As an auto brand, Kia has come a long way from its budget-car roots in recent decades. Once an afterthought lacking distinct identity, Kia now fields diverse and progressively-styled lineups that challenge perceptions. This guide will analyze sedans, SUVs and more to showcase why industry experts and customers alike are taking Kia seriously within today‘s cutthroat car market.
A Brief Kia Overview
Founded in 1944 initially to produce steel tubing and bicycle parts, Kia Motors rapidly grew post Korean War by manufacturing affordable mobility for the masses. This focus brought commercial success but a reputation for lackluster quality during the 1980s. However, strategic investments in design and engineering began improving perceptions. Hyundai‘s acquisition in 1998 enabled platform and technology sharing. Now, Kia operates 14 manufacturing facilities across five countries, employing around 52,000 people globally with reported 2021 sales exceeding 2.8 million vehicles.
So what sets today‘s Kia apart? Distinctive style grabs attention while delivering substantial value given pricing. Generous warranty coverage (class-leading 10 years/100k miles powertrain) provides peace of mind. High safety marks also feature – multiple 2023 Kia models earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status including Forte, K5, Sorento, Sportage and top-seller Seltos. Let‘s explore what‘s currently available to shoppers in showrooms.
Sedans: Making Style Attainable
Kia sedans span affordable compacts to executive-class machines. While SUVs claim the bulk of sales, Kia continues catering to sedan faithful with sharp designs packing impressive features at each price point.
| Model | Starting MSRP | MPG City/Highway | Horsepower | Cargo Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte | $20,890 | 31/41 | 147 | 15.3 cu ft |
| K5 | $25,490 | 27/37 | 180 | 16 cu ft |
| Stinger | $36,690 | 18/25 | 255 | 23 cu ft |
Kia Forte – Kia‘s compact sedan impresses starting under $21,000 with a fuel sipping 2.0L 4-cylinder offering 147 horsepower paired to an intelligent variable transmission. Reviewers have called out Forte‘s balanced ride and handling – it holds appeal beyond just commuters given sporty GT options. The functional cabin belies this entry price point with soft-touch materials and 8-inch touchscreen packing wireless Apple/Android connectivity. Overall, Forte blends efficiency, quality finishing and ample safety tech availability.
Kia K5 – Long known as ‘Optima‘ before adopting this new name for 2021, K5 brings style and performance at a reasonable mid-size price in both 4-cylinder turbo and hybrid variants. Prices start around $25,000 for a 180 horsepower base model. Moving up the range, the 290-HP K5 GT (starting under $33,000) channels European sports sedans via sharp looks and available AWD paired to an 8-speed auto transmission. With 19 cubic feet of trunk room plus smart trunk opening, family hauling remains practical. From value-packed LXS to near-luxury EX trim with 12-speaker Bose audio, reviewers have praised K5‘s distinctive personality versus Accord or Camry alternatives.
Kia Stinger – Sharing RWD-based underpinnings with Genesis luxury brand cousins, Stinger shocked as Kia‘s first proper sport sedan entry starting around $37,000. With tight chassis tuning and available 368-HP twin-turbo V6 punch, Stinger can reach 60 mph in under 5 seconds while remaining comfortable cruising long distances. Motorsport-inspired design turns heads particularly in top GT2 trim($52,000) withcarbon fiber accents, Nappa leather seats, sunroof and upgraded brakes. Stinger isn‘t simply flash either – smart engineering like brake-based torque vectoring improve handling precision. Enthusiast publications have dubbed Stinger a revelation and proper rival for Audi S5 Sportback or BMW 440i Gran Coupe alternatives costing substantially more.
SUVs + More: Expanding Practical Options
Like other automakers, Kia‘s lineup skews heavier in the light truck category – meeting high demand for SUV style, ride height and versatility to suit active lifestyles. Still, unique alternatives like Soul cater to niche urban use cases.
| Model | Starting MSRP | MPG City/Highway | Horsepower | Cargo Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul | $20,190 | 25/31 | 147 | 24.2 cu ft |
| Niro PHEV | $29,990 | 46 MPGe Combined | 139 | 18.5 cu ft |
| Seltos | $23,490 | 25/30 | 146 | 26.6 cu ft |
| Telluride | $36,290 | 20/26 | 291 | 21 cu ft (87 max) |
| EV6 GT Line | $52,700 | – | 320 | 24.4 cu ft |
Kia Soul delivers on urban hipster appeal with its boxy exterior and youthful marketing. Prices start around $20,000 with roomier than expected interior dimensions given petite 168-inch overall length. Reviewers praise great sight lines and a smooth ride. New for 2023, Pulse two-tone paint jobs and redesigned lighting add flare while retaining Soul‘s distinctive charm. Tech like 10.25-inch touchscreen with split-screen functionality keeps Soul‘s gadget quotient high. Soul excels carrying passengers and gear across a variety of urban use cases.
