2018 Acura TLX vs Kia Stinger. Thoughts?
05-07-2017, 10:45 PM
#81
Azine Jabroni
Honestly, when a car is clean and new, most of them look pretty upscale. A brand new Chevy has a decent interior until you use it for a while. Better interiors show their true nature after wear and tear. That would be one of my concerns with the Stinger over the TLX. The TLX meets a good standard of quality and will definitely withstand use.
05-07-2017, 11:22 PM
#82
Honestly, when a car is clean and new, most of them look pretty upscale. A brand new Chevy has a decent interior until you use it for a while. Better interiors show their true nature after wear and tear. That would be one of my concerns with the Stinger over the TLX. The TLX meets a good standard of quality and will definitely withstand use.
05-08-2017, 04:07 AM
#83
Suzuka Master
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Bob Lutz has said with robots building most of the car, better materials & common electronics being used across the board the line between a luxury car & a regular one has been permanently blurred. Its being reduced more & more to nameplate vs content
FWIW I would swap out the seats in our Genesis R-Spec coupe for the ones in the 435 in a heartbeat.
FWIW I would swap out the seats in our Genesis R-Spec coupe for the ones in the 435 in a heartbeat.
05-08-2017, 12:08 PM
#84
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You are right, it is a bit more complicated than that. But what he said was correct for the most part. Just look at the drivetrain setups for example, the tucson and sportage are platform mates and share a lot, however the sportage offers a 2.0T while the largest engine in the tucson is a 1.6T. The 2007-2012 santa fe and 2011-2013 Sorento were on the same platform and believe me, my 2012 Sorento handles NOTHING like my 2009 santa fe or my 2007 santa fe limited before that despite both having 18" wheels. The santa fe is floaty and soft, soft electric power steering. Whereas the Sorento is firm and sporty with true hydraulic and heavy power steering.
Just go and drive the comparable Hyundai to Kia model and you'll see what I mean. Hyundai is trying to be premium, Kia sporty, and Genesis performance luxury. Even in terms of looks, Kias are MUCH more aggressive than their Hyundai counterparts.
Just go and drive the comparable Hyundai to Kia model and you'll see what I mean. Hyundai is trying to be premium, Kia sporty, and Genesis performance luxury. Even in terms of looks, Kias are MUCH more aggressive than their Hyundai counterparts.
I never got a compliment on my TLX, not that I care. Handsome is a stretch, that's exotics category. Happy that you used the word 'decent' powertrain, much more in line with what reviews say.
Acura had to pretty much give them away to make room for 2018s. They for sure didn't sale them at full price for looks or value compared to Lexus. The Stinger got immediate attention at it's reveal. Curious to it's price compared to 2018 TLX. The Stringer was a wow at the auto show whereas the A-spec was more like a "about time, nice, but still no...".
Compared to Kia back then, I'm starting to feel the same with Acura. They are just not that exclusive anymore, much more value oriented than luxury. You say you get looks and compliments, I say I get more of a "why not save with a Honda and get sportiness" looks. The amount of features compared to Kia is starting to get pretty sad. It's always the wait and see with Acura... only to be disappointed again.
Acura had to pretty much give them away to make room for 2018s. They for sure didn't sale them at full price for looks or value compared to Lexus. The Stinger got immediate attention at it's reveal. Curious to it's price compared to 2018 TLX. The Stringer was a wow at the auto show whereas the A-spec was more like a "about time, nice, but still no...".
Compared to Kia back then, I'm starting to feel the same with Acura. They are just not that exclusive anymore, much more value oriented than luxury. You say you get looks and compliments, I say I get more of a "why not save with a Honda and get sportiness" looks. The amount of features compared to Kia is starting to get pretty sad. It's always the wait and see with Acura... only to be disappointed again.
05-08-2017, 11:30 PM
#85
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Kia makes good cars as do lots of manufacturers, although, IMHO, the Stinger is just trying too hard to stand out. Rear isn't bad (very Fusion like), Front is okay (not a big fan of the double grill), but Side lines..not so much. BTW, I do chuckle when I read that folks need a 400 hp car to speed past the jerk drivers. I guess those the "jerks" that are driving at or just over the speed limit. This just in - most of the jerk drivers are usually the ones speeding past and cutting in and out. Ignorance truly is bliss.
I'm also amused when folks derisively refer to Acura Fanboys....on an Acura Forum. Hmmmm.....
