If you’ve been looking at sport sedans, you’ve probably come across the Kia Stinger and INFINITI Q50 S by now. Both have various selling points, but shoppers find it challenging to compare with all the new technology and equipment options. That’s why we created this head-to-head model guide to help you make an informed decision.
Curb Appeal
Both four-door sedans feature sharp lines accentuated by soft curves. The INFINITI Q50 S has an angular front fascia with LED headlights that frame the small hexagonal grille. The Kia Stinger has a more pronounced front facade with a broader, more aggressive grille with LED headlights and a bulging hood. In addition, the Kia Stinger sits lower, wider, and longer than the Q50 S for a more athletic posture.
Both use 18-inch alloy wheels in various styles, but the Stinger GT-2 features 19-inch wheels for a sport-inspired look with low-profile Michelin tires. You also find side air vents on the Stinger that improve engine performance and aerodynamics.
Under the Hood
Kia put a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with continuously variable valve timing and gasoline direct injection technology. They paired this engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain puts out an incredible 368 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. The Kia Stinger uses a valved exhaust system and has a launch control to improve straight-line acceleration. Add in steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and you get one thrilling drive.
INFINITI uses a 3.0-liter V-6 engine, also with continuously variable valve timing. When paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain produces 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Q50 S does have a manual shifting option with rev-matching to improve the driver’s connection to the vehicle.
Both vehicles come with capable rear-wheel-drive systems, or you can opt for all-wheel-drive for more control. Both vehicle’s systems monitor g-forces and wheel spin to adjust power between axles. The Stinger takes all-wheel drive a step further with its Dynamic Torque Vectoring system that works with an electronically controlled transfer case for more responsive performance.
The Kia Stinger uses a Macpherson front strut suspension with a stabilizer bar and a 5-link multi-link rear suspension with high-performance dampers. This electronically controlled suspension system uses five sensors to monitor wheel spin and vehicle motions. With this data, the system continuously adjusts the suspension system for more responsive control.
On the INFINITI Q50 S, you get a double-wishbone front suspension system with a stabilizer bar. INFINITI also uses a dynamic digital suspension system to read and react to the road conditions and driver input. However, this system only comes on the upper trims.
It comes as no surprise that the INFINITI Q50 S’s smaller engine gets better fuel economy. The Q50 S’s 3.0-liter engine delivers 20 mpg city driving, 29 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. Still, with all the added power of the Stinger’s 3.3-liter V-6, the fuel economy numbers don’t come down that much. So you still enjoy 18 mpg city driving, 25 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined.
Interior Comfort
Inside the Stinger, you’ll find Nappa leather upholstery and a 16-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with a 4-way power air-cell lumbar adjustment, a two-way side bolsters, and a cushioned thigh extension for premium comfort. Heating and ventilating front seats and heated rear seats are standard features.
The INFINITI Q50 S uses semi-aniline leather upholstery with an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. It also offers lumbar support and a thigh extension. No heating or ventilation options exist for the Q50 S.
Both vehicles come with a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shift knob. In addition, the Stinger’s steering wheel features a sport-inspired flat bottom for improved steering and ergonomic comfort. The Stinger also comes with aluminum trim, door sills, and sport pedals.
On the base model Q50 S you get aluminum trim, but you have the option for natural wood and carbon fiber appointments on the upper trims.
In-Vehicle Tech
Your Stinger’s in-vehicle tech runs through the 10.25-inch touchscreen powered by Kia’s UvoLink. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth capability enable you to sync your cellphones seamlessly. You can make calls, access your favorite apps, get navigation information, and more hands-free using intuitive voice commands. Stinger comes with a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports.
The Q50 S’s technology makes use of a seven and an eight-inch touchscreen, one atop the other and powered by INFINITI’s InTouch technology package. You also get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth streaming capability for the hands-free operation of your smart devices.
Driver-Assist Systems
Kia includes Drive Wise, a suite of driver-assist systems, in every Stinger. These systems use a combination of radar and optical sensors to monitor your Stinger’s surroundings. When a system detects a possible problem, it alerts you with audio and visual cues. In some cases, these systems can intervene with emergency braking and steering support to help mitigate or avoid a possible accident.
Drive Wise includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, safe exit assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and avoidance, lane keeping, lane following, driver attention warning, and navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go capability.
Automatic emergency braking works with the forward-collision warning system to alert you to potential obstacles ahead and braking should you fail to react in time. It also works with the rear cross-traffic alert and smart cruise control systems to help you avoid possible collisions.
INFINITI’s Q50 S also comes with a suite of driver-assist systems. INFINITI’s suite includes similar functionality and performance, making it a pleasure to drive.
After reviewing the features of both vehicles, it becomes clear that the Kia Stinger has a slight edge over the INFINITI Q50 S. The Stinger’s powerful engine, capable drive train, and superior suspension systems deliver a more thrilling and responsive ride. In addition, more interior comfort and convenience features in the Stinger promise a more pleasurable drive.
At Tom Kadlec Kia, we know what sport sedan lovers want. That’s why we stock an expansive inventory of Kia Stinger sedans. If you’re looking to elevate your Rochester commute with a stylish, powerful, and technologically advanced sedan, the sporty Stinger makes the most sense. We invite you to browse our inventory online or stop by our dealership on U.S. 52 North at any time. One of our friendly, professional staff will show you the different Stinger models and let you take your favorite for a spin.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.