Kia (Page 19)

Kia

In this section of Torque News you can find the latest news from Kia and news about Kia vehicles. Keith Griffin is the Hyundai/Kia news reporter at Torque News and can be followed on Twitter at IndepthAuto.

Kia became a company in the 1940s but didn’t sell its first car in the U.S. until 1992. It now sells in over 180 countries. Since joining forces with its Korean rival Hyundai in 1998, Kia models have come a long way from what they used to be and are now well-designed vehicles with the latest the industry has to offer.

The combined Hyundai – Kia operation is the fifth largest automaker in the United States. Kia has a manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia where it produces three models: the top-selling Telluride CUV, Sorento CUV, and the new K5 midsize sedan. It also ships vehicles for sale in Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean and Pacific nations.

Here’s a little bit of trivia for you. The word “Kia” is derived from the Chinese characters Ki, meaning to “arise or come up out of” and a, referring to Asia. So when put together, Kia means to “arise or come up out of Asia.”

Kia’s extensive lineup includes sedans and SUVs of all sizes, hatchbacks, a minivan, an all-electric model, hybrids and plug-in hybrids, a quick and sporty four-door hatchback, and a large and very luxurious sedan.

Unlike Hyundai’s more conservative lineup, Kia offers sportier designs and driving dynamics. The quick Stinger GT and Forte GT are fun-to-drive examples while models like the Optima, Sportage, and Telluride offer sleek and sporty looks.

The Telluride, K5 and Forte models are some of the brand’s top sellers. Other models include the Soul hatchback, the Niro hybrid SUV, the Rio, the Sedona minivan, and the Niro EV. The Stinger is Kia’s rear-drive sports car and the Cadenza and K900 big sedans are the brand’s luxurious offerings but have some of the poorest sales in the lineup.

New models include the big three-row Telluride SUV, the compact Seltos SUV, the the Soul EV, and the sporty K5 that replaces the Optima for 2021.

Below is a list of Kia’s models with starting prices (excludes delivery charges):

2021 Kia Seltos – $21,990
2021 Kia Soul – $17,490
2020 Kia Niro – $24,590
2020 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid – $29,400
2021 Kia Sportage – $23,990
2021 Kia Sorento – $29,390
2021 Kia Telluride – $31,990
2020 Kia Rio – $15,850
2021 Kia Forte – $17,890
2021 Kia K5 – $23,390
2021 Kia Stinger – $33,090
2020 Kia Cadenza – $37,850
2020 Kia K900 – $59,900
2020 Kia Niro EV – $39,090
2021 Kia Soul EV – Discontinued?
2021 Kia Sedona – $30,400

2014 Kia Optima Hybrid Review: A Hybrid with Luxury-Sport Style

By Patrick Rall on December 7, 2014 - 9:45AM

While the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid has some unique features on the outside to improve aerodynamics and efficiency, the Korean automaker has done an awesome job of applying hybrid technology to a great looking, well-appointed midsized sedan – preserving all of the good aspects of the non-hybrid Optima while adding very real 37mpg capabilities.

2014 Kia Forte SX Koup: Turbo and a New Look Makes a Good Car Great

By Patrick Rall on November 17, 2014 - 6:50PM

The compact coupe segment in the US market has shrunken a great deal in recent years, but the 2014 Kia Forte SX Koup is proof that those drivers who want a great 2-door compact that is stylish, fun to drive, comfortable and well-appointed can do so without spending a fortune.

Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima to be electrified in 2015 at a reasonable price

By Luke Ottaway on October 21, 2014 - 9:31AM

And so the trend of plug-in hybrid conversions of existing models continues. Even Hyundai/Kia is in on the game now, with a recent announcement of an electrified Sonata and Optima coming next year. The most important part may be the sticker price.

EPA still angry at Hyundai-Kia over adjusted MPG numbers

By John Goreham on October 9, 2014 - 3:26PM

Hyundai-Kia may very well be the most fuel efficient major automaker in America. Yet, the EPA will not let them have the title. Here's why.