I'm also amused when folks derisively refer to Acura Fanboys....on an Acura Forum. Hmmmm.....
05-09-2017, 09:56 AM
#86
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Let's put it this way, if Mercedes, BMW, or Audi came out with the Stinger design and slapped a their badge on it and sold it for $15,000 more, people would be saying it's freakin' awesome. Because it's a Kia, even though it's designed by BMW and Audi designers, and it will be at a reasonable price, people are more critical of it. Hey, I have an idea! Why not buy the Kia Stinger, remove the badge and add an Audi badge on it.
05-09-2017, 10:54 AM
#87
Burning Brakes
Let's put it this way, if Mercedes, BMW, or Audi came out with the Stinger design and slapped a their badge on it and sold it for $15,000 more, people would be saying it's freakin' awesome. Because it's a Kia, even though it's designed by BMW and Audi designers, and it will be at a reasonable price, people are more critical of it. Hey, I have an idea! Why not buy the Kia Stinger, remove the badge and add an Audi badge on it.
05-09-2017, 11:26 AM
#88
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
The S5 looks like a nice car. I think the stinger looks better because the audi looks too boxy especially the front.
The S5 starts at $61,500 Canadian and goes over $71,000. I think the stinger will be 2/3rds the price and perhaps even more reliable if Kia keeps improving on reliability. I would choose the Kia Stinger over the S5 for those reasons, or maybe go for a Lexus instead for the ultimate reliability.
The S5 starts at $61,500 Canadian and goes over $71,000. I think the stinger will be 2/3rds the price and perhaps even more reliable if Kia keeps improving on reliability. I would choose the Kia Stinger over the S5 for those reasons, or maybe go for a Lexus instead for the ultimate reliability.
05-09-2017, 11:30 AM
#89
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Honestly, when a car is clean and new, most of them look pretty upscale. A brand new Chevy has a decent interior until you use it for a while. Better interiors show their true nature after wear and tear. That would be one of my concerns with the Stinger over the TLX. The TLX meets a good standard of quality and will definitely withstand use.
05-09-2017, 12:01 PM
#90
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Let's put it this way, if Mercedes, BMW, or Audi came out with the Stinger design and slapped a their badge on it and sold it for $15,000 more, people would be saying it's freakin' awesome. Because it's a Kia, even though it's designed by BMW and Audi designers, and it will be at a reasonable price, people are more critical of it. Hey, I have an idea! Why not buy the Kia Stinger, remove the badge and add an Audi badge on it.
05-09-2017, 12:40 PM
#91
Azine Jabroni
Fair enough, Acuras have a better track record. Kia is inproving at a great rate so time will tell. I think the single best cost effective thing that Kia can do for the stinger is to give it a special badge, the "kia" badge looks very plain and cheap. Doesn't match the looks of the vehicle. I'm also wondering how fuel efficient the stinger would be because the Acuras are very fuel efficient.
05-09-2017, 03:18 PM
#92
Burning Brakes
The S5 looks like a nice car. I think the stinger looks better because the audi looks too boxy especially the front.
The S5 starts at $61,500 Canadian and goes over $71,000. I think the stinger will be 2/3rds the price and perhaps even more reliable if Kia keeps improving on reliability. I would choose the Kia Stinger over the S5 for those reasons, or maybe go for a Lexus instead for the ultimate reliability.
The S5 starts at $61,500 Canadian and goes over $71,000. I think the stinger will be 2/3rds the price and perhaps even more reliable if Kia keeps improving on reliability. I would choose the Kia Stinger over the S5 for those reasons, or maybe go for a Lexus instead for the ultimate reliability.
05-09-2017, 06:55 PM
#93
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05-10-2017, 11:58 AM
#94
Kia currrently has this pattern on the Optima seats, ford has it on the platinum explorers, Jeep now has it on top trim jeeps with the full leather package, Infiniti has been doing it for a while with the 2009+ FX. I really like it.
05-10-2017, 12:33 PM
#95
Kia currrently has this pattern on the Optima seats, ford has it on the platinum explorers, Jeep now has it on top trim jeeps with the full leather package, Infiniti has been doing it for a while with the 2009+ FX. I really like it.
05-13-2017, 10:46 PM
#96
In terms of "curb appeal" at the NY Auto Show, there weren't many people drawn to the Stinger. However, the new TLX seem to be a popular draw with the crowds there. Both circumstances surprised me.
Then again, this is the New York show, serving the NYC metro area. People here are a little pretentious, and are influenced by the badge.
Then again, this is the New York show, serving the NYC metro area. People here are a little pretentious, and are influenced by the badge.
05-14-2017, 08:46 AM
#97
Azine Jabroni
Honda, Toyota would be at risk of falling into the badge trap, too, but they are active in IndyCar, NASCAR, etc. Kia is a loser brand that will require YEARS of performance models and targeted marketing to be taken seriously.
The performance fans aren't anywhere near the Kia section of the Autoshow.
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F23A4 (05-14-2017)
06-06-2017, 11:34 PM
#98
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
The 2018 Kia Stinger has been released in Korea. Pricing in Korea is as follows:
The Stinger is priced at 35 million won (US$31,000) for 2.0 turbo prime, 37.8 million won (US$34,000) for platinum, 44.6 million won (US$40,000) for 3.3 turbo masters, 48.8 million won (US$ 44,000) for GT, 37.2 million won (US$ 33,000) for 2.2 diesel prime and 40.3 million won (US$36,000) for platinum.
Looks like the top of the line trim is $44,000 US with twin turbo V6 3.3 L and about 365 horsepower. If they have similar pricing in North America, this would be a serious contender to the Acura TLX in terms of value and features. They also have a special "E" badge in Korea, so it doesn't say "Kia" on the vehicle.
The Stinger is priced at 35 million won (US$31,000) for 2.0 turbo prime, 37.8 million won (US$34,000) for platinum, 44.6 million won (US$40,000) for 3.3 turbo masters, 48.8 million won (US$ 44,000) for GT, 37.2 million won (US$ 33,000) for 2.2 diesel prime and 40.3 million won (US$36,000) for platinum.
Looks like the top of the line trim is $44,000 US with twin turbo V6 3.3 L and about 365 horsepower. If they have similar pricing in North America, this would be a serious contender to the Acura TLX in terms of value and features. They also have a special "E" badge in Korea, so it doesn't say "Kia" on the vehicle.
06-07-2017, 01:12 AM
#99
Team Owner
I like Kia's "K" badge. Their North American "KIA" badge is horrendous.
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Christopher. (12-31-2017)
06-07-2017, 02:08 AM
#100
12-31-2017, 06:26 PM
#101
Drifting
I just test drove a Kia Stinger GT2 at the San Diego Car show. The car looks great inside and out and is very quick. Kia claims a 4.7 sec 0-60 and that seemed about right on my short test drive- I had a rare opportunity to try that on a test drive along Harbor drive with no traffic ahead of me.
I think I may have just found my next car! I'm also on the Tesla Model3 wait list, but think the Kia will be more reliable and trouble-free. I have a few months to make up my mind but am now leaning heavily to the Stinger. We already have an electric car and I think two will just be kind of a hassle keeping them both charged.
I have been adverse to the Kia brand name but the more I look at these products the more I think Kia is outplaying Honda/Acura. I have been patiently waiting for Acura's answer to a viable 3G TL replacement and it's been extremely disappointing. Acura: it's time to make a 300+ HP turbo 4/6 with the performance of the Kia Stinger GT2 - STAT!
I think I may have just found my next car! I'm also on the Tesla Model3 wait list, but think the Kia will be more reliable and trouble-free. I have a few months to make up my mind but am now leaning heavily to the Stinger. We already have an electric car and I think two will just be kind of a hassle keeping them both charged.
I have been adverse to the Kia brand name but the more I look at these products the more I think Kia is outplaying Honda/Acura. I have been patiently waiting for Acura's answer to a viable 3G TL replacement and it's been extremely disappointing. Acura: it's time to make a 300+ HP turbo 4/6 with the performance of the Kia Stinger GT2 - STAT!
12-31-2017, 07:54 PM
#102
If you're OK with not having the feeling of acceleration "off the line" that you get from 400+ HP RWD sports cars, the Acura TLX (V6) has *plenty* of power to blow past jerks on the highway with a quick dip of the throttle. I let my friend drive mine the other day - we pulled onto the local interconnect highway after I switched it to "Sport+" for him and just for fun he decides to pass some guy going about 70 and floors it WOT, seemed like barely more than the blink of an eye and we hit 100, fly right past the other guy so easy, and the car's smooth like butter, 100 MPH and it doesn't even feel fast.
But, the TLX is not gonna touch the Stinger in terms of the sheer thrill you're going to feel going from zero to full throttle. The Kia Stinger looks like a sweet car, I would just have to take that Kia badge right off though.
