Used 2021 Kia Stinger for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Kia Stinger cost?

Prices have softened 5.27% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 420 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $24,363.80, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Kia Stinger a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Kia Stinger earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

It stands out as a head-turning, low-slung, four-door sports car that gives Kia a more distinctive performance identity. The value story is strong too: it shares underpinnings with the Genesis G70 and is framed as a BMW 3 Series rival for thousands less.

The main trade-offs are that advanced safety features are not standard, and the car’s appeal depends on whether you want a sporty luxury sedan rather than a more conventional commuter. Even so, the combination of performance, style, and value makes it a compelling choice if you want something different from the usual midsize luxury sedan.

Only 26.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the best examples may not sit around long.

Is the 2021 Kia Stinger reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Stinger’s reliability case is helped by its strong value positioning and its generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It also has a lively four-cylinder, a stronger V6 option, and an eight-speed automatic, which gives you a straightforward mechanical setup rather than a complicated one.

The performance notes point to a car that is built to be engaging, with precise steering and high-performance dampers across the lineup. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the car was maintained well and that any higher-mileage example has been cared for consistently.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Kia Stinger?

At 69.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a lower-priced example. Focus on bodywork quality, signs of prior repair, and whether the car’s equipment matches the trim level you think you’re buying.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Stinger was introduced for the 2018 model year and remains largely unchanged through 2021, save for some additional features. Standard equipment includes a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, dual-zone climate control, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped flat-bottomed sport steering wheel. The GT1 adds LED accent lighting, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, and the more powerful V6 powertrain, while the GT2 adds Nappa Leather upholstery, 16-way power-adjustable sport seats, heated-and-ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, sport gauges, a head-up display, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
• Powertrain: You get a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 with 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available. The four-cylinder is lively, while the V6 makes the car feel like a true performance sedan.
• Safety package: Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard, but automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic high beams require an upgrade from the Stinger GT-Line and Stinger GT to the higher-level GT1 and GT2 models.
• Infotainment: The standard screen is 7 inches, and upgraded trims get an 8-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with Bluetooth, multiple USB ports, and wireless device charging. The GT2 adds a 15-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo and a head-up display.
• Fuel efficiency: The most efficient version is the four-cylinder with rear-wheel drive, at 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. With all-wheel drive, that engine returns 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The V6 returns 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Which 2021 Kia Stinger trim should I buy?

The 2021 Kia Stinger is offered in 4 trim levels: GT-Line, GT, GT1, GT2.

Here's the short version:

• GT-Line: This is the entry point and gives you the core Stinger experience with the standard four-cylinder, the 7-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and the sporty cabin setup. It’s the trim to consider if you want the style and value story without stretching for the V6.
• GT: This trim is the one to watch if you want the stronger V6 and the more serious performance hardware, including a variable exhaust system, launch control, Brembo performance brakes, and a limited-slip differential. It’s the best-value choice if your priority is driving enjoyment.
• GT1: This trim adds the V6 plus LED accent lighting and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, while also bringing in more of the driver-assistance equipment that’s missing from lower trims. It makes sense if you want the stronger engine and more everyday convenience.
• GT2: This is the most luxurious version, with Nappa Leather, upgraded sport seats, heated-and-ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, sport gauges, a head-up display, and the premium audio system. Choose it if you want the most complete Stinger experience.

Most driver assistance features are only standard on the higher-level GT1 and GT2 models, so those trims are the safer bet if you want more standard protection.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Kia Stinger?

The market looks moderately favorable if you’re a selective buyer.

• Deal availability: 26.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 420 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.27% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 69.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $24,363.80, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Kia Stinger's resale value?

The current average of $25,536 sits slightly below last year's $26,957.

That price movement suggests the market has softened, which can help you buy more affordably now. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend heavily on condition, trim, and how well the car was maintained.

Because the Stinger has strong value appeal and broad enthusiast interest, well-kept examples should remain easier to market than neglected ones. If you buy carefully and keep mileage and condition in check, you’ll be in a better position when it’s time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Kia Stinger safe?

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Most driver assistance features are only standard on the higher-level GT1 and GT2 models, although that's expected to change for 2022. For now, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard, but you'll have to upgrade from the Stinger GT-Line and Stinger GT to get features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic high beams.

That means safety equipment is a trim-level consideration, not a universal one. If you want the most complete active-safety setup, you should focus on the higher trims rather than assuming every used Stinger has the same protection tech.

Should I buy a 2021 Kia Stinger or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 26.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 69.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.27% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines strong value, multiple powertrain options, and a fun-to-drive character.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,678, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,536 average.
• It adds more power, especially from the base engine.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it delivers the core Stinger formula at a lower average price. If you’re willing to pay more for the refreshed model and its extra power, the 2022 is the better secondary path for shoppers who prioritize the newest version.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.