Along with the subtly refreshed design that we’ve reported extensively on, Kia has launched the 2022 Stinger with a next generation UVO system that allows drivers to get more out of their ownership experience. Some features have been upgraded while some are all-new for 2022.
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One feature that has been enhanced is cloud-based navigation routing that accounts for predicted traffic information and uses machine learning to understand the routes the driver prefers to take even if they differ from the system-recommended directions, and includes last mile walking directions to destinations that aren’t accessible by car. Voice recognition is also improved, with many more actions being accessible by voice than before, including climate control, seat heating and cooling, heated steering wheel, and additional infotainment controls. The system is designed to understand more commands than ever before.
There are plenty of new features to discuss as well. For example, you can now set up multiple driver’s accounts in UVO which will tailor the car’s settings to each driver, and even allow drivers to apply those settings to other Kia models they may drive. This can be more useful than you may think, as many Stinger owners have other Kia models in their garages as well, and they may find themselves in a rental or loaner car that they can apply those settings to. Drivers can also sync their online calendar to their account, which will allow calendar items to pop up on the infotainment screen, avoiding missing important meetings even when you’re behind the wheel. And, if a calendar invite includes an address, the Stinger will ask if you want to navigate to the meeting location in time to make it for the appointment.
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Once you set up a UVO account, you can also connect it to other smart devices for additional accessibility. By connecting to your phone, you can receive push notifications if you leave your car idling with no one inside. If you don’t respond in a timely manner, the car will automatically turn itself off. Likewise, the rear occupancy alert will notify owners through the smartphone app if it detects movement inside the vehicle while it’s locked. The app will also allow you to remotely view the 360-degree cameras installed around the car whenever you like. This helps if you forgot where you left your car or just want to make sure nothing suspicious is taking place around your vehicle when you’re away. You can also connect UVO to smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and then use voice commands on your device to remote start the car.
Finally, UVO offers a valet mode that limits the infotainment system to only the core functions of the car. This allows you to hide certain personal information that may be stored in the system if you need to lend your car out or have it valeted.
The Stinger now features remote start directly on the key fob, but still allows you to remote start through the UVO app as well, although this will become a less frequently used feature now that it’s more easily accessible on the key. Unfortunately, this feature comes with a drawback: Kia no longer provides a higher quality unique key fob to Stinger owners for 2022.
Let us know what you think of the upgraded UVO telematics suite in the 2022 Kia Stinger.
