Kia Stinger interior, tech and comfort
- Good standard driving position
- Plenty of adjustability from electric seats and wheel
- Materials, buttons and dials don’t feel particularly high quality
Kia has clearly made an effort to lift the Stinger’s interior beyond its usual fare. Sadly, it’s only partially succeeded. On the plus side the driving position, clarity of dials and head-up display are excellent, plus there’s plenty of storage space dotted around the cabin.
However, while some of the materials used in the cabin look impressively premium, it’s a different story once you interact with them. Many of the buttons feel plasticky, while the materials used on the top of the dashboard and major control panels are a downgrade on the Stinger’s German rivals.
And while overall interior layout is acceptable, it’s far from perfect. The disappointingly-understated drive mode dial is too far back and forces you to contort your hand awkwardly in order to reach, with the same problem also affecting the heated/cooled seat and parking camera controls.
The placement of the mirror switches by the grab handle can also result in you pressing them by accident when closing the door.
Infotainment and tech
The infotainment system received an update in 2020, adopting the same menu system as the newer Sorento SUV. While this means it’s the most up to date, it’s also far from perfect. The 10.25-inch touchscreen is big enough, but some simple functions are buried within the menus, so they require one too many presses on the screen to get to.
The icons could also be a little bigger on some layouts, as they’re a little too easy to miss while driving, or a little difficult to read. Thankfully, you can fall back on Android Auto or Apple Carplay if you connect your phone. Plus, there’s Bluetooth connectivy and a wireless phone charger.
The driver’s analogue dials are clear and easy to read, but trip computer screen is pretty limited when it comes to functionality, showing basic sat-nav instructions rather than mapping, as well as being unable to scroll through the media system.
Is it comfortable?
- Impressive ride comfort on GT S models
- Good refinement levels
- Comfy, electrically adjustable front seats
The standard-fit memory-function electric seats are squashy, supportive and come in exceptionally-handy if you’re regularly going to have two different drivers using the Stinger. There’s a wide range of adjustment, allowing you to sit nice and low or so high that the roof headlining comes into view and makes the windscreen appear narrower than it actually is. This feels far less claustrophobic to sit in than say, a Jaguar XE.
Heated and cooled front seats come as standard, plus heated outer rear seats.
All models come with adaptive suspension and it feels well-damped and fleet-footed when it needs to be, but calm and pliant-enough if you’re on a long drive.
The 19-inch wheels do mean there is a noticeable edge to the ride if you run over sharp bumps or cracks in the road, however nowhere near enough to make the car feel uncomfortable or unsettled.
The ride on earlier models without adaptive suspension, however, struggle to settle at low speeds over uneven roads and slightly spoils the car’s otherwise impressive refinement.
Road and wind noise levels are pleasantly low up until motorway speeds, while the smooth engine is hushed for the majority of the time, making a pleasing sound at low speeds. Despite the quad pipes, the exhaust is muted as well, which is a bit of a shame if you wanted more theatre.
At least the powerful sound system manages to drown out any unwanted noise with ease.
