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Kia Stinger GT S (2017-2022) review – performance and 0-60

It just about sneaks under the five second mark to 62mph, but this car’s all about the mid-range

Evo rating
  • Chassis has no problem putting a smile on your face; looks brilliant
  • Steering lacks clarity; engine effective but muted; thirsty

In the GT S Kia has produced its quickest ever vehicle, reaching 62mph from rest in 4.9sec and going on to a most un-Kia-like 168mph. Just roll those numbers around in your head for a second and then remember what Kia’s road cars used to be like – whatever you think of the Korean brand’s image, the reality of Kia in 2024 is quite appealing.

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A kerb weight of 1780kg means the Stinger GT S never feels quite as quick as it looks on paper, though the engine’s relatively cultured and undramatic delivery is also to blame – the Stinger is very much one of those cars that delivers its performance deceptively rather than boisterously.

It might be more engaging if the engine and four-exit exhaust system produced a more musical note, but the 3.3 will not be regarded as one of the great V6s by automotive historians. It’s certainly not bad and in general driving it’s plenty refined and punchy enough; we’d just like a bit more aural character.

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