Stinger's interior space

[Kia Stinger]

Yeah, no worries, sorry it’s too small for you! The TLX was a car a few months ago that I really wanted to like, but just couldn’t get there, between being tiny and the infotainment being awful (the head unit in our 2016 MDX makes me want to drive off a bridge on the regular).

I’m going down a dark place about being all in on the stinger lol. I’ll be waiting for the 19s, since my lease is up in December of 2018, and I’m holding out hope that they’ll add 360 cameras and wireless charging to the US fleet. I drove the new accord touring and wanted to love it, but after the G80 sport and the stinger I just couldn’t get there. Not to mention the drivers seat isn’t great for someone my height, and the necessary seat position in that car for me negates the extra legroom in the rear.

I am probably going to be doing a 2019 RWD GT2, and I already can’t wait lol.

So the audio system in the TLX is as horrific as the one in the Accord? I can't even believe a stereo in a car today could be as bad as mine is. And once you drive a car like the Genesis G80, a mainstream family sedan doesn't cut it anymore - and that includes the Acura TLX - which is nothing more than a mainstream family sedan with an Acura badge.

 

[Bigserver1]

So the audio system in the TLX is as horrific as the one in the Accord? I can't even believe a stereo in a car today could be as bad as mine is. And once you drive a car like the Genesis G80, a mainstream family sedan doesn't cut it anymore - and that includes the Acura TLX - which is nothing more than a mainstream family sedan with an Acura badge.

The audio system wasn’t anything to write home about, and their dual screen nav/climate/Music setup is terrible. The new one in the 18s is apparently “faster”, but I still hated it on the test drive.

In our 16 MDX, it will routinely take 90 seconds to input an address and get a route from the nav system. The new accord setup was much, much better, but the sound system is poor for a 35k car. The infinity setup in my old Optima was way better, for instance.

As for the mainstream sedan Point, you’re correct. I told my wife last night after driving the G80 and the Accord back to back, “I don’t think I can drive an accord”. She wasn’t surprised to hear it haha.

 

[Kia Stinger]

The audio system wasn’t anything to write home about, and their dual screen nav/climate/Music setup is terrible. The new one in the 18s is apparently “faster”, but I still hated it on the test drive.

In our 16 MDX, it will routinely take 90 seconds to input an address and get a route from the nav system. The new accord setup was much, much better, but the sound system is poor for a 35k car. The infinity setup in my old Optima was way better, for instance.

As for the mainstream sedan Point, you’re correct. I told my wife last night after driving the G80 and the Accord back to back, “I don’t think I can drive an accord”. She wasn’t surprised to hear it haha.

I really like my Accord. I have a 2016 V6 Touring Sedan. My wife has a 2015 Genesis. Totally different planet. And that's the thing I find so great about the Stinger. The Stinger is on an even better platform than the Genesis is. It's a true luxury car built by people who clearly know how to build the very best...

 

[Bigserver1]

I really like my Accord. I have a 2016 V6 Touring Sedan. My wife has a 2015 Genesis. Totally different planet. And that's the thing I find so great about the Stinger. The Stinger is on an even better platform than the Genesis is. It's a true luxury car built by people who clearly know how to build the very best...

I’ve yet to hear from someone who’s driven the stinger, be it a random person on the internet, or an auto blogger, or a long standing auto mag, that hasn’t come away really, REALLY impressed by the stinger. I think there’s just enough room for my kids car seats in the back for me to justify it to myself, because of the things I’ve driven lately (TLX, Accord, G80S, and the Stinger), the Kia has been head and shoulders my favorite.

 

[Kia Stinger]

I’ve yet to hear from someone who’s driven the stinger, be it a random person on the internet, or an auto blogger, or a long standing auto mag, that hasn’t come away really, REALLY impressed by the stinger. I think there’s just enough room for my kids car seats in the back for me to justify it to myself, because of the things I’ve driven lately (TLX, Accord, G80S, and the Stinger), the Kia has been head and shoulders my favorite.

If more people gave the Kia K900 a chance, the Stinger wouldn't be so much of a surprise. Unfortunately, most people need an extreme amount of convincing before they can change their way of thinking. The Stinger is a better vehicle to change those perceptions because the starting price is within reach or ordinary people...

 

[Waynerm002]

I'd like to add, if more people gave KIA a chance, they would see they have way better cars these days. Just had a conversation last night and it was funny yo hear the responses about KIA, "10 years ago my friend had one..." "they make really cheap cars, why would you want one?" "I just hate the... badge!" "the cars are nice but I can't stand the badge." "They give you a long warranty because they know their cars are crap" When provided with facts that KIA has a longer warranty due to their belief in their product and if it was due to the cars needing to be fixed a lot, the company would go out of business, it came back to the 10 years ago argument. Provided proof that they topped the quality list for the last few years (CR type folks here) and they beat out many luxury brands, their argument waned and when prodded to provided facts about what they find displeasing about the car, the answer came back to the badge. One didn't even want to look at the Stinger brochure because they hated the brand.

