DecodedCars2021 Kia Stinger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- V6 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 252–365 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 190.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,129 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 365 hp, versus about 252 hp for similar 2021 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Kia Stinger is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.3L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,129 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 9% worse than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Stinger — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Stinger →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Sohari, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2021 Stinger configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 4dr Sedan | 190.2 in | 73.6 in | 55.1 in | 114.6 in | 63 / 64.6 in | 4,129 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stinger RWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 365 |
| Stinger AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -12% | $3,400 | 368 |
| Stinger AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -27% | $4,100 | 449 |
| Stinger RWD | 3.3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -27% | $4,100 | 446 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Stinger 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 8.7% |
| 2021 Kia Stinger 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 8.7% |
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Stinger (this car) | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (5)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger › Hoses/Plumbing · Mar 1, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V169000 · 36,248 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 26, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC300.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Sep 13, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V634000 · 18,224 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the engine control unit software, inspect, and replace the fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC281.
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Fuel Gauge · Nov 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V862000 · 53 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC219.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Sep 16, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V560000 · 635 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Insufficient fuel supply to the engine can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel pump and replace the jet nozzle housing assembly, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC198.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Aug 27, 2020 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 20V518000 · 28,200 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 compartment fire may occur in the area where the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) is located.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuse kit in the electrical junction box, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 30, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC196.
Not every 2021 Kia Stinger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Kia Stinger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 4 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 1,200 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Stinger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Stinger years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Stinger | 25 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 5 |
| 2022 Stinger | 25 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 18 |
| 2020 Stinger | 25 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 16 |
| 2019 Stinger | 25 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 44 |
| 2018 Stinger | 25 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 71 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →