Kia Motors, the South Korean automaker, has transformed itself from a value-oriented brand into a global leader in automotive innovation, design, and quality. Over the past few decades, Kia has redefined its image by producing vehicles that combine cutting-edge technology, eye-catching designs, and a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency. Whether you’re looking for a compact city car, a family-friendly SUV, or an electric vehicle, Kia offers a range of models that cater to a variety of drivers’ needs.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 Kia cars that have made their mark on the automotive industry. These models showcase Kia’s commitment to delivering performance, reliability, and style while maintaining affordable price points.
1. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is one of the most popular SUVs on the market, and it has quickly become the flagship of Kia’s lineup. Since its debut in 2020, the Telluride has won numerous awards for its impressive combination of style, comfort, and practicality. As a three-row midsize SUV, the Telluride offers seating for up to eight passengers and plenty of cargo space, making it an ideal choice for families.
Under the hood, the Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower, providing plenty of power for highway cruising and towing. Inside, the Telluride boasts a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and a host of advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. With its spacious cabin, impressive tech, and premium design, the Telluride stands out as one of the best midsize SUVs available today.
2. Kia Stinger
For those seeking a more exhilarating driving experience, the Kia Stinger is a standout option. The Stinger is a sporty, fastback sedan that offers a perfect blend of performance and luxury. Its sleek, coupe-like design and aggressive stance give it a bold presence on the road, while its powerful engine options deliver thrilling acceleration and handling.
The Stinger is available with either a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower or a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 that pumps out 368 horsepower. The latter can propel the Stinger from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest vehicles in Kia’s lineup. Inside, the Stinger features a driver-focused cabin with premium materials, a large touchscreen, and advanced driver assistance features. The Stinger is the perfect choice for those who want a sports car experience without sacrificing comfort and practicality.
3. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is another family-friendly SUV that offers a great balance of style, performance, and versatility. As a midsize crossover, the Sorento offers seating for up to seven passengers and a range of powerful and efficient engine options. The latest Sorento also features a hybrid variant, making it a more fuel-efficient option for eco-conscious drivers.
The Sorento is powered by either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged version of the same engine, with the hybrid model pairing a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor for increased efficiency. Inside, the Sorento offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin with a range of tech features, including an available 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, and a premium sound system. With its modern design, advanced technology, and versatile interior, the Sorento is one of the best options in the midsize SUV segment.
4. Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is a compact SUV that offers big value in a small package. Introduced in 2020, the Seltos has quickly become one of Kia’s best-selling models, thanks to its stylish design, spacious interior, and impressive list of standard features. The Seltos is available with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower or a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering 175 horsepower.
Inside, the Seltos offers a roomy and upscale cabin for a vehicle in its class, with plenty of passenger and cargo space. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while higher trims add a larger 10.25-inch display and additional driver assistance features. The Seltos also offers available all-wheel drive, making it a versatile option for those who need a small SUV that can handle different weather conditions. With its combination of affordability, practicality, and style, the Seltos is a great choice for those looking for a compact SUV.
5. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage has long been one of Kia’s most popular models, and for good reason. This compact SUV offers a perfect mix of style, performance, and practicality, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of drivers. The Sportage’s bold design features a distinctive grille, sleek lines, and an athletic stance, while its refined interior provides a comfortable and tech-savvy environment.
Under the hood, the Sportage is available with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower or a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 240 horsepower. The Sportage also offers a range of advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Inside, drivers and passengers will appreciate the spacious and well-designed cabin, with features like an available 8-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. Whether you’re commuting in the city or exploring the outdoors, the Sportage offers a great driving experience.
6. Kia K5
The Kia K5 is Kia’s stylish and modern midsize sedan that has replaced the Kia Optima. Since its debut in 2021, the K5 has impressed drivers with its sleek design, advanced technology, and powerful engine options. The K5 is available with either a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower or a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine in the GT model, which delivers 290 horsepower for a more spirited driving experience.
Inside, the K5 offers a tech-forward cabin with high-quality materials and a range of features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available panoramic sunroof. The K5 also comes with a suite of advanced safety features, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. With its bold design, impressive performance, and advanced technology, the K5 is one of the best options in the midsize sedan market.
7. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is one of the most unique and recognizable vehicles in the Kia lineup. Its boxy design, funky styling, and spacious interior have made it a favorite among drivers looking for a compact car with plenty of personality. The Soul offers a surprisingly roomy cabin, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a practical choice for city driving and longer trips.
The Soul is available with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower or a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that delivers 201 horsepower. Inside, the Soul features an intuitive infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, while higher trims offer a larger screen and more premium features. With its quirky design, spacious interior, and affordable price, the Soul is perfect for those who want a compact car that stands out from the crowd.
8. Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is a minivan that brings a new level of style, technology, and versatility to the family vehicle segment. Replacing the Kia Sedona, the Carnival features a bold, SUV-like design with a modern and upscale interior. With seating for up to eight passengers and a range of family-friendly features, the Carnival is perfect for large families who need plenty of space and comfort.
The Carnival is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower, giving it plenty of power for highway driving and towing. Inside, the Carnival offers a luxurious cabin with available features like a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless charging. The Carnival also comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. With its combination of space, style, and technology, the Carnival is one of the best family vehicles on the market.
9. Kia Niro
For drivers looking for an eco-friendly option, the Kia Niro is a hybrid crossover that offers excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing style or practicality. The Niro is available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric variants, giving drivers a range of choices depending on their preferences. The hybrid version of the Niro delivers an impressive 50+ mpg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.
The Niro’s compact size makes it ideal for city driving, while its spacious interior offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a suite of driver assistance features. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply want a fuel-efficient crossover, the Niro offers a great blend of practicality and eco-friendliness.
10. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio is Kia’s subcompact car, offering excellent value for drivers