Infiniti
Q60
Kia
Stinger
Infiniti Q60 vs Kia Stinger: 2021 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Infiniti Q60 comes out ahead of the Kia Stinger on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Q60
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The first-generation Q60 (2014-2016, essentially a rebadged G37) is consistently praised for its reliability, with the naturally aspirated 3.7L V6 (VQ37) engine described as "bulletproof" and the cars considered "extremely reliable." The second-generation Q60 (2017-2022) with the twin-turbo 3.0L V6 (VR30) receives praise for its powerful engine, especially in Red Sport trim (400 hp), attractive exterior styling, and comfortable grand touring character. However, this generation faces recurrent criticism for its dated and low-quality interior with a poorly reviewed dual-screen infotainment system, uncommunicative and "dog shit" steering feel (even with the Direct Adaptive Steering system), sluggish transmission tuning, and concerns over the long-term reliability of the turbocharged powertrain compared to the older V6.
Best version to buy
For the first generation (2014-2016), the Q60 with the 3.7L V6 is the recommended choice for proven reliability. For the second generation (2017-2022), the 3.0T Red Sport trim is highlighted for its significant power advantage (400 hp).
Known issues
- ⚠Dated, low-quality interior: hard plastics, dual-screen infotainment system criticized as outdated and poorly designed, interior materials compared unfavorably to mainstream sedans. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Uncommunicative steering: lack of feedback, described as "dog shit" and non-communicative, even in Sport+ mode for models with Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS). Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Turbocharged engine (VR30) reliability concerns: mixed reports on long-term reliability; mentions of belt snapping issues, sensitive turbos, and fuel injector problems; 2017 model year specifically flagged for issues. Frequency: recurrent.
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 Infiniti Q60 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Kia Stinger, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Infiniti Q60 are a dealbreaker, the Kia Stinger is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Infiniti Q60 or the Kia Stinger?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Infiniti Q60 than the Kia Stinger. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Infiniti Q60 or the Kia Stinger?
The Kia Stinger seats more passengers than the Infiniti Q60 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Infiniti Q60 is classed as a Coupe, the Kia Stinger as a Liftback.
Which has better fuel economy, the Infiniti Q60 or the Kia Stinger?
The Infiniti Q60 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 9.1 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 Infiniti Q60 or the Kia Stinger?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Kia Stinger than the Infiniti Q60. See the known issues comparison above.