2022 Kia Stinger
08-13-20 | 07:27 AM
#16
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 12,559
Likes: 1,630
From: WA
Changes are subtle, but I like them. I prefer the old wheels, though.
I really like the new tail lights, and the larger infotainment screen is a huge plus. I'm curious if they will also bump up to the 3.5 TTV6.
I really like the new tail lights, and the larger infotainment screen is a huge plus. I'm curious if they will also bump up to the 3.5 TTV6.
08-13-20 | 10:54 AM
#18
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5,104
Likes: 64
From: N/A
08-13-20 | 02:13 PM
#19
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 12,559
Likes: 1,630
From: WA
08-14-20 | 08:19 AM
#20
08-14-20 | 06:11 PM
#21
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 581
Likes: 27
From: Sofla
To be fair, I drove the brother 3.3T G70 and I hear it's the better drivers car of the two. In the end I chose a RWD M340I over the 3.3T so I doubt the stinger would sway me since my car outperforms it in every metric. I will say this face-lifted or 2nd gen model does looks nice in my eyes lol.
08-26-20 | 08:58 PM
#23
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5,104
Likes: 64
From: N/A
New powertrain and tech details:
More tech, power and safety for upgraded Kia Stinger
Biggest highlights are the 2.5T, variable exhaust, and a full digital gauge cluster.
New design packages for Kia’s gran turismo fastback sports sedan
In addition to its refreshed design, revealed earlier this month, the enhanced Kia Stinger includes Kia’s latest driver assist and safety features, as well as improved interior packaging for greater space and comfort. For North America, the upgraded model is also now offered with a powerful new ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.
“The Stinger remains the standard-bearer for the Kia brand, almost a decade after we first revealed the Kia GT Concept in 2011. It remains our most driver-focused car, and is capable of covering great distances in comfort and style,” said Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “The upgraded model builds on the Stinger’s well-established grand touring ethos, with a renewed sense of design flair, new powertrains and technologies, and greater usability enhancing its appeal for buyers in markets around the world.”
The new Kia Stinger will go on-sale in Korea during the third quarter of 2020, with sales due to commence in many of Kia’s global markets later in the year.
New 2.5-liter T-GDi added to high-performance powertrain line-up
The upgraded Stinger offers a revised range of three powerful turbocharged gasoline engines, in line with its reputation as the most performance-focused car that Kia makes. Each engine offers swift acceleration and rapid responses to driver input, while offering a refined grand touring experience for steady cruises.
A new engine has been added to the Stinger line-up exclusively for North American customers. The new ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-liter T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine sits directly between the two existing gasoline powertrains, producing 304 ps at 5,800 rpm. The maximum torque of the new four-cylinder engine, 422 Nm, is accessible from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm, making it easy for drivers to build and maintain speed in all conditions.
The most powerful engine in the Stinger line-up, a twin-turbo 3.3-liter T-GDi V6 from Kia’s ‘Lambda’ engine family, remains unchanged, save for a new Electronic Variable Exhaust Valve system*. This features a small butterfly valve in the exhaust which opens and closes, producing a more prominent, deeper exhaust note in Sport driving modes, or a quieter, more subdued exhaust note in Eco or Comfort mode. As well as enhancing the sound quality, the revised exhaust flow path helps to liberate an extra 3 ps from the engine (for a total of 373 ps at 6,000 rpm). Its 510 Nm torque is accessible from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm, giving the Stinger effortless performance everywhere.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder ‘Theta’ engine, also available since the car’s launch in 2017, is unchanged, producing 255 ps at 6,200 rpm and 353 Nm torque from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm.
All three engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, matching the car’s long-legged gran turismo personality.
New widescreen infotainment systems and digital driver displays
At the center of the Stinger’s upgraded cabin is an upgraded touchscreen infotainment system, providing new functionality to meet customers’ changing expectations of in-car technology.
Depending on market and specification, the upgraded Stinger is now available with an optional new 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Bluetooth multi-connection enables users to connect up to two mobile devices at the same time – one for hands-free phone and multimedia use; the other for media use only. Its advanced split-screen display lets users control or monitor different vehicle features at the same time, customizing the screen with a series of different widgets. The 10.25-inch system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with a voice control system for many of the car’s features, such as heating and ventilation, audio and navigation.
