Are you looking for a sports sedan with a refined look and feel? If you want performance, precision engineering, and an advanced technology package, then you should check out the Kia K5 and the Kia Stinger. Both sedans have incredible style, powerful engines, and all the comfort and convenience amenities you want. Let’s take a closer look at both to help you decide which one is right for you.
Exterior Style
An aerodynamic A-pillar and integrated front bumper air curtains serve to reduce the Stinger’s drag. Sleek LED headlights surround the signature grille for an aggressive look. The Stinger’s sporty style continues with a chiseled side body, air vents, and a fastback rear end. LED taillights in a unique design, wider aggressive fenders, and quad exhaust outlets add athleticism to the Stinger’s bold design. Dark chrome accents and signature LED lighting systems add refined style.
The Kia K5 takes aggressiveness to the next level with a sculpted hood angling forward over a menacing tiger-nose grille. Low profile LED headlights and V-shaped turn-signal indicators give the tiger its eyes. Low-slung fog lamps complete the bold front fascia. The K5 lacks stylish air vents but keeps the chiseled sides and lower rockers for performance-enhancing style.
Both models offer exceptional style combined with performance engineering.
Powerful Engines
You can choose from two available Stinger engines. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, continuously variable valve timing, and direct injection technology is standard. Kia paired this engine with its eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
You can upgrade to the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine with continuously variable valve timing and direct injection technology. This powertrain uses the same eight-speed automatic transmission; it pumps out 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, and it goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
Under the K5’s hood, you’ll find a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. This engine features continuously variable valve duration and gasoline direct injection technology. Kia pairs this engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.
A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is standard in the GT trim and available as an upgrade on the others. This engine uses double overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder but switches up the valve train to a continuously variable valve timing system with multi-port injection. This powertrain impresses when mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission that puts out 290 horsepower, 311 pound-feet of torque, and travels from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
The K5 and Stinger both have plenty of power, but if you want a thrill ride, go for the Stinger.
Performance Engineering
The Stinger’s rear-wheel-drive system delivers capable performance, but the all-wheel drive with torque vectoring offers exceptional control under challenging road conditions. This all-wheel-drive system intelligently modulates torque between axles to improve cornering and straight-line grip. An electronically controlled suspension with a limited-slip differential offers tuned chassis feedback, superior lateral grip, and smooth power on demand.
Five selectable drive modes let you dial in your suspension, steering, and throttle to match the road conditions. With this kind of power, you’ll appreciate the high-performance Brembo braking system with its two-piston rear calipers and four-piston front calipers.
A sport-tuned suspension on the K5 GT trim outperformed the competition in the wet and dry slalom course at high speeds. An updated chassis and Pirelli P Zero tires give the K5 tight control cornering and straight-line grip. An available all-wheel-drive system enhances traction by distributing torque to the wheels with the most traction.
From a pure performance standpoint, the Stinger is slightly more agile than the K5. The result is another slight edge for the Stinger.
Interior Comfort and Convenience
The Stinger’s aviation-inspired interior is evident in the circular-spoked air vents, a floating touch screen, and wing-like dashboard design. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats with heating and ventilation options, and metallic accents give you a refined look and feel.
A Harman Kardon premium audio system with 15 speakers turns your Stinger’s cabin into a sound production stage. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity let you sync your smartphones for hands-free operation with the 8-inch touch screen. Now you can send and receive calls, stream your favorite music, access navigation, and more with simple, intuitive voice commands.
You’ll feel like a pilot in the K5’s cockpit. Leather seats with heating and ventilation are standard. Upscale finishes and high-tech displays add sophisticated style to this spacious cabin. A 10.5-inch touch screen lets you sync your smart devices with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. A more spacious cabin, a larger touch screen, and premium materials give the K5 the edge in this department.
Driver-Assist Technology
Now you can equip your Stinger or K5 with a suite of driver-assist systems designed to elevate your drive while keeping you safer. The suite includes smart cruise control with stop and go, which uses radar to keep your Kia at a preset speed and distance while in traffic. The system slows you down as the car ahead slows, even to a complete stop. When the way ahead clears, the system will return you to your preset speed and distance.
The forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection scans the road ahead for potential obstacles or people, alerting you with visual and audio cues. Should you fail to react in time, the system can provide emergency brake support to lessen or avoid a possible accident. A blind-spot collision warning uses similar technology to alert you when vehicles enter your blind spots.
The lane-keeping assist system tracks your vehicle within marked lanes, providing gentle steering correction to keep you centered. A low-beam assist dynamic system automatically adjusts the headlights’ direction as you enter corners, allowing you a clearer field of vision.
Both the Stinger and K5 have the same driver-assist systems.
At Huffines Kia McKinney, we know what sport sedan drivers want. That’s why we have the largest selection of K5 and Stinger models in the region. We invite you to browse our inventory online or visit our showroom. We are conveniently located at 1201 North Central Expressway in McKinney, Texas. One of our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to show you both sedans and let you test drive your favorite.
Image via Flickr by automobileitalia