Kia represents the power of design. Once the budget alternative to Hyundai, they hired Audi designer Peter Schreyer and transformed their image. With the Stinger GT and Telluride, they proved they could build cars that people actually want to drive, not just cars they can afford.
Explore the current production vehicles.
The game-changing 3-row SUV that redefined the segment. With its bold, boxy design, near-luxury interior, and rugged capability in the X-Pro trim, the Telluride is the award-winning, go-anywhere family vehicle that everyone wants.
The flagship all-electric SUV of the future, here today. The EV9 is a stunning 3-row EV that offers futuristic design, a spacious lounge-like interior, and ultra-fast 800V charging. It's a bold new statement in electric family luxury.
The supremely versatile SUV with something for everyone. The Sorento offers the flexibility of a standard third row, a wide range of powertrains including Hybrid and PHEV, and rugged X-Pro capability. It’s the perfectly sized, do-it-all adventure vehicle.
The daring compact SUV with a design that turns heads. The Sportage makes a bold statement with its futuristic styling, a high-tech, driver-focused interior, and a spacious, comfortable cabin. It's engineered to be a class above the competition.
The champion of eco-friendly versatility. The Niro is a dedicated electrified crossover available in three flavors: ultra-efficient Hybrid, versatile Plug-in Hybrid, and a full EV. It’s the stylish, no-compromise way to go green.
The small SUV with big ambitions and bold style. The Seltos packs a surprising amount of space, technology, and available turbocharged power into a compact, city-friendly package. With standard AWD, it’s a smart and capable adventure starter.
The icon of individuality. The Kia Soul refuses to be put in a box, even though it's shaped like one. With its funky style, immense practicality, and fun-to-drive attitude, it's the uniquely charming crossover for those who march to their own beat.
The 'Multi-Purpose Vehicle' that shatters minivan stereotypes. The Carnival blends the immense practicality of a family hauler with the bold, SUV-inspired design that drivers crave. It's the stylish, comfortable, and incredibly versatile family limo.
The electrifying performance crossover that started a revolution. With its sleek, athletic design, 800V ultra-fast charging, and the breathtaking 576-hp GT version, the EV6 is a thrilling look at the future of high-performance driving.
The mid-size sedan with the heart of a sports car. The K5, formerly the Optima, boasts an aggressive, Stinger-inspired design, available AWD, and a thrilling GT model with best-in-class torque. It’s built to inject excitement into your daily drive.
The compact sedan that delivers exceptional style and value. The Forte stands out with its sharp, sporty design, a wealth of standard technology, and an available turbocharged GT version. It’s a smart, handsome, and fun-to-drive choice.
The audacious rear-wheel-drive GT sedan that shocked the German establishment. With its beautiful fastback design and potent twin-turbo V6, the Stinger was a halo car that proved Kia could build a true world-class performance machine. A future classic.
The mid-size sedan that triggered Kia's design revolution. The 2011 Optima, with its 'Tiger Nose' grille and sleek styling, transformed the brand's image overnight. It became a symbol of Kia's new commitment to world-class design and quality.
The handsome and comfortable near-luxury sedan. The Cadenza offered a spacious, premium cabin, a smooth V6 engine, and a host of upscale features, providing a taste of affordable luxury for discerning sedan buyers.
Kia's ambitious flagship rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan. The K900 was a bold statement, offering the space, comfort, and V8 power to challenge the best in the world, proving the brand's capability in the highest echelons of the market.
The original family workhorse that delivered unbeatable value. For generations, the Sedona was the smart, practical, and budget-friendly choice for families, known for its spacious interior and commitment to safety, paving the way for the stylish Carnival.
The gateway to the Kia brand and a champion of affordable, reliable transportation. The Rio, available as a sedan or hatchback, consistently offered great fuel economy, smart features, and peace of mind for first-time buyers and commuters.
Kia's short-lived but capable body-on-frame, rear-wheel-drive SUV. The Borrego was a true, rugged SUV with available V8 power and serious towing capacity, making it a unique and powerful entry in Kia's history for those who remember it.
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In 2006, Kia was known for making cheap, bland cars. Then they made a hire that changed the industry: Peter Schreyer, the designer behind the original Audi TT.
He gave Kia a face. He invented the "Tiger Nose" grille, a design signature that made a $15,000 Kia Optima look like a $40,000 sport sedan. Suddenly, Kias weren't just affordable; they were arguably better looking than the Japanese competition.
The moment the car world stopped laughing at Kia was the launch of the Stinger GT. It was a rear-wheel-drive, twin-turbo V6 sport sedan tuned on the Nürburgring by the former head of BMW M.
