The 2018 Kia Stinger RWD with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets around 25 MPG combined. This isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but that’s not the Stinger’s goal. It is a stylish, comfortable, and quick sport sedan for buyers who want driving enjoyment over saving fuel. They are willing to trade some MPG for the Stinger’s looks and performance, a reasonable choice for some. These buyers often drive other sporty cars, or even luxury brands, and want a better value without losing too much fun.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Kia Stinger RWD 2.0T gets 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. These numbers depend on how you drive. City driving, with stop-and-go traffic and quick acceleration, shows the Stinger’s weight and the demands on the turbocharger. Expect to be closer to 22 MPG if you drive in heavy city traffic.

Highway driving, where the engine cruises, lets the Stinger achieve fuel economy closer to 29 MPG. A long road trip can yield even better results if you drive carefully.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Kia Stinger RWD 2.0T is $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, fuel type, and local fuel prices. However, $2,300 is a good benchmark for comparing the Stinger’s costs to other cars in its class.

This figure uses estimates, so your real-world expense may differ based on your behavior and location.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Stinger owners often report numbers slightly below the official combined rating. This isn’t always a fault of the car, but how and where it is driven. The Stinger’s turbocharged engine responds easily to throttle, and its sporty nature encourages fast driving. Dipping into the boost impacts fuel consumption. If you want better fuel economy, drive conservatively. But if you regularly drive using its performance, expect lower MPG than the EPA suggests. You can review the STINGER MPG across all years to see if owners have had similar experiences in other model years.

How it compares

The 2018 Kia Stinger 2.0T is in a competitive class with other cars. The Acura TLX 2.4L gets around 28 MPG combined, trading some performance for better fuel efficiency. The BMW 330i of the same year offers similar performance and might achieve slightly better fuel economy around 27 MPG combined, but costs more and has higher running costs. The Lexus IS 300 RWD delivers around 24 MPG combined. The Kia’s sibling, the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T, can achieve roughly 26-27 MPG combined, but lacks the Stinger’s styling and rear-wheel-drive. The Stinger buyer accepts slightly lower fuel economy for a more unique and engaging driving experience than some alternatives.

You can review all Kia fuel economy data to see how this powertrain compares to other vehicles in the model lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Stinger’s Drive Mode Select system. Eco mode improves fuel efficiency by changing throttle response and transmission. It may reduce performance, but it can improve your MPG, especially in city driving. Try it to see if the reduced responsiveness is acceptable for your daily commute.

Check your tire pressure often. Low tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the correct tire pressure. Simple tire pressure checks are easy ways to improve fuel use.

Predict traffic and avoid hard braking and acceleration. Smooth acceleration and controlled braking are more fuel-efficient than aggressive stop-and-go. Maintaining a steady speed, especially on the highway, will also give you better fuel economy.

Limit idling. Idling consumes fuel without moving. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This habit can add up to fuel savings, especially during city driving, where you stop more often.

Use premium fuel. The Stinger 2.0T doesn’t require premium fuel, but some owners report slightly better fuel economy and performance using it. Premium fuel has a higher octane rating, which can help the engine run more efficiently. Try it to see if the benefits are worth the cost in your driving conditions.