A new 8.0-inch touchscreen display with a narrow-bezel design is also available, replacing the previous 7.0-inch system. Depending on market, the larger display also offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Drivers have a choice of two instrument cluster displays, based on vehicle specification. The standard 3.5-inch mono-TFT cluster is now replaced with a larger 4.2-inch color-TFT LCD cluster, delivering improved visibility and displaying a wider range of information to the driver. In addition, a fully-digital, high-resolution 7.0-inch ‘Supervision’ cluster is available – a full-color display with vivid graphics for different driving modes, delivering crystal-clear information to the driver.
Technologies to improve everyday usability
The upgraded Stinger features a series of new ‘connected car’ features to improve convenience for owners in many countries. Depending on market and vehicle specification, among these technologies is a Remote Engine Start system, which allows owners to start their car remotely using the Stinger’s smart key.
In certain markets, Kia’s UVO App can be used to pre-activate the Stinger’s seat heating and ventilation functions remotely, creating a comfortable temperature before entering the car and avoiding the inconvenience of sitting on a hot or cold seat.
New ADAS technologies to assist drivers and protect passengers
The upgraded Kia Stinger carries over the same Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that it offered previously, as well as a series of new features and updates to provide even better protection for the driver, their passengers and other road users.
Depending on market and vehicle specification, the ADAS range in the Stinger is comprehensive, with many of the existing systems newly updated:
*Electronic Variable Exhaust Valve fitted as standard to all 3.3-liter T-GDi models except those sold in Europe and Russia (which produce 370 ps at 6,000 rpm, and 510 Nm across 1,300-4,500 rpm)
- New ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-liter T-GDi launched for Korea, U.S. and Mexico
- New variable exhaust valve for improved 3.3-liter T-GDi exhaust tone in several markets
- Updated technologies with ‘connected’ 10.25-inch infotainment system
- Enhanced safety features include new Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Upgraded model on-sale globally starting from the third quarter of 2020
In addition to its refreshed design, revealed earlier this month, the enhanced Kia Stinger includes Kia’s latest driver assist and safety features, as well as improved interior packaging for greater space and comfort. For North America, the upgraded model is also now offered with a powerful new ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.
“The Stinger remains the standard-bearer for the Kia brand, almost a decade after we first revealed the Kia GT Concept in 2011. It remains our most driver-focused car, and is capable of covering great distances in comfort and style,” said Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “The upgraded model builds on the Stinger’s well-established grand touring ethos, with a renewed sense of design flair, new powertrains and technologies, and greater usability enhancing its appeal for buyers in markets around the world.”
The new Kia Stinger will go on-sale in Korea during the third quarter of 2020, with sales due to commence in many of Kia’s global markets later in the year.
New 2.5-liter T-GDi added to high-performance powertrain line-up
The upgraded Stinger offers a revised range of three powerful turbocharged gasoline engines, in line with its reputation as the most performance-focused car that Kia makes. Each engine offers swift acceleration and rapid responses to driver input, while offering a refined grand touring experience for steady cruises.
A new engine has been added to the Stinger line-up exclusively for North American customers. The new ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-liter T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine sits directly between the two existing gasoline powertrains, producing 304 ps at 5,800 rpm. The maximum torque of the new four-cylinder engine, 422 Nm, is accessible from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm, making it easy for drivers to build and maintain speed in all conditions.
The most powerful engine in the Stinger line-up, a twin-turbo 3.3-liter T-GDi V6 from Kia’s ‘Lambda’ engine family, remains unchanged, save for a new Electronic Variable Exhaust Valve system*. This features a small butterfly valve in the exhaust which opens and closes, producing a more prominent, deeper exhaust note in Sport driving modes, or a quieter, more subdued exhaust note in Eco or Comfort mode. As well as enhancing the sound quality, the revised exhaust flow path helps to liberate an extra 3 ps from the engine (for a total of 373 ps at 6,000 rpm). Its 510 Nm torque is accessible from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm, giving the Stinger effortless performance everywhere.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder ‘Theta’ engine, also available since the car’s launch in 2017, is unchanged, producing 255 ps at 6,200 rpm and 353 Nm torque from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm.
All three engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, matching the car’s long-legged gran turismo personality.
New widescreen infotainment systems and digital driver displays
At the center of the Stinger’s upgraded cabin is an upgraded touchscreen infotainment system, providing new functionality to meet customers’ changing expectations of in-car technology.
