Performance & Prestige for Less: The 2023 Kia Stinger
Have you ever seen an advertisement for a high-end European sedan? Perhaps one pulled up next to you at a traffic stop, and you couldn’t help but covet the high-performance specimen and caught yourself wondering how and if you could ever get your hands on one. Then, you shudder to think of how much they cost and that acquiring such a vehicle for a fair price exists within the realms of improbability. In the past, that might have been the prevailing truth, but the times have changed. Case in point, the 2023 Kia Stinger. Imagine having the same jaw-dropping performance that you normally get from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but for a considerably lower price. Now you can. Here at Victory Kia, the ideal Kia dealer in Victoria, TX, we’re excited to share our love of the Stinger. So, get excited, get stung, and let the engines roll!
Sleek, Stylish, and Adequately Priced
As we mentioned, the appeal of the various European brands, such as Audi and BMW, is strong. With high performance and refined sophistication, there’s also usually a hefty price tag. With a low starting MSRP of only $36,690, the Stinger is considerably less than similar offerings from Genesis, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.[a] That’s what we call competitive pricing! While it wears the Kia badge on its front end, the Stinger stands out from the usual expectations from the brand. Aerodynamic and with a front end that makes an impression wherever it travels, we can’t help but feel excited whenever we see it.
Power, Potency, and Performance
For a vehicle to compete with the European markets, you better pack a punch underneath the hood, and the Kia Stinger does not disappoint on this front, offering two engines that are capable of outperforming their rivals from across the Atlantic. While it would be rather simple to refer to the base offering as basic or standard, such words don’t come close to describing the turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder. With 300 horsepower to its name, it placed high-octane performance into the hands of the everyday driver. Of course, there are those among us who enjoy a little more kick in their commute, and Kia provides a turbocharged V6 increasing the output to 368 horsepower. Testing from Car & Driver shows this sporty sedan’s ability to go from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.6 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes with both engines, and much like their European counterparts, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available.
An Interior That Takes Your Breath Away
Performance and exterior design aside, the other aspect that has always impressed drivers and industry critics alike with European sedans is the style and sophistication that adorns the interior. True to its namesake, the Kia Stinger buzzes with excitement the moment you get behind the wheel. What we found most captivating was the layout of the center console, as it perfectly merged the worlds of luxury and performance together to exemplify unsurpassed showmanship. At the center are three HVAC vents, which sit below the vehicle’s infotainment screen, which rests on top of the dashboard. Each Kia Stinger is equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment system for easy use while you are cruising around town.
The jet-black leather upholstery is all too inviting and provides unparalleled comfort. The Stinger’s seating, steering column, and other controls are almost too perfectly spaced apart from one another. This gives drivers enough space and comfort to enjoy themselves but is user-friendly enough to provide easy access to everything without being distracted by the road ahead. For those who are in the market for an immersive audio experience, a 15-speaker stereo system from Harman Kardon is available.
Technology on the Cutting Edge of Innovation
A new year in the automotive industry means a host of new developments and innovations that are specifically designed to improve ride quality and safety when we’re on the road toward our next destination. In an age where technology has surpassed any and all expectations from just over a decade ago, Kia places an impressive amount of emphasis on making more items standard. After all, safety and innovation should never come with a price tag. Speaking of safety, the Kia Stinger was recently awarded the highly coveted five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.
As for the standard features that Kia equips the Stinger with, they’re just as exciting and impressive as everything else about the vehicle in question. Without further ado, let’s dive right in and see the technological achievements that Kia brings forth in 2023. Perhaps one of the most impressive is the implementation of what Kia refers to as Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Sometimes referred to as adaptive cruise control, this feature monitors traffic patterns and adjusts your speed accordingly. This is extremely beneficial for long stretches of highway driving, and with the Kia Stinger being equipped with a high-performance braking system courtesy of Bembo, the addition of automated emergency braking is essential. Allowing you to have a substantial reaction time is crucial to the avoidance of a collision.
As anyone with driving experience can attest to, visibility is what makes all of the difference when you’re traveling, and in an age where technology continues to advance by leaps and bounds, Kia has developed new ways to assist in maintaining a clear view around you at all times. Kia’s Surround View Monitor technology utilizes four different cameras to give you a detailed view of your surroundings. Night driving can be difficult at times in terms of maintaining visibility, which is where this next feature comes in. Kia’s Low Beam Assist-Dynamic is intuitive, utilizing the right amount of light to help guide you to your next destination safely.
We Love the Stinger, And We Know You Will Too
With the arrival of the 2023 Kia Stinger, the high-octane performance that has been so synonymous with European markets is now available at a lower price. You don’t have to choose between performance and price anymore. There is no shortage of manufacturers who produce vehicles that exhibit luxury, performance, and a variety of features that are geared toward convenience, comfort, and safety. However, the Stinger is an accessible option that can be purchased by many different drivers and not just a select clientele, making it an affordable option that shows the brand’s unwavering devotion to its customers.
Just like the Kia brand, the team here at Victory Kia is dedicated to helping our customers find the best vehicles for their needs, whether that be a practical Soul or something as exciting as the Stinger. You’ll find a wide and expansive selection of not just the current Kia lineup but also plenty of used options that are held to the highest standards of quality. Want a Kia Stinger at an even better price than buying brand new? Check out the ones on our used lot. Our knowledgeable sales team will assist you with every step of the selection process, so you can make an informed choice that best benefits you and your future. Helping people in the community we all call home is what we do at Victory Kia, and we hope to see you sometime soon.