The Size Spectrum: Kia’s 2026 Vehicles Lined Up from Lean to Legendary

The story of Kia is one of persistence, innovation and steady growth. Founded in 1944 in Seoul, South Korea, the company began as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts before moving into licensed vehicle production. Over time, Kia refined its engineering capabilities and developed a reputation for delivering dependable transportation.

The launch of Kia Motors America in 1992 marked a defining step into the United States market. Following financial restructuring in the late 1990s, Kia joined forces with Hyundai Motor Company, a partnership that fueled product development, advanced research and bold new design language.

Today, we stand confidently as a global automotive leader here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis. The brand offers a broad lineup that spans compact cars, versatile SUVs and cutting edge electric vehicles. From value focused commuters to premium three row models, the 2026 Kia range demonstrates just how far the brand has come. Ranked by size, each vehicle plays a unique role in meeting the needs of modern drivers.

A Recognizable Icon: The Kia Soul

Although recently retired from production, the Kia Soul remains a celebrated part of the lineup. Known for its distinctive silhouette and youthful personality, the Soul became one of the most recognizable subcompacts on American roads.

Equipped with a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine and an intelligent variable transmission, the Soul delivers smooth, efficient performance for everyday driving. Its compact dimensions make urban navigation simple, while the surprisingly roomy interior provides generous rear legroom and flexible cargo space. For drivers seeking character and practicality in a small footprint, the Soul leaves a lasting impression.

Compact Versatility: The Kia Seltos

Stepping up in size, the Kia Seltos brings crossover confidence to the subcompact segment. With a choice of powertrains, including an available turbocharged engine paired with all wheel drive, the Seltos delivers energetic performance along with reassuring traction.

Its elevated ride height and bold styling give it a strong presence on the road. Inside, passengers enjoy ample legroom and a thoughtfully designed cabin filled with intuitive technology. From daily commuting to weekend road trips, the Seltos provides flexibility that fits a wide range of lifestyles.

Smart Electrification: The Kia Niro

The Kia Niro highlights Kia’s commitment to efficiency and forward thinking design. Available as a hybrid or fully electric vehicle, the Niro allows drivers to select the powertrain that best aligns with their driving habits.

The hybrid model pairs a gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver impressive fuel savings, while the electric version offers quiet operation and responsive acceleration. Both configurations provide comfortable seating for five and generous cargo capacity. With refreshed styling and advanced connectivity features, the Niro blends eco-friendly performance with everyday usability.

A Segment Leader: The Kia Sportage

Growing families often turn to the Kia Sportage, a compact SUV that balances style, space and powertrain variety. Available with a traditional gasoline engine, a hybrid system or a plug in hybrid setup, the Sportage offers options for nearly every preference.

The cabin features a clean, modern layout with expansive digital displays and quality materials. Cargo space supports active schedules, while available all wheel drive enhances capability. The plug-in hybrid variant adds electric only driving for shorter trips, making the Sportage an adaptable choice for evolving needs.

Electrified Performance: The Kia EV6

The sleek Kia EV6 represents Kia’s bold vision for the electric future. Built on an advanced electric platform, the EV6 offers multiple motor configurations and both rear wheel and all wheel drive options.

Drivers can expect strong acceleration thanks to instant electric torque, along with a competitive driving range that supports both city commutes and longer journeys. The futuristic exterior design pairs with a high tech interior featuring dual digital displays and premium finishes. The EV6 proves that sustainability and excitement can go hand in hand.

Three Row Flexibility: The Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento enters the midsize category with available three row seating for six or seven passengers. This SUV offers a range of engines, including naturally aspirated, turbocharged and hybrid options, allowing customers to tailor performance to their needs.

Its spacious interior accommodates families comfortably, while flexible seating configurations make it easy to balance passengers and cargo. Available adventure inspired trims add elevated ground clearance and distinctive styling details. Whether handling daily errands or weekend getaways, the Sorento adapts with confidence.

Premium Electric Space: The Kia EV9

The three row Kia EV9 demonstrates how far Kia’s electric technology has progressed. Designed as a spacious midsize SUV, the EV9 offers seating for up to seven and substantial cargo room.

