2021 GT1/2 vs 2022 GT1

[SoftCore]

I have been looking at the Stinger for a while now as a potential replacement for my current car ('08 VW Jetta). With the new 2022 Stinger came some trim changes that have their pros and cons. My ideal Stinger would have been a 2022 GT1 if they didn't remove anything in the trim level.

What are your thoughts on getting a 2021 GT1/2 that has all the bells and whistles vs getting a new 2022 GT1 that saw the removal of some items from this trim level?
What are some other potential negatives of getting the 2021 model over the refresh?

My thoughts:

• Biggest downside in my mind for the 2021 GT1/2 is the smaller infotainment screen with the old Kia software for infotainment. Nothing worse than outdated and slow software 5+ years down the line.
• I think both models look really good and I wouldn't mind having either one.
• All the bells and whistles are nice, but I don't need a lot of the luxury 'convenience' features like...
  • Power and memory seats with 8 bazillion adjustments
  • Heated rear seats
  • Smart power trunk
  • Auto dimming side mirrors
  • I'm not an audiophile so I won't be disappointed if I don't have the upgraded sounds system
  • Ventilated seats would be a perk I want but not needed
• 2022 GT1 just seems to be a GT-Line with engine upgrade only
• Thinking the 2021 GT2 will come down to my price range if dealers are trying to get rid of old models

 

[MerlintheMad]

I had three "must haves" going in (March of 2018): everything else was not a deal breaker. You have to know your "must haves" and that will point you to a year and trim level. At that point is price; the year and availability will settle that. Nobody can advise you on the rest of what's going on in your head. Welcome to the forum.

 

[hummus]

My thoughts:

• Biggest downside in my mind for the 2021 GT1/2 is the smaller infotainment screen with the old Kia software for infotainment. Nothing worse than outdated and slow software 5+ years down the line.
• I think both models look really good and I wouldn't mind having either one.
• All the bells and whistles are nice, but I don't needa lot of the luxury 'convenience' features like...
  • Power and memory seats with 8 bazillion adjustments
  • Heated rear seats
  • Smart power trunk
  • Auto dimming side mirrors
  • I'm not an audiophile so I won't be disappointed if I don't have the upgraded sounds system
  • Ventilated seats would be a perk I want but not needed
• 2022 GT1 just seems to be a GT-Line with engine upgrade only
• Thinking the 2021 GT2 will come down to my price range if dealers are trying to get rid of old models

I just purchased my 2021 GT and faced a similar decision, though my priorities (and Goldilocks configuration) were different.

Here are some counterpoint thoughts for yours:

• Regarding infotainment obsolescence and size: in my case, Android auto greatly extends the usable life of anything that supports it properly. The only time I'm not in AA is when the drive is shorter than 10 minutes. Regarding size, my other family vehicle has a 10"+ screen that is wide and short, as seems to be the fashion these days. I don't find it any more functional, as the graphics are basically the same size and I don't find the extra horizontal resolution to be particularly impactful.
• Regarding looks, I think both look great, but prefer the original tail light design for its distinctiveness. I need to see the new logo in person, but I've grown to like the traditional logo on neutral colors (mine is Panthera)
• Luxury features: completely personal choice here. I've owned loaded cars and base models, and it's rare that I particularly miss anything that would be considered a luxury item. I would say that the Stinger's noise floor is too high for me to be overly concerned with sound quality from the stereo. My other family vehicle is a much-lauded current-gen ELS Acura system, yet I find the base GT sound system to be completely fine. And yes, I do have a more discerning ear than most based on how much time and money I spend on home audio gear.
• I agree that the 2022 GT1 seems to be a hybrid between the 2021 GT Line/base GT and GT1. Must be interesting for Kia product planners with so many riches to space out in their offerings, with the K5 GT realistically crowding into the Stinger's target audience. Imagine if they offered the K5 GT with AWD.

 

[SoftCore]

I just purchased my 2021 GT and faced a similar decision, though my priorities (and Goldilocks configuration) were different.

