“I love my Kia Stinger GT2. The drive is amazing, smooth and so powerful. It also looks very sexy from the outside. It is nice and quiet and comfortable for long rides. The heads up display is very cool as well. The only thing I would improve is the surround cameras, not very clear and not the best quality. Hard to see with the 360 view. Apart from that I love my car!”
2019 Kia Stinger: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important 2019 Kia Stinger change is that blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning became standard across the lineup. This was an equipment-update year rather than a redesign, with added driver aids, performance hardware, and a late-arriving GTS special edition.
About the 2019 Kia Stinger
1st generation (2018-2023), second model year; minor equipment-update year with a late-arriving GTS special edition.
Kia positions the Stinger as a modern grand touring car: low, fast, stylish, and comfortable enough for longer trips. Its fastback body gives it more cargo usefulness than a typical sport sedan, while rear-drive proportions and the available twin-turbo V6 give it a more serious performance character than most mainstream midsize cars. Kia’s own messaging leans heavily on classic GT inspiration, long-distance comfort, and premium-cabin feel rather than bargain-car positioning.
The 2019 Stinger ranges from well-equipped turbo four-cylinder models to the 365-hp twin-turbo V6 GT lineup. Premium and GT1 emphasize everyday comfort and technology, while GT2 adds features such as Nappa leather, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. The limited-run GTS takes a more driver-focused approach with carbon-fiber exterior trim, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and a rear-biased AWD system on AWD versions.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning became standard on every trim. Premium and GT1 also made a broader driver-assistance suite standard, including forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Powertrain
Rear-wheel-drive GT models gained a mechanical limited-slip differential, which helps send power to the rear wheel with more grip. The late-year GTS joined the lineup, and its AWD version introduced a rear-biased AWD setup.
Styling
The new limited-run GTS added distinctive exterior details, including genuine carbon-fiber trim, plus Alcantara trim on the steering wheel and center armrest.
Tech
Premium and GT1 gained standard wireless phone charging and ventilated front seats. GT2 added a surround-view camera and heated rear seats.
2019 Kia Stinger specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.3 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.3 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.3 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 365 hp | 365 hp | 365 hp | 365 hp | 255 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 376 lb-ft | 376 lb-ft | 376 lb-ft | 376 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 40.9 cu-ft | 40.9 cu-ft | 40.9 cu-ft | 40.9 cu-ft | 40.9 cu-ft | 40.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2019 Kia Stinger redesigned?
No. The 2019 Kia Stinger remained part of the first generation introduced for 2018 and received equipment and trim updates rather than a full redesign.
Does every 2019 Kia Stinger have blind-spot warning?
Yes. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning were standard across the entire 2019 Kia Stinger lineup.
Which 2019 Kia Stinger trims gained more standard driver aids?
The 2019 Premium and GT1 gained a standard driver-assistance suite with forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
What is different about the 2019 Kia Stinger GTS?
The 2019 Kia Stinger GTS is a limited-run V6 special edition with carbon-fiber exterior trim, Alcantara cabin accents, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and a new rear-biased AWD system on AWD versions.
Is a 2019 Kia Stinger meaningfully different from a 2018 model?
Yes, but the differences are targeted rather than a complete overhaul. The 2019 model standardized blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings across the lineup, expanded equipment on several trims, added a limited-slip differential to rear-wheel-drive GT models, and introduced the GTS special edition.
2019 Kia Stinger Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Kia Stinger.
4.6
2019 Kia Stinger
(76 reviews)
“It has superior performance compared to the BMW. The value and overall quality of the vehicle can be felt and seen, unlike any other brand.”
“Awesome vehicle for the money. Has many features found in much higher-priced luxury brand vehicles.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Stinger / 2019 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Documenttext / 15194 / 2019 Kia Stinger Overview
- kia.com — Us / Brochures / Brochure Stinger 2019
- kiamedia.com — Stinger / 2019 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Stinger / 2020 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 15078 / Special Edition Stinger Gts Enthusiasts Rejoice