There are reports about the 2021 Kia Stinger facelift out there. Let’s have a look at the possible changes & improvements.
When the Kia Stinger sports sedan first hit the U.S. market a couple of years ago, it became an instant hit with car enthusiasts.
That’s perhaps no surprise given how fun the Stinger is to drive.
Being the fastest Kia model ever, the eye-catching sporty sedan comes available with a variety of different engine and drivetrain options, making it the perfect alternative to the countless European models currently occupying the sports sedan segment.
There is a lot to love about this vehicle, but it’s about to get even better when Kia delivers a mid-cycle refresh!
The changes are, reportedly, already being worked on at Kia R&D headquarters in South Korea, with the Stinger facelift rumored to arrive for the 2021 model year.
Let’s have a look at what changes consumers can expect from the refreshed 2021 Kia Stinger.
Possible changes to the 2021 Kia Stinger
- Release date: second half of 2020
- Exterior changes: minor exterior styling tweaks expected
- Interior: 10.25-inch display, digital cluster gauges, other minor improvements
- Engine specs: 2,5L 4-cyl. and 3,5L V6 GDI replacing existing engines
- Transmission: 8-speed DCT
- Colors: new colors to be introduced
- Hybrid: no plans to launch the Stinger hybrid
- All-electric variant: rumored to be launched in the future, but arrival not known at this point
2021 Kia Stinger U.S. release date & styling tweaks
Heading into the 2021 model year, Kia will deliver a refreshed version of the Stinger, with tweaks made to the exterior, as well as upgrades to the cabin.
There are not expected to be a great deal of changes made on the outside, but that is not the case with the interior. We expect to see upgraded materials inside, plus the addition of a new 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system and addition of the new digital instrument clusters.
The word we are hearing is that the refreshed Stinger will appear in the United States as a 2021 model in the later part of next year. No official announcement has been made by Kia yet!
Kia Smartstream engine tech & AWD
One of the biggest rumors surrounding the refreshed Stinger sports sedan is in regards to the potential engine upgrade.
Kia recently unveiled a new “Smartstream” engine family, which consists of a 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo and a 3.5L V6 turbo engines. Both of which are expected to replace the 2.0-liter and 3.3-liter turbo units used in the current Stinger.
Both new engines will be mated to an 8-speed DCT automatic transmission. AWD will still be available as an optional upgrade.
All-electric Kia Stinger
Some of the reports also suggest that an all-electric version of the Stinger may be on the way in the not too distant future.
While that is definitely something to keep an eye on, we do not expect to see the Stinger EV model arrive with this refresh. There are also no immediate plans for a Stinger hybrid model.
Upcoming Stinger facelift news
With the upcoming facelift, an already great vehicle is about to get a whole lot better. We will keep you updated on all the latest rumors and news about the 2021 Kia Stinger, so be sure to keep checking in regularly.
