Kia Stinger History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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The Stinger arrived for the 2018 model year as Kia's first rear-wheel-drive (or AWD) sport sedan — a fastback liftback developed under former BMW M design boss Albert Biermann. Offered with a 255-hp turbocharged four or a 365-hp twin-turbo V6, it drew direct comparisons to the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe at a fraction of the price.
Enthusiast reception was strong — the Stinger was widely credited with permanently altering perceptions of Kia as a budget brand — but volume was modest. A limited Tribute Edition marked the end of production in 2023, making the 2024 Stinger Tribute the nameplate's final US model.
Body styles
- Fastback sedan
Notable special editions & performance variants
Stinger GT
The twin-turbo 3.3L V6 variant making 365 hp — the performance flagship of the range.
Stinger Tribute Edition
Final limited production run honoring the outgoing Stinger; painted in Moonscape Gray with unique badging.
Related models
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