2026 Kia Stinger Review – The Final Evolution of Kia’s Sports Sedan Icon

2026 Kia Stinger Review - a car that changed the way we see Kia, from a budget brand to a legit performance contender. With this year marking the final model year of the Stinger in the U.S., Kia is going out with a bang. Bold styling, serious performance, and premium features — let’s see what makes this swan song so special.

Design & Exterior

From the front, the 2026 Stinger carries its unmistakable aggressive stance, with Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille, sharper LED matrix headlights, and large functional air vents. The rear sports quad exhausts and a redesigned diffuser, giving it a proper grand tourer look.

New paint options like Phantom Steel Gray and Inferno Red add flair, while the optional Carbon Black package brings darkened trim and 19-inch matte alloy wheels. It’s sleek, muscular, and unapologetically sporty.

Interior & Features

Step inside the 2026 Stinger and you’re met with a driver-focused cockpit that blends performance and luxury. Premium Nappa leather, ambient LED lighting, and aluminum trim come standard.

At the center is a 14.5-inch curved infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, head-up display, and Harman Kardon premium audio system deliver an upscale experience.

Heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging round out a cabin that rivals German sedans — at a fraction of the price.

Performance & Powertrain

The 2026 Stinger offers two powerhouse engine options in the U.S.:

A 2.5L turbocharged inline-4, producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, is standard on the GT-Line.
The Stinger GT2 returns with a twin-turbo 3.3L V6 pushing 376 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Both models come with rear-wheel drive standard, and optional all-wheel drive for added grip.

0 to 60? Just 4.6 seconds in the V6. This car isn’t just quick — it’s refined, with adaptive dampers, launch control, and Brembo brakes standard on GT trims.

Technology & Safety

The 2026 Stinger is loaded with cutting-edge safety tech, including:

Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
Blind-Spot View Monitor
Lane Keeping & Lane Following Assist
Highway Driving Assist 2 with semi-autonomous capabilities

You also get full OTA (Over-the-Air) updates, customizable drive modes, and Kia’s latest AI-based driving assistant, which learns and adapts to your habits over time.

Pricing & Trims

The 2026 Kia Stinger GT-Line starts at $41,500, while the top-spec GT2 AWD trim reaches around $55,000 — still undercutting its European rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Audi S5 Sportback.

Kia is also releasing a limited-run “Stinger Tribute Edition”, featuring unique badging, exclusive interior trims, and commemorative graphics — available only in the U.S. market.

The 2026 Kia Stinger may be the last of its kind, but it goes out in style — a true grand touring sports sedan with everyday usability, thrilling performance, and premium appointments. If you’ve ever thought about owning a Stinger, now’s your last — and best — chance.