Here are some counterpoint thoughts for yours:

• Regarding infotainment obsolescence and size: in my case, Android auto greatly extends the usable life of anything that supports it properly. The only time I'm not in AA is when the drive is shorter than 10 minutes. Regarding size, my other family vehicle has a 10"+ screen that is wide and short, as seems to be the fashion these days. I don't find it any more functional, as the graphics are basically the same size and I don't find the extra horizontal resolution to be particularly impactful.
• Regarding looks, I think both look great, but prefer the original tail light design for its distinctiveness. I need to see the new logo in person, but I've grown to like the traditional logo on neutral colors (mine is Panthera)
• Luxury features: completely personal choice here. I've owned loaded cars and base models, and it's rare that I particularly miss anything that would be considered a luxury item. I would say that the Stinger's noise floor is too high for me to be overly concerned with sound quality from the stereo. My other family vehicle is a much-lauded current-gen ELS Acura system, yet I find the base GT sound system to be completely fine. And yes, I do have a more discerning ear than most based on how much time and money I spend on home audio gear.
• I agree that the 2022 GT1 seems to be a hybrid between the 2021 GT Line/base GT and GT1. Must be interesting for Kia product planners with so many riches to space out in their offerings, with the K5 GT realistically crowding into the Stinger's target audience. Imagine if they offered the K5 GT with AWD.

Thanks for your thoughts! I like to hear other peoples opinions so I can get a full perspective. Its good to hear that AA seems to be a good counterpoint to my thought on the infotainment. I have never driven a car with anything more than a radio/CD player in it before so I am kind of just guessing on what my initial impressions are without actually using one in the past.

 

[CeramicGT001]

I just purchased my 2021 GT and faced a similar decision, though my priorities (and Goldilocks configuration) were different.

Here are some counterpoint thoughts for yours:

• Regarding infotainment obsolescence and size: in my case, Android auto greatly extends the usable life of anything that supports it properly. The only time I'm not in AA is when the drive is shorter than 10 minutes. Regarding size, my other family vehicle has a 10"+ screen that is wide and short, as seems to be the fashion these days. I don't find it any more functional, as the graphics are basically the same size and I don't find the extra horizontal resolution to be particularly impactful.
• Regarding looks, I think both look great, but prefer the original tail light design for its distinctiveness. I need to see the new logo in person, but I've grown to like the traditional logo on neutral colors (mine is Panthera)
• Luxury features: completely personal choice here. I've owned loaded cars and base models, and it's rare that I particularly miss anything that would be considered a luxury item. I would say that the Stinger's noise floor is too high for me to be overly concerned with sound quality from the stereo. My other family vehicle is a much-lauded current-gen ELS Acura system, yet I find the base GT sound system to be completely fine. And yes, I do have a more discerning ear than most based on how much time and money I spend on home audio gear.
• I agree that the 2022 GT1 seems to be a hybrid between the 2021 GT Line/base GT and GT1. Must be interesting for Kia product planners with so many riches to space out in their offerings, with the K5 GT realistically crowding into the Stinger's target audience. Imagine if they offered the K5 GT with AWD.

If they offered the K5 GT with awd, the Stinger gt-line would start collecting quite a lot of dust at the lots.

 

[WPJoe]

My biggest drawback with the Stinger has always been the road noise. It doesn't sound like the new model has done anything to address that as far as I can tell...

 

[Jayphil]

If they offered the K5 GT with awd, the Stinger gt-line would start collecting quite a lot of dust at the lots.

You are probably right but this would be very sad because two very different cars. K5 GT is a familly sedan FWD (available AWD on other trims) in its sportiest trim but it is still a FWD platform build for the masses. The Stinger is a RWD sport sedan platform from ground up and available in AWD optional.

Drag race K5 GT AWD would win vs Stinger 2.5T but on a circuit, curvy roads and driving feeling the Stinger will always win.

 

[colnago1331]

IMHO, the only thing the 2022 GT1 offers that's any "better" than the 2021 GT1 is the bigger infotainment screen. Otherwise, you lose a ton of features for a small reduction in price. If it were me, I'd be chasing a 2021 GT (or GT1 if there are any "must haves" that you can't get with the GT).

 

[hummus]

...I have never driven a car with anything more than a radio/CD player in it before so I am kind of just guessing on what my initial impressions are without actually using one in the past.

