Which Trim Level (GT) to Buy?

[techguy888]

I'm looking at buying a 2019 Stinger GT AWD soon, and wanted to get owner feedback from those who've purchased anything other than a GT2. Not because I won't buy a GT2, but because feedback on GT, and GT1 models is very sparse.

For those that went with a GT:
what do you think about interior quality?
gauges/screen quality compared to the larger variants on higher models?
how's the ride quality without the adaptive suspension?
would you spend the extra money to step up to a GT1/GT2 if you had to do it all over again?

GT1 owners:
how do you feel about the regular leather interior instead of the nappa leather in the GT2?

Thanks in advance, looking to join the party soon but may have to order a car and wait since I live in MN and there are only 18" wheel GTs sitting on dealer lots.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Other than nappa, the GT2 interior is identical to the rest of the GT1 (as far as I have been able to tell). And my black leather trim is very good so far. Very comfortable.

It looks you already know: the 18" wheeled A/S GTs have a reduced top speed of c. 130 MPH.

 

[eflyguy]

Where are you located?

Please add that information to your user profile.

 

[DaBears4Lyfe]

I have a GT RWD and love it.

I waited from Nov to Feb to finally get the color and RWD i wanted (without custom ordering), but had to go with a GT.

I dont regret not waiting for a GT2 in Ceramic and RWD. I would have loved the shifter, but thats about it lol.

 

[GenesisG70]

Easy answer whichever makes you happy and first your budget.

 

[Ucinn]

I have had both the GT and now a GT2, Theseats in the GT2 seem to fit me better, probably because of the side bolsters being adjustable, but the GT seat was still comfy enough. The screen is bigger but really not that noticable. I like the shifter on the GT better than the GT2. I do love that the mirrors point down when in reverse and the HUD. A few other things are the remote trunk is nice, but definitely something I could live without. The ventialted seats are nice too.

 

[RLittle]

Frankly, I would have preferred a GT over my GT1, just to get rid of the sunroof.

I like to keep my cars like 8-10 years and sunroofs are always a maintenance problem.

I don't like holes in the roofs of my homes or cars. I notice some on this forum have rattle and noise problems.

GT will be lighter and cheaper also. if that matters to you.

 

[BigPlum]

I chose a GT1 instead of a GT2 due to cost. While I chose a GT1 instead of a GT since I wanted the 15 speaker system and the sunroof.

(Living in AZ, the sunroof was a HUGE perk for me. Hell, I even had it open yesterday.)

However, I did test drive a GT2, and on occasion I think, "what could have been"? I think the trunk release and added driving safety features would have been nice...

 

[Stephen Brubaker]

I went with a base AWD GT model mostly due to my budget. It has all the things that I need to have a fun driving car. The one option that I would have liked to have is the adaptive suspension. As is, I like the GT. I do prefer plain and simple cars. The GT the dealer found for me did come with 3 extra options that I didn't mind having. Remote start, auto inside mirror, and puddle lights.

 

[Paihan Lee]

I have the GT RWD. It would have been nice to have a sunroof, but I had one in my last car and rarely used it, even though I live in southern California. I do prefer the look and feel of the shifter in the GT compared to the GT2. When I bought the car last May, a GT2 was about $10K more for all the extras (sound system, adjustable and ventilated seats, blindspot monitoring, power liftgate, etc etc) but I wanted the Stinger for its performance and with the GT, I have been more than happy with it and have had no regrets about not getting a GT1 or GT2.

 

[dgreen045]

I went with the GT1 over the GT for the upgraded stereo and standard safety features on the 2019 GT1. The difference in leather wasn’t an issue for me. I have been reading some with the GT2 complaining about leather issues.

 

[MerlintheMad]

The difference in leather wasn’t an issue for me. I have been reading some with the GT2 complaining about leather issues.

There isn't any difference in the leather in any of the trims till you get to the nappa leather of the GT2.