Available in rear wheel drive and dual motor all wheel drive versions, the EV9 delivers impressive horsepower and torque. Its interior features upscale materials, advanced driver assistance systems and expansive digital displays. For families seeking zero tailpipe emissions without sacrificing space or comfort, the EV9 delivers a refined and capable solution.

Commanding Presence: The Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride continues to anchor the lineup as a spacious and confident SUV. With seating for up to eight passengers and strong towing capability, the Telluride is built for active households.

Powered by a turbocharged engine and paired with a smooth shifting automatic transmission, it delivers robust performance. Available all wheel drive enhances traction, and upcoming hybrid variants expand efficiency options. The Telluride’s refined cabin materials and advanced technology create an inviting environment for long drives and everyday errands alike.

Maximum Room: The Kia Carnival

At the top of the size chart sits the Kia Carnival, Kia’s largest vehicle in North America. This multi purpose vehicle blends minivan functionality with bold, SUV inspired styling.

With seating for up to eight passengers and expansive cargo capacity, the Carnival excels at transporting families and gear. Available with a powerful V6 or an efficient hybrid powertrain, it offers smooth acceleration and composed ride comfort. Sliding doors provide convenient access, while flexible seating layouts accommodate a variety of travel scenarios.

A Lineup That Reflects Growth and Innovation

From the compact Soul to the expansive Carnival, Kia’s 2026 lineup illustrates a remarkable journey. The brand has evolved from a value focused newcomer into a respected global automaker offering advanced technology, electrified options and refined design.

Each model serves a distinct purpose, ensuring that drivers can find the right combination of size, performance and efficiency. As a Kia dealership, it is inspiring to present a portfolio that embodies innovation and versatility at every level. No matter the destination, there is a Kia designed to make the journey rewarding.

Hybrid Heroes: Meet the 2025 Kia Niro and Sportage, Dutifully Leading the MPG Race

When it comes to hybrid SUVs, the 2025 Kia Sportage and Kia Niro have solidified their positions as industry leaders. Combining exceptional fuel economy, stylish design, and accessible pricing, these vehicles prove that hybrid technology isn’t just about saving on gas—it’s about creating a smarter, more sustainable driving experience without compromising comfort or features.

The 2025 Kia Sportage: Style Meets Sustainability

The Sportage has long been one of the brand’s most reliable and versatile models, and the hybrid version raises the bar even further here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis. Designed to be stylish and practical, this crossover SUV offers a roomy, quiet, and refined cabin that makes every drive enjoyable. Add in hybrid technology, and the Sportage delivers impressive efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Under the hood, the Sportage Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine, generating 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup powers either the front wheels or all four, depending on the trim, and achieves an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 43 mpg combined in its most efficient configuration.

The Sportage Hybrid offers features typically found in more expensive luxury SUVs, including:

• 17-inch wheels

• LED headlights

• Dual-zone automatic climate control

• An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• A 12.2-inch digital gauge cluster

This combination of efficiency, comfort, and affordability makes the Sportage Hybrid a standout choice for eco-conscious buyers. Its versatile design and advanced features ensure that drivers enjoy a premium experience, whether navigating city streets or embarking on weekend adventures. 

The 2025 Kia Niro: The MPG King

While the Sportage Hybrid is an exceptional all-rounder, the Kia Niro takes efficiency to the next level. With an EPA-rated 53 mpg combined, the 2025 Kia Niro Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUV on the market. It even surpasses many smaller hybrid cars, including the Lexus ES 300h and Toyota Corolla Hybrid AWD.

To achieve its best-in-class fuel economy, buyers can choose the Niro LX, EX, or SX trims with 16-inch alloy wheels. Even with the slightly larger 18-inch wheels on the EX Touring and SX Touring trims, the Niro still delivers a respectable 49 mpg combined. This balance of efficiency across trim levels makes the Niro an excellent option for drivers seeking both practicality and style in a hybrid SUV. 

