Few new cars have generated as much buzz as the 2018 Kia Stinger. Find out more about Kia’s first-ever true sports sedan that has left a lot of automotive journalists in awe below:

Performance Specs

For 2018, Kia gives you two different turbocharged engines to choose from. With a total production of 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, the base four-cylinder engine will win over a lot of drivers. Although a manual transmission is not offered, the sedan’s eight-speed automatic transmission delivers a smooth and responsive performance. For the drivers who crave a stronger adrenaline rush, Kia offers a boosted V6 engine. It’s rated to develop an intoxicating 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. If you need more traction than the standard RWD system can provide, opt for the AWD system.

The base Stinger is certainly quick enough to put a grin on your face. However, the more powerful GT model offers especially strong acceleration. Its standard launch control system enables you to really move out in a hurry. When tested on the track, the Stinger GT posted a blistering 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds. Precise handling is also one of the Stinger’s highlights. Featuring a limited-slip differential and adaptive suspension dampers, the top-of-the-line GT2 model maintains an even tighter grip against the pavement. A four-mode drive system comes standard throughout the lineup. While the Eco mode helps conserve fuel, the Sport model enables you to feel more connected to the road.

Fuel Efficiency

Unsurprisingly, the base turbocharged four-cylinder engine returns the best fuel economy. According to the EPA, drivers can anticipate getting a solid 22 mpg in town and up to 29 mpg on the highway. The good news is that the available AWD system only slightly reduces the Stinger’s overall efficiency. Meanwhile, the V6-powered Stinger GT should deliver an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the open road. Keep in mind that all versions of the 2018 Kia Stinger must be fed premium gasoline.

Safety and Entertainment Features

Designed to comfortably seat up to five passengers, the 2018 Kia Stinger is more than spacious enough to accommodate your family. The hatchback design also enables the Stinger to offer an above-average amount of storage space. If you aren’t looking to spend a lot of extra money, the leather-trimmed base model should meet your expectations. It comes loaded with plenty of nice features. Kia’s standard UVO infotainment system is easy to use and quickly connects to your smartphone. Some of the other standard tech includes a 7.0-inch touch screen, a backup camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. Aside from the base Stinger, all the other trims feature a 720-watt Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2018 Kia Stinger is just as secure as today’s other premier sports sedans. Although the Stinger’s official crash-test scores aren’t yet available, it’s expected to earn a five-star overall safety rating. All trims benefit from Brake Fade Compensation technology, which helps you to overcome brake overheating during fast-paced driving situations. You will also have access to plenty of advanced driving aids. Automatic emergency braking makes the Stinger an even better car for everyday commuting. On the other hand, the available Driver Attention Monitor alerts sleepy motorists to pull over. Some of the other available safety innovations include lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

How It Stacks Up against the Competition

With an attractive starting price of $31,900, the 2018 Kia Stinger is far more affordable than many of its key rivals, including the BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Stinger comes in at roughly $6,000 less expensive than the BMW 3-Series, and $8,000 less costly than the Mercedes C-Class. Not only does the Kia Stinger come loaded with just as many standard features, but it can also match the performance of its German competitors. In fact, the Stinger GT is more powerful than both the Mercedes C-Class and Lexus IS. Although styling remains a matter of personal preference, the new Kia Stinger is arguably the best-looking car in the segment. You won’t find a modern sports sedan that gives you more value for your money.

Pros/Cons

The 2018 Kia Stinger gives you plenty of reasons to love it. Aside from being an incredible bargain, it proves to be remarkably fun to drive. Car reviewers rave about the Stinger’s good blend of comfort and sportiness. When you aren’t carving up a twisty back road in the Stinger, it can serve as your primary family vehicle. Furthermore, this sedan’s seductive exterior styling is bound to cause heads to turn. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Stinger becomes a cool ride that you can drive in all weather conditions.

There are just a few drawbacks to the Kia Stinger. Because Kia doesn’t have the prestige of automotive brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, some car shoppers might not be willing to give the new Stinger a chance. It’s also important to note that a traditional manual transmission is not offered. This could disappoint the drivers who find joy in being able to shift their own gears. Although the 2018 Kia Stinger is a blast to drive on the road, it’s not engineered to be a competitive track machine.