The Scots need a victory in Salta on Saturday to give themselves a chance of winning the three-match series after losing the opener 28-16 last weekend.
Kinghorn, converted from back-three player to stand-off this season, failed to spark the Scotland attack in the first half in Jujuy but helped create two second-half tries.
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Hide AdTownsend said he was a “massive believer” in the Edinburgh man and had been impressed by the player’s response this week.
“He’s trained well, he’s part of our attack leadership group and has contributed really well in that,” said the coach. “We’re massive believers in Blair in terms of what he can do individually and also how he can lead our team.
“Blair has been very consistent for Edinburgh this year. Very consistent. While he would have wanted to play better last week, it’s all part of the learning and growing experience and process that we have as players, especially the players who have to make a lot of decisions.”
Townsend has made five changes to his starting XV for the second Test but only one in the backs where scrum-half Ben White comes in for Ali Price for his first start for Scotland.
There are four changes in the forwards, including the return of Hamish Watson who will win his 50th cap having missed the first Test due to a shoulder injury.
Watson replaces Luke Crosbie at openside flanker and will have Rory Darge alongside him in the back row. The Glasgow Warriors man is preferred to Magnus Bradbury and will wear the No 6 jersey but is more accustomed to playing openside. Watson and Darge played together in the final two matches of the Six Nations, against Italy and Ireland.
Dave Cherry replaces George Turner at hooker and Sam Skinner is picked at lock ahead of Jonny Gray.
London Irish winger Kyle Rowe is in line for his Scotland debut after being named among the replacements. He will be joined on the bench by Jamie Bhatti – who takes over from Rory Sutherland as loosehead cover - lock Scott Cummings and back-rower Andy Christie.