Volvo S60 vs Kia Stinger?

One of these sport sedans has a cult following and a factory that stopped building it. The other is quietly still available new, minimal fanfare included. If you’re shopping both, you’re really shopping two different eras of the sedan market.

TL;DR

• The Kia Stinger was discontinued after the 2023 model year—it’s used-market only now in the U.S.
• The Volvo S60 remains in active production and continues to be sold new
• The Stinger has an edge in base horsepower (300 HP vs. 247 HP) and interior volume
• The S60 has better fuel efficiency and a stronger reliability rating per independent analysis
• Reviewer and Consumer Reports assessments have historically favored the Stinger’s driving dynamics, while the S60 leans into comfort and safety

The core answer: the Kia Stinger was a genuinely well-regarded rear-wheel-drive sport sedan discontinued after 2023 and now only available used, offering more base horsepower, more interior space, and a stronger driving-enthusiast reputation, while the Volvo S60 remains in active production with better fuel efficiency, a stronger reliability rating, and Volvo’s characteristic safety-first approach—making this comparison really about used sporty character versus new, ongoing manufacturer support.

Is the Kia Stinger Still Available New?

This is essential context before comparing specs directly.

The Kia Stinger was discontinued after the 2023 model year in the U.S., meaning current comparisons against it typically pit a used 2023 Stinger against a current-year Volvo S60. There have been reports of a potential electric successor to the Stinger exceeding 600 horsepower, but as of now, no new gas-powered Stinger is available to order.

Quick Tip: If you’re specifically drawn to the Stinger’s styling and rear-wheel-drive dynamics, check used inventory carefully—since it’s a discontinued nameplate, values and availability will shift differently than for a currently produced car like the S60.

How Do Power and Space Compare?

Even with production ended, the Stinger’s core strengths remain relevant for used-market shoppers.

According to iSeeCars, the Kia Stinger’s base engine makes 300 horsepower compared to 247 horsepower for the Volvo S60’s base engine, and the Stinger also holds an advantage in interior volume as a midsize car, including more front headroom, shoulder room, legroom, and cargo space. The S60, classified as a compact car, does hold an edge specifically in rear headroom.

Expert Insight: Kelley Blue Book’s detailed comparison found the Stinger “just seems to be the more complete car,” praising its fantastic-sounding turbocharged engine, responsive steering, and practical liftback cargo design—though this assessment predates the Stinger’s discontinuation and should be read in that context.

S60 vs. Stinger: Side-by-Side

Pros and Cons by Buyer Type

Driving Enthusiasts Shopping Used

• ✅ The Stinger’s rear-wheel-drive platform and turbocharged engines earned strong praise for handling and steering feel
• ✅ More interior and cargo space thanks to its practical liftback design
• ❌ No new units available—you’re limited to used inventory of a discontinued model

Safety and Reliability-Focused Buyers

• ✅ The S60 posts a notably stronger reliability rating (8.4 vs. 7.0 out of 10) and better fuel efficiency
• ✅ Ongoing production means full manufacturer support, current warranty terms, and Volvo’s continued safety technology updates
• ❌ Less base horsepower and less interior volume compared to the Stinger

Value and Resale-Focused Buyers

• ✅ The Stinger retains value notably better over 5 years, losing 6.9 percentage points less than the S60
• ✅ Used Stinger pricing can offer strong value for a well-equipped, powerful sport sedan
• ❌ As a discontinued model, long-term parts and dealer support considerations differ from a currently produced vehicle

Quick Tip: If you’re buying a used Stinger, check current Kia dealer parts support in your area—discontinued models can see support shift over time, even when the brand itself remains active.

Real-World Scenario

Picture a driving enthusiast who wants a fun, practical liftback sedan and doesn’t mind buying used. A well-maintained Stinger GT offers strong power, a spacious cabin, and a driving experience reviewers have specifically praised for years, all at a used-market price point.

A different buyer prioritizing long-term reliability, fuel efficiency, and the reassurance of buying new with full manufacturer backing would be better served by the current Volvo S60, even accepting somewhat less raw power in exchange.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose a used Stinger if: you want more power, more interior space, and a genuinely engaging driving experience, and you’re comfortable with used-car buying and a discontinued nameplate.

Choose the S60 if: you want a currently produced vehicle with better reliability, fuel efficiency, and full new-car manufacturer support.

Pull quote: The Stinger’s driving character earned real fans—now it’s a used-car decision instead of a new-car one.

FAQ

Can I still buy a new Kia Stinger? No, the Kia Stinger was discontinued after the 2023 model year; all Stingers available today are used vehicles.

Is the Stinger more powerful than the S60? Yes, the Stinger’s base engine produces 300 horsepower compared to 247 horsepower for the S60’s base engine.

Which is more reliable, the S60 or Stinger? Independent ratings from iSeeCars give the Volvo S60 a clear reliability edge, 8.4 out of 10 versus 7.0 out of 10 for the Stinger.

Does the Stinger hold its value better than the S60? Yes, the Stinger retains value notably better over a 5-year period, losing about 43.1% of its value compared to roughly 50% for the S60.

Is there a replacement coming for the Kia Stinger? There have been reports of a potential electric successor to the Stinger with over 600 horsepower, though no confirmed new gas-powered Stinger is currently available.

Key Takeaways

• The Kia Stinger was discontinued after 2023—it’s used-only in today’s U.S. market
• The Volvo S60 remains in active production with full manufacturer support
• The Stinger offers more power and interior space; the S60 offers better reliability and fuel efficiency
• The Stinger retains value slightly better over 5 years despite being discontinued
• Reviewers have historically praised the Stinger’s driving dynamics, while the S60 leans into comfort and safety

What To Do Next

If you’re drawn to the Stinger, get a pre-purchase inspection and confirm local parts/service support given its discontinued status; if ongoing manufacturer support and reliability matter more, test drive a current Volvo S60 instead.