Kia SUV Models Up Close: Smallest to Biggest

Shopping for a Kia SUV? Here's the entire lineup from the quirky Soul to the new Carnival Hybrid.

From boxy subcompacts to three-row electric SUVs, Kia now offers one of the most diverse lineups on the market covering gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains across nearly every segment. For more, click here for all things Kia SUV reviews and news. Below, we highlight the latest from smallest to biggest.

Kia Soul (Subcompact Crossover SUV)

2025 Kia Soul in blue parked on a dirt road with the sunsetting in the back
2025 Kia Soul

Key features:

2.0L engine with 147 hp

Boxy design with strong practicality

Updated tech and safety features

The quirky Kia Soul continues unchanged into 2025/2026 as one of the few remaining boxy subcompact crossovers. Its appeal remains simple: great visibility, clever interior space, and strong value. It’s not trying to be sporty or rugged; just practical, efficient, and easy to live with, which is exactly why it still works. Note: there’s no longer an electric Soul, with Kia’s EV lineup now led by the EV3, EV6, and EV9.

RelatedFirst Drive: 2020 Kia Soul Review


Kia Seltos (Subcompact Crossover SUV)

2027 Seltos front driving on road, gas model
2027 Seltos

Key features:

All-new 2027 redesign with larger dimensions

Available turbo power and AWD capability

Dual 12.3-inch displays with ccNC infotainment

Debuting at the 2026 New York Auto Show, the fully redesigned 2027 Seltos grows in size, capability, and tech, taking clear inspiration from the Telluride. It now offers more interior space, a more upright design, and a significantly upgraded cabin with nearly 30 inches of combined digital display. With available AWD, improved ground clearance, and multiple powertrains, it pushes beyond basic subcompact duty into something much more versatile.

RelatedFirst Drive: 2021 Kia Seltos Review

Kia Seltos Hybrid (HEV)

2027 Seltos HEV front driving on the road
2027 Seltos HEV

Key features:

New 1.6L hybrid powertrain

Available electric AWD (e-AWD)

First hybrid offering in the Seltos lineup

The new Seltos Hybrid expands the lineup with a more efficient option, pairing a 1.6L engine with an electrified system and available e-AWD. It shares the same larger platform and upgraded tech as the gas models, but adds a unique blend of efficiency and capability that’s rare in this segment.


Kia Niro (Hybrid Compact Crossover SUV)

2026 Niro front view driving on road near the ocean
2026 Niro

Key features:

Up to ~600 miles total range (HEV)

Three powertrains: HEV, PHEV, EV

Eco-focused interior materials

The Niro continues as Kia’s efficiency-focused compact crossover, offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric variants in one cohesive lineup. It’s not the most exciting drive, but it delivers excellent fuel economy, practical space, and a clean, modern interior with sustainability front of mind.

Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)

2025 Niro PHEV front view parked on road
2025 Niro PHEV

Key features:

~33 miles all-electric range

180 hp combined output

Strong MPGe efficiency

The Niro PHEV adds short-distance electric driving to the mix, making it ideal for daily commuting without relying fully on charging infrastructure. It balances efficiency and flexibility better than most compact crossovers.

Kia Niro EV

White 2026 Niro EV front view driving on road
2026 Niro EV

Key features:

~253 miles electric range

201 hp electric motor

Compact EV with practical range

The Niro EV remains Kia’s most accessible electric crossover, offering solid range and everyday usability in a familiar format. It lacks the flash of newer EVs but makes up for it with simplicity and value.


Kia EV3 (Electric Compact Crossover SUV)

2027 Kia EV3 front view parked on street
2027 EV3

Key features:

Up to ~600 km (373 miles) range

i-Pedal 3.0 one-pedal driving

AI-powered assistant and connected features

The EV3 brings EV9-inspired design and technology into a smaller, more affordable package. With strong range, fast charging, and a highly digital interior, it’s designed for urban buyers who still want flexibility and modern features without stepping up to a larger EV.


Kia Sportage (Compact Crossover SUV)

2026 Sportage front view   kicking up dirt
2026 Sportage

Key features:

2.5L engine with 187 hp

Available X-Pro off-road trims

Modern interior with dual displays

The Sportage remains one of Kia’s core models, offering a balance of comfort, space, and available off-road capability. With hybrid and plug-in variants available, it covers a wide range of buyers while maintaining its distinctive styling and practical interior.

