Kia Stinger GT AWD
When Kia unveiled the Stinger concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, few believed the Korean automaker would actually produce a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan to rival Germany's best. Yet in 2017, the production Stinger arrived with credentials that demanded respect: it was penned by former Audi designer Peter Schreyer and BMW M engineer Albert Biermann, and it delivered on every promise the concept had made. By the 2022 model year, the Stinger GT had matured into one of the most compelling performance sedans on the market, and its impending discontinuation only sharpened its appeal.
The heart of the 2022 Stinger GT is a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 368 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, mated to a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission. In GT AWD configuration, the system sends power primarily to the rear wheels, only redirecting torque forward when slip is detected. This rear-biased setup gives the Stinger a distinctly European driving character that belies its Korean origins. The sprint from zero to 60 miles per hour takes just 4.7 seconds, and the car pulls confidently all the way to its electronically limited top speed of 167 mph.
The chassis is a masterwork of tuning. Biermann, who spent 30 years at BMW's M division, endowed the Stinger with a suspension setup that balances daily comfort with genuine sporting ability. The front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link arrangement keep the 4,072-pound sedan remarkably composed through fast corners, while the electronically adjustable dampers (standard on GT) allow drivers to dial in their preferred balance between comfort and aggression. Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers provide powerful, fade-resistant stopping power.
Inside, the 2022 Stinger GT offers a level of equipment that embarrasses its price point. Standard features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a head-up display, Harman Kardon premium audio, heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The fastback design provides a surprisingly practical 23.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, making it a genuine four-season grand tourer.
What makes the 2022 Stinger GT particularly significant is its role as a farewell. Kia confirmed the Stinger's discontinuation after the 2023 model year, making these final examples the last of a breed that proved Korean automakers could compete at the highest levels of performance sedan engineering. The car that Albert Biermann called his proudest achievement outside of BMW M would have no direct successor, as Kia pivoted toward electrification and crossovers.
The Stinger's legacy extends beyond mere performance numbers. It fundamentally shifted perceptions of what a Korean car could be. Before the Stinger, no Kia or Hyundai had ever been favorably compared to a BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe or Mercedes-AMG C43 in a serious automotive publication. The Stinger earned those comparisons on merit, winning numerous comparison tests and accumulating a devoted enthusiast following.
As a collectible, the 2022-2023 Stinger GT represents a fascinating proposition. It is the final year of a groundbreaking model from a brand not traditionally associated with performance driving. Low production numbers relative to its German competitors, the rear-biased AWD system, and the Brembo brake package make the GT the most desirable specification. While 2025 values remain relatively accessible, the Stinger GT's unique position in automotive history — as the car that changed everything for Korean performance — suggests strong long-term appreciation potential.
Seek GT models with the 3.3-liter V6 rather than the 2.5T four-cylinder for maximum collectibility. AWD versions are preferred in northern markets while RWD models exist in warmer regions. Check for turbo wastegate actuator rattles at cold start. The 8-speed automatic can develop shuddering if transmission fluid is not changed at 60,000-mile intervals. Inspect Brembo brake rotors for warping if the car has been tracked. Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile warranty is transferable and adds significant peace of mind. Look for GT2/GT-Line package with all options for the most desirable specification.
The Stinger was discontinued after the 2023 model year. The 2022 model received minor updates including a revised front fascia, new alloy wheel designs, and updated infotainment software. Total global Stinger production across all model years was approximately 120,000 units, with GT V6 models representing a minority of sales as the 2.5-liter four-cylinder was the volume seller.