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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $34,111–$40,432 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.9/10, the 2021 Kia Stinger earns a Recommended rating among the sportss we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.5/10. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.7/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.9/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.5/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sports you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.0/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $34,111–$40,432, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Stinger sits in the mid-market bracket of the sports segment. Value lands at 7.7/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 Kia Stinger as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Kia Stinger ranks #100 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 69% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $34,111 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 26%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Kia Stinger scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.9 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8.8/10 | $45,090 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $36,360 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $35,235 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $34,111 | |
| 2020 | 7.9/10 | $32,986 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.8/10 | $31,862 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.8/10 | $30,737 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Electrical system / Instrument panel / Fuel gauge 05/11/2021 · 21V862000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles. A software error in the instrument cluster may cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading. |
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| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump 16/09/2020 · 20V560000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine. |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 27/08/2020 · 20V518000 | Kia Motors America (Kia) recalled certain 2019 Stinger vehicles equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines on August 27, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Kia expanded the recall population and added certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. While driving, an engine… |
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump 13/09/2023 · 23V634000 | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel control valve plunger may stick inside the high pressure fuel pump, causing over-pressurization and loss of drive power. |
| Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Gasoline / Turbo/supercharger / Hoses/plumbing 01/03/2024 · 24V169000 | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019-2020 K900, and 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.