My first thought upon realizing the Kia Stinger is an awesome car: Man that shitty looking "KIA" badge is gonna come RIGHT off if I get one of those, I don't care if there's just an ugly hole left, it's gonna look better than that badge.
Last edited by Christopher.; 12-31-2017 at 07:59 PM.
12-31-2017, 08:06 PM
#103
12-31-2017, 08:26 PM
#104
Burning Brakes
Damn that looks so much like a copy of the 2018 Accord interior:
Attachment 93172
Attachment 93172
12-31-2017, 08:31 PM
#105
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RDX10 (01-07-2018)
12-31-2017, 09:07 PM
#106
OK, yeah, when I sit in an Acura, it does not look like/make me feel like it could be a Bentley, or Rolls Royce, it is just "nice" - however, it is the first car that I've driven much that manages to make 85 MPH on the highway feel like I'm going too slow. When I'm crusin down the highway I can't help but think to myself: "the speed limits in America are so quaint and obsolete with cars like this...".
12-31-2017, 11:25 PM
#107
Team Owner
Damn that looks so much like a copy of the 2018 Accord interior:
Attachment 93172
Attachment 93172
Does the copy usually precede?
And gah at those awful shift buttons in the Honda. They need to dump that.
And gah at those awful shift buttons in the Honda. They need to dump that.
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RDX10 (01-07-2018)
12-31-2017, 11:48 PM
#108
Though I agree, I would prefer a shift lever. I'm not sure if that's just because that's what I'm used to though? Perhaps I'll learn to prefer the buttons eventually? Maybe?
They need to let the driver pull the Reverse button as soon as the start engine button has been pressed. It's OK if it takes a second before it actually goes into reverse, just don't make me wait to push that button.
In order to not be irritated that I have to wait to pull the reverse button, I've decided to go in this order: push Start Engine, then put on seat belt, then push the gear I want (usually starting with Reverse).
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01-01-2018, 06:17 AM
#110
Summer is Coming
The Stinger seems like a nice car but the exterior styling is awful with all those tacked on vents and whatnot. I might be interested in a Stinger that is more 'grown up' for lack of a better term.
01-01-2018, 07:57 AM
#112
Team Owner
Certainly a similarity of layout. Audi did improve on it though.
- Relegated the CD/DVD drive to the glove box because who carries discs anymore?
- Relegated the CD/DVD drive to the glove box because who carries discs anymore?
- Center screen with a much more usable aspect ratio.
- Second screen between gauges (stock) or the excellent virtual cockpit -- two screens done right.
- Cupholders
Will be interesting to see where BMW takes it, and Acura too.
- Second screen between gauges (stock) or the excellent virtual cockpit -- two screens done right.
- Cupholders
Will be interesting to see where BMW takes it, and Acura too.
01-01-2018, 10:54 AM
#113
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01-01-2018, 11:00 AM
#114
Azine Jabroni
Acura could stand to rip off anything from the Germans. Start with "fun to drive", "actual luxury", "no damn buttons"
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01-01-2018, 11:26 AM
#115
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Certainly a similarity of layout. Audi did improve on it though.
- Relegated the CD/DVD drive to the glove box because who carries discs anymore?
- Relegated the CD/DVD drive to the glove box because who carries discs anymore?
- Center screen with a much more usable aspect ratio.
- Second screen between gauges (stock) or the excellent virtual cockpit -- two screens done right.
- Cupholders
Will be interesting to see where BMW takes it, and Acura too.
- Second screen between gauges (stock) or the excellent virtual cockpit -- two screens done right.
- Cupholders
Will be interesting to see where BMW takes it, and Acura too.
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svtmike (01-01-2018)
01-01-2018, 01:23 PM
#116
Burning Brakes
Copying something that works and improving is ok with me. Kia copied A5 SB, Accord copied A4. Two mainstream using luxury as benchmarks. Acura copied FCA with their terrible 9ZF and got a copy paste of their reliability rating lol ...
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01-01-2018, 01:30 PM
#117
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Typically its a very good idea. Lexus got its US start with a line by line copy of the MB E class except for the three pointed star hood ornament. Look where they are now. Infiniti never got the copy MB memo & look where they are.
A lot of people will buy something that looks like the expensive item for a great price. That's why knockoffs sell so well.
A lot of people will buy something that looks like the expensive item for a great price. That's why knockoffs sell so well.
