The Kia Corp sure is changing, electrifying old but popular models and also expanding its all-electric vehicle lineup, there are some vehicles that won’t make it. In late 2022, Kia announced the Limited Stinger Tribute Edition, bringing an end to the Kia Stinger sports car that started it all, succeeded by the Kia K5. Coming to an end as well, according to the The Car Guide, Kia will also be discontinuing the Kia Rio5, making 2023 the final model year. Here’s a look at what Kia is leaving behind.

Kia Stinger Tribute Limited Edition

If not all bought up already, the Kia Stinger Tribute Limited Edition was only produced for 1,000 units worldwide. Unlike the Dodge Viper, this one won’t be coming back for more. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. In 2023, the Kia Stinger was down to two trims, the Kia Stinger GT-Line and GT2. Whereas the GT-Line is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, able to generate 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft, the GT2 and Stinger Tribute get the more powerful powertrain, a 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6, able to generate 368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque.

Outside, the Limited Stinger Tribute Edition will have a striking aesthetic appeal with sporty lines, and an Ascot Green paint job. For consumers that are fond of the blacked-out look, a new Moonscape matte gray paint hue is also available, adding a black finish to many components, including black housing of the exterior mirrors, black Brembo brake calipers, and 19-inch gloss black design wheels. Inside, the interior is upscale with Bespoke Terracotta brown leather, upgraded materials on the steering wheel, dashboard, door side trim, and door handles. Complementing this is a carbon-effect finish on the center console. Embedded into the headrest of the seats is a newly introduced wasp-shaped emblem. A numbered door sill plate on the driver’s side will denote the unit number out of the 1000 units produced for the Kia Stinger Tribute Limited Edition.

Kia Connect with NAV can be found up front on a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Other tech features include a heads-up display (HUD), the Harman Kardon premium audio system with 15 speakers, LED interior lighting, and heated and ventilated front seats. Pretty upscale for the sports car.

Kia Rio5 Ends

Not much has changed for the Rio5, with only one trim, the Rio5 S. No special tribute plan, just a five-door hatchback powered by a 1.6-liter I4 engine, able to produce 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. Paired off with n intelligent variable transmission (IVT), the Rio5 has a fuel economy is 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

Standard exterior features include heated side mirrors, heated rear mirror and rear wiper, solar control glass, automatic headlamps, and high beam assist. LED headlights are available. The standard wheel size is 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside, consumers will find a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a 60/40 split folding rear seat, standard. Both come trimmed in tricot & woven cloth. Upfront is a 4.2-inch instrument display with cruise control steering wheel-mounted buttons. Probably also part of a TEch Package, consumers can add automatic climate control.

The tech is good, an 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear-view monitor with dynamic parking guidance, Bluetooth wireless technology, Siri Eyes Free, and steering wheel-mounted audio buttons. Consumers can also get Kia Connect, with SiriusXM. The standard audio system setup is a six speakers sound system with front tweeters. All Kia models come with dual front advanced airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a rollover sensor, an anti-lock brake system, stability and traction control systems, a rear occupant alert system, rear-camera display, and LATCH child-seat ready anchors. Consumers can get advanced ssafety features add on, such as forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane following assist, and a driver attention warning system are all available to add on. All Kia models come with the same warranty. Kia has a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program. The Kia 10-year/100,000 mile warranty program consists of a 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, 5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty, 5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty, and 5-year/60,000 mile roadside assistance plan.

The Limited Stinger Tribute Edition may be gone. However, you can still find the original Kia Stinger Sports car and the 2023 Kia Rio5 when you shop for a new car online with NowCar. Get one while it lasts.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia