The 2022 Kia Stinger Isn’t Far Off

We already talked about news that the Kia Optima was becoming the K5, but what about the auto manufacturer’s even sportier ride? Despite rumors that the Stinger wasn’t going to make it in the US market, this sports sedan is sticking around for the foreseeable future. And while the 2021 variant won’t be any different, the 2022 Kia Stinger has got it going on — and consumers should see it early next year. 

Why critics thought the Stinger wouldn’t make it

In 2019, Kia sold just 13,861 units of the Stinger. That’s even less than the previous year, when the brand sold 16,806 models. (For your reference, Ford sold 72,489 Mustangs in 2019, and Kia themselves sold 96,050 then-Optimas in the same year.) Because of these low sales, people presumed Kia would kill off its sports sedan in the American market, but they were wrong.

Instead, Kia decided to amp up the Stinger, but not right away. While the 2021 variant will be largely the same, the 2022 Kia Stinger looks like it might be a winner.

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What to expect for the 2022 Kia Stinger sports sedan

Updates in the 2022 Kia Stinger run the gamut, from the exterior design to the interior mechanics.

Exterior changes

The Kia Stinger features a tiger nose grille, and that’s nothing new. But for the 2022 model year, this ride is getting a wider grille that’s bolder from the outset. In the back, the rear bumper will be sporting bigger exhaust ports, and drivers can choose to upgrade their color to silver for a more contrasted appeal.

If you want bigger wheels from the manufacturer themself, you can now opt for wheels up to 19 inches in diameter. And you can also choose from two new exterior design packages if you want something a little more unique:

• The Dark Package: Gloss black rear diffuser, blacked-out exhaust tips

• The Black Package: 19-inch matte black wheels, rear liftgate spoiler, blacked-out mirror caps

Interior changes

If you want to add Nappa leather in one of three new colors (saturn black, red or beige) to your 2022 Kia Stinger, go for it. This new choice of colors gives drivers the chance to personalize their luxurious cabin even further. 

You can say goodbye to dials on the dash. Now, a full-on digital display with a 10.25-inch diameter is yours for the taking.

Mechanical changes

Here are the juicy details about the 2022 Kia Stinger sports sedan. Drivers can expect a brand-spankin’-new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine (and this engine is specific to North American and Korean markets only, if that makes you feel special). The setup produces a solid 300 horsepower and 311 pounds-feet of torque, which is an impressive boost from the existing 255 horses and 260 pounds-feet of torque from the turbo four-cylinder. 

An eight-speed automatic transmission will accompany the engine.

Sharper lighting for a more aggressive design

The 2022 Kia Stinger will feature more chiseled headlights that tow the line between sports sedan and total smokeshow. In the rear, the tail lights are getting upgraded. At the same time, rear-facing turn signals will now look more like a racetrack flag with a low-key checkered look.

Something as simple as lighting really changes the way we view a vehicle. Clearly, the 2022 Kia Stinger is no exception.

Should you hold out for the 2022 Kia Stinger?

Since the 2021 Kia Stinger is a holdover model, it’s obvious that the 2022 variant is a wiser choice. If you want the most bang for your buck, you’re better off waiting until this sports sedan matures. Kia says to expect the 2022 Stinger early next year, so you won’t be waiting long.