2016 NAIAS Detroit: Kia steps up to the task with stunning SUV teaser

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After viewing Kia’s automotive entourage of cutting edge, light-truck-based concepts at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, we would expect nothing less from the Korean upstart.

The Irvine, California based Kia Motors America continues to grow its North American market share by producing exceptionally good looking, standard feature packed, affordable cars, crossovers, EVs and SUVs. There’s also (arguably) the most affordable full size luxo-cruiser in the mix with a hint of coming light truck or two.

Kia has caught the collective attention of the automotive world, and continues to grow on that momentum.

December 2015 was a record sales month for Kia, propelling the maker into its best sales year ever with 625,813 units sold. That’s a 7.9% sales increase of 2014, with one of our favorite midsize sedans Optima leading the surge with 159,4141 units sold. You may catch our latest optima review here.

K900, Sedona and Sorento sales, all up!

With SUV and crossover sales in the U.S. surpassing all other segments, except full size pickup trucks, Kia crossover sales are on the rise, up 16.9% on the year. Torque News spent some quality time in the leather seat of 2016 turbocharged Sorento and walked away impressed. We found this turbocharged 2-row fun to drive, comfortable and pleasing to the eye.

Kia Soul EV inspires

Being relatively new to the Kia lineup, Soul EV was a personal eye opener as to the diversity of the Kia lineup, as well as the standard featured value and material quality present throughout Kia’s North American lineup. Frankly, we were taken by the real-world between charge range of Kia Soul EV, and the ease of driver to electronic interface.

What we see in the teaser image

Kia’s near future forward design directive hints to a redesigned Kia Soul, and perhaps an expansion of the present Kia crossover lineup. At any measure, it’s good looking! We love the Dubs, fly-eye inspired paint color, and organically inspired body line. The press is speculating on the introduction of a full size SUV, doubt it!