Kia Niro PHEV brings crossover practicality blended with green credentials via an available plug-in hybrid powertrain (139 horsepower, 1.6L gas engine + electric motor) competitive against Toyota‘s RAV4 Prime. Prices start around $30,000 with Niro offering front-wheel drive and roomy interior dimensions despite compact 180-inch length. Real world fuel economy reaches an eco-friendly 46 MPGe combined with near 40 miles possible on electric charge alone before the gas engine contributes. Reviewers have praised Niro‘s smooth comfortable ride with ample tech availability from 10.25-inch touchscreen to surround view parking camera.
Kia Seltos delivers on style, safety and value as a new subcompact crossover addition balancing practicality and SUV go-anywhere capability starting under $23,500. Seltos dimensions (172-inches long) fit nicely between Soul and Sportage in overall footprint. All-wheel drive availability plus 7.5-inches of ground clearance empower adventures while delivering 36+ highway mpg from its 2.0L inline-four. A roomy interior offers excellent ingress/egress and modern tech like 10.25-inch touchscreen and wireless phone charging. For small families or road trippers on a budget, Seltoschecks all the right boxes.
Kia Telluride brings seriously upmarket style and luxury to the midsize SUV segment with room for up to eight passengers. Prices start around $36,000 for a 291-HP 3.6L V6 offering refined acceleration, available AWD grip and a highway-friendly 21 mpg combined rating given its 198-inch overall length footprint. Inside, available double sunroofs and premium finishing like faux leather seats speak to luxury aspirations while smart interior storage reveals family-focused utility. Notable for safety as well, Telluride earned 2022 TSP+ status for high crashworthiness. For larger families wanting a stylish yet spacious SUV that transcends mainstream expectations, Telluride hits a sweet spot.
Kia EV6 GT Line spearheads accelerated electrification efforts leveraging a dedicated EV platform offering lightning acceleration. The 168-inch footprint allows sporty crossover styling that really turns heads from all angles. Inside, sustainably-minded materials join dual 12-inch screens for the ultimate high-tech impression. Level 3 DC fast charging compatibility means adding 210+ miles of range in under 20 minutes. Dual electric motor GT Line models pack 320 HP allowing sharp acceleration and handling aided by electronic limited slip and vehicle stability management tech. Early reviews have praised EV6 as among the most compelling new affordable electric offerings with waiting lists common.
The Sole Survivor Minivan Segment Dwindler
Minivans represent an increasing niche category, but Kia offers eight passenger practicality aimed at busy families courtesy of one lone offering.
| Model | Starting MSRP | MPG City/Highway | Horsepower | Passenger Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | $33,275 | 19/26 | 290 | 172 cu ft |
Kia Carnival brings substance that stands apart from past Sedona minivan models thanks to upgraded tech and more stylish presence. Dressed up exterior dimensions (203-inches long) house easy access sliding doors enabling ample people and cargo-hauling flexibility. V6 power and smooth handling also enable confident merges and long trip stability. Inside, available lounge seating and dual sunrooflighten the ambiance while keeping all ages occupied. With Sienna and Odyssey class rivals also getting pricier and fancier, value-packed Carnival deserves serious consideration from growing families wanting space and features without breaking budgets.
Key Takeaways: Why Kia Deserves Attention
In summary, Kia continues its hot streak catering to nearly all buyer needs with strong contenders. Distinctive looks, high perceived quality and smart packaging speak to renewed focus and investments made. Class-leading 10-year/100k mile warranties provide welcome peace of mind that failures remain rare occurrences. What‘s equally exciting are visible efforts to grow beyond combustion conventions with machines like EV6 pointing toward a zero emissions future. Whether seeking style, space or speed, Kia delivers practical transportation done differently. So challenge preconceived notions on what Kia represents – their revamped lineup stands ready to impress shoppers with versatile options for nearly any need while emphasizing value.
