A decade ago, few shoppers pictured Kia at the center of the SUV conversation. Today, the brand has earned its place there. Bold styling, smart technology, hybrid and electric options, and one of the strongest warranties around now define the lineup. From a small city crossover to a three-row electric family hauler, there is a Kia SUV for nearly every need.
This guide covers each model, what it does best, and who will love it here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis.
Small SUVs With Big Personality
Seltos: Style and Space in a Compact Size
The Seltos is the starting point of the Kia SUV family, and it delivers more than its size suggests. A boxy shape gives it a confident, grown-up look, and the cabin is one of the roomiest in the subcompact class. Cargo space is generous, and handy features like remote start and parking sensors add everyday convenience.
Two engines are available. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 147 horsepower, while the turbocharged 1.6-liter on the SX trim lifts that to 190 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive offered on most trims. A redesigned 2027 Seltos adds even more space and a hybrid option, giving shoppers an exciting new choice. The lineup climbs from the S and EX trims up to the turbocharged SX, so there is a step for nearly every wish list.
Best for: Drivers who want space, features, and style in a small SUV.
Niro: Efficiency Built In From Day One
The Niro was designed from the start to be electrified, and it comes as a hybrid or the fully electric Niro EV. The hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV in the lineup, which makes it a favorite for commuters who love skipping stops at the pump, while the Niro EV skips gas entirely.
Its compact footprint makes city parking easy, and the practical hatchback design provides useful cargo room. An upright seating position offers a great view of the road, while the distinctive styling stands out from look-alike crossovers. Trims run from the LX through the EX and SX to the SX Touring, which adds premium touches.
Best for: Buyers who want maximum efficiency.
Family Favorites for Every Stage of Life
Sportage: The Well-Rounded Crowd Pleaser
One of Kia’s best sellers, the Sportage was refreshed for 2026 with updated styling and technology. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower is standard. The hybrid raises output to 232 horsepower and delivers up to 42 mpg combined, while a plug-in hybrid can handle short commutes on electric power alone.
Families will appreciate the room. With 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Sportage is among the most spacious in its class. The futuristic design turns heads, and Cars.com named the Sportage Hybrid one of its 2026 Best Value New Cars. Shoppers who want an outdoorsy look can choose the rugged X-Line and X-Pro trims, which add all-terrain tires.
Best for: Families who want style, space, and a choice of gas, hybrid, or plug-in power.
Sorento: Flexible Space for Growing Families
The Sorento sits between the Sportage and the Telluride. It offers a midsize body with a compact third row that adds flexibility for carpools and family trips. Gas, turbocharged, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains are all available. The base 2.5-liter makes 191 horsepower, and the turbocharged version raises that to 281 horsepower, which keeps a fully loaded road trip feeling effortless.
The Sorento Hybrid is a smart pick for anyone who wants three rows and great fuel economy. The X-Pro trim adds all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance for light off-road adventures.
Best for: Families who need occasional third-row seating.
Electric and Three-Row Standouts
EV6: A Sporty Electric Crossover
The EV6 is the athlete of the group, known for engaging handling and sleek, low styling. Its 800-volt electrical system supports very fast charging at compatible stations, which makes road trips simple. Recent models use the North American Charging Standard port, so owners can also use Tesla Superchargers.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. Choose from the Light, Wind, GT-Line, and high-performance GT, which delivers serious speed for enthusiasts. Many electric shoppers also like having both purchase and lease paths to explore, and the sales team can walk through each one.
Best for: Drivers who want a fun, fast-charging electric SUV.
Telluride: A Family Favorite Reimagined
The flagship Telluride is completely redesigned for 2027 with a larger body, new turbocharged engines, and its first-ever hybrid. The turbocharged 2.5-liter makes 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid steps up to 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet while delivering up to 35 mpg combined, a great balance for a vehicle this size.
Inside, the Telluride offers class-leading second-row legroom, extra cargo space behind the third row, and seating for up to eight. Family-friendly details are everywhere, including second-row seats that slide and tilt with a child seat installed and cargo-area buttons that fold the second row flat. Nine trims are available, including the rugged X-Line and X-Pro.
Best for: Larger families who use the third row often.
EV9: Three Rows, Zero Tailpipe Emissions
The EV9 brings Kia’s advanced electric technology to a spacious three-row design. Its boxy, upright shape maximizes interior room, and higher trims feel upscale. Seating for six or seven is available, depending on whether captain’s chairs or a bench is chosen for the second row. Fast charging keeps the family moving, and trims include the Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and the new GT, which adds serious performance at the top of the range.
Best for: Large families ready to go electric, especially with home charging.
How to Choose the Right Kia SUV
Start with how many people ride along regularly. For five or fewer, the Seltos, Niro, Sportage, and EV6 cover a wide range of needs, and the Sportage is a great fit for most families. For six or more, the Sorento works well for occasional third-row use, while the Telluride and EV9 are ideal when the third row sees regular action.
Next, think about powertrains. For efficiency, look at the Niro, Sportage Hybrid, and Sorento Hybrid. For all-electric driving, the EV6 and EV9 lead the way.
Quick Answers for Kia SUV Shoppers
Which Kia SUV is best for families? The Telluride seats up to eight and offers class-leading second-row legroom, while the Sportage is a well-rounded pick for smaller households.
Which Kia SUV is the most efficient? The Niro Hybrid takes that title, with the Sportage Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid close behind for shoppers who need more room.
Which Kia SUVs offer a third row? The Sorento, Telluride, and EV9 all provide one, each with a different balance of space and style.
One Warranty, Every Kia SUV
As the crisp autumn air arrives and colorful leaves begin to transform the landscape, it's a great time to find a Kia SUV that's ready for every season ahead. Every Kia SUV comes with a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, adding valuable peace of mind for the many miles and memories still to come. Of course, reading about features and comparing specifications only tells part of the story.
The real fun begins when you get behind the wheel. Whether the season calls for school-day commutes, weekend road trips, or scenic drives beneath the fall foliage, there's a Kia SUV ready to fit your lifestyle.
Find your favorite, take the keys, and make this season the start of a new driving adventure!



