On paper, the Kia Stinger appears to be a fantastic choice. This mid-sized, rear-wheel-drive sports luxury sedan features a pair of turbochargers and delivers 365 horsepower—all starting at under $40,000, which is ideal for an impressive driving experience. However, sales across the globe have been lackluster, raising concerns about the Stinger’s future, particularly its potential for a second generation.
As reported by Car Sales, Kia Australia has stated it lacks information on whether the Stinger will be renewed for a second generation or phased out entirely. This uncertainty is significant and could hint at unfavorable news for the Stinger’s prospects in other regions. If the vehicle were performing well in its fourth model year, it stands to reason that Kia’s headquarters in South Korea would have provided assurance of a new model by now. This revelation follows close on the heels of announcements regarding the Stinger’s mid-cycle refresh.
Why then is the Stinger stuck in limbo regarding its future? Like many great cars that didn’t sell well, its sales figures are disappointing.
Roland Rivero, Kia Australia’s product planning chief, expressed to Car Sales that expectations for the Stinger’s sales performance in the U.S. may have been overly optimistic:
“At the moment I’m not sure it’s doing as good as we had hoped—but the thing is we had very high… expectations for that market,” Rivero stated to Car Sales.
As per Car Sales Base, Kia sold 31,510 Stingers in the U.S. between 2017 and 2019. This figure is far from competing with rivals like the BMW 3 Series, which sold 151,854 units in the same period.
The future of the Stinger remains undecided. Rivero mentioned that the current model might have an extended lifecycle to allow Kia more time to evaluate its options.
“You could argue with a longer life there’s a longer opportunity to decide and make that decision,” he told Car Sales.
For those interested in purchasing the Stinger, there’s good news: it has never been offered at better value. The 2022 mid-cycle refresh introduced new LED lights, additional wheel options, a larger exhaust, a redesigned diffuser, and new tail lights that extend across the entire deck lid.
Exclusive to the U.S. is an appearance package featuring darkened fender vents, side mirrors, a rear wing, and matte black 19-inch wheels. Interior enhancements include a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, a frameless rear-view mirror, and improved materials and trimmings. Additionally, a new 2.5-liter turbo engine delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque rounds out the engine choices.
Should the Stinger be discontinued, it may well find a second life in the used car market, similar to the Chevrolet SS. Although it may be gone, car enthusiasts will remember it fondly and likely feel a thrill at spotting one in a parking lot, exclaiming, “Oh wow, a Stinger!”
This might sound a bit dramatic, yet the absence of another dynamic sports sedan leaves a gap that will probably be filled by yet another crossover SUV.
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