Depending on market and specification, the upgraded Stinger is now available with an optional new 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Bluetooth multi-connection enables users to connect up to two mobile devices at the same time – one for hands-free phone and multimedia use; the other for media use only. Its advanced split-screen display lets users control or monitor different vehicle features at the same time, customizing the screen with a series of different widgets. The 10.25-inch system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with a voice control system for many of the car’s features, such as heating and ventilation, audio and navigation.
A new 8.0-inch touchscreen display with a narrow-bezel design is also available, replacing the previous 7.0-inch system. Depending on market, the larger display also offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Drivers have a choice of two instrument cluster displays, based on vehicle specification. The standard 3.5-inch mono-TFT cluster is now replaced with a larger 4.2-inch color-TFT LCD cluster, delivering improved visibility and displaying a wider range of information to the driver. In addition, a fully-digital, high-resolution 7.0-inch ‘Supervision’ cluster is available – a full-color display with vivid graphics for different driving modes, delivering crystal-clear information to the driver.
Technologies to improve everyday usability
The upgraded Stinger features a series of new ‘connected car’ features to improve convenience for owners in many countries. Depending on market and vehicle specification, among these technologies is a Remote Engine Start system, which allows owners to start their car remotely using the Stinger’s smart key.
In certain markets, Kia’s UVO App can be used to pre-activate the Stinger’s seat heating and ventilation functions remotely, creating a comfortable temperature before entering the car and avoiding the inconvenience of sitting on a hot or cold seat.
New ADAS technologies to assist drivers and protect passengers
The upgraded Kia Stinger carries over the same Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that it offered previously, as well as a series of new features and updates to provide even better protection for the driver, their passengers and other road users.
Depending on market and vehicle specification, the ADAS range in the Stinger is comprehensive, with many of the existing systems newly updated:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) now offers protection when turning across the road into a junction by identifying oncoming traffic on the other side of the road. Furthermore, it offers increased activation range when detecting a vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) is now able to detect the edge of a road, as well as the lines in the road, providing steering assistance to prevent the driver leaving their lane without signaling
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) provides an enhancement over the existing Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW). Instead of simply warning drivers of cars in adjacent lanes on the highway, BCA helps drivers avoid a potential collision by applying differential braking
- For Europe, the upgraded Stinger now features Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) based on traffic sign recognition
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW) now has an increased operating speed of up to 210 kph, and also alerts drivers if they fail to notice the car in front move off from a stop
- Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) helps drive around curved sections of a highway, automatically reducing the vehicle’s speed to an appropriate level before entering the curve. It reverts to the original speed as the vehicle leaves the curve
- A similar updated has been made for reversing out of parking bays, with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) now helping to prevent collisions with crossing vehicles while reversing (previously the system only warned the driver)
- Safe Exit Warning (SEW) detects vehicles coming up from behind on either side of the Stinger when parked and stopped, alerting occupants with a sound and visual warning if they attempt to open the door into oncoming traffic
- Kia’s cutting-edge Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) technology acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers by eliminating a driver’s left- and right-side blind spots. It displays a high-resolution video feed within the ‘Supervision’ digital instrument cluster if the driver indicates to change lane with another vehicle in their blind spot. The video feed comes from discreet wide-angle lenses hidden beneath the door mirror housings, giving drivers a wider viewing angle of their blind spots
- Lane Following Assist (LFA) helps the vehicle stay in the center of its lane
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA) helps maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front on the highway, and keep the car in the center of its lane, even on a curved road
- Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) provides a warning to the driver if they leave behind any pets or children when they exit the car
*Electronic Variable Exhaust Valve fitted as standard to all 3.3-liter T-GDi models except those sold in Europe and Russia (which produce 370 ps at 6,000 rpm, and 510 Nm across 1,300-4,500 rpm)
08-27-20 | 06:29 AM
#25
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 228
From: CA
Its too bad they didn't stick in the 3.5L turbo as rumored earlier in the year. I'm glad they decided to keep updating this car even though sales haven't lived up to expectations. I have friends that own the Stinger and they love it.
08-27-20 | 01:31 PM
#26
refresh changes sound really great. i really don't like the current upright screen so the wider shorter 10.25" should look way better. same is true for me with g70.
08-27-20 | 04:07 PM
#27
I went and test drove a Stinger GT last weekend, I was excited to do so after all the great publicity and the specs. To be clear, this is a fair comparison, as the Stinger GT (not GT1 or GT2) retails around the same price as an IS350
The main reason I was looking to buy one, is for around $500 you can get the car to 450whp since it is already turbo, in comparison to the cost of adding forced induction to the IS. It is always cheaper and easier to add performance to a car that is already forced inducted from the factory.
