Comparison: 2022 Genesis G70 vs 2022 Kia Stinger

The 2022 Genesis G70 and 2022 Kia Stinger are essentially the same car. They share the same platform, same engine, same transmission and yet I’m willing to bet that these two cars feel different from behind the steering wheel.

Performance

Engine – In Canada, the Kia Stinger is only available with a 3.3L twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The Genesis G70 is available with the same engine as well as a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder. In the United States, both are available with both engines.

While both of these sedans are equipped with the same engine, it produces a bit more power in the Kia; 368 hp vs 365 hp (274 kW vs. 272 kW)in the G70. Torque, however, is the same at 376 lb-ft (510 Nm). Truth be told, the 3 hp difference isn’t going to really mean much in cars that tip the scales at almost 2 tonnes. The Stinger weighs in at 1,889 kg (4,164 lbs) while the G70 is slightly lighter at 1,816 kg (4,003 lbs), both with AWD. Both vehicles accelerate with a strong ferocity. The twin-turbo engine in both vehicles feels responsive – when in the sportiest setting – with hardly any hint of turbo lag at higher rpms. Where these engines differ is in the way they sound. The G70 has more pops and crackles while the Stinger sounds more muted. Granted, both cars have active exhaust valves and “enhanced” exhaust systems, as in, fake sound is piped through the stereo system. But you can turn off that system if you wish.

Where the cars also differ is in the fuel economy that they can achieve. The 2022 Kia Stinger is rated for 9.6 L/100km (24.5 MPG) on a highway and 13.7 L/100km (17.2 MPG) in a city. The 2022 Genesis G70 is rated for 9.1 L/100km (25.8 MPG) on a highway and 13.5 L/100km (17.4 MPG) in a city. Again, both equipped with AWD. However in the real world, I didn’t see any noticeable difference between the two as I averaged around 12.5 L/100km (18.8 MPG) in both.

Transmission – The 8-speed automatic does a great job of shifting gears in both sedans. In Comfort mode, the shifts are hardly noticeable. Put the cars in Sport mode (Sport+ in the G70) and the transmission wakes up to provide quick gear changes. It’s also really responsive when using the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. There isn’t really any noticeable difference in how the transmission performs between the two cars.

Braking – Both of these demo vehicles came equipped with Brembo brake calipers on all four corners. For some, the brake pedal may be a bit on the sensitive side because it doesn’t require much force to bring the Genesis G70 or Kia Stinger to a stop under normal driving conditions. When driving more enthusiastically, the brakes perform exceptionally with a solid and firm feeling brake pedal.

Handling – This is another area of the performance where both cars feel as different as Republicans and Democrats. The 2022 Genesis G70 feels much more sporty than the 2022 Kia Stinger. The G70’s AWD system feels much more like a normal RWD car whereas the Stinger feels more neutral through corners. The steering wheel has a tiny bit more heft in the G70 than the Stinger when both cars are in their sportiest settings. It also feels as though the G70 doesn’t roll as much when going quickly around corners.

All of these little differences in the AWD system, suspension, and steering make the Genesis G70 feel more nimble and joyous around winding roads than the Kia Stinger.

Comfort

Ride Comfort – Both the Kia and the Genesis came equipped with adaptive suspension. In Comfort mode, both do the job of providing… comfort… with no fuss. Switch the suspension into their sportiest modes and the Kia Stinger doesn’t feel as stiff as the suspension in the G70. By no means is the G70 uncomfortable even with the stiffer suspension but the Stinger feels more forgiving over bumps.

Both sports sedans also have comfortable seats that have adjustable side bolsters. These bolsters can not only move depending on what settings you put them in but they also firm up when switching between the Comfort and Sport modes to keep your bum planted around corners.

Interior Space – The 2022 Kia Stinger has a slightly longer wheelbase than the 2022 Genesis G70. As a result, the Stinger has slightly more rear legroom than the G70. Well, when I say more legroom, it’s nothing to boast about as I still find it tight at 6’4”. But at least I don’t feel like as though my knees are wrapped around my ears like in the G70. Headroom is tight in both cars in the back and because I had to lower the front seat to its lowest position for more headroom in the front, space for my feet is at a premium in both cars. But at least in the front, both cars have a great deal of room, even if you are above average in height like myself.

With the Kia Stinger being a hatchback design, it predictably has more cargo capacity. With the rear seats up, it has 660 L (23.3 cu-ft) whereas the G70 only has 297 L (10.5 cu-ft) of cargo volume.

Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – Between the two, the Kia Stinger is just a little bit more quiet. The main source of sound for both vehicles is the exhaust note from the engine – and I’m talking about the actual exhaust note, not the fake sound from the stereo system. In the Stinger, it isn’t as noticeable when accelerating as in the G70. Road and wind noises are well subdued in both vehicles.

Odds and Ends

Gadgets – The 2022 Kia Stinger is the less expensive of the two with a starting price of $50,495 CAD ($45,890 USD w/ V6 & AWD). By contrast, the 2022 Genesis G70 starts at $54,500 CAD with the V6 engine ($44,200 USD w/ AWD). They come well equipped in base form but these demo vehicles are top spec trims. They are fully loaded with every luxury feature that you’d expect from cars like these including soft leather (suede in the Stinger) upholstery, sunroof, head-up display, heated & ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, navigation, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, surround view cameras, power operated trunks, and a full suite of advanced driver & safety aids to name a few.

There are a few subtle differences between the two cars, however, including the ability to move the front passenger seat from the rear thanks to buttons on the side of the front seat. The Genesis G70 also has a locking button on the trunk whereas the Stinger only has the close button.

Interior Design – The interior of the 2022 Genesis G70 looks pretty much the same as last year’s model. The only two major differences are the colours in this 2022 model and the updated touchscreen & infotainment system. It is now a 10.25” screen with the latest iteration of the Genesis (Hyundai) infotainment system. The system itself is easy to use and navigate. As for the overall design of the interior, it looks like how a Genesis product should look.

On the other hand, however, the 2022 Kia Stinger looks a bit more exciting… to my eyes. This particular demo vehicle came with the Suede interior package which adds suede to the dashboard, door panels, and seats. It looks a bit more sporty in my opinion and I personally prefer suede surfaces over leather especially on really cold or super hot days.

Exterior Design – Both cars received updates to the exterior styling but one received more, much more than the other. The Kia got a bit of a makeover mainly around the headlights and taillights. As well, it’s now sporting the new Kia corporate logo.

The Genesis on the other hand looks like a completely new model. The front bumper, headlights, rear bumper, and taillights are completely new and different. It looks a bit like an alien with the relatively small headlights and smooth flowing lines. Between the two, I like the G70 design more.

Warranty – Both vehicles receive a 5 year / 100,000 km comprehensive new vehicle warranty. But the Genesis G70 takes things further with a 5 year 100,000 km complimentary scheduled maintenance service and at home valet with courtesy vehicle. That means that Genesis will come to your location, pick up your vehicle for a service, and provide you with a loan until your vehicle’s service is completed. More Kia and Genesis Canadian Warranty information. Kia and Genesis USA warranty information.