It was faster than a Mustang GT and more practical than a BMW 3 Series. While it didn't sell in massive numbers (and was eventually discontinued), it served its purpose: it proved Kia could build a world-class performance car.
You cannot talk about Kia without the Kia Soul. It was a funky, boxy hatchback that succeeded where the Nissan Cube and Scion xB failed. Why? Because of hip-hop hamsters. The marketing campaign was a cultural phenomenon, turning a weird little box into a massive sales hit.
Recent history has a dark chapter. Due to cost-cutting, many Kias sold in the US between 2011 and 2021 lacked engine immobilizers.
This led to the "Kia Boyz" trend on TikTok, where teenagers showed how to steal these cars using nothing but a USB cable. It became a massive crisis, leading to uninsurable cars in some cities. Modern Kias have fixed this, but the legacy remains a headache for owners of older models.
If the Stinger was the halo car, the Telluride was the cash cow. It is an SUV that looks like a Range Rover but costs half as much. It was so popular that for years, dealers were selling used ones for more than the price of new ones. It cemented Kia as a brand for American families.
Kia is no longer the "cheap option"; in many segments, it is now the "cool option."
The 2026 Kia EV9 continues to lead the three-row electric SUV segment in the USA. It features a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port for seamless Tesla Supercharger access. With its 800V architecture, it can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 24 minutes.
Key highlights for American families include:
Yes, the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid (HEV) is a significant addition to the US lineup. It pairs a 1.6L turbocharged engine with a 54kW electric motor, producing a combined 242 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
For US drivers, the main advantage is fuel economy; the Carnival Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 33 MPG combined, a massive improvement over the standard V6 modelâs 21 MPG. It retains its "VIP Lounge Seating" and class-leading cargo space, making it a top contender in the minivan segment.
Kia continues to offer its industry-leading 10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty program in the United States for 2026. This comprehensive package includes:
For EV owners, the high-voltage battery is also covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles, ensuring long-term reliability for electric transitions.
The 2026 Kia Sportage receives a mid-cycle refresh for the US market, featuring a bolder front fascia and updated "Star Map" LED lighting. It remains available in ICE, Hybrid (HEV), and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) versions.
Inside, the dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays now run on the latest ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) system, which supports faster processing and wireless updates. The X-Pro trims continue to offer off-road hardware like B.F. Goodrich® all-terrain tires and a 1.5-inch suspension lift.
The 2026 Kia Telluride remains one of the best-selling midsize SUVs in the USA. When equipped with the X-Line or X-Pro packages, it offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,500 lbs. The X-Pro trim specifically includes heavy-duty engine cooling and a specialized "Tow Mode" that optimizes transmission shift points for heavy loads.
The 2026 Kia K4 officially replaces the Kia Forte in the United States. It features a significantly larger footprint, offering class-leading second-row legroom. For 2026, the K4 lineup expands with a 5-door Hatchback variant alongside the traditional sedan.
Powertrain options include a standard 2.0L engine or a 1.6L turbocharged engine producing 190 hp on GT-Line Turbo trims. It also introduces Digital Key 2.0, allowing US owners to use their smartphones as a key via UWB technology.
Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) is an advanced driver assistance system available on 2026 models like the EV6 and Sorento. It combines Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering and a new Automatic Lane Change function.
When the driver activates the turn signal on a US highway, the system checks for clear space and automatically steers the vehicle into the next lane. It also features "Machine Learning" to mimic the driver's individual following distance and acceleration habits.
As of 2026, eligibility for federal EV tax credits depends on the location of final assembly and battery sourcing. The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV offers 31 miles of all-electric range, making it ideal for daily US commutes.
While federal rules are subject to change, many US buyers can still take advantage of clean vehicle lease incentives or local state rebates in regions like California, New York, and Washington, which significantly reduce the effective monthly payment.
Available on 2026 Kia AWD models like the Sorento and Sportage, Terrain Mode allows US drivers to optimize the drivetrain for specific conditions. By turning a dial, users can select between Snow, Mud, or Sand modes. The system then adjusts engine torque delivery, traction control intervention, and the electronic All-Wheel Drive coupling to maintain momentum on slippery American trails or unpaved mountain roads.
The 2026 Kia Seltos is a subcompact SUV that comfortably seats 5 adults. Despite its small exterior dimensions, it offers 38 inches of rear legroom, which is competitive even with larger crossovers. For 2026, it receives a new GTS trim with dark-finish 18-inch wheels and a revised interior featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen as standard on higher trims.