It's sad that folks can be this way without taking the time to look at what's on the market now and how much cars cost today, then again these are folks that drive vehicles for 6-10 years and are surprised when they hear KIA price but are even more shocked when their beloved luxury brand's entry level car (Acura ILX) feels worse than their current car. I test drove a TLX 2.4 in early 2016 before the 2016 Optima came out and that car had more road noise than my 2014 Optima hybrid and didn't drive as nice. I couldn't believe it was an Acura that people spoke so highly of. With the Stinger, KIA has knocked it out of the park! I had to say even I had some reservations once I saw the US version in person, due to the ride height being similar to the Optima, that all faded after the test drive. I'm telling everyone about it and taking those who will go to test drive one. I got co-workers to get Optimas, I'm sure they will be floored by the Stinger.

 

[Kia Stinger]

I'd like to add, if more people gave KIA a chance, they would see they have way better cars these days. Just had a conversation last night and it was funny yo hear the responses about KIA, "10 years ago my friend had one..." "they make really cheap cars, why would you want one?" "I just hate the... badge!" "the cars are nice but I can't stand the badge." "They give you a long warranty because they know their cars are crap" When provided with facts that KIA has a longer warranty due to their belief in their product and if it was due to the cars needing to be fixed a lot, the company would go out of business, it came back to the 10 years ago argument. Provided proof that they topped the quality list for the last few years (CR type folks here) and they beat out many luxury brands, their argument waned and when prodded to provided facts about what they find displeasing about the car, the answer came back to the badge. One didn't even want to look at the Stinger brochure because they hated the brand.

It's sad that folks can be this way without taking the time to look at what's on the market now and how much cars cost today, then again these are folks that drive vehicles for 6-10 years and are surprised when they hear KIA price but are even more shocked when their beloved luxury brand's entry level car (Acura ILX) feels worse than their current car. I test drove a TLX 2.4 in early 2016 before the 2016 Optima came out and that car had more road noise than my 2014 Optima hybrid and didn't drive as nice. I couldn't believe it was an Acura that people spoke so highly of. With the Stinger, KIA has knocked it out of the park! I had to say even I had some reservations once I saw the US version in person, due to the ride height being similar to the Optima, that all faded after the test drive. I'm telling everyone about it and taking those who will go to test drive one. I got co-workers to get Optimas, I'm sure they will be floored by the Stinger.

It really is a shame that people can't think outside the box. Acura should win some sort of award for creating the greatest "perception" of luxury by actually making REALLY good luxury cars - for the shortest time of any automobile brand in the history of life itself. When was the last time Acura was actually good? The Legend? I mean REALLY good. Exceptional. The NSX is great but I'm not judging the entire brand based on one vehicle that two people are going to buy. The RLX is a great car but should be the midsize sedan and priced accordingly...

It sounds like you spoke with some really stupid people last night. Don't worry, keep spreading the word. Eventually they're going to realize you were right all the long...

 

[Bigserver1]

Just to follow up on this, does anyone here have two kids in two car seats in a stinger?

I’ve got kids that will be 4.5 and 2.5 when my lease is up, so I’ll have two forward facing car seats. I went to the dealer again a couple days ago and the backseat isn’t too small (I can sit behind myself in my driving position at 6’3”, but I wouldn’t call it comfortable), but it’s not big either.

Wondering if anyone has experience with this car as a true family car? If it’s working for people in that application, it would be great news.

 

[ralzod]

Just to follow up on this, does anyone here have two kids in two car seats in a stinger?

@MarcMIA said he does.

 

[Bigserver1]

@MarcMIA said he does.

That’s good to know. @MarcMIA if you have any thoughts on how it’s worked out for you, I’d love to know!

 

[Euljiro1ga]

the Stinger's leg room is smaller than what the spec sheet says for sure. 1) the seating position is low so typically the driver would need to push the seat a bit further back. 2) because of the low front seats, rear passenger cant slot their feet underneath the front seats.

reading the spec sheets, the optima has shorter wheelbase but i think it actually has more real world leg room in the back.

I was in the market for a family sedan, thus looking at the optima and cadenza initially. then the Stinger arrived so the choice i had to make was - ultimate space or rear wheel drive fun (while still practical). it didnt take long to decide though.

 

[Bigserver1]

the Stinger's leg room is smaller than what the spec sheet says for sure. 1) the seating position is low so typically the driver would need to push the seat a bit further back. 2) because of the low front seats, rear passenger cant slot their feet underneath the front seats.

reading the spec sheets, the optima has shorter wheelbase but i think it actually has more real world leg room in the back.

