corradoMR2
Active Member
As a car enthusiast and moderator of a popular Lexus forum, considering a Kia, let alone purchasing one was never on my radar. Lexus, Acura, and Audi have filled my driveways over the years all with their pros and cons. Lexus however, has been by far the most rewarding and why I have been a repeat buyer of the brand for many years. My most recent stable included a 2017 IS F Sport AWD and RX F Sport, and a beast of a performance car, the 2015 RC F. However, something has been lacking lately with Lexus. What I had in performance in the RC F, I was able to use it just seldom times. What I had in AWD traction with the IS, lacked in performance. And herein comes the top-of-the-line Stinger GT AWD Limited. Best of both worlds an actual possibility?
Some, including my wife and kids, thought I was nuts to eliminate two Lexus vehicles... for a Kia?*!?* because this is the reality of brand perception still today. Little do they know however what a stellar product this Kia is and for those who know me and my loyalties to Lexus, says volumes on the product the Stinger is. So what's with all the hype? As no car is perfect, let's see where the Stinger shines and where it does less so, and where possible, in comparison to my past rides.
For those who want the Coles Notes version see summary below. Otherwise keep reading for more detail
Summary Pros:
- Styling
- Ride quality
- Exterior/interior quality materials, fit & finish (with some exceptions)
- Solid-feeling build quality
- Premium tactile feel of the switch gear
- Smooth and powerful V6TT acceleration
- Relatively quiet ride
- Tech and luxury features
- Cargo capacity/rear-hatch practicality
- Sporty nimble handling
- AWD grip/traction
- Powerful braking
- Price and value
Summary Cons:
- Barely any exhaust note
- Some cheap plastics
- Some (minor) initial quality issues
- Poor fuel economy
- Tight rear headroom
- Equipped with summer tires (OEM)
- Brand stigma
So what's not to like of the styling? A bit of BMW kidney grille at the front, a hint of Audi A7/Porsche Panamera in its silhouette and proportions, and a touch of Italian flair with the Maserati Gran Turismo at the rear. Combine this with Audi S styling elements such as the dark chrome mirrors, red Brembo calipers, and other accents, the Stinger GT stands out in a somewhat conservative premium crowd of sports sedans.
The interior carries a similar theme with a more pronounced Audi influence, from the gauges, circular vents, gear selector, switches, door panels, and overall design. Quality of materials are also Audi-like from the solid feeling door panels and grab handles, superior tactile feel in the HVAC/Radio controls, and solid-clicking paddle shifters. Parts gaps are Lexus-like, which is to say at a minimum, where everything is put together with precision and consistency while material quality is as good if not better than the Lexus IS. For instance, both cars have similar "OK" quality hard plastic lower door panels, but the GT has real aluminum trim in door panels/console vs plastic "F Sport" trim in the IS. In addition, we find premium alcantara headliner in the GT! Of course, the RC F has genuine carbon fiber trim and a slightly more premium interior. On the downside, the dash stitching is not as consistent and tight in the GT as you find in Lexus and both the steering wheel airbag cover and console surrounding the rear vents has a cheaper grade plastic that slightly hurts an otherwise premium Audi-like interior. I am also experiencing a rattle in the rear hatch though a TSB is already out on the fix and my dealer has ordered the parts. Rear seat headroom is limited otherwise slightly larger than the IS and about like the A4. No comparison regarding the cargo which is where the Stinger's rear hatch can swallow 50% more.
Overall interior craftsmanship: 98% as good as the Audi A4/RC F. Slightly better than the IS.
The exterior paint and fit/finish are top-notch. Barely any orange-peel texture is visible though the striking metallic Thunder Grey/Panthera Metal color would help mask any defects. For Lexus buffs, this color is a near match to the deep Smoky Granite Mica. Panel fit and gaps around the hood are visibly consistent all around and the same goes with the hatch, bumper covers, window trim, and semi-panoramic roof panel. However, it is not perfect. Two visible defects exist: the rubber molding is not flush to the B-pillar door frame and the driver's door panel is not flush to the rear door. I had similar trim defects with the A4 while the IS and RC F had zero.
Overall exterior craftsmanship: Equal to the A4. Slightly below the IS/RC F.
