2022 Kia Stinger Coming With New 300-HP Base Engine

Last year, we reported that the wonderful Kia Stinger may never receive a successor. The fastback sports sedan simply hasn’t sold in significant numbers, but the good news is, Kia did indicate at the time that the existing Stinger’s life cycle would be extended. While the 2021 Stinger received only minor updates, it looks like it may be worth waiting for the 2022 model.

The Korean Car Blog has reported that the base 2.0-liter engine will be replaced by a significantly more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers are a lot better than the 2.0T’s outputs of 255 hp and 260 lb-ft. It means the base Stinger will be a lot more powerful than the BMW 330i, which also manages 255 hp.

This news follows a rumor from July last year where it was indicated that the 2.0T engine would give way to a more powerful 2.5T unit. This bigger engine is already used in other vehicles like the Genesis GV80 and Kia K5 GT. It will be equipped to the Stinger GT Line, which will also receive other enhancements like a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen allowing access to navigation, reflector-style LED headlights, and smart cruise control. A Harman Kardon sound system will be on offer as part of an optional Sun & Sound package for $2,300.

As before, the GT1 and GT2 trims will make use of the same 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, although power increases marginally from 365 to 368 hp. A new electronic variable exhaust should amplify the wail of that V6 when Sport mode is hooked up.

In the 2021 Stinger, this engine enables a 0-60 mph time of just 4.7 seconds with all-wheel drive. Other smaller changes across the lineup will include new wheel designs, upgraded leather upholstery, and better safety tech like lane-following assist.

The latest report also presents pricing for the 2022 Stinger, which begins at $37,135 for the GT Line RWD, whereas the 2021 Stinger begins at just over $33,000. The GT Line with AWD costs $39,335. The GT1 RWD goes for $44,735, increasing to $46,935 for the AWD derivative. For the GT2 RWD, expect to pay $52,335 or $54,535 when equipped with AWD. There’s no official word just yet on when the 2022 Kia Stinger will arrive in the US.