For many families shopping for a new vehicle, it’s usually a choice of functionality over style. While many would love to turn heads on the road with a flashy new sedan, the reality is that factors like passenger space and safety features are much more important when taking children into consideration. But what if you could have the features you’re looking for in a family-friendly vehicle in a sports car package? The answer can be found at your local Kia dealership with the Stinger, the manufacturer’s sports sedan, offering sports car performance and design coupled with all the features to keep all on board safe and comfortable. Let’s take a closer look at this sharp-looking midsize sedan and how it can offer the style you’re looking for without compromising on the crucial features needed for your family.
What Is the Kia Stinger?
Introduced in 2017, the Kia Stinger dared to challenge how we viewed the sedan, continuing this challenge with its latest 2023 model. The Kia Stinger is a sport-sedan that knows how to provide thrills without the sports car price tag. Loaded with enough options to make this a family-friendly ride but exciting enough to offer fun when whipped around the track, the Stinger is perfect for those who want to have it all.
Large enough for five, the Kia Stinger hatchback is much more than a sedan. Sleek, racy lines make the Stinger appear in motion, even when it’s at a standstill. Side scoops with functional vents enhance the sporty car’s appearance while offering improved airflow and aerodynamics. The streamlined grille with a mesh insert and aggressively sloped hood give the Stinger a biting and bold attitude. Dual exhausts accentuate the sporty attributes and provide relief for the powerful available turbos.
Since day one, the Kia Stinger has been offered as rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for that extra boost in control and performance. While the engines have changed over time, there has always been a turbo in the mix, making sure it can hang with some of the best sports sedans out there. Despite offering so many luxury sports options, the Stinger avoids targeting your wallet so you can enjoy these benefits without the sting of a high price tag.
Comfort and Convenience for All on Board
When it comes to choosing a family vehicle, you won’t settle on any old car. Comfort, convenience, and safety are all going to have influence when considering what’s right for your family. The obvious option is to choose an SUV that offers ample room, but what if that’s not your style? That’s where a sporty sedan like the Kia Stinger comes in. With about 94 cu.ft. of overall passenger volume, the Stinger provides enough room for four companions and the driver to ride comfortably. Plus, at just over 36 inches of legroom in the rear, you can safely fit two car seats with ease.
For family entertainment, the Stinger is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. Newer models offer wireless phone charging, as well as plug-in charging in both the front and rear of the vehicle. Dual-zone air conditioning provides more flexibility for your passengers to dictate their own comfortable temperature. Select models also offer heated front seats, which is a nice added luxury on those cold fall mornings. Available leather trimming and a Harman Kardon premium audio system are a few more extras to enjoy.
Thrilling Performance
The latest year model of the Kia Stinger offers two impressive engine choices. The first comes standard on the GT-Line and can go from zero to sixty in 5.3 seconds. This turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The second engine option is available on the GT2 and is an exciting turbocharged 3.3L V6 engine, cranking out 368 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to hit zero to sixty in 4.7 seconds.
The Kia Stinger GT-Line is equipped with a limited-slip differential that is designed to keep control on rear-wheel drive models. Increased control when cornering and power that provides a smooth ride are a few benefits to be expected. The Kia Stinger won’t force you to sacrifice a peppy drive for family comfort.
Not only does the Kia Stinger GT2 have a more powerful engine, but it has more tools designed to control that power. The GT2 gets an extra helping hand with an electronically controlled suspension that harnesses the power and torque to get you an ideal ride every time. High-performance Brembo brakes not only add flair, but the performance level brakes increase responsiveness and grip.
The Stinger Looks Out for You and Your Family With Its Array of Safety Features
Whether you are interested in sporting a muscle-style family car or letting loose in a sedan with attitude, you want to feel safe. That’s why the Kia Stinger is equipped with a suite of safety features allowing you to hit the road with confidence, knowing that the Stringer is looking out for you in a variety of ways. Some include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning Detection and Surround View Monitor. These programs work to identify any potential front-end collisions and issue a warning. If the warning isn’t effective, the program can apply the brakes to decrease damage and injury.
Driver Attention Warning doesn’t focus on potential problems outside the vehicle; instead, it focuses on the alertness of the driver. If the driver seems unfocused, an alert can be issued to regain attention. Another unique driver (and passenger) focused safety feature is the Safe Exit Warning. This feature pays attention to rear traffic when someone exits the vehicle to keep them safe from approaching vehicles. This is a perfect tool for those with little ones in the back seat.
It is always good to keep your attention on the road, but having some extra support is even better. That’s why the Kia Stinger is equipped with navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Following Assist. Smart Cruise Control helps keep the vehicle straight, reading lane markers to keep the vehicle within lane limits. It can also maintain a specified distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
The safety feature list continues with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, which can signal an alert if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot of the Kia Stinger. Sometimes vehicles or objects can also get behind you, and that’s where the Stinger’s Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist comes in. This feature uses special sensors to detect objects behind your vehicle and will apply the brakes to avoid a collision or lessen the impact if unavoidable.
There are even a few features available on select trims. For instance, Blind-Spot View Monitor is special to the GT2 and can provide a live stream of your blind spot on the display in the center console. For the GT-Line, enjoy Rear Park Distance Warning to ensure you’re clear to park. As you can see, the Stinger is more than just a performance-focused sports sedan; safety is very much a priority, as demonstrated in this array of safety and driver assistance features.
An Exciting and Family-Friendly Ride
The Kia Stinger is more than a sedan. Sure, there are luxury sedans, sport sedans, and budget-friendly sedans, but finding a sedan with all those features is unlikely. At least, it was until Kia reimagined what a sedan could be. The thoughtfully exciting exterior does not look like your average sedan. Bold styling and sophisticated elements put it in a class of its own. The interior features luxury appointments and upgrades that suggest the Kia Stinger should come in at a higher price point. Refined suspension components and augmented programming provide the control necessary to tame the turbos.
Powerful engine options, performance-style brakes, and selectable drive modes make the Kia Stinger a worthy sports sedan. Throw in a host of innovative safety features, a spacious interior, and infotainment features to keep the gang content, and you have a sporty sedan perfect for the family. The Kia Stinger doesn’t put you in a box; instead, it allows you to break expectations and experience more than just your basic family-friendly sedan. For families looking for more excitement in their daily commuter, consider the Kia Stinger, your next sporty travel companion.