Ride quality is good for this performance GT. Suspension is taut but not overly firm. It's not pillowy-soft yet bumps and road imperfections are soaked up with minimal harshness or intrusion in the cabin. In Sport mode, dampers tighten a bit more resulting in a slightly firmer ride, though I have yet to experience a harsh ride. The long-wheelbase contributes to the relatively smooth and comfortable ride. Seat comfort is excellent thanks to the multiple adjustments including a thigh extender and adjustable side bolsters edging out the A4's sport seats but come short to the IS F Sport and RC F seats. Those seats fit like a glove despite minimal adjustment capability and are the seats to beat in their class. Noise-levels are luxury-class good thanks to laminated side glass not found in the IS and RC F though a touch of road noise intrudes at higher speeds.
Overall ride comfort: Not a Lexus ES, but equals the A4 S-Line and is slightly above the IS and more so against the RC F.
Performance is exceptional in this price range thanks to the powerful RC F (V8)-like acceleration and although the engine is very smooth and effortlessly quiet, I wish there was a more exciting audible exhaust note. However, this can be somewhat mitigated by an aftermarket exhaust. Engine/transmission response is better than expected with minimal turbo lag though both IS and RC F's N/A engines and excellent throttle input provide a slightly more immediate response, but the GT's torque is more strongly felt than the RC F in the low-mid range giving a sense of better acceleration in city driving. The RC F, though, pulls more powerfully from 4k-7300 rpm where the GT's 3.3L TT V6 comes close but cannot match. The A4's and Lexus NX's 2.0T 4cyl, in contrast, have more noticeable lag and well weaker accelerations. The 3.5L V6 in ithe IS has good power and torque throughout the rev-range but falls short on acceleration. Cornering and body roll are at a minimum in the GT, similar to the IS and A4, while its agility and overall grip/handling is better than the IS F Sport and A4 S-Line. I can say the IS and A4 understeer a touch and the electronic safety nannies in the IS allow limited driver input to add power to the rear to allow for some oversteer correction. The track-bred RC F though is in a higher league and although the GT has a similar nimble feel that belies its 4150 lb weight, I don't see the GT getting that close to the RC F on a track.
Overall performance: Way better than IS/A4. Although in a drag race the GT AWD can be neck and neck with the RC F RWD in colder temps, the GT is not quite in the same league overall as the RC F.
Braking and AWD traction on Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ (I replaced the OEM Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summers) are excellent making the car feel more secure than the IS AWD on Bridgestone Potenza all-seasons both on dry, wet, and snow-covered roads. Braking is more powerful than the IS and is close to if not similar to the RC F which has 1"+ larger 15" diameter Brembo brakes. Handling grip is also surprisingly pretty good on the Michelin A/S tires in winter city driving though this is more a credit to the tires than the actual car. With the heavy winter snowfall these days, so far, I have yet to be stuck with the Stinger GT AWD.
Overall braking and traction: Similar to the A4, slightly better than the IS. RC F better in dry grip and braking (but forget snow...)
Technology is another strong point with the Stinger. Without going over every safety and tech offering that at least matches the Audi and Lexus offerings, I will point out the key additional appointments:
- 360 deg camera provides a clear view to clearances all around the car. IS and RC F don't offer this, only a rear backup cam. My A4 didn't have this.
- Heated rear seats are a toasty convenience for the two outboard passengers and the switch is conveniently located on the door armrest. IS and RC F don't offer this. My A4 didn't have this.
- Wireless charging dock is large, easily accommodates my Galaxy S8 and charges it easily without worrying about exact placement of the phone. IS and RC F don't offer this. My A4 didn't have this
- Head-Up-Display is convenient to see the GT's speed, directions, and other info while driving. IS and RC F don't offer this. My A4 didn't have this.
- Full-speed adaptive cruise control. IS and RC F only works above 25 mph. My A4 didn't have this.
- Custom accent LED lighting. IS has none while the RC F does on the door but color is white only. My A4 had this.
- UVO Intelligence, free for 5 years. Prior to 2018, the IS and RC F (in Canada) have no such telematics and remote control services which would be available via Enform subscription in the US. My A4 didn't have this.
