Although the Kia Stinger is considered an impressive vehicle, its future has been uncertain in the past. In late 2022, Kia Australia reportedly informed the media that it had “no guidance on whether the Kia Stinger sports sedan will enter a second generation or be discontinued.” Recently, a Korean automotive outlet has expressed confidence that the Stinger will soon be phased out.
The Korean Car Blog has reported that production of the Stinger is set to conclude by the second quarter of 2022, citing “local industry sources” referencing recently released production plans from the company. According to these plans, the Sohari plant, which manufactures the Stinger, will cease its production in that timeframe. Originally, the Stinger was intended to be in production until 2024.
The anticipated early exit for the rear-wheel-drive Stinger is reportedly attributed to sluggish sales. In the previous year, Kia sold 12,556 units of the Stinger in the U.S., which pales in comparison to the nearly six times as many Tellurides sold in the same period.
Once the Stinger is discontinued, the Sohari plant is expected to be repurposed for manufacturing electrified vehicles, including a hybrid version of the Kia Carnival minivan.
While the prospect of the Stinger’s departure isn’t surprising, its timeline is earlier than many had hoped for. This comes despite a recent facelift given to the vehicle for its presumed final 2022 model year, which includes larger screens, revised taillights, and an upgraded base engine. The starting price for the 2022 Kia Stinger is $37,135 for the four-cylinder model and $44,735 for the turbocharged V6.
A spokesperson for Kia stated to The Drive that the automaker “has made no official announcement regarding the Stinger and does not comment on future product.”
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