Audi
S5
Kia
Stinger
Audi S5 vs Kia Stinger: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi S5 offers fuel economy, while the Kia Stinger excels at power instead. Choose the Audi S5 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Kia Stinger if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
S5
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. The B8.5 (supercharged V6) and B9/B9.5 (turbocharged V6) generations receive generally positive feedback from long-term owners, who praise the driving experience, comfort, and timeless styling. However, these generations are associated with several known, potentially expensive mechanical issues.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" version. For the B9/B9.5 generation (2018-2024), the Sportback body style is frequently mentioned for its superior practicality.
Known issues
- ⚠**B10 Generation (2025+):** Persistent check engine lights with numerous fault codes, leading to repeated dealership visits and extended downtime. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠**B9/B9.5 Generation (2018-2024) with 3.0T Engine:** Water pump failure, often leading to coolant migration. Frequency: very frequent. PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve failure. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠**B8.5 Generation (2013-2016) with Supercharged V6:** Water pump failure. Frequency: recurrent. Wheel bearing failures. Frequency: isolated.
Stinger
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment, with a clear distinction between engine variants. The 3.3L twin-turbo V6 (TT) models are widely praised for their strong acceleration, smooth power delivery, and compelling value proposition as a sporty, practical liftback. Owners report high satisfaction with the car's unique styling, engaging driving dynamics, and spacious, feature-rich interior.
Best version to buy
3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 GT models (GT, GT1, GT2). The V6 engine is consistently highlighted as transformative, providing the power and responsiveness that defines the car's sporty character.
Known issues
- ⚠Poor rear visibility: very small rear window, thick C-pillars creating significant blind spots. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Transmission behavior in manual/sequential mode: slow to respond to manual shift inputs, computer forces upshifts, downshifts take too long. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Turbo lag (2.0L/2.5L 4-cylinder models): significant delay in power delivery, sluggish acceleration from a stop. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Audi S5 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Kia Stinger, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Kia Stinger is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi S5 or the Kia Stinger?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi S5 and the Kia Stinger. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi S5 or the Kia Stinger?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi S5 is classed as a Station wagon, the Kia Stinger as a Liftback, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi S5 or the Kia Stinger?
The Audi S5 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 7.5-7.9 L/100km combined versus 11.8-11.9 L/100km for the Kia Stinger, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi S5 or the Kia Stinger?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi S5 than the Kia Stinger. See the known issues comparison above.