- Nappa Leather. IS F Sport does not offer leather, only Nuluxe (synthetic leather) which is however, convincingly real and durable. My A4 had standard leather (stiffer).
- Memory seating with power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. IS F Sport does not offer this. My A4 didn't have this.
- Power adjustable thigh extension and seat bolsters. IS and RC F do not offer this. My A4 had a manual extension.
- Power rear hatch with hand-free auto-opening operation. IS and RC F require the push of a button on the trunk or key fob to open the trunk. A4 similar.
- Android Auto/Apple Car Play integration. None available in any Lexus. My A4 had this.
Overall tech: Superior to Lexus and my A4, though these features can all be had with the A4/A5 at a higher price of entry over the GT.
Fuel economy. Thankfully, it is not a priority for me, otherwise the GT is pretty bad. I'm averaging a dismal 15L/100 km (~16 mpg), worse than the RC F though I have only driven the RC F in warmer summer temps. I expect the GT's fuel economy to improve with increased highway mileage, warmer temps, and after the break-in period. I would easily average around 9L/100km (26 mpg) with the A4 mixed city/hwy. I averaged about 13L/100km with the IS 300 AWD mostly city. All cars require or recommend Premium fuel.
Overall fuel economy: The GT is not great for today's standards even with 365 hp. It about equals the 467hp V8 RC F. The A4, with it's 2L Turbo 4cyl, is superior and can easily save you 100$+ a month on fuel.
In conclusion, for perspective, an IS 300 F Sport AWD Series 2 in Canada has an identical $50K MSRP to the Stinger GT AWD Limited and within a few hundred dollars to the mid-grade A4 S-Line FWD I had. A loaded IS 350 AWD is $4K more and lacks most of the additional tech listed above while the A4 (or A5 Sportback) Quattro will set you back an additional $7-9K. Forget a similarly equipped (and performing) S4 or S5 Sportback which will set you back over $20k more! Of course, for some (including myself for many years), the badge adds a worthy cost premium backed by the exceptional dealer service, perks, and intangibles that put a smile on your face. However, in 2018, I'm smiling not for the badge, but for the thrill in performance, tech, and equally premium materials, fit & finish with the extra thousands $ in my pocket. The Stinger GT AWD Limited has re-written the rules in the near-luxury sport-sedan (hatch) segment and as Lexus once did back in 1989, competitors need not be arrogant and ignore this newcomer.
Some, including my wife and kids, thought I was nuts to eliminate two Lexus vehicles... for a Kia?*!?* because this is the reality of brand perception still today. Little do they know however what a stellar product this Kia is and for those who know me and my loyalties to Lexus, says volumes on the product the Stinger is. So what's with all the hype? As no car is perfect, let's see where the Stinger shines and where it does less so, and where possible, in comparison to my past rides.
For those who want the Coles Notes version see summary below. Otherwise keep reading for more detail
Summary Pros:
- Styling
- Ride quality
- Exterior/interior quality materials, fit & finish (with some exceptions)
- Solid-feeling build quality
- Premium tactile feel of the switch gear
- Smooth and powerful V6TT acceleration
- Relatively quiet ride
- Tech and luxury features
- Cargo capacity/rear-hatch practicality
- Sporty nimble handling
- AWD grip/traction
- Powerful braking
- Price and value
Summary Cons:
- Barely any exhaust note
- Some cheap plastics
- Some (minor) initial quality issues
- Poor fuel economy
- Tight rear headroom
- Equipped with summer tires (OEM)
- Brand stigma
So what's not to like of the styling? A bit of BMW kidney grille at the front, a hint of Audi A7/Porsche Panamera in its silhouette and proportions, and a touch of Italian flair with the Maserati Gran Turismo at the rear. Combine this with Audi S styling elements such as the dark chrome mirrors, red Brembo calipers, and other accents, the Stinger GT stands out in a somewhat conservative premium crowd of sports sedans.
