The 2018 Kia Stinger burst onto the scene as a game-changer, injecting excitement and performance into the Kia lineup. This sleek sportback sedan offered a range of options to cater to different drivers, primarily through its distinct trim levels. If you’re considering a 2018 Stinger, understanding these trims is crucial to finding the perfect fit. Let’s dive into a detailed breakdown of each trim level, highlighting their key features and helping you decide which Stinger aligns with your needs and desires.
2018 Kia Stinger 2.0L Trim: The Entry Point to Performance
The 2018 Kia Stinger 2.0L trim serves as the gateway to the Stinger experience. Don’t let “base trim” fool you – this model is far from basic. Under the hood lies a potent twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, delivering a spirited 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, provides ample power for daily driving and spirited weekend cruises. Rear-wheel drive is standard, offering a classic sports sedan feel, while all-wheel drive is available for enhanced traction and all-weather capability.
Inside, the 2.0L trim offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. A 7-inch touchscreen display anchors the infotainment system, featuring UVO connectivity to keep you connected. Six speakers provide a solid audio experience, and steering wheel-mounted controls add convenience. The interior is finished in black leather, creating a sophisticated and sporty ambiance. While offering fewer customization options compared to higher trims, the 2.0L Stinger provides a compelling blend of performance and value.
2018 Kia Stinger Premium Trim: Stepping Up the Style and Sound
Moving up to the 2018 Kia Stinger Premium trim, you’ll find enhancements in both aesthetics and technology. Exterior color choices expand with the addition of the vibrant Micro Blue Pearl, allowing for more personalization. Interior options also broaden, offering light gray and beige leather alongside the standard black, enabling a lighter and more airy cabin feel.
Mechanically, the Premium trim mirrors the 2.0L trim, retaining the same turbocharged engine and transmission. However, the in-cabin experience is significantly elevated with an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen display, providing a larger and more immersive interface for navigation and infotainment. Audiophiles will appreciate the inclusion of the Harman/Kardon® QuantumLogic™ Premium Surround Sound system with Clari-Fi™ technology, boasting 15 speakers for a truly concert-like audio experience. The Premium trim bridges the gap between the base model and higher trims, offering a noticeable step up in features and refinement.
2018 Kia Stinger GT Trim: Unleashing V6 Power and Sporty Design
For those craving more power and a bolder aesthetic, the 2018 Kia Stinger GT trim is the answer. This trim marks a significant leap in performance, swapping the 2.0-liter turbo engine for a robust 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6. This powerhouse engine churns out an impressive 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, delivering exhilarating acceleration and a more aggressive driving experience.
Visually, the GT trim amplifies the Stinger’s sporty nature. Exterior color options are comprehensive, including the eye-catching HiChroma Red. Interior choices include red leather or black leather, allowing drivers to further customize the cabin’s sporty character. Beyond the engine and styling, the GT trim incorporates performance-focused details that enhance the driving dynamics, setting it apart as the performance-oriented model in the lineup.
2018 Kia Stinger GT1 Trim: Refining Performance with Advanced Features
The 2018 Kia Stinger GT1 trim builds upon the foundation of the GT trim, adding layers of technology and convenience. It maintains the same potent 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and sporty design cues of the GT trim, ensuring the thrilling performance remains central. Color options for both exterior and interior remain consistent with the GT trim, offering a range of personalized looks.
The key differentiator for the GT1 trim lies in its enhanced features. It boasts a 9-speaker audio system, a step up from the base trims, providing a more immersive sound experience. Crucially, the GT1 introduces an electronically controlled suspension as standard. This advanced suspension system dynamically adjusts to road conditions and driving style, resulting in improved handling, enhanced comfort, and greater driving confidence, especially during spirited driving.
2018 Kia Stinger GT2 Trim: The Pinnacle of Luxury and Performance
At the top of the range sits the 2018 Kia Stinger GT2 trim, representing the ultimate expression of Stinger luxury and performance. It encompasses all the performance attributes of the GT and GT1 trims and elevates the experience with a host of premium features and advanced technologies.
Performance is further refined with the inclusion of a Limited Slip Differential (LSD). This feature optimizes power delivery to the rear wheels, enhancing traction and cornering capability, particularly in performance driving scenarios. Convenience is elevated with the Smart Power Trunk, automatically opening when you approach with the key fob, adding a touch of modern luxury. Standard High Beam Assist headlights and Dynamic Low Beam Assist enhance nighttime visibility and safety. Rain-sensing wipers add another layer of convenience in inclement weather.
Safety is also prioritized in the GT2 trim, with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. Inside, the cabin is adorned with Quilted Nappa Leather seat trim, providing a luxurious and upscale feel. Ventilated front seats further enhance comfort, especially in warmer climates. The GT2 trim leaves virtually no box unchecked, offering a fully loaded Stinger experience that blends exhilarating performance with premium luxury and advanced technology.
Choosing the right 2018 Kia Stinger trim level depends on your individual priorities. Whether you prioritize value and spirited performance with the 2.0L trim, enhanced features and sound with the Premium, raw power and sporty styling with the GT, refined performance and technology with the GT1, or ultimate luxury and performance with the GT2, the 2018 Stinger lineup offers a compelling option for every driving enthusiast. Explore the features that matter most to you and discover the 2018 Stinger that best fits your journey.