 

[Theemfinger]

I got my GT2 for a great deal, so I went that route. I was originally looking at GT1, but I’m so glad I waited for a bit. The GT was a hard pass for me. Lack of sunroof, simple gauge cluster, stereo upgrades, adjustable suspension plus other stuff. I also don’t like the gear shifter in the GT and GT1. It looks out of place. As for the GT2, I really wanted the motorized tailgate and it has been great. If your hands are full, just walk up to the car and it will open. The shifter is nice to use and feels great. When you park you just press the ignition button to cut it off and it automatically puts the car in park. Just a small nice feature. The Napa leather feels super nice and soft. The standard leather I felt was much harder. Ventilated seats are A+ in hotter climates. No more sweaty areas in longer drives. HUD is a neat feature, but not something I would consider a requirement. It shows speed, speed limit signs, and blind spot info, plus other things like nav and cruise. The adjustable suspension makes a small difference, but not something that will be a big deal. The car rides firm, no matter which mode. It definitely rolls less in sport I think. Also, I think if you buy a high tech car nowadays without some of the newer safety features, you are doing yourself a disservice. If they even save you one time, they are worth it. if you are ever in stop and go traffic, just start up the cruise control and relax. I use it all the time. Rear visibility is not great either, so blind spot does help with that.

Really, all are good cars, but I think it’s worth it for the GT1 at least and the drive wise package.

 

[GRStinger]

Test drove GT1 and GT2. I was set to buy the GT1 - most of the 'good stuff' without paying extra for all the nannies that I didn't want. Then, took my wife to the lot and she drove both. She is all about the seats - even though she doesn't drive it nearly as much as me. I wanted her buy-in and she LOVED the thigh supports. Well... ended up with the GT2. She was right (great taste, she has .) The super-adjustability of the seats is great - especially on long trips. Plus, I've come to appreciate all the other goodies. Glad to have the GT2.

 

[Soca Boy]

Test drove GT1 and GT2. I was set to buy the GT1 - most of the 'good stuff' without paying extra for all the nannies that I didn't want. Then, took my wife to the lot and she drove both. She is all about the seats - even though she doesn't drive it nearly as much as me. I wanted her buy-in and she LOVED the thigh supports. Well... ended up with the GT2. She was right (great taste, she has .) The super-adjustability of the seats is great - especially on long trips. Plus, I've come to appreciate all the other goodies. Glad to have the GT2.

GT2 is the Boss!! Enjoy the ride.

 

[twig2121]

IMO, the GT was the clear choice in 2018 if you wanted the pure driving experience. Same engine, transmission, looks, etc. I wasn't going to pay thousands more for features I didn't want/need. Unfortunately, KIA realized this and they handicapped the GT in 2019 by removing the driver assistance (adaptive cruise and braking), pushing you to pay for the next trim level.

To be fair, I agree ALL stingers are nice cars, but I simply couldn't justify the added price tags with higher trims. Perhaps if I was comparing with the luxury brands, than those costs appear a bargain. I really didn't need or want many of the upper trim features (adjustable suspension is old-school tech and 3X the cost to replace than std struts...if it was the magnetic kind found in the fast chevy's than that's worth the money, I don't like how sunroofs reduce headroom, I don't need a power hatch, my arms work fine thankfully; I like better speakers but ultimately not worth shelling out $4-10k to the higher trims) Plus fewer gizmos are fewer things that will break - the KISS principle

AWD and Driver Assistance packages were important to me (safety and capability) so I bought the GT before they changed things up in 2019. If you want Driver Assistance, than go for the upper trims, if not, I'd stay with the GT. Everyone's got different wants, but you asked so I answered:
- I like the interior, no complaints, however, I did buy the rear view mirror with the integrated garage door openers for built-in convenience (say $200)
- gauges - sure KIA cheaped-out on the GT btw the two main gauges, but it doesn't bother me. I think you only lose a g-meter or something silly like that and a bit of color. You can use a cellphone and ODBII to display that info if you really want it.
- Per above, I read several pro reviews suggesting that the std suspension was more firm (what I like) than even the sport setting on the adjustable. I did price out replacement cost and came in 3X more - I plan to keep this car for over 10yrs so it will affect me. Wife is comfortable in it, so it's not too firm

I also agree with the sage advice already offered - buy what's right for you (and your budget - too many spend outside their means these days).

 

[CaliSting]

After having GT2 I’d say I’d go with GT with no Sunroof. Upgrades aren’t all that great. The dynamic suspension not worth money. No sunroof no rattles or squeaks. Pocket extra dough for mods that make difference.

 

[GenesisG70]

My 2019 is solid they fixed all rattles Napa leader is superb shift by wire awesome 360 cam awesome go witht theGT2 don't settle down for nothing less

 

[pantheman75]

Wait for the 2020's to get announced / hit the lots and then pickup a leftover 2019 GT2 for the same as current GT1 prices. That's my plan (unless the 2020's have some sort of significant upgrade that I can't live without.)

 

[GenesisG70]

Life is short if financially is ok with you buy it now! Car is amazing and life is short! get the GT2 so you don't get buyers remorse later.