IMHO, the only thing the 2022 GT1 offers that's any "better" than the 2021 GT1 is the bigger infotainment screen. Otherwise, you lose a ton of features for a small reduction in price. If it were me, I'd be chasing a 2021 GT (or GT1 if there are any "must haves" that you can't get with the GT).

OP, if you haven't driven a more modern car lately, you might find either the base GT or GT Line to be extremely impressive and satisfying. Before I bought my first Stinger (base 2.0T back in 2018) I had always pictured the original GT1 as the sweet spot on paper. After having owned the 2.0t and recently test driven the GT and GT1, I ended up buying the base GT. What seemed important to me on paper (sound system, adjustable suspension) didn't translate to the experience on the test drives.

Edit: in case it matters, my base model 2.0 got more attention and impressed plenty of people, including "wow" factor from being driven in it. Those who asked could not believe it was the base model.

Everyone has different preferences as to what makes a special experience, but for me, it's what I feel through the pedals, seat, and wheel, and see through the windshield. In any North American configuration, the Stinger has this in spades.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Those who asked could not believe it was the base model.

^^^ The Stinger is a fabulous machine; and then it just goes up from there.

 

[boosted1g]

With the release of the specs, I am quite content with my 2021 GT1.
For remote start I bought one from AccessoRides, very very easy diy install.
Sure the bigger infotainment would be nice ... but since it is just a wider aspect ratio its not like I am going to see much more information.
Me personally, I like the 2021 taillight design over the new one, only thing I like better with the 2022 design is that the turn indicator is certainly more modern

So to me, I got way more with my GT1 then a more expensive 2022 GT.

On a plus side, due to all of the safety features, my insurance went DOWN vs my no-frills 2010 Genesis Coupe.

 

[colnago1331]

OP, if you haven't driven a more modern car lately, you might find either the base GT or GT Line to be extremely impressive and satisfying. Before I bought my first Stinger (base 2.0T back in 2018) I had always pictured the original GT1 as the sweet spot on paper. After having owned the 2.0t and recently test driven the GT and GT1, I ended up buying the base GT. What seemed important to me on paper (sound system, adjustable suspension) didn't translate to the experience on the test drives.

FWIW, As a GT owner, there's only two things I really wish I had that I couldn't get with the GT - a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and memory seats (to which the steering wheel position would be linked). To get these, I would've had to step up to the GT1, but that was another $4,500 and included a host of features I really didn't want (auto brake/collision avoidance, lane keep assist, etc. (basically the nanny tech) and a moonroof). So it was well worth it to me to give up the power wheel/memory seats to avoid the other stuff.

 

[boosted1g]

FWIW, As a GT owner, there's only two things I really wish I had that I couldn't get with the GT - a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and memory seats (to which the steering wheel position would be linked). To get these, I would've had to step up to the GT1, but that was another $4,500 and included a host of features I really didn't want (auto brake/collision avoidance, lane keep assist, etc. (basically the nanny tech) and a moonroof). So it was well worth it to me to give up the power wheel/memory seats to avoid the other stuff.

If you are only one driving the car 95% of the time then memory seats are not remotely worth it.
However, when someone a full foot shorter then you drives the car a couple times a week, now memory seats are much more appealing.

Now to be fair, memory seats was not my only motivation for GT1 vs GT,. On its own, would not pay 4-5k more for that convivence.
I live in the desert so vented seats is a huge plus, I also hated how stiff the genesis coupe suspension was for daily driving so the ability to choose with EDS was nice. The way I look at it, I would have gladly paid 3k for those 3 features, so I basically got the stereo, the safety tech, and the bigger displays for another $1500.

The power liftgate and 360 degree camera in the GT2 would have been a nice to have ..... but not worth it to me for another 5k

 

[colnago1331]

If you are only one driving the car 95% of the time then memory seats are not remotely worth it.
However, when someone a full foot shorter then you drives the car a couple times a week, now memory seats are much more appealing.

My wife and I are the same height, but she's long in the legs and I'm long in the torso, so our seating positions are quite different. Also, my son will be getting his learner's permit soon, and he'll probably sit in yet another position. Fortunately, neither drive / will drive the Stinger all that much, but it still would be nice to have.