The Kia Niro proves that efficiency doesn’t have to come at a premium. It includes a generous suite of standard features, such as:

• Heated and power-adjustable outside mirrors

• A heated windshield

• Rear privacy glass

• Dual-zone automatic climate control

• An 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Why the Sportage and Niro Are Leading the Hybrid Charge

Both the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid and Kia Niro exemplify the best of what modern hybrid SUVs have to offer: excellent fuel efficiency, affordable pricing, and thoughtful design. Whether you’re looking for the spacious comfort and versatility of the Sportage or the unparalleled fuel savings of the Niro, Kia has crafted hybrid solutions that appeal to every type of driver. 

With advanced technology, impressive safety features, and Kia's commitment to sustainability, these hybrids deliver a driving experience that’s as practical as it is forward-thinking.

Experience Kia’s hybrid SUVs—designed for your on-the-go lifestyle and a greener future. Test drive one today at Jim Butler Kia and make every school drop-off, errand, and road trip extraordinary! 

Five Kia Models Secure Spot on Cars.com 2023 Best Value New Cars Report

Five Kia models were named to this year’s Cars.com 2023 Best Value New Cars Report, further solidifying the brand’s leadership position to provide top-caliber vehicles at an astonishingly attractive price. The 2023 Rio S, 2023 Forte LXS, 2023 Seltos S, 2023 Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX, and 2023 Sportage Plug-in Hybrid X-Line all made the report, which assists car shoppers with their next purchase. 

The 2023 Best Value New Cars Report sets itself aside from others by clearly identifying the most affordable new-car models in four respective categories: PHEVS, small pickup trucks, cars, small SUVs, and EVs. 

The 2023 Rio S was selected as this industry leader for its reasonable pricing, excellent warranty, and class-leading gas mileage. It comes available as a subcompact sedan or hatchback and is perfect for handling the day’s demands without much effort or high cost. Some of the most attractive extras included in the Technology Package are 15-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, automatic high beams, push-button start, and satellite radio.

The 2023 Forte LXS is a small sedan that is all grown up, and provides top-class value and segment-leading amount of utility. Drivers are loving its comfortable quiet interior and amazing driving dynamics. It has an abundance of features with a lower starting price than existing competition, and a very simple-to-navigate infotainment system. The GT Trim now gets adaptive cruise control, and the Forte consistently feels adequately punchy and very well-polished. 

The 2023 Seltos S has families and busy individuals satisfied with its impressive interior and cargo-handling superpowers for the size. The cabin has an upscale look and feel, and buyers are loving its practical yet premium appearance. Last year saw the debut of the Nightfall Edition, adding lane keep assist, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and more. The dashboard has a suave and futuristic appearance, and you can opt for an 8 or 10.2-inch touchscreen. 

The Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX makes the most of current advances in batteries, electric motor, and fuel efficiency to offer up a comfortable and cost-effective daily driver. It’s a perfect choice for buyers looking to add a bit of electric mobility to their regiment without the solid long-term commitment of a fully-electric model. For 2023 there is completely revised styling inside and out, and it now firmly identifies as a small SUV instead of a hatchback. The sloping dash and door panels draw positive visual attention to the streamlined and forward-thinking design.

The 2023 Sportage Plug-in X-Line snagged the “Best Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle of 2023” from the KBB.Com experts and has turned heads with its style, efficiency, and functional practicality. This new PHEV has an all-electric range of 34 miles, allowing you to use just electric power and switch over to gasoline for the longer hauls. The 6-speed automatic transmission has selectable drive modes, as well as the resourceful and ingenious Downhill Brake Control. If you opt for the PHEV AWD trim level, you'll score the twin screen setup and attractive high-end leather seating surfaces.

2022 Kia Niro Reigns Over Other Crossovers, Offers Varied and Appealing Trims

The Niro is one of Kia’s three capable and stylish subcompact crossovers and is poised to outperform Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq HEV, and Honda Insight. The staff at Auto Trader were impressed with the Niro’s appealing design, fuel economy, A-level powertrain warranty, and the fact that it boasts nimble handling that is practical in congested urban locations.

