Kia SUV Models Up Close (2023/2024): Smallest to Biggest

The Kia SUV lineup is growing. Smallest to biggest, here's a look at each model including the latest features, updates, and changes.

This guide is continuously updated for relevancy, accuracy, and the most recent info.

In the last two decades, Kia’s SUV and crossover lineup has seen remarkable growth. The Sportage, Sorento, and Soul have become consumer favourites, while the Telluride SUV has broadened Kia’s appeal. The Kia Carnival replaces the Sedona minivan, and the Seltos and Niro offer subcompact options. The lineup also features the all-new Kia EV6 and full-size EV9 electric vehicles. Let’s dive into the models:

Subcompact, Compact:

Mid-Size, Full-Size


Kia Soul (Subcompact Crossover SUV)

2024 Soul. Photo: Kia

Key features:

147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque

Unique blend of style and practicality

New EX Designer Package

The Kia Soul, initially a novelty in 2009, has grown into a compelling compact SUV since its 2020 Soul redesign. For 2024, it introduces the EX Designer Package with 18-inch alloy wheels, mixed cloth and artificial leather seats, and the Umber Interior Color Package. Models with Smart Key now offer enhanced security through a “sleep mode” activation. The Soul is powered by a 2.0L I-4 engine delivering 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque, maintaining its reputation for excellent fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated MPG of 27/33/30 for some trims and 29/35/31 for the EX trim. With its unique style and practicality, the Kia Soul remains an appealing choice in the small crossover category.

Soul EV discontinued

There’s no longer an all-electric version of the small boxy crossover (the new Niro EV essentially stole that limelight). It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the Soul EV in the US, slated to arrive in 2019, then postponed a year before being officially cancelled. The Soul EV did go on sale in Canada, however. Here’s a good article at TopSpeed on Why You Can’t Buy A Kia Soul EV In The United States.


Kia Seltos (Subcompact Crossover SUV)

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Key features:

SX AWD features flat-bottom steering wheel

FWD and AWD trims are equipped with navigation with 10.25-inch display

New Nightfall Edition AWD adds blacked-out style

Kia introduced the Seltos as an all-new addition to their SUV lineup in 2021, and it’s already making a solid impression. The Seltos appeals to a wide range of buyers, from first-time purchasers to empty nesters, thanks to its lively and playful design tailored for the young and young at heart.

With its attractive appearance, it has the potential to become a top seller for Kia. The Seltos offers two engine options: a standard 2.0L with 146 horsepower in the LX trim and a more powerful 1.6L Turbo GDI producing 175 horsepower in the SX and Nightfall Edition trims. Like the Soul, the Seltos boasts a range of available safety features, including lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, making it a compelling choice. Expect the Kia Seltos to turn heads and potentially earn awards in the near future.


Kia Niro (Hybrid Compact Crossover SUV)

2024 Niro. Photo: Kia

Key features:

600 miles total driving range

Ample cargo space and standard features

Interior made of recycled materials and natural fibers

The 2024 Niro Hybrid enters its second model year of its second generation. This versatile crossover offers three distinct powertrains (HEV, PHEV, EV), with the hybrid model boasting a best-in-class combined fuel economy of 53 MPG and an impressive total driving range of nearly 600 miles. The Niro family of vehicles provides great cargo space and comes equipped with a comprehensive list of standard features, including more than a dozen collision avoidance and driver assist technologies.

In 2024, the Niro Hybrid sees a few practical updates, including the addition of a dual-level cargo floor for enhanced utility and a change in available exterior paint options, as the Fire Orange Metallic colour is discontinued. The Niro Hybrid is offered in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring.


Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV Compact Crossover SUV)

2024 Niro PHEV. Photo: Kia

Key features:

510 miles total driving range

108 MPGe combined (EX, SX Touring)

Two trims: EX and SX Touring

The PHEV version offers a 33-mile all-electric range and a total driving range of 510 miles. The Niro PHEV arrives in 2024 with minimal changes, with the most significant being the discontinuation of the Fire Orange Metallic exterior paint option.

Under the hood, the Niro PHEV boasts a 1.6L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engine, producing 180 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, along with a hybrid system’s performance combined with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor. It achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 48 MPG combined on gas and an impressive 108 MPGe combined for the EX and SX Touring trims. The Niro PHEV is available in two trim levels: EX and SX Touring.


Kia Niro EV (Electric Compact Crossover SUV)

2024 Niro EV. Photo: Kia

Key features:

253 miles total driving range

201 horsepower and 188 lb.-ft. of torque

EPA-estimated MPGe of 113 combined

The 2024 Niro EV, an all-electric model, offers a noteworthy EPA-estimated range of 253 miles. In 2024, the Niro EV introduces a dual-level cargo floor as a standard feature while discontinuing the Fire Orange Metallic paint option and the Light Grey interior package for the Niro EV Wind trim.