The interior carries a similar theme with a more pronounced Audi influence, from the gauges, circular vents, gear selector, switches, door panels, and overall design. Quality of materials are also Audi-like from the solid feeling door panels and grab handles, superior tactile feel in the HVAC/Radio controls, and solid-clicking paddle shifters. Parts gaps are Lexus-like, which is to say at a minimum, where everything is put together with precision and consistency while material quality is as good if not better than the Lexus IS. For instance, both cars have similar "OK" quality hard plastic lower door panels, but the GT has real aluminum trim in door panels/console vs plastic "F Sport" trim in the IS. In addition, we find premium alcantara headliner in the GT! Of course, the RC F has genuine carbon fiber trim and a slightly more premium interior. On the downside, the dash stitching is not as consistent and tight in the GT as you find in Lexus and both the steering wheel airbag cover and console surrounding the rear vents has a cheaper grade plastic that slightly hurts an otherwise premium Audi-like interior. I am also experiencing a rattle in the rear hatch though a TSB is already out on the fix and my dealer has ordered the parts. Rear seat headroom is limited otherwise slightly larger than the IS and about like the A4. No comparison regarding the cargo which is where the Stinger's rear hatch can swallow 50% more.
Overall interior craftsmanship: 98% as good as the Audi A4/RC F. Slightly better than the IS.
The exterior paint and fit/finish are top-notch. Barely any orange-peel texture is visible though the striking metallic Thunder Grey/Panthera Metal color would help mask any defects. For Lexus buffs, this color is a near match to the deep Smoky Granite Mica. Panel fit and gaps around the hood are visibly consistent all around and the same goes with the hatch, bumper covers, window trim, and semi-panoramic roof panel. However, it is not perfect. Two visible defects exist: the rubber molding is not flush to the B-pillar door frame and the driver's door panel is not flush to the rear door. I had similar trim defects with the A4 while the IS and RC F had zero.
Overall exterior craftsmanship: Equal to the A4. Slightly below the IS/RC F.
Ride quality is good for this performance GT. Suspension is taut but not overly firm. It's not pillowy-soft yet bumps and road imperfections are soaked up with minimal harshness or intrusion in the cabin. In Sport mode, dampers tighten a bit more resulting in a slightly firmer ride, though I have yet to experience a harsh ride. The long-wheelbase contributes to the relatively smooth and comfortable ride. Seat comfort is excellent thanks to the multiple adjustments including a thigh extender and adjustable side bolsters edging out the A4's sport seats but come short to the IS F Sport and RC F seats. Those seats fit like a glove despite minimal adjustment capability and are the seats to beat in their class. Noise-levels are luxury-class good thanks to laminated side glass not found in the IS and RC F though a touch of road noise intrudes at higher speeds.
Overall ride comfort: Not a Lexus ES, but equals the A4 S-Line and is slightly above the IS and more so against the RC F.
Performance is exceptional in this price range thanks to the powerful RC F (V8)-like acceleration and although the engine is very smooth and effortlessly quiet, I wish there was a more exciting audible exhaust note. However, this can be somewhat mitigated by an aftermarket exhaust. Engine/transmission response is better than expected with minimal turbo lag though both IS and RC F's N/A engines and excellent throttle input provide a slightly more immediate response, but the GT's torque is more strongly felt than the RC F in the low-mid range giving a sense of better acceleration in city driving. The RC F, though, pulls more powerfully from 4k-7300 rpm where the GT's 3.3L TT V6 comes close but cannot match. The A4's and Lexus NX's 2.0T 4cyl, in contrast, have more noticeable lag and well weaker accelerations. The 3.5L V6 in ithe IS has good power and torque throughout the rev-range but falls short on acceleration. Cornering and body roll are at a minimum in the GT, similar to the IS and A4, while its agility and overall grip/handling is better than the IS F Sport and A4 S-Line. I can say the IS and A4 understeer a touch and the electronic safety nannies in the IS allow limited driver input to add power to the rear to allow for some oversteer correction. The track-bred RC F though is in a higher league and although the GT has a similar nimble feel that belies its 4150 lb weight, I don't see the GT getting that close to the RC F on a track.
Overall performance: Way better than IS/A4. Although in a drag race the GT AWD can be neck and neck with the RC F RWD in colder temps, the GT is not quite in the same league overall as the RC F.
