Kia Stinger on order but now considering GV70 - looking for advice (2.5T vs 3.5T, options)

[Bgstewar]

I realize posting here will be biased towards Genesis but I was hoping to get some guidance. I’m 44 with two kids (5 and 9) going through a terrible divorce. I decided to get my midlife crisis car and reserved a ’22 Stinger GT2 Scorpion edition that will be here within a month. Out the door (MSRP + $3500 dealer required ceramic coating, window tints, etc) came to $62k. As much as I love driving the car (and I mean LOVE), it’s becoming a large amount for a sports sedan made by Kia. And I worry about all the speeding tickets - I have a very heavy foot. I have always been biased towards sedans because of how they drive, and usually hate SUVs because of poor handling, body roll, etc.

About 6 months ago I test drove a GV70 3.5T Sports Prestige and liked it, but wasn’t blown away for the $65k MSRP. The interior of these cars is unbelievable, and I loved how quiet it is. Yesterday for fun I drove a 2.5T Select, which actually impressed me. The engine is peppy (my girlfriend has a new Sorento with the same engine) and the interior is SO nice. What I didn’t like is how LOUD the engine revs at 4000 rpms - really annoying. I don’t love the wheels and lack of options like heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, etc. But $47k is a crazy value for a car as nice as this.

It got me wondering if I should reconsider a GV70. To option it out with the heating elements I’d have to get a fully loaded 3.5T, but I’ve read about problems with the LSD, long repair wait times, etc. Plus I’m not sure I can stomach $65k though I guess I’m close with the Stinger. There are SO many options with the GV70 that it gets a bit confusing. And the wheels I really like are the 21” on the Sports Prestige, but I’ve read it leads to a rough ride and many like the smaller wheels for a smoother ride.

Anyone else here been torn between a sports sedan and this car, and have any guidance? Impressions of the 2.5T vs. 3.5T? I’ve read many don’t like the 3.5T and get terrible mileage. I know it’s the “do you want a sedan or an SUV?” And honestly I’m torn. Plus the options - head spinning! Thanks in advance.

 

[PMCErnie]

Get the cheaper car. Your ex-wife will tell you what to do with the money you saved.

 

[Bgstewar]

Get the cheaper car. Your ex-wife will tell you what to do with the money you saved.

She already gets more than enough, but thanks anyway.

 

[Brice]

I know your pain about divorces. I've got the 3.5 Sport Advanced (MSRP roughly $59K) and I love it. Probably the best vehicle I've ever owned, and it has all the bells & whistles you could ask for. Good luck with your decision and as for your divorce in the end no matter the cost your sanity is well worth it.

 

[etiennewheeler]

I have the 2.5 Sport Prestige. Very happy but if you are a stinger buyer , you may want more power. For me it makes no sense to get more power than you can use . That said I understand why some want more horse power .

I had a 2010 X5 with the wonder BMW 6 cylinder engine. It felt underpowered . Not so with my GV70 . If you can drive both you will have a better feel for your tastes.

 

[Drtsk]

The cloth inserted seats on the 3.5T prestige is very hard and accommodates slightly wider people. So make sure to have plenty of seat time before pulling the trigger on the 3.5 prestige. The ride is not harsh, but the infotainment system, actually all electrical components, can be a hit and miss. Mine worked great 85% of the time. I, too, am a sedan guy and I just didn’t like the GV70 3.5t prestige. Be very careful of talking yourself into a SUV when your a sedan guy. After three months of ownership, I traded it in for a BMW m340i x-drive. Lost little bit of money, but life is too short to live with a car you don’t love driving.

 

[103GV70]

I realize posting here will be biased towards Genesis but I was hoping to get some guidance. I’m 44 with two kids (5 and 9) going through a terrible divorce. I decided to get my midlife crisis car and reserved a ’22 Stinger GT2 Scorpion edition that will be here within a month. Out the door (MSRP + $3500 dealer required ceramic coating, window tints, etc) came to $62k. As much as I love driving the car (and I mean LOVE), it’s becoming a large amount for a sports sedan made by Kia. And I worry about all the speeding tickets - I have a very heavy foot. I have always been biased towards sedans because of how they drive, and usually hate SUVs because of poor handling, body roll, etc.

