Compare the2022 Kia StingerVS 2020 Audi A3 Sedan

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The Stinger has standard Active Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The A3 Sedan doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Stinger’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the A3 Sedan and is only available on A3 Sedan Premium Plus.

The Stinger GT2 has a standard Surround View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The A3 Sedan only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

The Stinger has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the A3 Sedan’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Stinger has a standard cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Cross-path warning costs extra on the A3 Sedan.

The Stinger’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The A3 Sedan doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

The Stinger has standard 911 Connect, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The A3 Sedan doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Stinger and the A3 Sedan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Kia Stinger is safer than the Audi A3 Sedan:

	Stinger	A3 Sedan
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	161	217
Neck Injury Risk	18.3%	45%
Neck Stress	137 lbs.	427 lbs.
Neck Compression	62 lbs.	143 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	97/355 lbs.	461/426 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Kia Stinger is safer than the Audi A3 Sedan:

	Stinger	A3 Sedan
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	119	172
Chest Movement	1.1 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	197 G’s	219 G’s
Hip Force	252 lbs.	308 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	263	277
Hip Force	571 lbs.	777 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	310	333
Spine Acceleration	36 G’s	47 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, with its optional vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, with its optional vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Stinger the rating of “Top Pick” for 2021, a rating granted to only 110 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The A3 Sedan has not been fully tested, yet.

Warranty

The Stinger comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The A3 Sedan’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the Stinger 6 years and 50,000 miles longer than Audi covers the A3 Sedan. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the A3 Sedan ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 3 times as many Kia dealers as there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Stinger’s warranty.

Reliability

The battery on the Stinger is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Stinger’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The A3 Sedan’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 89 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia third in reliability, above the industry average. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 20th.

Engine

The Stinger GT-Line’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 116 more horsepower (300 vs. 184) and 90 lbs.-ft. more torque (311 vs. 221) than the A3 Sedan 40 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Stinger GT-Line’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 72 more horsepower (300 vs. 228) and 53 lbs.-ft. more torque (311 vs. 258) than the A3 Sedan 45 TFSI’s optional 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Stinger GT1/GT2’s standard 3.3 turbo V6 produces 140 more horsepower (368 vs. 228) and 118 lbs.-ft. more torque (376 vs. 258) than the A3 Sedan 45 TFSI’s optional 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Stinger GT1/GT2 3.3 turbo V6 is faster than the A3 Sedan 45 TFSI :

	Stinger	A3 Sedan
Zero to 30 MPH	1.8 sec	1.9 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	4.4 sec	5.4 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	10.6 sec	14 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	5 sec	6.3 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	2.5 sec	3.2 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	3.2 sec	4 sec
Quarter Mile	12.9 sec	14 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	111 MPH	100 MPH
Top Speed	167 MPH	129 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

The Stinger has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 Sedan 40 TFSI’s standard fuel tank (15.9 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Stinger has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the A3 Sedan 45 TFSI Quattro’s standard fuel tank (15.9 vs. 14.5 gallons).

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Kia Stinger, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the A3 Sedan.

The Stinger GT1/GT2’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s at 2250 in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The A3 Sedan doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Stinger’s brake rotors are larger than those on the A3 Sedan:

	Stinger GT-Line	Stinger GT1/GT2	A3 Sedan 40 TFSI	A3 Sedan Quattro 45 TFSI
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	13.8 inches	12.3 inches	13.4 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.4 inches	10.7 inches	12.2 inches

The Stinger GT1/GT2’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the A3 Sedan are solid, not vented.

The Stinger stops much shorter than the A3 Sedan:

	Stinger	A3 Sedan
80 to 0 MPH	217 feet	219 feet	Road and Track
60 to 0 MPH	104 feet	121 feet	Motor Trend

Suspension and Handling

The Stinger offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The A3 Sedan’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Stinger’s wheelbase is 10.6 inches longer than on the A3 Sedan (114.4 inches vs. 103.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Stinger is 1.6 inches wider in the front and 4.1 inches wider in the rear than the track on the A3 Sedan.

The Stinger’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.9% to 48.1%) than the A3 Sedan’s (58.1% to 41.9%). This gives the Stinger more stable handling and braking.

The Stinger GT2 handles at .91 G’s, while the A3 Sedan Premium Quattro pulls only .87 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Stinger executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.1 seconds quicker than the A3 Sedan Premium Quattro (24.8 seconds @ .79 average G’s vs. 25.9 seconds @ .76 average G’s).

Chassis

The design of the Kia Stinger amounts to more than styling. The Stinger has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .3 Cd. That is lower than the A3 Sedan (.33) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Stinger get better fuel mileage.

As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the Stinger is quieter than the A3 Sedan Premium Quattro (37 vs. 41 dB).

Passenger Space

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Stinger a Mid-size car, while the A3 Sedan is rated a Subcompact.

The Stinger has 7.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the A3 Sedan (93.8 vs. 86).

The Stinger has 1.8 inches more front headroom, 1.4 inches more front legroom, 1.6 inches more front shoulder room, .9 inches more rear headroom, 1.3 inches more rear legroom and 1.8 inches more rear shoulder room than the A3 Sedan.

Cargo Capacity

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Stinger GT2’s power trunk can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Stinger’s power trunk can also be opened or closed by pressing a button. The A3 Sedan doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Stinger is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the A3 Sedan. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The Stinger has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The A3 Sedan doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

Ergonomics

The Stinger has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The A3 Sedan doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When two different drivers share the Stinger GT2, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position (with optional power wheel adjuster) and outside mirror angle. The A3 Sedan doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Stinger GT2’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The A3 Sedan doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Stinger GT2 has a standard heads-up display that projects speed and other key instrumentation readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The A3 Sedan doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Stinger’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The A3 Sedan’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Stinger’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the A3 Sedan’s headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Poor.”

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Stinger GT2 has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The A3 Sedan doesn’t offer cornering lights.

When the Stinger GT2 is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The A3 Sedan’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Stinger’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The A3 Sedan offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Stinger and the A3 Sedan have standard heated front seats. The Stinger GT2 also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the A3 Sedan.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Stinger GT2 keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The A3 Sedan doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Stinger’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The A3 Sedan doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Kia Stinger has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the A3 Sedan Premium Plus offers wireless charging.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Kia Stinger and the Audi A3 Sedan, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Stinger third among compact premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The A3 Sedan isn’t in the top three in its category.