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Kia may be the underdog when stood beside German giants like BMW and Mercedes, but the 2018 Stinger proves that the South Korean automaker can deliver impressive drive dynamics and premium features for an affordable price. In fact, AutoGuide equates it to a dorky kid who showed up hot and really rich at the 10-year class reunion.
It certainly has the hot portion down offering buyers a choice of two engines; an entry level Stinger powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and the GT trim with a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. Those in Canada will have to make do with the GT model and AWD as neither the standard model nor RWD is offered up North. No big loss when the GT has 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque compared to the four-cylinder's 255 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
No matter what you choose, each vehicle sends power to its wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and direction is controlled by a perfectly weighted hydraulic steering system. Editor Jodi Lai thinks said steering system is even sportier than what you'd find in the new Porsche Panamera, perfect for canyon carving,
Helping the Stinger GT speed out of turns is a smooth and linear power delivery combined with quick acceleration, capable of sprinting from 0-60 in just 4.7 seconds. Buttery suspension will soak up most bumps and for a maximum price tag of $52,595, you'd be hard pressed to find an equally "practical, legitimately sporty, comfortable, luxurious" and tech laden vehicle like the Kia Stinger GT,