Kia (Page 17)

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

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.

Do Kia Super Bowl Ads Make a Difference?

By Keith Griffin on December 15, 2013 - 7:32PM

Word comes that Kia will be promoting its upcoming Kia K900 during the Super Bowl broadcast that takes place Feb. 2, 2014 in New Jersey but do television ads really make a difference when it comes to selling vehicles?

2014 Kia Forte Is Great Compact But Why Not Selling?

By Keith Griffin on December 14, 2013 - 1:08PM

The 2014 Kia Forte has been named the Best New Compact Sedan of 2014 by Cars.com, which is a sentiment first expressed by TorqueNews.com. Better late than never for this compact sedan that's really mashing the competition – except in sales.

Kia Releases 2014 Red Zone Special Edition Soul – Why So Soon?

By Keith Griffin on December 7, 2013 - 8:32PM

The 2014 Kia Soul is a shining light in the Korean automaker's lineup, which could explain why a special edition Red Zone model is being rolled out. But, one has to wonder, why is a brand-new vehicle getting a special edition already?

Kia Should Sell Less Vehicles to Combat Softness and Competitors' Strength

By Keith Griffin on December 7, 2013 - 3:32PM

Kia had a great sales year in 2012 but its sales numbers are starting to show signs of weakness as 2013 comes to a close. There are some steps that need to be done in order for it to return to robustness in 2014.

Kia Sales Numbers Look Rosy, But There's Trouble

By Keith Griffin on December 3, 2013 - 2:15PM

Kia is out with its sales numbers for 2013, and everything appears to be good, but there could be trouble ahead for the Korean manufacturer because sales overall are lagging behind 2012 numbers at this point.

What Makes 2014 Kia Forte Work So Well Driving

By Keith Griffin on December 2, 2013 - 3:22PM

When it comes to lengthy car trips my first preference is either midsize sedans (and larger) or crossover utility vehicles. That's why I was initially dismayed to find out I would be piloting a 2014 Kia Forte EX on a 700-mile round-trip drive on a recent wet, windy November weekend but this compact proved it could work well.

Kia K900 Enters Luxury Sedan Market with a Big Mistake

By Keith Griffin on November 25, 2013 - 8:37PM

It's a derivative looking luxury sedan but the 2015 Kia K900 should still be a hit among auto buyers looking for either good price or enhanced value in a rear-wheel drive full-size car but there's one thing wrong with it: the choice of power plants.

One Kia Will Keep Its Value Which Could Help Leasing

By Keith Griffin on November 19, 2013 - 3:13PM

It's always good news for a vehicle owner to hear that a new vehicle will still be worth something three years down the road but it's also good news for someone attempting to lease the same vehicle. Kia has that "problem" with the 2014 Kia Soul.

Kia's court win ensures Sorento and Optima production harmony

By Keith Griffin on November 19, 2013 - 2:02PM

Kia, as of the last few years, has been on a winning streak with the production of the Sorento CUV and the Optima mid-size sedan, two of the brand’s top selling models in the U.S., at its West Point, Ga., facility. A lawsuit could have threatened the harmony at the production facility that turns out 360,000 vehicles a year.

Kia supports BRAKES program across the U.S.

Kia Puts BRAKES on Teen Driving

By Keith Griffin on November 15, 2013 - 8:44PM

One of the sad facts of life is most teen drivers just aren't up to the complicated task of driving an automobile. That's why Kia has stepped in to help train teens across the United States in better driving skills through a program called B.RA.K.E.S.

Just Determined: Doubts Raised About Kia Soul EV Range

By Keith Griffin on November 14, 2013 - 11:08AM

It's still at least six months away from market yet Kia's claims of 120 miles of range for its 2014 Soul EV are already being called into question. One expert says the range may be at least 20 percent below that stated number.

Among Compacts, One Kia Model Judged the Best

By Keith Griffin on November 13, 2013 - 10:22PM

Judges from three media organizations that specialize in covering the automotive industry have proclaimed a Kia compact to be the best compact sedan "in its league" and it was up against some stiff competition.

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