Do some purchasing for a brand new midsize sedan and you will find that almost each mannequin supplies excessive ranges of consolation and the newest in know-how and security. However what in case you additionally need it to be fashionable and fascinating to drive whereas additionally nonetheless being sensible? Contemplate the Volkswagen Arteon and Kia Stinger.
The Volkswagen Arteon tends to fly underneath the radar of most buyers, nevertheless it’s notable for its premium inside, athletic dealing with and luxury. It additionally has a hatchback-style trunk that is straightforward to load and has loads of house. For 2022, the Arteon addresses certainly one of its prior shortcomings, because it good points a extra highly effective engine, upping the horsepower by 12%.
The Kia Stinger is one other smooth and sporty sedan with a hatchback. Just like the Arteon, it has an upscale inside, standout styling and loads of energy. The Stinger additionally acquired a number of enhancements for 2022, together with revised styling, a bigger heart touchscreen and an upgraded base engine. Which of those very good however principally unnoticed rivals is the higher purchase? Edmunds’ automobile consultants discover out.
POWER AND FUEL ECONOMY
Each the Arteon and Stinger are powered by robust engines. The bottom Stinger GT-Line is propelled by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower. The highest GT2 trim boasts a strong turbocharged V6 that pumps out 368 horsepower. The V6 has an EPA estimate of 20 mpg mixed with rear- or all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder will get 25 mpg with rear-wheel drive or 24 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Each Arteon comes with a 300-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With front-wheel drive, which is just accessible on the bottom SE R-Line trim, it is essentially the most environment friendly powertrain right here with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg. The 2 greater trims come customary with all-wheel drive that leads to 25 mpg mixed.
The Arteon has the potential for larger gasoline effectivity, however the potential to improve to the Stinger’s accessible V6 is finally extra compelling.
Winner: Kia Stinger
This photograph offered by Kia exhibits the 2022 Kia Stinger, a sporty hatchback sedan with an accessible 368-horsepower turbo V6 engine.Kia America by way of AP
DRIVING AND COMFORT
The Stinger and Arteon are true sport-centric sedans which are entertaining to drive and sure-footed when the highway will get twisty. The Stinger’s steering is mild and exact, making the automobile really feel nimble and responsive. When in Sport mode, the Arteon’s adaptive suspension, which improves dealing with and luxury, tightens up and helps preserve the automobile nicely composed round corners. Each automobiles instill confidence within the driver.
If you happen to desire straight-line velocity, you will love the Stinger’s turbocharged V6. It is by far the quickest, hitting 60 mph in 5.0 seconds when Edmunds examined it. It took the Arteon 6.0 seconds, and 6.2 seconds for the Stinger with the turbo-four engine.
Consolation does take a little bit of a again seat. Driving over massive highway imperfections generally is a little jarring within the Arteon. Equally, tough pavement could make the Stinger’s journey busy. Each automobiles have agency seats, however the Arteon’s are barely extra comfy. As for cargo, each present extra cargo house than a typical sedan due to their hatchback-style trunks, however you can match extra stuff behind the Arteon.
Winner: Volkswagen Arteon
FEATURES AND VALUE
The Arteon’s beginning worth of $43,825 is comparatively excessive. However it does embody some interesting customary options resembling an adaptive suspension system and a digital instrument panel. The range-topping SEL Premium R-Line trim passes the $50,000 mark and comes geared up with heated and ventilated massaging entrance seats and a self-parking system.
With a beginning worth of $37,695, the Stinger is just not solely extra inexpensive but in addition provides comparable customary options minus the adaptive suspension, and also you get a bigger touchscreen show. The Stinger’s prime GT2 trim additionally tops $50,000 however consists of performance-oriented options you possibly can’t get within the Arteon resembling a strong V6 engine, Brembo brakes and an upgraded rear differential for improved traction.
Each rivals come customary with a full suite of superior driver aids. Most labored nicely throughout testing, however we observed the Stinger’s lane centering system would ping-pong the sedan between lanes and the Arteon’s adaptive cruise management was gradual to speed up.
The Stinger provides a five-year/60,000-mile primary guarantee and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee. You additionally get 5 years of roadside help. With the Arteon, you get a shorter four-year/50,000-mile primary and powertrain guarantee and three years of roadside help. Nonetheless, it additionally consists of two years of free scheduled upkeep.
Winner: Kia Stinger
EDMUNDS SAYS:
Each the Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon are compelling decisions that provide plenty of efficiency, consolation and tech. It was a detailed race, however the value-packed Stinger’s decrease beginning worth, extra accessible energy and longer warranties make it the higher purchase.
