa. Just to clarify though, I wasn't suggesting that a 3.3 is more appealing because of the numbers. I'm actually saying that choosing a 2.5 over a 3.3 because the numbers are close--and because the 2.5 does indeed pull very well--may not lead to the best ownership experience. In my opinion, even if the performance was identical, for some enthusiasts it may be worth paying more for the 3.3 because it has a different personality, especially when driven hard. This is something that may not be obvious until owning either car for a while, or paying special attention when test driving.

Either way, my main message was that a brand new 2021 3.3 GT model should be attainable in the mid 30 range, and that might be worth considering versus a used GT2 or a new 2.5, especially if the 1.9% is still available.

You raised a really good point but the 2021 GT line and the 2018 gt are both around 28-29 so i'm more so comparing 2.0t to 3.3tt so the difference in performance is night and day to me when i test drove it recently. If I was going to do the 2022 GT-line I would do it in a heartbeat because it meets them in the middle but the price is different. 28-29 is already pushing it. I'm still trying to decide the pros and cons of both. I also have to consider that the cost of insurance will likely be higher on the 2018 gt as well plus around 29-30 cost. where as the cost of the 2021 GT line is around 28 with lower insurance.

 

[Zayboy]

Definitely, need to weigh the total package: creature comforts, performance, ease of use. I originally had a base model and aspired to have a GT1, figuring its creature comforts were the most appealing. Years later, when I drove a GT1 and a GT back to back, I realized I didn't want some of the GT1 features: I don't like sunroofs, the suspension settings weren't didn't seem to do much, and the sound system, while good, didn't justify paying more and having to accept the sunroof. The upgraded screens make an impression in the show room but the difference disappeared when driving, at least in my case.

Also, there are some things that aren't usually discussed in advertising or emphasized in reviews: how does the engine feel when you use it?

I'm going to use some mild exaggeration to try to explain what I mean: In my experience with mass market engines, when accelerating, V-8s go "gerrr", V-6s tend to go "vummm", and 4 cylinders tend to go "onggg". This can change with modern sound enhancers and some builders put in the time to engineer nicer voices via exhaust, intake resonators, etc. Some people won't notice or care. But I think it's important to pay attention to this before signing--the acceleration will hit you right away, but you may have to put that aside and pay specific attention to the character of the engine: cruise at 35, shift down to 3rd or second, feather the throttle up to 45, leave it in gear and listen to the engine when it coasts back down. It's not always easy to do, since it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of test driving.

For what it's worth, I did drive a Sorento with the 2.5 and it is capable of pushing you into the seat even in the larger vehicle. Objectively, it should be a great engine, but a buyer would be wise to pay attention to how it feels as well.

I actually like the way the V-6 sounds vs the 2.0t 4 cylinder. I think what I didn't consider tho is something I didn't look at is how it feels driving at lower speeds. I was just excited when I got in the gt and how it felt when I felt the acceleration lol.

 

[Zayboy]

Try to find the best deal on a GT, GT1 or GT2. 2.0t performance does not match the look of the car, unfortunately it is not as powerful as for example an Audi A4 2.0t that performance would be totally acceptable for the Stinger in fact pretty sure it is close to 2.5T Stingers...

Tune 2.0T + bolt on Stinger do not even break the 300whp mark(maybe 280whp if lucky), Stock 3.3 RWD is around 335whp+

I agree the 2.0t performance just isn't there its a lot lower than other 2.0t cars which was off putting to me.

 

[hummus]

While the 2.0T may not produce the same track numbers as some competitors, IMO they are all close enough that 95% of the time, being in the right gear will probably make the most difference when a quick maneuver is called for.

When I had the 2.0, for highway on-ramps, I would usually be in manual mode and maybe 3rd gear until safely merged in. It usually wasn't necessary to push the car, but it was reassuring to know that a surge was just a toe twitch away if needed.

 

[Jake747]

You raised a really good point but the 2021 GT line and the 2018 gt are both around 28-29 so i'm more so comparing 2.0t to 3.3tt so the difference in performance is night and day to me when i test drove it recently. If I was going to do the 2022 GT-line I would do it in a heartbeat because it meets them in the middle but the price is different. 28-29 is already pushing it. I'm still trying to decide the pros and cons of both. I also have to consider that the cost of insurance will likely be higher on the 2018 gt as well plus around 29-30 cost. where as the cost of the 2021 GT line is around 28 with lower insurance.

If your budget is 29k why not just save a bit? You could get a new 2021 gt for like 34 35 as long as you are going with rwd.
My 2021 gt1 was 40 otd and that’s with all wheel drive which adds a good bit and I believe the ceramic grey and red interior were an up charge too.
Also I wouldn’t worry about insurance too much, just shop around.
Allstate wanted 425 A month lol so I kept looking and now I’m with usaa at 72 a month which is cheaper than I was paying for my previous wrx.
The safety features like lane keep and daytime running lights etc will bring it down in price

 

[hummus]

If your budget is 29k why not just save a bit? You could get a new 2021 gt for like 34 35 as long as you are going with rwd.
My 2021 gt1 was 40 otd and that’s with all wheel drive which adds a good bit and I believe the ceramic grey and red interior were an up charge too.
Also I wouldn’t worry about insurance too much, just shop around.
Allstate wanted 425 A month lol so I kept looking and now I’m with usaa at 72 a month which is cheaper than I was paying for my previous wrx.
The safety features like lane keep and daytime running lights etc will bring it down in price

This. Moreover, as I was saying earlier, if your credit is good and the 1.9% is still available, there might not be a huge difference in total outlay between a $29k used car and a $35k new one, since used car finance rates tend to be higher. As good as the overall platform is, and as satisfying as the 2.0 can be, it is a completely different animal with the 3.3. You can't really go wrong, but if you find yourself modifying a 2.0 for performance, it won't take long before you might look back and wonder if you shoulda got the V6.