2015 Kia Soul EV pricing announced with attractive lease deal

By Luke Ottaway on September 11, 2014 - 4:05PM

Another electric vehicle will soon be arriving on U.S. shores. The 2015 Kia Soul EV will bring with it a price tag fairly typical of its class, but many buyers may opt for the lease.

Kia Sorento Recalled for Stalling Problem - Finally

By Keith Griffin on June 16, 2014 - 6:14AM

The 2011 to 2013 model year Kia Sorentos have been recalled for a stalling problem and frustrated owners will say it's about time after frustrating experiences trying to get the problem fixed to no avail. Dealers couldn't find the problem until Kia came up with a solution.

2014 Kia Soul! Review: The Spunky Little "Hamster Car" Gets Even Better

By Patrick Rall on June 4, 2014 - 12:46PM

In my time writing about the automotive industry, no vehicle has had a marketing campaign that has gotten more attention than the Kia Soul, but with the introduction of the new and improved Soul for the 2014 model year – Kia has improved on an already very good compact vehicle that delivers great fuel economy, awesome driving dynamics, a ton of space and an impressive number of features for a surprisingly low price.

Kia Hints at Record Sales Thanks to Soul Searching

By Keith Griffin on May 21, 2014 - 1:16PM

With nine days left in the month, a top Kia executive is hinting sales will hit record levels for the month of May. That would follow up on record sales so far this year for April and January and get the company back to healthy full-year sales.

It's Beautiful Inside and Out but Who Will Buy the Kia Sedona?

By Keith Griffin on April 14, 2014 - 6:15PM

Thanks to prominent placement on Live with Kelly & Michael, stay-at-home moms all over the land are now familiar with the beautiful 2015 Kia Sedona. With that burst of exposure comes this question - who is going to buy it?

Has Kia Created the Forte of Minivans?

By Keith Griffin on April 10, 2014 - 11:34AM

There's a running joke throughout the movie "Get Shorty" where John Travolta, saddled with driving an Oldsmobile Silouhette, proclaims it "the Cadillac of minivans." Maybe Kia is onto something with the new Sedona being introduced at the NY Auto Show. It looks like the Kia Forte of minivans.

Kia Forte Koup Gets Top Accolade

By Keith Griffin on April 9, 2014 - 11:11AM

Kia, coming off some harsh treatment from Consumer Reports, can find comfort in one of its top sellers 2014 Kia Forte getting some loving for being a best value in America.

Consumer Reports Kicks Kia to the Curb Over Safety

By Keith Griffin on April 8, 2014 - 2:08PM

Consumer Reports has decided one Kia is no longer worthy of recommendation to the public because it has failed a key safety test.

Is New Kia Sedona a Game Changer?

By Keith Griffin on April 3, 2014 - 1:09PM

Kia has announced that it will introduce a new multi-passenger vehicle at the New York International Auto Show in two short weeks. The question that comes to mind is probably the Kia Sedona going to be a game changer for the Korean automaker?

Kia Sales Kick Up in March Thanks to Forte, Optima, Soul

By Keith Griffin on April 1, 2014 - 4:38PM

While its Korean sibling was struggling, Kia saw its sales kick upwards in March thanks to Forte, Optima and Soul models among others. It was the second best March sales for the company in its 20 years in the United States.

2 Door or Not 2 Door? The Kia Soul Question

By Keith Griffin on March 23, 2014 - 6:36AM

There are stories flying around the Internet claiming that Kia is poised to introduce a two-door version of the Kia Soul with one strong detractor who claims it's not going to happen. That begs the question: should there be a two-door Kia Soul?

Hyundai Santa Fe winter vehicle of the year

Does Winning Winter Accolades Help Santa Fe, Sorrento?

By Keith Griffin on March 21, 2014 - 8:01AM

The New England Motor Press Association, where I am an active member and immediate past president, has bestowed two major awards on Hyundai and Kia. The two brands need to exploit the accolades for Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.

A Review of the 2014 Kia Sorento SX AWD: Sporty, Roomy and Surprisingly Luxurious

By Patrick Rall on March 15, 2014 - 6:10PM

The Kia brand has come a very long way over the past decade and the 2014 Kia Sorento SX AWD is a shining example of the automaker’s progress – offering an impressive list of amenities inside and out in a roomy, sporty midsized SUV that packs a price under $40k.

