Kia Motors is well entrenched in the SUV segment, offering five gas-powered models along with four electric utility vehicles. This automaker continues to expand market share as customers recognize Kia’s value, generous standard equipment, and reliability. We’ll take a look at five gas-powered models, with a special call out to three we think deserve extra attention.
Kia Soul
Is it a wagon, hatchback, or an SUV? Quite clearly, the Kia Soul cannot be easily defined as it transcends several categories. Importantly, while other boxy competitors have disappeared, the Soul remains a popular model for first-time buyers. Versatile and roomy, the front-wheel-drive Kia Soul seats five and offers excellent cargo capacity. The Soul is Kia’s least expensive vehicle after the Kia Forte sedan.
Kia Seltos
Similar in size to the Soul is the Key Seltos. This front- or all-wheel-drive vehicle features a boxy look and seats five. It also comes equipped with numerous tech and safety features, including lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Available features include rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot detection. An available turbo option brings optimum power to this little scamper, making it fun to drive on twisty roads.
Three to Please
Moving up the trim range, Kia offers three models worth exploring. These are the Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, and the Kia Telluride.
Kia Sportage
The compact Sportage has long served as Kia’s most popular SUV. And for good reason as it blends handsome styling with generous equipment and affordability. It is roughly the size of the new Kia K4 sedan, which replaces the outgoing Kia Forte.
Like the smaller Kia Niro and larger Kia Sorento, the Sportage is available in gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. The Niro adds a full-electric variant, which dovetails with the all-electric Kia K6 and Kia K9.
The Kia Sportage Hybrid may be the best model offered in its segment as it delivers upwards of 44 MPG. It also features class-leading second-row seating and the most cargo room of any model in the segment. Some competing hybrids shortchange the cargo compartment, but not Kia.
Kia Sorento
Marginally smaller than the Kia Telluride, the Kia Sorento is also a midsize crossover SUV. This model seats seven or six with captain’s chairs replacing the bench seat. Like the Kia K5 midsize sedan, the Sorento blends sharp styling with affordability.
The Sorento also offers two hybrid choices. One is the standard hybrid, which pairs a turbocharged engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric powertrain to deliver 277 HP. It is also among the most efficient models available, delivering 36 miles per gallon.
The second choice is the Kia Sorento PHEV. This plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has a similar powertrain arrangement as the standard hybrid. It also plugs in and this means it can travel up to 31 miles on a single charge, putting a nice distance between you and service station stops.
Kia Telluride
The flagship of the Kia fleet is the Kia Telluride, a model that clearly straddles mainstream and luxury segments. With its burly look, the Telluride also flexes its off-road chops, particularly with its X-Pro models equipped with all-terrain tires.
Like the Kia Carnival MPV, the Telluride seats eight, serving as the ideal people mover for families on the go. Under the hood is a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, which develops 291 HP and 262 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to the wheels utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission. This model pulls up to 5,000 pounds.
Kia outfits the Telluride with a long list of standard features. These include LED projector headlights, alloy wheels, imitation leather seats, and dual-zone climate control. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display, available leather seats, and an optional Harman Kardon audio system are worth noting.
Kia offers several SUVs, including the Soul, Seltos, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride—each designed for different needs, from compact city driving to family road trips.
The Kia Sorento and Kia Telluride are top choices for families thanks to their spacious interiors, three-row seating, advanced safety features, and strong performance.
The Kia Soul is the smallest and most affordable Kia SUV, offering roomy seating for five and excellent cargo capacity in a compact footprint.
The Kia Sportage Hybrid leads the lineup with up to 44 MPG, offering outstanding efficiency without sacrificing cargo space or performance.
The Sorento Hybrid uses a traditional hybrid system for improved fuel economy, while the Sorento PHEV adds plug-in capability, offering up to 31 miles of all-electric driving.
Yes. The 2025 Kia Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds and offers available all-terrain capability in X-Pro trims.
The Kia Niro, Sportage, and Sorento offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Kia also offers several fully electric SUVs like the EV6 and EV9.
You can schedule a test drive at Kia of Daphne to explore all Kia SUV models and find the right fit for your lifestyle.
Shop for a Kia SUV Today!
If you’re looking for a new Kia SUV, reach out to Kia of Daphne to find the model you want. From the Soul to the Telluride and every model between, Kia offers something for everyone. Reach out today to schedule your test drive and learn what Kia has for you.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.