 

[Jayphil]

My wife and I are the same height, but she's long in the legs and I'm long in the torso, so our seating positions are quite different. Also, my son will be getting his learner's permit soon, and he'll probably sit in yet another position. Fortunately, neither drive / will drive the Stinger all that much, but it still would be nice to have.

There is a new driver configuration for MY22 part of new infotainment and UVO. It is still not clear what it will drive but hopefully

• Seat position
• Mirror position
• Steering position
• Infotainment preference (radio station, settings etc
• Car configuration preferences such as custom drive mode

My BMW 535I 2011 does all this based on the key you have in your pocket the car setup itsef base on my setup or girlfriend setup. This is very convenient! All customization short cut buttons are also depending on driver profile.

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

2021 GT1/GT2 vs 2022 GT1/GT2 ... both cars are extremely similar ...

I am a simpleton... I went with a base Stinger GT-RWD because I wanted the simplest and cheapest option to get the 3.3TT-V6 while also reducing the chances of certain things breaking and not working. I didn't really want nor need the little bonuses and creature comforts found in the GT1 and GT2 cars. Sure, if money was no object, it would be nice to have navigation built in or a sunroof, but I don't need it. Not a deal breaker for me.

Also, for the 2022 models... they look a bit more "aggressive" with larger exhaust tips... they also have the new "Kia" emblems/badges but most Stinger owners replace their "Kia" emblems/badges with either aftermarket ones or ones directly from the KDM area... Also you can get different color options in the 2022 models when compared to the 2021 models.

To each their own. You will probably get a better (cheaper) deal for a 2020/2021 Stinger than a 2022 Stinger right now. That will probably chance in about a year or so.

Good luck!

 

[boosted1g]

My wife and I are the same height, but she's long in the legs and I'm long in the torso, so our seating positions are quite different. Also, my son will be getting his learner's permit soon, and he'll probably sit in yet another position. Fortunately, neither drive / will drive the Stinger all that much, but it still would be nice to have.

You are more trusting than me. Would never allow a teen driver to drive (at least on their own) in a 350+ HP car ... let alone a new 40-45k car.

 

[boosted1g]

My BMW 535I 2011 does all this based on the key you have in your pocket the car setup itsef base on my setup or girlfriend setup. This is very convenient! All customization short cut buttons are also depending on driver profile.

That would be nice, does that work if both keys are in the car?

 

[hummus]

That would be nice, does that work if both keys are in the car?

If it works like the bluetooth connection stack, then if two recognized devices enter the car, I believe it syncs with the one that was most recently active (last-in-first-out).

For the record, GM has similar driver profile functionality and supposedly your infotainment settings--such as station favorites--follow you from one car to another as well. I'm guessing by identifying you through your phone instead of the key; I never activated it so couldn't say for sure.

Somewhat back on topic, OP: if you haven't already, you might want to go out and test drive whichever models are in your area, regardless of the model year. Don't let the sales people pressure you into making decisions or hurrying you on your drive--take your time and do your best to simulate living with the car. That will help you set priorities and verify (or debunk) any preferences you've adopted from researching.

Make sure you're okay with the limited rear view, the length of the car, the low roof and somewhat small side windows and somewhat low resolution camera(s)--all of those can create challenges when parking; the manual lift gate with no remote release (assuming you're not looking at the GT2)--it's big and a bit inconvenient in this age of curbside shopping.

And you might not experience this from the test drive, but be ready to answer tons of questions from strangers and neighbors, and saluting other drivers on the road that want a closer look or... want to race. If you don't have great discipline and insist on the V-6, you might want to keep a ticket lawyer on speed dial.

And regarding the trim choices, in my case, the only thing I want from the next model up GT1 is an oil temp monitor. I might have paid $300 for cooled seats but don't really miss them, and I would pay for a sunroof delete if I had to. I'll be installing my accessory homelink mirror that I saved from my old Stinger. Otherwise, I literally have all the creature comforts I want in the base GT and the driving experience is simply sublime.

 

[turboAWD]

The adjustable suspension, as is, is hardly noticeable - not worth it. With the Mando ECS10 it can be adjusted much more dramatically..