Compare the2023 Kia StingerVS 2021 Volkswagen GTI

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

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Stinger are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The GTI doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Kia Stinger has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GTI doesn’t offer knee airbags.

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 GTI doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Stinger offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The GTI doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Stinger GT2 has a standard Surround View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The GTI 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’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 GTI doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Stinger and the GTI have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The Kia Stinger weighs 604 to 1043 pounds more than the Volkswagen GTI. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

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 Volkswagen GTI:

	Stinger	GTI
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	161	454
Neck Injury Risk	18.3%	33%
Neck Stress	137 lbs.	352 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	220	220
Neck Injury Risk	36.6%	37%
Neck Stress	173 lbs.	174 lbs.
Neck Compression	32 lbs.	62 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	53/25 lbs.	305/150 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 post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Kia Stinger is safer than the Volkswagen GTI:

	Stinger	GTI
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	36 G’s	45 G’s
Hip Force	752 lbs.	834 lbs.

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

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Stinger, with its five-star roll-over rating, is 4.7% less likely to roll over than the GTI, which received a four-star rating.

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, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, with its optional vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Stinger its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 80 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The GTI last would have qualified as only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2019.

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 GTI’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 Volkswagen covers the GTI. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the GTI ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 21 percent more Kia dealers than there are Volkswagen dealers, which makes it 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 GTI’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Stinger’s reliability 17 points higher than the GTI.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia above average in initial quality. With 66 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia first in reliability, above the industry average. With 72 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 21st.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Kia 9 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The Stinger GT-Line’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 72 more horsepower (300 vs. 228) and 53 lbs.-ft. more torque (311 vs. 258) than the GTI’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Stinger 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 GTI’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Kia Stinger is faster than the Volkswagen GTI (automatics tested):

	Stinger GT-Line	Stinger GT2	GTI
Zero to 60 MPH	5.7 sec	4.6 sec	6 sec
Quarter Mile	14.1 sec	13.1 sec	14.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	101.8 MPH	106.9 MPH	98.4 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

Regardless of its engine, the Stinger’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. Volkswagen only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the GTI Automatic.

The Stinger has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the GTI (15.9 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

The Kia Stinger comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the GTI.

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 GTI.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	Stinger GT-Line	Stinger GT2	GTI
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	13.8 inches	13.4 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.4 inches	12.2 inches

The Stinger stops much shorter than the GTI:

	Stinger	GTI
70 to 0 MPH	156 feet	163 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	104 feet	129 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

The Stinger GT2’s 255/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GTI’s 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Stinger GT2 has standard 19-inch wheels. The GTI’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Suspension and Handling

The Stinger has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The GTI’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Stinger’s wheelbase is 10.8 inches longer than on the GTI (114.4 inches vs. 103.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Stinger is 2.2 inches wider in the front and 4.5 inches wider in the rear than the track on the GTI.

The Stinger’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.9% to 48.1%) than the GTI’s (60.4% to 39.6%). This gives the Stinger more stable handling and braking.

The Stinger GT2 handles at .92 G’s, while the GTI SE pulls only .87 G’s of cornering force in a Road and Track skidpad test.

The Stinger executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the GTI (24.8 seconds @ .79 average G’s vs. 26.1 seconds @ .69 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 GTI (.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, the interior of the Stinger is quieter than the GTI:

	Stinger	GTI
At idle	37 dB	52 dB
Full-Throttle	78 dB	81 dB

Passenger Space

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

The Stinger has 1.4 inches more front legroom, .5 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear legroom and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the GTI.

Cargo Capacity

The Stinger has a much larger trunk with its rear seat up than the GTI with its rear seat up (23.3 vs. 17.4 cubic feet). The Stinger has a much larger trunk with its rear seat folded than the GTI with its rear seat folded (40.9 vs. 24.8 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Stinger. The GTI doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

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

Servicing Ease

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

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 GTI 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 GTI 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 GTI doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

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

The Stinger’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The GTI has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

On a hot day the Stinger’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the GTI can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

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 headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the GTI’s headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Poor.”

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Stinger has standard extendable sun visors. The GTI doesn’t offer extendable visors.

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 GTI’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 GTI offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Stinger and the GTI 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 GTI.

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 GTI 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 GTI doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Stinger has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the GTI Autobahn.

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. The GTI doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Kia Stinger, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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