You can check out the LX, LXS, LXS SE, Touring SE, and EX Premium trims here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis to see which best fits your driving lifestyle. Power is sourced from a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor, generating 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission sends output to the front wheels, with the two top trims offering steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that have a very modern touch. 

Here’s a close-up look at what the different trims offer, and a breakdown of the unique features you’ll enjoy on each one.

The 2022 Kia Niro LX offers standard 16-inch alloy wheels, projector-beam headlights with auto on/off, LED daytime running lights, keyless entry, and comfortable cloth seating for five. Each passenger can adjust the situation to their ideal comfort level with dual-zone automatic climate control, enjoy a 4.2-inch driver-info cluster, and cruise control. Drivers and passengers alike are obsessed with the constantly-improving infotainment system offerings, and the LX trim consists of an 8-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker audio system, two USB ports, Bluetooth with voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. 

The 2022 Kia Niro LXS Trim adds push-button start, remote start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a unique leather-wrapped shift knob. Here you see the step up in driver aids that provide the safety-conscious blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning with emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-following assist, and high-beam assist. Sunny days just got that much better with the power-operated sunroof, which can allow the beams to be fully opened or tilted open. The 10-way power driver’s seat includes power lumbar adjustments and recline and height adjustment to make sure any passenger enjoys their ride in luxurious and adjustable comfort! 

The 2022 Kia Touring SE Trim is adding the 8-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system with a powerful subwoofer and HK’s amazing Clari-Fi audio rebuilding technology. You’ll also enjoy wireless phone charging, and the modern engineering miracle of Highway Driving Assist, which is an integral and useful gateway to autonomous and hands-free driving that helps brake and steer the vehicle under optimal cruising conditions. 

The 2022 Kia Niro EX Premium now boasts 18-inch wheels, and rear-park assist as a standard feature. You’ll cherish the heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a cargo cover on cold and damp Missouri winter mornings. You’ll also be thankful for the added comforts of Interior Cargo Shade, an optional luggage rack, remote engine start, and premium synthetic seats. 

Autoevolution Provides Close-up Look of Kia E-Niro on Paris Auto Show Floor

Many of our friends and cohorts here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis have been telling us how loaded the Paris floor is with EVs this year, and the premium German automakers are not the only ones making great strides in the ultimate journey for eco-friendly movement. Autoevolution reported this past week on the South Korean crossover being revealed internationally, and stated right off the bat that the “Numbers are brilliant.” The driving range of the vehicle is right at 301 miles, and the standard unit with a 39.2kWh battery comes with a 194 mile per charge range.

Given the massive success of the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Niro, it is no surprise that Kia came up with the all-electric incarnation of the crossover. The tiger-nose grille is where the charging port is, and the writers from Autoevolution were excited that the “regenerative braking system is hidden by the new 17-inch wheels.” We feel that this is truly the vehicle to constantly outshine the Prius, and the good folks at Motorillustrated.com billed it as “the most enjoyable hybrid vehicle you can drive right now in this price range.”

Test drivers have claimed that the handling is sharp and sporty, making it perfect for a winding road, without being uncomfortable or annoying in the city. With 635 liters of cargo space, it is one of the most spacious hybrids you can buy on the market today. Currently offered only as a hybrid, the 2019 Kia Niro will see a plug-in version later on, as well as an all-electric version. Customers are telling us after their first look that they are impressed by the normality of the interior, and that this is the ideal vehicle for those who want “the advantages of driving a hybrid without feeling like they are in a spaceship.”

The large 7-inch infotainment screen has some added functions, such as the ability to find charging points that are close, monitor the state of charge, and use the navigation system to view the driving range. Drivers can tailor the amount of regenerative braking in four stages through steering wheel-mounted paddles: the first level of these is a bit of a coast function, with very little braking. At the other end of the scale, testers said that the regenerative effect is so well-honed, that it is almost a one-pedal ride. One of the greatest assets of the new Niro is the battery's position: it brings a very low center of gravity, meaning the drive feels nimble through twisty sections of any route you choose!