Last updated August 4, 2026
The Kia Stinger lineup starts with the base, Premium, and GT-Line as the balanced turbo-four choices. Premium leans toward comfort and tech, while GT-Line is the later sporty everyday entry. The V6 branch begins with GT, moves to the better-equipped GT1 or limited-run GTS, and ends with GT2, which combines the performance hardware with the richest cabin and most factory tech.
The Base Model trim level—GT-Line, Premium, and base—is the everyday Stinger: quick, well-equipped, and more focused on balance than maximum power.
Best for: Drivers who want the Stinger’s sporty shape and premium feel with easier daily-driving manners than the V6 trims.
Highlights
The Performance trim level, represented by GT, is the engine-first Stinger with V6 power and useful driving upgrades but fewer luxury extras than the trims above it.
Best for: Drivers who care most about the twin-turbo V6 and launch control rather than a fully upgraded cabin.
Highlights
Moves from turbo-four power to a twin-turbo V6 and adds launch control, LED headlights, and extra driver-assistance equipment.
10 in stock
The Performance Up trim level—GT1 and limited-run GTS—is the enthusiast middle branch, pairing V6 performance with stronger hardware or special-edition character.
Best for: Drivers who want more performance equipment than GT without moving all the way to the luxury-heavy GT2.
Highlights
Adds Brembo brakes and a sunroof; GT1 emphasizes performance value and everyday tech, while GTS brings limited-edition styling and driver-focused details.
18 in stock
The Top Tier trim level, GT2, is the complete performance-luxury Stinger, combining the V6 and big brakes with the lineup’s richest cabin and factory tech.
Best for: Drivers who want Stinger performance without giving up premium seating, comfort, audio, or camera technology.
Highlights
Adds electronically controlled suspension, Nappa leather heated and ventilated seats, premium audio, a head-up display, and more advanced camera views.
18 in stock| Feature | Top Tier | Base Model | Performance | Performance Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | GT218 in stock | GT-Line, Premium, base25 in stock | GT1, GTS18 in stock | |
| Engine character | Twin-turbo V6 | Turbo four-cylinder | Twin-turbo V6 | Twin-turbo V6 |
| Performance hardware | Launch control, Brembo brakes, electronic suspension | Paddle shifters on base and GT-Line | Launch control | Launch control and Brembo brakes |
| Cabin comfort | Nappa leather, heated and ventilated | Heated leather seats; ventilation on Premium | Performance-first cabin with fewer luxury upgrades | GT1: heated leather; GTS: Alcantara accents |
| Audio emphasis | Harman Kardon premium audio | Premium: Harman Kardon premium audio | Upgraded audio with amplifier | GTS: Harman Kardon premium audio |
| Notable technology | Head-up display and surround-view cameras | Premium and later GT-Line models add richer driver aids | Adaptive cruise with stop-and-go; parking sensors | GT1: navigation and broad driver-assist suite |
Kia changed the lineup during the Stinger’s run. Early cars used base, Premium, GT, GT1 and GT2 trims. GT-Line replaced the earlier four-cylinder structure for 2020, the separate GT ended after 2021, and the regular 2023 range had only GT-Line and GT2.
In the 2022-23 lineup, GT-Line has a 300-hp turbo four-cylinder, while GT2 has a 368-hp twin-turbo V6. GT2 also adds Brembo brakes, adjustable suspension, Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, premium audio, a head-up display and surround-view cameras.
No. GT-Line replaced the earlier base and Premium four-cylinder structure for 2020 and brought GT-inspired styling. On 2022-23 cars, it also uses a much stronger 300-hp 2.5-liter turbo engine and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen.
On early Stingers, Premium kept the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder but added a richer cabin and more technology. Key upgrades included navigation, Harman Kardon audio, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, a sunroof and a broader driver-assistance suite.
On pre-refresh Stingers, both are V6 performance trims, but GT1 adds more comfort and cabin technology. The regular GT focuses on the twin-turbo V6, launch control and LED headlights, while GT1 moves closer to the better-equipped side of the lineup.
GT2 is the luxury-heavy V6 trim. In newer lineups, it adds electronically controlled suspension, Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon audio, a head-up display, surround-view cameras and blind-spot camera views over the more performance-focused GT1.
GT, GT1, GTS and GT2 are the V6 Stingers, though they were not all sold in every model year. Pre-refresh cars make 365 hp, while 2022-23 V6 models make 368 hp and have an electronic variable exhaust.
GT-Line is the everyday-balanced choice in recent years. It keeps the fastback body and upscale cabin but uses a 300-hp turbo four-cylinder instead of the thirstier V6. It also includes heated leather-trimmed seats, phone integration and a broad safety suite.
Look at a V6 trim. GT is the simpler performance-focused version on earlier cars, GT1 adds useful cabin equipment, and GT2 combines the V6 with Brembo brakes, adjustable suspension and the most luxury features.
GT2 is the top luxury trim across the Stinger’s run. On newer examples, it combines the V6 with Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, premium audio, adjustable suspension, a head-up display and surround-view cameras.
GTS is a limited-run V6 special edition positioned between GT and GT1. It stands out with an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel and armrest, genuine carbon-fiber exterior trim, premium audio and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system on AWD versions.
Premium and GT2 are the main trims to check. Premium offered ventilated front seats on earlier four-cylinder cars, while GT2 pairs them with Nappa leather and the V6. Equipment can vary by model year, so confirm the controls in the specific car.