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01-02-2018, 11:40 AM
#118
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Hi All, new to the forums but have been a long time lurker and recently got my first Acura (2018 TLX Tech) and quite happy with it... I do really like the looks of it but this is a personal / subjective thing...
One thing no one has mentioned here regarding Hyundai and Kia is the dealer and service feel and quality. My wife drives a Santa Fe Sport and we are quite happy with the car itself, apart from the wind noise problems it is a very good car with lots of cool features, etc. That said, they really need to improve on their customer relationship and dealer looks and feel. When you spend $40K+ on a car you expect certain level of service, their dealers have a quick lube vibe and service reps are most of the times rude and not very helpful... In the little time I have owned the TLX, Accura has really made me feel like I am a premium customer.
Koreans have done an amazing job at improving their quality and reliability and I have to agree the Stinger does looks bad ass but they really need to work on customer experience thorough both the buying and service fronts if they want to be taken seriously in this category, in my opinion this is an important part of the whole experience... oh, and please ditch that awful KIA badge...
One thing no one has mentioned here regarding Hyundai and Kia is the dealer and service feel and quality. My wife drives a Santa Fe Sport and we are quite happy with the car itself, apart from the wind noise problems it is a very good car with lots of cool features, etc. That said, they really need to improve on their customer relationship and dealer looks and feel. When you spend $40K+ on a car you expect certain level of service, their dealers have a quick lube vibe and service reps are most of the times rude and not very helpful... In the little time I have owned the TLX, Accura has really made me feel like I am a premium customer.
Koreans have done an amazing job at improving their quality and reliability and I have to agree the Stinger does looks bad ass but they really need to work on customer experience thorough both the buying and service fronts if they want to be taken seriously in this category, in my opinion this is an important part of the whole experience... oh, and please ditch that awful KIA badge...
01-02-2018, 04:10 PM
#119
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Hi All, new to the forums but have been a long time lurker and recently got my first Acura (2018 TLX Tech) and quite happy with it... I do really like the looks of it but this is a personal / subjective thing...
One thing no one has mentioned here regarding Hyundai and Kia is the dealer and service feel and quality. My wife drives a Santa Fe Sport and we are quite happy with the car itself, apart from the wind noise problems it is a very good car with lots of cool features, etc. That said, they really need to improve on their customer relationship and dealer looks and feel. When you spend $40K+ on a car you expect certain level of service, their dealers have a quick lube vibe and service reps are most of the times rude and not very helpful... In the little time I have owned the TLX, Accura has really made me feel like I am a premium customer.
Koreans have done an amazing job at improving their quality and reliability and I have to agree the Stinger does looks bad ass but they really need to work on customer experience thorough both the buying and service fronts if they want to be taken seriously in this category, in my opinion this is an important part of the whole experience... oh, and please ditch that awful KIA badge...
One thing no one has mentioned here regarding Hyundai and Kia is the dealer and service feel and quality. My wife drives a Santa Fe Sport and we are quite happy with the car itself, apart from the wind noise problems it is a very good car with lots of cool features, etc. That said, they really need to improve on their customer relationship and dealer looks and feel. When you spend $40K+ on a car you expect certain level of service, their dealers have a quick lube vibe and service reps are most of the times rude and not very helpful... In the little time I have owned the TLX, Accura has really made me feel like I am a premium customer.
Koreans have done an amazing job at improving their quality and reliability and I have to agree the Stinger does looks bad ass but they really need to work on customer experience thorough both the buying and service fronts if they want to be taken seriously in this category, in my opinion this is an important part of the whole experience... oh, and please ditch that awful KIA badge...
I don't know about other dealers in NA but when I go to my Acura dealer in Montreal (Acura de Laval - for those who are from MTL, QC) I get the best service possible. Staff are very respectful and professional. The service area is super nice and trendy. They offer coffee, fruits, water and etc. It's just a pleasant experience when I go there. Now the question is that paying $50K justifies 2-3 visits a year?? It depends on the person but I like it
On a side note, I go to Mazda dealership as well and I must say they are much better than Honda. Mazda is stepping up their game.
Last edited by Tony Pac; 01-02-2018 at 04:17 PM.
01-03-2018, 11:01 AM
#120
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Think the whole white glove level of service depends on the dealers ownership & not the car manufacturer. Might be a good plan to checkout that end of the dealership before you buy.
Or if you do buy from a not so great service dealer due to price, take the car to the better shop for service.
Or if you do buy from a not so great service dealer due to price, take the car to the better shop for service.