Kia Optima vs Kia Stinger

It's at the very core of human nature to sort things. Eons ago, it helped us establish patterns associated with our early ancestors’ predators and prey. Today, this allows our brains to be “metaphor machines,” allowing any new information to fit neatly into pre-conceived boxes. This, of course, makes changing minds against an agreed-upon notion an uphill battle.

Most folks sort carmakers into groups that fit into pre-ordained assumptions. In this “continuum of assumption,” Jeep is the brand that builds SUVs, Mercedes-Benz makes luxury cars, and the best trucks are made by the big American automakers. But as anyone who follows the automotive world knows, such assumptions aren’t always fair—or accurate. Jaguar and Bentley—two brands associated with luxury coupes and sedans—now build SUVs. Toyota and Nissan are capable of making fully competent pickups. And, finally, there's Kia.

Kia may have a harder uphill battle against stereotype than any other automaker. Anyone I talk to about considering a new Kia always has the same response: “Oh, don’t they make cheap cars?” Sure, that’s how Kia got its start in North America, but for the last 10 years, the Korean automaker has been on a steady ascent in terms of design and quality.

This trend has culminated with the all-new Kia Stinger—a four-door sports car that has put the automotive world on notice. Frankly, we didn’t know we needed a car like the 2018 Kia Stinger, but it shows that Kia is capable of much more than economical daily drivers. But stereotypes aside, we have to ask: Is the Stinger GT enough to make us take Kia seriously as a performance brand?