2021 Kia Stinger Interior and Cargo

There aren't too many colors on offer when it comes to the interior. No matter what trim you opt for, you get a choice between red or black, and all that changes is whether you get regular leather or Nappa. If you opt for the base model, black is standard while red requires the addition of the Sun & Sound package for $2,900. Nappa is only available on the top GT2 trim, but at least it is standard.

Trunk space is something that we expect a fastback like this to excel at, and on paper, that's exactly what we see with a measurement of 23.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats - more than you get in an A5 Sportback (21.8 cubes) or the 2020 4 Series GC (just 14 cubes). However, in the real world, the shape means that you can barely fit more luggage than in the Audi. If it's other items that you're loading, the odd shape of the trunk with its recessed sides and its wide opening is ideal for cramming in plenty of shopping. If you need more space, a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback setup can allow you to go camping if you like - provided the roads are all accessible by something with minimal ground clearance.

In the cabin, you get a large center armrest storage box and a decent glovebox, but the door pockets are on the narrow side and will likely only ever house keys and wallets. The center console has space for two short lattes from your favorite Starbucks, along with an impressive little bin that can house your phone comfortably.

Kia has been building a reputation alongside sister company Hyundai for providing great cars with excellent value. The Stinger is no different, with even the base model coming with an impressive list of standard features. Specs include LED running lights and taillights, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, keyless entry with push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-way power driver's seat, wireless smartphone charging, a 3.5-inch LCD screen in the cluster, cruise control, heated front seats, power-folding heated wing mirrors, stop/start, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and hill start assist. Other available features include dual-lens full-LED headlights, a seven-inch driver info display, auto high beams, front parking sensors, multicolor configurable ambient lighting, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward collision alert with autonomous emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, power adjustment of the steering column, a sunroof with a power sunshade, remote start, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, steering-responsive headlights, and a power trunk lid.

Kia's infotainment system is called UVO, which stands for "your voice". Why that name was chosen is beyond us, but it does feature Bluetooth connectivity with voice control. On the base trim and the GT trim, this runs on a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included, and you also get front/rear USB connections and, on the base model, a six-speaker sound system. The GT trim is upgraded to a nine-speaker setup while the GT1 features a Harman Kardon 15-speaker QuantamLogic premium audio system. This is also found on the GT2 trim, and both also feature an eight-inch display with navigation. The base screen is a little small when you're on the move, but unfortunately, even the bigger display is plagued by slow response times. It's not infuriatingly bad, and the images displayed are crisp, but that slight delay is enough to work on your nerves.