I was in the market for a family sedan, thus looking at the optima and cadenza initially. then the Stinger arrived so the choice i had to make was - ultimate space or rear wheel drive fun (while still practical). it didnt take long to decide though.

This is what I’m afraid of. Every time I sit in the stinger I feel like it’s too small for two car seats in back. I’ve been really back and forth on this, but I worry it’s just not practical enough (less passenger volume than the forte I’m driving now has...).

Thanks for your insights!

 

[Euljiro1ga]

This is what I’m afraid of. Every time I sit in the stinger I feel like it’s too small for two car seats in back. I’ve been really back and forth on this, but I worry it’s just not practical enough (less passenger volume than the forte I’m driving now has...).

Thanks for your insights!

There should be ample space for two car seats, no doubt about that. There are 2 ISO fix on both sides of the backseat.

If the Forte you are driving has enough space then the Stinger should also offer similar space. It's not going to be like a large SUV or a minivan, but what you gain is the joy of driving, cool styling, and a smile on your face everytime you get in the car - heck, just walking up to my Stinger already put a smile on my face.

If you are in the market looking for a 'real' family car and/or the aim is to get much more space than your Forte, then something like a Sedona should be a logical choice. But I presume, you aren't looking purely for practicality and space but fun and excitement together with practicality - that's why you look at the Stinger in the first place.

I was in the market for a 'family' car because my wife and I are planning for our first baby - so I wanted to make a 'family man' choice (Cadenza, Sportage), but couldn't get the Stinger out of my head. Then someone (I think it was my mom) said babies will always fit, by the time they grew large enough for space to matter, it will be time to upgrade to a new car anyway. By that time, you will have no choice but to get a Sedona, for the moment, just enjoy the drive.

By the way, I'm not here trying to sell you a Stinger, just sharing my story.

 

[Bigserver1]

There should be ample space for two car seats, no doubt about that. There are 2 ISO fix on both sides of the backseat.

If the Forte you are driving has enough space then the Stinger should also offer similar space. It's not going to be like a large SUV or a minivan, but what you gain is the joy of driving, cool styling, and a smile on your face everytime you get in the car - heck, just walking up to my Stinger already put a smile on my face.

If you are in the market looking for a 'real' family car and/or the aim is to get much more space than your Forte, then something like a Sedona should be a logical choice. But I presume, you aren't looking purely for practicality and space but fun and excitement together with practicality - that's why you look at the Stinger in the first place.

I was in the market for a 'family' car because my wife and I are planning for our first baby - so I wanted to make a 'family man' choice (Cadenza, Sportage), but couldn't get the Stinger out of my head. Then someone (I think it was my mom) said babies will always fit, by the time they grew large enough for space to matter, it will be time to upgrade to a new car anyway. By that time, you will have no choice but to get a Sedona, for the moment, just enjoy the drive.

By the way, I'm not here trying to sell you a Stinger, just sharing my story.

Thanks for the context, I appreciate it!

The forte isn’t big enough now. I’m 6’3”, and I can’t drive it comfortably with my son behind me in a forward facing car seat. I’m definitely looking for more space, but I wouldn’t be caught dead in any minivan, no matter the practicality.

The stinger has about 1.5” more total legroom than the forte, so I’m wondering to myself if that’s enough extra space to gain everything else you mention above. Time will tell, I guess.

 

[Euljiro1ga]

Thanks for the context, I appreciate it!

The forte isn’t big enough now. I’m 6’3”, and I can’t drive it comfortably with my son behind me in a forward facing car seat. I’m definitely looking for more space, but I wouldn’t be caught dead in any minivan, no matter the practicality.

The stinger has about 1.5” more total legroom than the forte, so I’m wondering to myself if that’s enough extra space to gain everything else you mention above. Time will tell, I guess.

How about this for an argument - your son will get to tell his friends he grew up sitting in the first gen Stinger and how cool his father is driving a Stinger. Same as those brave men raising their kids with a '65 Mustang??

 

[Bigserver1]

How about this for an argument - your son will get to tell his friends he grew up sitting in the first gen Stinger and how cool his father is driving a Stinger. Same as those brave men raising their kids with a '65 Mustang??

That very well may be the case in a little less than a year. I kinda hope it’s the case lol.

 

[Bobr]

The stinger has about 1.5” more total legroom than the forte, so I’m wondering to myself if that’s enough extra space to gain everything else you mention above. Time will tell, I guess.

Have Mazda 6 with 2 kids atm and I can say that's a very good family sedan if you want it to be that way. And looks as Stinger is bigger and better, so I'm pretty fine with my next car choice