Anyways, here are my thoughts and first impressions of driving the car for an hour.
The first thing I noticed on the car, was that the hatch has a manual latch underneath for opening (and I think requires initially popped from key fob), not an easy one touch button like on the IS350. = Winner IS350 (power hatch available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
I then noticed after hitting the unlock button on the cool key fob, the mirrors auto folding out. = Winner Stinger
But guess what, I was unable to just grab the door handle and have the car unlock like on the lexus, and there was a rubberized button (like on the 2is) that unlocked or locked the door. = Winner IS350
Getting in the car, I noticed that the push to start button was of very low quality in comparison to the IS, it stuck out when I wasn't even looking for things like that = Winner IS350
The middle of the gauges had a black and white lcd screen = Winner IS350 (color screen available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
The gauges are not fully LCD, (aside of the black and white in between), and there is no cool moving ring like on the Fsport models. = Winner IS350
There is no ventilated seats = Winner IS350 (available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
There is no sunroof or moonroof = Winner IS350 (available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
The audio and interface tech on the stinger was very much ahead of the IS models = Winner Stinger
The useable space of the hatchback was obviously much bigger than the IS = Winner Stinger
Rear seat room = Winner Stinger
Came standard with heated steering wheel = Winner Stinger
Had auto engine stop when stopping (some might not like it but still a feature) = Winner Stinger
As far as driving went, the car honestly does not feel THAT much faster than the IS350, even in the higher speeds. I fully expected it to feel a lot quicker after reading consumer reviews, but the reality is, it's only 40 some odd HP more. I was unable to take the car in the twisties, but it did feel really planted well and responsive. The turning radius was much larger than the IS, but still not horrible.
At the end of the test drive, I was kind of "Meh". I think I built myself up and expected much more from the car after reading all the reviews. This is not to say the car is a bad car, the car is a great car, it's just that I expected it to be so much better than my IS350, when in reality they are very close. The stinger is a hair faster (by feel) and the tech is better, but the quality of everything in the IS is much better, and the IS350 has standard features that I actually use, that costs extra on the Stinger . Owning the IS350 and being use to its experience really dampened alot of the things the Stinger has going for it. At the end of the day, it just was not a big enough upgrade to justify spending the extra money, even with negotiating the car $9k off of MSRP. The car was cool, but it was not $32k cooler than my car that I already own, let alone the $41k MSRP.
If I was looking at buying them both new, I am not sure what I would buy. I want to say the stinger, because of how cheap it is to add alot of power to the car, but I would miss the features and quality of the IS. However, another thing to consider, you will not talk Lexus down $9k on an IS350, so I would almost def get the Stinger after rebates. Anyways, there's my experience with the two, I really thought I was going to buy a Stinger, but it just wasn't that much better.
The main reason I was looking to buy one, is for around $500 you can get the car to 450whp since it is already turbo, in comparison to the cost of adding forced induction to the IS. It is always cheaper and easier to add performance to a car that is already forced inducted from the factory.
Anyways, here are my thoughts and first impressions of driving the car for an hour.
The first thing I noticed on the car, was that the hatch has a manual latch underneath for opening (and I think requires initially popped from key fob), not an easy one touch button like on the IS350. = Winner IS350 (power hatch available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
I then noticed after hitting the unlock button on the cool key fob, the mirrors auto folding out. = Winner Stinger
But guess what, I was unable to just grab the door handle and have the car unlock like on the lexus, and there was a rubberized button (like on the 2is) that unlocked or locked the door. = Winner IS350
Getting in the car, I noticed that the push to start button was of very low quality in comparison to the IS, it stuck out when I wasn't even looking for things like that = Winner IS350
The middle of the gauges had a black and white lcd screen = Winner IS350 (color screen available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
The gauges are not fully LCD, (aside of the black and white in between), and there is no cool moving ring like on the Fsport models. = Winner IS350
There is no ventilated seats = Winner IS350 (available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
There is no sunroof or moonroof = Winner IS350 (available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
The audio and interface tech on the stinger was very much ahead of the IS models = Winner Stinger
The useable space of the hatchback was obviously much bigger than the IS = Winner Stinger
Rear seat room = Winner Stinger
Came standard with heated steering wheel = Winner Stinger
Had auto engine stop when stopping (some might not like it but still a feature) = Winner Stinger
As far as driving went, the car honestly does not feel THAT much faster than the IS350, even in the higher speeds. I fully expected it to feel a lot quicker after reading consumer reviews, but the reality is, it's only 40 some odd HP more. I was unable to take the car in the twisties, but it did feel really planted well and responsive. The turning radius was much larger than the IS, but still not horrible.