RelatedEscaping the Stampede: A Road Trip in Kia’s Sportage SX Turbo

Kia Sportage Hybrid (HEV)

2026 Sportage HEV front driving on the road
2026 Sportage HEV

Key features:

227 hp turbo hybrid powertrain

Up to ~43 MPG

Standard AWD availability

The Sportage Hybrid blends strong fuel efficiency with solid performance, making it one of the more well-rounded options in the segment. It’s quick enough, efficient, and still practical for everyday use.

Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)

2026 Sportage PHEV front driving
2026 Sportage PHEV

Key features:

~34 miles electric range

Standard AWD

261 hp combined output

The Sportage PHEV adds meaningful electric range while retaining full SUV usability. It’s a strong option for buyers who want EV-like commuting with gas backup for longer trips.


Kia EV6 (Electric Compact Crossover SUV)

2025 EV6 front view driving
2025 EV6

Key features:

Up to ~310 miles range

Ultra-fast 800V charging

GT model with 576 hp

The EV6 remains one of Kia’s most compelling EVs, combining strong performance, fast charging, and distinctive styling. From efficient RWD models to the high-performance GT, it offers a wide range of personalities in a single platform.

RelatedForget the EV9: Why the Kia EV5 Might Be the Perfect Electric SUV


Kia Sorento (Mid-Size SUV)

2026 Sorento front view driving
2026 Sorento

Key features:

Three-row seating in a midsize footprint

Turbo and hybrid powertrain options

Refreshed styling and interior tech

The Sorento continues to offer three-row flexibility in a smaller footprint than traditional midsize SUVs. With updated styling, improved tech, and multiple electrified options, it remains a practical alternative for families who don’t need something as large as a Telluride.

Related2018 Kia Sorento Review

Kia Sorento Hybrid (HEV)

2026 Sorento Hybrid front view driving
2026 Sorento Hybrid

Key features:

227 hp hybrid system

Excellent fuel efficiency

Available AWD

The Sorento Hybrid focuses on efficiency without sacrificing practicality, offering three-row seating with fuel economy closer to compact SUVs.

Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)

2026 Sorento PHEV front view parked on road
2026 Sorento PHEV

Key features:

~32 miles electric range

Standard AWD

261 hp combined output

The Sorento PHEV offers short-range electric driving with full three-row usability, making it a unique option in the segment for efficiency-focused families.


Kia Telluride (Mid-Size SUV)

2027 Telluride X-Pro front view driving
2027 Telluride X-Pro

Key features:

Second-generation redesign for 2027

3.8L V6 with 291 hp

Available X-Pro off-road trim

The next-generation Telluride builds on its success with a more refined design, larger footprint, and upgraded interior. It remains one of the most well-rounded three-row SUVs, combining comfort, capability, and premium touches without stepping into luxury pricing.

Related2020 Kia Telluride Review

Kia Telluride Hybrid (HEV)

2027 Telluride HEV front driving
2027 Telluride HEV

Key features:

Turbo-hybrid powertrain with 329 hp

Up to ~35 MPG combined

Available AWD with up to 4,500 lb towing

The next-gen 2027 Telluride Hybrid introduces a turbocharged electrified powertrain, combining strong performance with improved efficiency. With up to 329 horsepower and an estimated 35 MPG combined, this mid-size SUV delivers more torque than the previous V6 while maintaining full three-row capability. It shares the same larger platform, upgraded interior, and off-road-ready X-Pro options, making it a more efficient alternative without sacrificing what made the Telluride so popular.


Kia EV9 (Electric Full-Size SUV)

White Kia SUV driving on a scenic road with trees in the background.
2026 EV9

Key features:

Three-row all-electric SUV

Up to 379 hp (GT-Line)

800V fast charging architecture

The EV9 brings full-size SUV practicality into the electric space, offering three rows, strong performance, and fast charging capability. It stands out as one of the few true family-focused EV SUVs currently available.

RelatedFirst Drive: 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line


Kia Carnival (MPV / Three-Row Family Vehicle)

2026 Carnival

Key features:

290 hp V6 engine

Sliding doors with SUV-inspired styling

Flexible 8-passenger interior

The Carnival continues to blur the line between minivan and SUV, offering strong practicality, space, and family-friendly features with a more rugged design. It remains one of the most versatile people movers in Kia’s lineup.

Kia Carnival Hybrid

Kia SUV driving on a scenic mountain road, showcasing modern design.
2026 Carnival HEV

Key features:

1.6L turbo hybrid powertrain

242 hp combined output

Improved efficiency for family use

The Carnival Hybrid adds better fuel efficiency to Kia’s family hauler without sacrificing space or practicality, making it a more efficient option for larger households.

RelatedFirst Drive: 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid Brings Efficiency But No AWD

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