About 6 months ago I test drove a GV70 3.5T Sports Prestige and liked it, but wasn’t blown away for the $65k MSRP. The interior of these cars is unbelievable, and I loved how quiet it is. Yesterday for fun I drove a 2.5T Select, which actually impressed me. The engine is peppy (my girlfriend has a new Sorento with the same engine) and the interior is SO nice. What I didn’t like is how LOUD the engine revs at 4000 rpms - really annoying. I don’t love the wheels and lack of options like heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, etc. But $47k is a crazy value for a car as nice as this.

It got me wondering if I should reconsider a GV70. To option it out with the heating elements I’d have to get a fully loaded 3.5T, but I’ve read about problems with the LSD, long repair wait times, etc. Plus I’m not sure I can stomach $65k though I guess I’m close with the Stinger. There are SO many options with the GV70 that it gets a bit confusing. And the wheels I really like are the 21” on the Sports Prestige, but I’ve read it leads to a rough ride and many like the smaller wheels for a smoother ride.

Anyone else here been torn between a sports sedan and this car, and have any guidance? Impressions of the 2.5T vs. 3.5T? I’ve read many don’t like the 3.5T and get terrible mileage. I know it’s the “do you want a sedan or an SUV?” And honestly I’m torn. Plus the options - head spinning! Thanks in advance.

If you're coming from a stinger, you may not feel the difference of the ride of the 21" wheels. I have the 2.5 sport prestige and don't notice any harshness/ride quality with the rims. Then again, I prefer this type of ride vs the 'floating' feeling

 

[Bgstewar]

I have the 2.5 Sport Prestige. Very happy but if you are a stinger buyer , you may want more power. For me it makes no sense to get more power than you can use . That said I understand why some want more horse power .

I had a 2010 X5 with the wonder BMW 6 cylinder engine. It felt underpowered . Not so with my GV70 . If you can drive both you will have a better feel for your tastes.

The hard part is finding both engines on a dealer lot to test drive - it’s impossible. Such a crazy time to buy a car but my current 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is crapping out and it’s time to upgrade. Essentially my local Genesis dealer is just taking orders (4-6 months) unless they happen to get one that randomly shows up and it ticks all the boxes.

I didn’t like the engine noise in the 2.5T but it was still peppy so I’m not sure it’s worth the $10k for the 3.5T until I try both. What are the seats like in the Sport Advanced (leather with mesh inserts)?

 

[Zeus69]

I have the 3.5T Sport Prestige and love it. Every bell and whistle. Was lucky to pay MSRP back in October before the dealers started upcharging. With adaptive suspension, the ride on the 21s is great. Yes, the gas mileage stinks, especially if you push it in "Sport" mode. But it's a great blend of luxury and athleticism-on-demand. This is a very personal choice so don't base it on what brings others pleasure.

Sorry about the divorce. I went through a nasty one at age 41 (also with two kids). It was right after purchasing my midlife "goal" car (wanted an M3 since I was in my early 20s). Feared I'd have to sell it, but it became symbolic of my effort to not let the legal fallout win. And besides, f#@k her.

 

[Cannon]

I would have liked the 3.5, but since the wife is primarily driving this one, I kind of steered her to the 2.5. She tends to have a heavy foot.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[jetrep]

That sure seems like a lot of money to pay for a Stinger. Neither will have amazing resale but it seems like the money would be better sunk into a Genesis. I assume the 2.5L is the same as what's in our Santa Fe. It's an impressively potent engine but definitely not the smoothest once the revs get up there. 2.5L is getting on the big side of four cylinder engines (you'll notice the vast majority are 2L or less these days).

 

[G3NES1S]

if you're a sedan guy, you may want to consider the new G80 Sport. it will be the most expensive option at $71k+ but it may be worth it all things considered.

 

[Bgstewar]

if you're a sedan guy, you may want to consider the new G80 Sport. it will be the most expensive option at $71k+ but it may be worth it all things considered.

Yeah I thought about that but then we go from a $45k GV70 to a $71k G80 and the goalposts just move further up. We get into BMW M territory there, and it's mostly out of my budget anyway.