At the end of the test drive, I was kind of "Meh". I think I built myself up and expected much more from the car after reading all the reviews. This is not to say the car is a bad car, the car is a great car, it's just that I expected it to be so much better than my IS350, when in reality they are very close. The stinger is a hair faster (by feel) and the tech is better, but the quality of everything in the IS is much better, and the IS350 has standard features that I actually use, that costs extra on the Stinger . Owning the IS350 and being use to its experience really dampened alot of the things the Stinger has going for it. At the end of the day, it just was not a big enough upgrade to justify spending the extra money, even with negotiating the car $9k off of MSRP. The car was cool, but it was not $32k cooler than my car that I already own, let alone the $41k MSRP.
If I was looking at buying them both new, I am not sure what I would buy. I want to say the stinger, because of how cheap it is to add alot of power to the car, but I would miss the features and quality of the IS. However, another thing to consider, you will not talk Lexus down $9k on an IS350, so I would almost def get the Stinger after rebates. Anyways, there's my experience with the two, I really thought I was going to buy a Stinger, but it just wasn't that much better.
Last edited by ihateu3; 08-28-20 at 05:52 AM.
08-27-20 | 04:36 PM
#28
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 228
From: CA
I went and test drove a Stinger GT last weekend, I was excited to do so after all the great publicity and the specs. To be clear, this is a fair comparison, as the Stinger GT (not GT1 or GT2) retails around the same price as an IS350
The main reason I was looking to buy one, is for around $500 you can get the car to 450whp since it is already turbo, in comparison to the cost of force induction on the IS. It is always cheaper and easier to add performance to a car that is already forced inducted from the factory.
Anyways, here are my thoughts and first impressions of driving the car for an hour.
The first thing I noticed on the car, was that the hatch has a manual latch underneath for opening (and I think requires opened from key fob), not an easy one touch button like on the IS350. = Winner IS350 (power hatch available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
I then noticed after hitting the unlock button on the cool key fob, the mirrors auto folding out. = Winner Stinger
But guess what, I was unable to just grab the door handle and have the car unlock like on the lexus, and there was a rubberized button (like on the 2is) that unlocked or locked the door. = Winner IS350
Getting in the car, I noticed that the push to start button was of very low quality in comparison to the IS, it stuck out when I wasn't even looking for things like that = Winner IS350
The middle of the gauges had a black and white lcd screen = Winner IS350 (color screen available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
The gauges are not fully LCD, (aside of the black and white in between), and there is no cool moving ring like on the Fsport models. = Winner IS350
There is no ventilated seats = Winner IS350 (available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
There is no sunroof or moonroof = Winner IS350 (available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
The audio and interface tech on the stinger was very much ahead of the IS models = Winner Stinger
The useable space of the hatchback was obviously much bigger than the IS = Winner Stinger
Rear seat room = Winner Stinger
Came standard with heated steering wheel = Winner Stinger
Had auto engine stop when stopping (some might not like it but still a feature) = Winner Stinger
As far as driving went, the car honestly does not feel THAT much faster than the IS350, even in the higher speeds. I fully expected it to feel a lot quicker after reading consumer reviews, but the reality is, it's only 40 some odd HP more. I was unable to take the car in the twisties, but it did feel really planted well and responsive. The turning radius was much larger than the IS, but still not horrible.
At the end of the test drive, I was kind of "Meh". I think I built myself up and expected much more from the car after reading all the reviews. This is not to say the car is a bad car, the car is a great car, it's just that I expected it to be so much better than my IS350, when in reality they are very close. The stinger is a hair faster (by feel) and the tech is better, but the quality of everything in the IS is much better, and the IS350 has standard features that I actually use, that costs extra on the Stinger . Owning the IS350 and being use to its experience really dampened alot of the things the Stinger has going for it. At the end of the day, it just was not a big enough upgrade to justify spending the extra money, even with negotiating the car $9k off of MSRP. The car was cool, but it was not $32k cooler than my car that I already own, let alone the $41k MSRP.
