Kia ended Stinger production in 2023 as it shifted the brand’s performance-flagship role to the all-electric EV6 GT. Kia described the Stinger as an important step in its engineering and driving-dynamics development, but its public announcements do not establish weak sales or profitability as the reason for ending the car.
Why was the Kia Stinger discontinued?
Kia framed the Stinger’s end as a transition in its performance lineup. In December 2022, Kia Europe said Stinger orders were closing to make way for the EV6 GT, which would take over as the brand’s flagship grand tourer. Kia America later described the 2023 Stinger Tribute Edition as a commemorative send-off marking the end of the model’s six-year production run.
Kia also presented the Stinger as a contributor to the brand’s development. On April 18, 2023, Kia America COO and EVP Steven Center called it “a catalyst that set off Kia’s advancements in engineering and driving dynamics” and said it “put the brand on the map among enthusiast drivers.” Kia’s heritage account likewise connects the Stinger’s performance legacy to the EV6 GT.
Did the EV6 GT replace the Stinger?
It succeeded the Stinger in Kia’s flagship performance role, but that does not make it a like-for-like replacement. Kia describes the EV6 GT as an all-electric performance model; the company’s announcements establish a change in lineup position, not equivalence in body style, powertrain, driving experience, cargo space, range or price. Those comparisons depend on the specific model years and a buyer’s needs.
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Was the Stinger discontinued because of poor sales?
Kia’s cited public announcements do not identify weak sales, profitability, margins or factory economics as the decisive cause. Without a verified primary source establishing that explanation, it is more accurate to say Kia publicly tied the end of Stinger orders to the EV6 GT taking over the flagship role than to present a sales theory as fact.
What happened to the Stinger?
- December 2022: Kia Europe announced that Stinger orders were closing as the EV6 GT prepared to take over the flagship role.
- April 18, 2023: Kia America announced the Stinger Tribute Edition as a commemorative end to the six-year production run.
- 2023: Kia’s heritage account says the Stinger’s journey ended, with the EV6 GT carrying forward its performance legacy.
For shoppers who still want a Stinger, Kia Canada lists the model as discontinued and directs visitors to current Kia choices and certified pre-owned inventory. Availability varies, so check local listings rather than assuming a particular Stinger is in stock.
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Official Kia sources
- Kia America: “The Last of Them: 2023 Stinger Tribute Limited Edition Arrives at Kia Dealers” (April 18, 2023).
- Kia Worldwide: “From Dream to Reality | High Performance from Stinger to EV6 GT.”
- Kia Europe: “Kia EV6 GT to Replace Stinger as Brand Flagship” (December 2022).
- Kia Canada: Stinger discontinued-model page.
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