I agree $62k all in on a Stinger is a LOT. I like the GV70 but really don't like any of the wheels they offer and hate that you have to spend $65k to get HUD and heated rear seats when you can get that on a $45k car. I don't have hope that 2023 will change any of that so it all comes down to what you want and what you're willing to spend. Appreciate all the input nonetheless!

 

[MrBuddha]

The cloth inserted seats on the 3.5T prestige is very hard and accommodates slightly wider people. So make sure to have plenty of seat time before pulling the trigger on the 3.5 prestige. The ride is not harsh, but the infotainment system, actually all electrical components, can be a hit and miss. Mine worked great 85% of the time. I, too, am a sedan guy and I just didn’t like the GV70 3.5t prestige. Be very careful of talking yourself into a SUV when your a sedan guy. After three months of ownership, I traded it in for a BMW m340i x-drive. Lost little bit of money, but life is too short to live with a car you don’t love driving.

This doesn't get mentioned enough - I like my GV70 but the seats are definitely too damn wide IMO. It's the one thing that will make me trade my 2.5t Prestige at some point.

 

[G3NES1S]

Yeah I thought about that but then we go from a $45k GV70 to a $71k G80 and the goalposts just move further up. We get into BMW M territory there, and it's mostly out of my budget anyway.

I agree $62k all in on a Stinger is a LOT. I like the GV70 but really don't like any of the wheels they offer and hate that you have to spend $65k to get HUD and heated rear seats when you can get that on a $45k car. I don't have hope that 2023 will change any of that so it all comes down to what you want and what you're willing to spend. Appreciate all the input nonetheless!

I hear ya, but as the saying goes: you get what you pay for. have you checked out owner reviews for the Stinger? I too was very interested in a fully loaded Stinger but seeing the 6mo & 1 yr owner reviews, the quality just isnt there, stuff is already falling apart esp the cheap plastic interior. thats when I decided to take a look at the Genesis products. not to dissuade you from Kia's but if they offer certain features at $45k you have to wonder where they cut corners to meet that pricepoint.

and totally agree, for that kinda top-end money you're approaching M territory. I've grown out of the sports car phase & in to a luxury car phase now so thats why I'm considering the G80 Sport. but for a while I did consider the M340i. however, just cant beat the overall package on offer at Genesis - the products are amazing, the quality/reliability is now the big question mark. even with a 10 yr warranty, the dealership experience may be lacking.

 

[Carfreak]

Been there done that. I had a 2021 Stinger GT1 for a few months and loved it. Why only a few months? Because I was in terrible motorcycle accident and broke my back at age 60 the Stinger had to go. This was a year ago and as the CHIP/CHINA issue built I had no problem convincing the dealer to close out my lease as they turned it and made more money... thank you China.

So now I wanted a high performance SUV for the seating height. Enter the Genesis GV70. I was able to score the top trim 3.5 in June before anyone even knew they were out. Hell the dealer was surprised he had gotten 5 of them. I had my eye on this vehicle so I took a leap and leased it.

To keep this short... this is a lot more car than the Stinger. No it will not stay as flat in the corners but other than that it's the equal performance wise. Yep I did have the dreaded eLSD issue and they had to blow out the rear end to replace it. All seems fine now and I love the vehicle.

I'm a car guy and have had many of the best. As much as the "SUV soccer mom" thing is out there I now find them a better option. More comfortable and more room. Yes the Stinger is great with its hatch back but the GV70 will tick more boxes..

 

[Bgstewar]

I hear ya, but as the saying goes: you get what you pay for. have you checked out owner reviews for the Stinger? I too was very interested in a fully loaded Stinger but seeing the 6mo & 1 yr owner reviews, the quality just isnt there, stuff is already falling apart esp the cheap plastic interior. thats when I decided to take a look at the Genesis products. not to dissuade you from Kia's but if they offer certain features at $45k you have to wonder where they cut corners to meet that pricepoint.

and totally agree, for that kinda top-end money you're approaching M territory. I've grown out of the sports car phase & in to a luxury car phase now so thats why I'm considering the G80 Sport. but for a while I did consider the M340i. however, just cant beat the overall package on offer at Genesis - the products are amazing, the quality/reliability is now the big question mark. even with a 10 yr warranty, the dealership experience may be lacking.