The Niro EV comes in two trim levels, Wind and Wave, and is powered by a 64.8 kWh battery and a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, providing 201 horsepower and 188 lb.-ft. of torque. It achieves an impressive EPA-estimated MPGe of 113 combined for the Wind and Wave trims. Despite these enhancements and minimal changes for 2024, the Niro EV maintains a reasonable price increase, making it an attractive choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts.


Kia Sportage (Compact Crossover SUV)

2024 Sportage X-Pro. Photo: Kia

Key features:

New 2.5L GDI SULEV30 engine

SX AWD trim discontinued

Off-road-ready X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims

The 2024 Sportage brings safety updates with standard rear airbags and LED headlights, and all trim levels now feature a 2.5L GDI SULEV30 engine. The SX AWD trim is discontinued. The Sportage offers a diverse lineup, including the off-road-ready X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims with all-terrain tires. Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder GDI engine, it boasts 187 horsepower, 178 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 2,500 lb. towing capacity. Fuel efficiency ranges from 23-25 MPG in the city, 26-33 MPG on the highway, and 26-28 MPG combined.


Kia Sportage Hybrid (HEV Compact Crossover SUV)

2023 Sportage HEV. Photo: Kia

Key features:

227 hp turbo hybrid powertrain

500 miles of driving range

40% less CO2 emissions than before

The 2023 Sportage Hybrid, part of the completely redesigned SUV lineup, features a potent 227 hp turbo hybrid powertrain delivering impressive performance alongside up to 43 MPG. It offers over 500 miles of driving range and boasts increased dimensions, offering best-in-class rear seat legroom and rear cargo capacity. Notably, the new model reduces CO2 emissions by nearly 40 percent compared to the outgoing version. It also offers Active AWD, dual panoramic 12.3-inch display screens, and comes equipped with eight standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety and convenience.


Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV Compact Crossover SUV)

2023 Sportage PHEV. Photo: Kia

Key features:

All-electric range of 32 miles

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Turbocharged powertrain with a 13.8-kWh battery

Kia has introduced the 2023 Sportage PHEV, marking the debut of the first Plug-In Hybrid variant in the Sportage lineup. This electrified model comes loaded with premium amenities and standard technology features. Embracing the “Opposites United” design philosophy, it combines elements of nature with rugged design. The Sportage PHEV is equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including a 360° Surround View Monitor with 3D View and a live feed Blind-Spot View Monitor within the instrument cluster. It features a turbocharged powertrain with a 13.8-kWh battery, offering a targeted all-electric range of 32 miles, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability.


Kia EV6 (BEV Compact Crossover SUV)

2024 EV6 GT. Photo: Kia

Key features:

EV6 Light gains 77.4-kWh battery

218 miles electric range (up from 2023)

EV6 GT with 576 hp

The 2024 EV6, now in its third model year, continues to play a pivotal role in Kia’s “Plan S” strategy. This year, it introduces the 77.4-kWh battery to the EV6 Light, offering both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (e-AWD) options. Notably, the 2024 EV6 GT achieves an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 218 miles, a 12-mile improvement over the 2023 model.

Across all EV6 variants, charge port lighting and charge door marking are now standard to enhance accessibility. The EV6 lineup features various powertrain options, including the EV6 Light RWD with a 58.0-kWh battery and 167 hp, the EV6 Light Long Range RWD, EV6 Wind RWD, and EV6 GT-Line RWD with a 77.4-kWh battery and 225 hp, as well as the EV6 Light e-AWD, EV6 Wind e-AWD, and EV6 GT-Line e-AWD with the same battery and 320 hp, and the EV6 GT with 576 hp. These models offer an EPA-estimated range ranging from 218 to 310 miles.


Kia Sorento (Mid-Size SUV)

2023 Sorento X-Line. Photo: Kia

Key features:

Base trim gains more standard features

Two diverse engine options

X-Line package adds ruggedness

The 2023 Kia Sorento, in the new model year, enhances its trim offerings with improved packaging across the board, enriching the existing array of standard features. Notably, the base LX trim now includes standard Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance, and Safe Exit Assist. The S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims each receive new convenience features that were previously optional.

The Sorento’s engine options include a 2.5 GDI I-4 with an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing 191 hp and 181 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 2.5T GDI I-4 with an 8-speed wet DCT, delivering 281 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel efficiency varies based on the powertrain, with the 2.5 GDI I-4 offering 24/29/26 MPG for FWD and 23/25/24 MPG for AWD, and the 2.5T GDI I-4 achieving 22/29/25 MPG for FWD and 21/28/24 MPG for AWD.


Kia Sorento Hybrid (HEV Mid-Size SUV)

2023 Sorento HEV. Photo: Kia

Key features:

SX-P trim replaces S trim

1.6T GDI I-4 and a 44 kW motor combo

EX trim adds 8-way power passenger seat

In 2023, the Sorento Hybrid streamlines its trim levels by discontinuing the S trim and introducing the new top-tier SX-P trim, which now includes standard AWD with a centre locking differential and Drive Mode Select with Snow Mode. It offers various features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, and the Smart Power Tailgate. The EX trim remains and now features an 8-way power front passenger seat and a frameless rearview mirror.

