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 Nothing worse than outdated and slow software 5+ years down the line.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

 

[Jayphil]

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

Depends on which key unlocked the car for my BMW (button on the remote or remote that was picked during keyless access) but Kia seem UVO / phone based.

 

[SoftCore]

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).

I hear you there. Only a downgrade for the 2022 GT1 thats not worth the price drop.

 

[343BlueR32]

Yeah I dug deep into local dealers websites and the kia website last night.

I already knew I wasn't a fan of the new tail lights but I wanted to see if there were any other new things that may offset that I would like better than my 2019 GT1. What I found is the 2022 GT1 is lacking big time compared to the original GT1s:

No ventilated front seats on 2022 GT1s (big for me since I live in Florida)

No HK audio in the 2022 GT1s (frankly I didn't care about the sound as much as how much better the door panels look with the extra aluminum)

2022 GT1s get the "entry level" headlights/drls (which I don't like). Previous GT1s have the same headlight design as the 2022 GT2s.

Auto dimming side mirrors on the 2019 GT1. Not available til GT2 on 2022s.

Huge step back on wheel design in my opinion.

I'm sure there may be other things on either side, but all that makes the previous gen GT1 a much better value than 2022 models in my mind.

 

[MerlintheMad]

(frankly I didn't care about the sound as much as how much better the door panels look with the extra aluminum)

Lol! Now that I never even imagined as a reason to enjoy the HK. I'm going to chuckle every time I think of this one.