Yes - There Will Be a 2021 Kia Stinger

Today, Kia is one of the fastest-growing automobile manufacturers on the planet. Its current lineup of cars, SUVs, and even electric vehicles stand on even footing with the products of any other manufacturer. But there is one car in the Kia lineup that stands out above all the rest. The Kia Stinger. This turbocharged sport sedan was introduced for the 2018 model year as Kia’s first entry into the performance car world. However, despite its success, there have been rumors that it will be discontinued, and as a Kia dealer, Easton, PA shoppers have often asked us if there will even be a 2021 Kia Stinger.

To this question, we are happy to respond that the reports of its impending death are greatly exaggerated and that, of course, there will be a 2021 Kia Stinger. The Kia Stinger is still only three years old and remains one of the best cars in its segment. And not only is this fantastic vehicle remaining in production, but, in fact, the 2021 Kia Stinger will be even better than ever before. With updated styling, more features, and additional power, the 2021 Kia Stinger will be taking the model and, indeed, the entire company to new automotive heights. So keep reading for a look at some of the improvements that the facelifted 2021 Kia Stinger should be bringing when it hits dealership lots.

More Power?

Currently, few of the details of the 2021 Kia Stinger have been confirmed, even to Kia dealerships like us, so there is still some speculation over the exact configurations it will be offered in. However, we do have a general picture of what the updated model will look like. The 3.3L twin-turbo V6 engine that powers the top trims of the current 2020 Kia Stinger will go mostly unchanged. Given the performance of this engine, we have no complaints about this decision. However, Kia is adding an improved exhaust system to the 2021 Kia Stinger, which is reported to boost its power.

While we do not yet have official numbers, rumor has it that with the updated exhaust, the output of the 3.3L V6 will be improved to 380 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. This would represent a substantial, if not an earth-shattering, improvement from the 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque in the 2020 Kia Stinger and could even see a bit of time shaved off the car’s already impressive 4.7 seconds 0 to 60 acceleration.

But while the top engine will likely see some small upgrades, the base engine in the 2021 Kia Stinger could either go unchanged or be entirely replaced. The 2020 Kia Stinger is currently equipped with a 2.0L turbo that produces 255 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. While this is enough to move the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a respectable 5.9 seconds, we have to admit that the base engine makes the Kia Stinger more of a comfortable cruiser than a high-performance car.

However, there are rumors that the current 2.0L turbo could be replaced with a larger engine, and prototypes have been spotted with a 2.5L engine. The specs on this engine are unknown, but one possibility would be the new 2.5L turbo from the soon to be introduced 2021 Kia K5 GT. If that is the case, we would be looking at around 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. With that sort of power, the base 2021 Kia Stinger would be transformed into a real entry-level performance car that we would have absolutely no reservations recommending to our shoppers.

However, we must emphasize that a new base engine for the 2021 Kia Stinger is not guaranteed. For now, it is all speculation. That said, we look forward to finding out how much truth is behind these rumors. What we do know is that the 2021 Stinger is going to be powerful, maneuverable, and fun to drive.

New Styling?

While the 2020 Kia Stinger is already one of the most stylish cars on the road, and it never fails to catch the eye of visitors to our Kia dealership, the 2021 Kia Stinger will be receiving a styling update. Although official pictures of the new car have not yet been released, it looks like the updated car will be sporting significantly changed front and rear ends. The exterior lighting has also been updated, and we may see the use of LED lighting across more trims on the 2021 Kia Stinger. Altogether, we should be looking forward to a more modern and aggressive design that will likely better match the new Kia K5 and the recently restyled Kia Forte. It is also likely that Kia will introduce a couple of new paint colors for the updated car, giving a few more options for drivers who want their ride to stand out from the crowd.

However, the interior of the new 2021 Kia Stinger will also be receiving some changes to its look and feel. While fewer details on the interior changes have surfaced, it looks like shoppers can expect a more modern look that includes an updated steering wheel design and possibly improved materials. But the most significant interior differences in the refreshed 2021 Kia Stinger will be in its technology.

While the 8-inch infotainment screen in the current Kia Stinger was top of the line when the car first hit the market back in 2018, it is increasingly being overshadowed by the larger screens in newer designs. To fight back, Kia is said to be replacing it with the much larger 10.25-inch touchscreen that is found in its newer cars, including the upcoming Kia K5. This fully customizable display gives drivers more room and options than ever before, from music to navigation. And of course, it will continue to come with Kia’s excellent infotainment software that is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

But the new technology does not end there, and the 2021 Kia Stinger is also expected to offer a new fully digital instrument cluster to replace its traditional analog dials. Such a setup would help the car compete with its European rivals, several of which already offer a similar feature. Although a digital instrument cluster can take some getting pre-owned to, it is a more capable and intuitive system that offers real improvements in driver awareness. And while the exact details of the digital instrument cluster in the 2021 Kia Stinger are still unknown, it will likely enable custom configurations and possibly even integrate many infotainment functions such as navigation. With all of that, this newly re-designed car is not just powerful but also provides an enjoyable ride.

The 2021 Kia Stinger is Coming

Altogether, while the global pandemic may have pushed back the launch of the 2021 Kia Stinger, an updated version of this groundbreaking car is coming soon. And we cannot wait for it to arrive at our dealership, Allentown Kia, so that we can share the excitement with our customers. With the many improvements and new features of the 2021 Kia Stinger, we are sure that it will continue to be a stylish and highly-capable alternative to the more traditional sports sedans on the market. So keep your eye out, the 2021 Kia Stinger is coming!