These are valid points - thanks for listing them. The Genesis dealership is so strange. My local one is in an old Subaru dealership that is tiny with about 6 parking spots. The client service so far has been good but like many other places, they have almost no inventory. Such a terrible time to be buying a car given this market.

Admittedly I'm in a similar boat as you and looking for more luxury. Overall I place high priorities on value and driving satisfaction. I had so much fun test driving a V6 Stinger, though you might be right in that it may not hold up over time. I'm fearful of the German car maintenance everyone talks about, though am drawn to Audi/BMW and have never actually driven one. I have always enjoyed driving sedans over SUVs, but that doesn't mean there isn't a compromise. I drove my dad's Explorer "Sport" and an Edge ST and both times felt like I was driving a bus - it was horrible. Meanwhile my sister is telling me to get a Mazda CX-5 but I just don't think I can do it.

I was super impressed with the quality of the interior of the GV70, and it was pretty peppy (the 2.5T). The design is striking though the rear end is strange on any of the models and I hate all the wheels they offer. The value is certainly there, but time will tell on how they hold up.

 

[Carfreak]

Your sister is smart. While it might not be as " sexy" the CX-5 or CX-9 are solid bets. Great driving dynamics and they are bulletproof.. Mazda is over looked way too much.

 

[kennedygv70]

I realize posting here will be biased towards Genesis but I was hoping to get some guidance. I’m 44 with two kids (5 and 9) going through a terrible divorce. I decided to get my midlife crisis car and reserved a ’22 Stinger GT2 Scorpion edition that will be here within a month. Out the door (MSRP + $3500 dealer required ceramic coating, window tints, etc) came to $62k. As much as I love driving the car (and I mean LOVE), it’s becoming a large amount for a sports sedan made by Kia. And I worry about all the speeding tickets - I have a very heavy foot. I have always been biased towards sedans because of how they drive, and usually hate SUVs because of poor handling, body roll, etc.

About 6 months ago I test drove a GV70 3.5T Sports Prestige and liked it, but wasn’t blown away for the $65k MSRP. The interior of these cars is unbelievable, and I loved how quiet it is. Yesterday for fun I drove a 2.5T Select, which actually impressed me. The engine is peppy (my girlfriend has a new Sorento with the same engine) and the interior is SO nice. What I didn’t like is how LOUD the engine revs at 4000 rpms - really annoying. I don’t love the wheels and lack of options like heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, etc. But $47k is a crazy value for a car as nice as this.

It got me wondering if I should reconsider a GV70. To option it out with the heating elements I’d have to get a fully loaded 3.5T, but I’ve read about problems with the LSD, long repair wait times, etc. Plus I’m not sure I can stomach $65k though I guess I’m close with the Stinger. There are SO many options with the GV70 that it gets a bit confusing. And the wheels I really like are the 21” on the Sports Prestige, but I’ve read it leads to a rough ride and many like the smaller wheels for a smoother ride.

Anyone else here been torn between a sports sedan and this car, and have any guidance? Impressions of the 2.5T vs. 3.5T? I’ve read many don’t like the 3.5T and get terrible mileage. I know it’s the “do you want a sedan or an SUV?” And honestly I’m torn. Plus the options - head spinning! Thanks in advance.

I just personally purchased a GV70 2.5T Advanced and I have to say I am so in love! I previously owned a 2015 Infiniti QX70 and a 2020 Nissan Armada and this is by far the greatest car I’ve ever owned. The interior quality is unmatched, the engine is very peppy (although turbo lag is a big issue), and the looks of it are amazing in my opinion. The Stinger would be an excellent choice but I personally prefer the luxury experience of a Genesis model.

 

[De’Sean]

I have the 2.5 Sport Prestige. Very happy but if you are a stinger buyer , you may want more power. For me it makes no sense to get more power than you can use . That said I understand why some want more horse power .

I had a 2010 X5 with the wonder BMW 6 cylinder engine. It felt underpowered . Not so with my GV70 . If you can drive both you will have a better feel for your tastes.

Waiting on my 2.5 sports prestige to come in next month. Will it have the climate controls in the rear? I’ve seen some 2.5 with and without!