Braking and AWD traction on Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ (I replaced the OEM Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summers) are excellent making the car feel more secure than the IS AWD on Bridgestone Potenza all-seasons both on dry, wet, and snow-covered roads. Braking is more powerful than the IS and is close to if not similar to the RC F which has 1"+ larger 15" diameter Brembo brakes. Handling grip is also surprisingly pretty good on the Michelin A/S tires in winter city driving though this is more a credit to the tires than the actual car. With the heavy winter snowfall these days, so far, I have yet to be stuck with the Stinger GT AWD.
Overall braking and traction: Similar to the A4, slightly better than the IS. RC F better in dry grip and braking (but forget snow...)
Technology is another strong point with the Stinger. Without going over every safety and tech offering that at least matches the Audi and Lexus offerings, I will point out the key additional appointments:
- 360 deg camera provides a clear view to clearances all around the car. IS and RC F don't offer this, only a rear backup cam. My A4 didn't have this.
- Heated rear seats are a toasty convenience for the two outboard passengers and the switch is conveniently located on the door armrest. IS and RC F don't offer this. My A4 didn't have this.
- Wireless charging dock is large, easily accommodates my Galaxy S8 and charges it easily without worrying about exact placement of the phone. IS and RC F don't offer this. My A4 didn't have this
- Head-Up-Display is convenient to see the GT's speed, directions, and other info while driving. IS and RC F don't offer this. My A4 didn't have this.
- Full-speed adaptive cruise control. IS and RC F only works above 25 mph. My A4 didn't have this.
- Custom accent LED lighting. IS has none while the RC F does on the door but color is white only. My A4 had this.
- UVO Intelligence, free for 5 years. Prior to 2018, the IS and RC F (in Canada) have no such telematics and remote control services which would be available via Enform subscription in the US. My A4 didn't have this.
- Nappa Leather. IS F Sport does not offer leather, only Nuluxe (synthetic leather) which is however, convincingly real and durable. My A4 had standard leather (stiffer).
- Memory seating with power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. IS F Sport does not offer this. My A4 didn't have this.
- Power adjustable thigh extension and seat bolsters. IS and RC F do not offer this. My A4 had a manual extension.
- Power rear hatch with hand-free auto-opening operation. IS and RC F require the push of a button on the trunk or key fob to open the trunk. A4 similar.
- Android Auto/Apple Car Play integration. None available in any Lexus. My A4 had this.
Overall tech: Superior to Lexus and my A4, though these features can all be had with the A4/A5 at a higher price of entry over the GT.
Fuel economy. Thankfully, it is not a priority for me, otherwise the GT is pretty bad. I'm averaging a dismal 15L/100 km (~16 mpg), worse than the RC F though I have only driven the RC F in warmer summer temps. I expect the GT's fuel economy to improve with increased highway mileage, warmer temps, and after the break-in period. I would easily average around 9L/100km (26 mpg) with the A4 mixed city/hwy. I averaged about 13L/100km with the IS 300 AWD mostly city. All cars require or recommend Premium fuel.
Overall fuel economy: The GT is not great for today's standards even with 365 hp. It about equals the 467hp V8 RC F. The A4, with it's 2L Turbo 4cyl, is superior and can easily save you 100$+ a month on fuel.
In conclusion, for perspective, an IS 300 F Sport AWD Series 2 in Canada has an identical $50K MSRP to the Stinger GT AWD Limited and within a few hundred dollars to the mid-grade A4 S-Line FWD I had. A loaded IS 350 AWD is $4K more and lacks most of the additional tech listed above while the A4 (or A5 Sportback) Quattro will set you back an additional $7-9K. Forget a similarly equipped (and performing) S4 or S5 Sportback which will set you back over $20k more! Of course, for some (including myself for many years), the badge adds a worthy cost premium backed by the exceptional dealer service, perks, and intangibles that put a smile on your face. However, in 2018, I'm smiling not for the badge, but for the thrill in performance, tech, and equally premium materials, fit & finish with the extra thousands $ in my pocket. The Stinger GT AWD Limited has re-written the rules in the near-luxury sport-sedan (hatch) segment and as Lexus once did back in 1989, competitors need not be arrogant and ignore this newcomer.
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