Kia Announces Pricing for Soul EV and It's High

By Keith Griffin on March 11, 2014 - 11:38AM

At a press conference today in South Korea, Kia has announced pricing for its Soul electric vehicle that will go on sale as a 2016 model. It seems high for the U.S. market by about $10,000.

Kia Flat Sales Boosted by Soul, Forte

By Keith Griffin on March 4, 2014 - 7:43AM

Kia announced that its sales for February 2014 were down but unlike its sibling brand did not hide behind excuses and touted the success of the Soul and Forte models.

Kia Enters Modern Luxury World with 2015 Kia K900 Sedan

By Keith Griffin on March 3, 2014 - 3:42PM

Kia has introduced its first luxury sedan: the 2015 Kia K900. On the technical and aesthetic levels the car succeeds but can it excel on the most crucial level: the marketplace?

Good News – More Kia Fortes Coming Down the Pike

By Keith Griffin on February 16, 2014 - 7:05AM

It's no secret that Kia as a brand suffered in 2013 with sales down 4 percent while the industry was up 8 percent but 2014 should be a different year, especially because the supply of Kia Fortes is going to increase.

Is the Kia K900 Stunning Enough To Crack the Luxury Market?

By Keith Griffin on February 12, 2014 - 5:12PM

Kia is in the midst of introducing the 2015 Kia K900 to the American automotive journalists in Orange County. Has the brand succeeded in making it stunning enough to be a success in the luxury market?

A Review of the 2014 Kia Forte EX Sedan: A Glowing Example of Kia's Steady Evolution

By Patrick Rall on January 16, 2014 - 6:09PM

There was a point early in Kia’s existence in the US market where their lineup of small cars focused on nothing but low cost and solid fuel economy but the 2014 Kia Forte EX sedan is a prime of example of how much the industry has changed – and how well Kia has changed right along with the competition.

Why Was This Only Kia's Second Best Sales Year?

By Keith Griffin on January 3, 2014 - 9:23PM

Kia Motors America announced that 2013 was the company's second best year but a drop in sales from 2012 doesn't seem to bode well when the rest of the automotive industry saw 7.6% sales growth on average.

We Called it First: Kia Names New Concept Car GT4 Stinger

By Keith Griffin on January 2, 2014 - 9:45PM

Kia has named the new concept car it is unveiling at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 13 the Kia GT4 Stinger as well as revealing details about its horsepower. Its name is old news to TorqueNews.com readers.

Exclusive: Kia Names 2+2 Coupe Concept GT4 Stinger

By Keith Griffin on December 22, 2013 - 10:26PM

To date, Kia has been coy about its new 2+2 coupe concept coming to the North American International Auto Show but its worldwide PR team has given it a name, but possibly not on purpose.

What Will the New Kia 2+2 Concept Be?

By Keith Griffin on December 20, 2013 - 10:31PM

Kia is unveiling a concept car at the Detroit Auto Show but it's being coy, as expected on what the new 2+2 concept will be when it debuts. There's speculation on what it might turn out to be across the web.

Could Safety Help Slumping Kia Sales?

By Keith Griffin on December 20, 2013 - 8:22PM

It's just been announced the 2014 Kia Soul has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 5-Star overall safety rating. Could a renewed focus on safety be the key to turning around Kia's slumping sales?

A Review of the 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium: Kia Hits the Luxury Segment Right in the Sweet Spot

By Patrick Rall on December 16, 2013 - 8:05PM

When the Kia brand was introduced to the US market back in 1994, it was hard to imagine that this super affordable economy brand could one day offer up a gorgeous, engaging large luxury sedan but with the 2014 Kia Cadenza – the smaller of the two Korean brands doing business in North America has stormed into the segment with a beautiful vehicle.

5 Reasons Why 2014 Kia Soul is a Winner

By Keith Griffin on December 15, 2013 - 10:34PM

The 2014 Kia Soul, which basically had its first full month of sales in November, is quickly becoming a hot seller for the Korean automaker with 12,870 sold. There are five solid reasons why the 2014 Kia Soul is a winner for the brand.

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