The Sorento Hybrid’s powertrain combines a 1.6T GDI I-4 and a 44 kW motor, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering 227 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Its fuel efficiency varies by drivetrain, achieving an EPA-estimated 39/35/37 MPG for FWD and 36/33/34 MPG for AWD.


Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV Mid-Size SUV)

2023 Sorento PHEV. Photo: Kia

Key features:

Spacous passenger room and 2nd-row legroom

3.5-hour Level-2 charger

Single SX-P trim

For the 2023 model year, the Sorento PHEV streamlines to the top-tier SX-P trim, already well-equipped with an upscale interior, standard AWD, and an extensive suite of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Highway Driving Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance technology. It gains additional comforts like retractable rear door sunshades, a 115-volt inverter for charging household items, and standard Homelink.

With 32 miles of all-electric range and a 3.5-hour Level-2 charger, the Sorento PHEV offers convenience. It remains the PHEV SUV with the most passenger room and second-row legroom, boasting a powertrain comprising a 1.6T GDI I-4 and a 66.9 kW electric motor with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering 261 hp and 258 lb.-ft of torque. Its fuel efficiency is impressive with an EPA-estimated MPGe of 79 and an all-electric range of 32 miles.


Kia Telluride (Mid-Size SUV)

2024 Telluride. Photo: Kia

Key features:

291 hp 3.8L V6 GDI engine

Subtle exterior restyling for a rugged touch

New: amber daytime running lights

For the 2024 model year, the Telluride SUV maintains its attention-grabbing presence with minor exterior styling updates. While keeping its bold and sophisticated appearance, the Telluride receives subtle exterior restyling for a more rugged and refined look. The 2024 model year introduces amber daytime running lights across the Telluride lineup. For Telluride X-Line and Telluride X-Pro models, black gloss replaces dark metallic exterior trim on the bumpers, lower door garnish, grille surround, and headlight bezels.

A 3.8L V6 GDI engine powers the Telluride mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 hp and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. Its fuel efficiency varies with an EPA-estimated rating of 20/26/22 MPG for FWD and 18/24/20 MPG for AWD.


Kia EV9 (Electric Full-Size SUV)

2024 EV9. Photo: Kia

Key features:

Kia’s first dedicated three-row EV SUV

EV9 GT-Line with Dual-motor: 379 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque

2nd-row power-adjustable seats with leg extensions optional

We got glimpse of a potential 7-seater Kia SUV at the 2022 New York Auto Show in concept form. Now, the 3-row electric SUV from the Korean is a proper reality, making its debut at the 2023 show. The EV9 is a little longer than a Kia Telluride but similar in height and width. Kia says it has leveraged the packaging benefits of an EV to provide generous accommodation for six or seven passengers, depending on the configuration.

Performance-wise, the dual-motor EV9 GT-Line delivers 379 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, targeting a 0-to-60 mph acceleration in just 5 seconds. It retains true SUV capabilities with available torque-vectoring dual-motor AWD, 7.8 inches of ground clearance, and up to 81.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The vehicle boasts a standard 800V electrical architecture for ultrafast recharging and OTA-capable technology for system upgrades. Enhanced collision-avoidance and active assist technologies with lidar-capable features set new standards for ADAS. The EV9 is set to arrive in the U.S. by Q4 2023 and will likely be manufactured in West Point, Ga., starting in 2024.

Related: Does the 2024 Kia EV9 Prove it’s Time to Switch to an Electric Family Hauler?


Kia Carnival MPV (8-Passenger, Multi-Purpose Vehicle)

2024 Carnival. Photo: Kia

Key features:

8-passenger vehicle option for larger families

290 hp with 262 lb.-ft. of torque

Standard hands-free power sliding doors

Dubbed a multi-purpose vehicle (or MPV) the 2024 Carnival remains mostly unchanged for the new model year, still competing effectively in the Midsize MPV segment while offering SUV-like styling, ample passenger and cargo volume, and practical convenience features. It has been a sales success, contributing to Kia’s record-breaking sales trend.

The Carnival excels in cargo space, outputting a solid 290 horsepower with 262 lb.-ft. of torque and a 3,500-lb. towing capacity. It boasts standard hands-free power sliding doors, an available hands-free power tailgate with auto closing, one-button all-door open/close functionality, and versatile second- and third-row seat configurations. For 2024, there are minor trim adjustments: the EX trim loses the All-Auto Up/Down & Safety Power Windows feature, which remains standard for the SX and SX Prestige trims. The Carnival EX Power Tailgate Delete Package (8-Passenger) has also been discontinued.

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Author:
Travis Persaud
Travis Persaud
Travis Persaud has contributed to a number of magazines across North America, including enRoute and Exclaim! He loves variety and it shows in the wide range of topics he’s covered: automotive to music, technology to travel, beer to real estate. He’s currently the editor of WHERE Ottawa (city travel guide), beer columnist for Ottawa Magazine, a frequent contributor to CAA Magazine and the former associate editor of Zoomer Magazine.