If I was looking at buying them both new, I am not sure what I would buy. I want to say the stinger, because of how cheap it is to add alot of power to the car, but I would miss the features and quality of the IS. However, another thing to consider, you will not talk Lexus down $9k on an IS350, so I would almost def get he Stinger after rebates. Anyways, there's my experience with the two, I really thought I was going to buy a Stinger, but it just wasn't that much better.
The main reason I was looking to buy one, is for around $500 you can get the car to 450whp since it is already turbo, in comparison to the cost of force induction on the IS. It is always cheaper and easier to add performance to a car that is already forced inducted from the factory.
Anyways, here are my thoughts and first impressions of driving the car for an hour.
The first thing I noticed on the car, was that the hatch has a manual latch underneath for opening (and I think requires opened from key fob), not an easy one touch button like on the IS350. = Winner IS350 (power hatch available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
I then noticed after hitting the unlock button on the cool key fob, the mirrors auto folding out. = Winner Stinger
But guess what, I was unable to just grab the door handle and have the car unlock like on the lexus, and there was a rubberized button (like on the 2is) that unlocked or locked the door. = Winner IS350
Getting in the car, I noticed that the push to start button was of very low quality in comparison to the IS, it stuck out when I wasn't even looking for things like that = Winner IS350
The middle of the gauges had a black and white lcd screen = Winner IS350 (color screen available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
The gauges are not fully LCD, (aside of the black and white in between), and there is no cool moving ring like on the Fsport models. = Winner IS350
There is no ventilated seats = Winner IS350 (available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
There is no sunroof or moonroof = Winner IS350 (available on higher trim model that cost more than IS350)
The audio and interface tech on the stinger was very much ahead of the IS models = Winner Stinger
The useable space of the hatchback was obviously much bigger than the IS = Winner Stinger
Rear seat room = Winner Stinger
Came standard with heated steering wheel = Winner Stinger
Had auto engine stop when stopping (some might not like it but still a feature) = Winner Stinger
As far as driving went, the car honestly does not feel THAT much faster than the IS350, even in the higher speeds. I fully expected it to feel a lot quicker after reading consumer reviews, but the reality is, it's only 40 some odd HP more. I was unable to take the car in the twisties, but it did feel really planted well and responsive. The turning radius was much larger than the IS, but still not horrible.
At the end of the test drive, I was kind of "Meh". I think I built myself up and expected much more from the car after reading all the reviews. This is not to say the car is a bad car, the car is a great car, it's just that I expected it to be so much better than my IS350, when in reality they are very close. The stinger is a hair faster (by feel) and the tech is better, but the quality of everything in the IS is much better, and the IS350 has standard features that I actually use, that costs extra on the Stinger . Owning the IS350 and being use to its experience really dampened alot of the things the Stinger has going for it. At the end of the day, it just was not a big enough upgrade to justify spending the extra money, even with negotiating the car $9k off of MSRP. The car was cool, but it was not $32k cooler than my car that I already own, let alone the $41k MSRP.
If I was looking at buying them both new, I am not sure what I would buy. I want to say the stinger, because of how cheap it is to add alot of power to the car, but I would miss the features and quality of the IS. However, another thing to consider, you will not talk Lexus down $9k on an IS350, so I would almost def get he Stinger after rebates. Anyways, there's my experience with the two, I really thought I was going to buy a Stinger, but it just wasn't that much better.
08-27-20 | 07:54 PM
#30
great write-up, thanks! 
interesting username too. 
the stinger's about to get a pretty healthy refresh that may address some of those things, plus as you said you didn't get a top trim one. With fancy LCD screens available in the new kia k5, i expect the stinger to get similar.
but also, the stinger was not intended on a 'level of materials' to compete with luxury brands.
About speed, the stinger i believe is bigger and heavier, so i'm not surprised the quick is350 doesn't feel much if any slower, and the IS is a nimble car
Anyway, good write-up, thanks!
interesting username too. the stinger's about to get a pretty healthy refresh that may address some of those things, plus as you said you didn't get a top trim one. With fancy LCD screens available in the new kia k5, i expect the stinger to get similar.
but also, the stinger was not intended on a 'level of materials' to compete with luxury brands.
About speed, the stinger i believe is bigger and heavier, so i'm not surprised the quick is350 doesn't feel much if any slower, and the IS is a nimble car
Anyway, good write-up, thanks!