Kia delivers a series of impressive sedans and hatchbacks that range from economical to luxurious.
Most Americans think about Kia Motors‘ story starting in the early 1990s, which isn’t a big surprise as Kia Motors America was incorporated in the U.S. in 1992. However, the Kia story starts way back in 1944, when a company called Kyungsung Precision Industry began manufacturing steel tubing and bicycle parts.
In 1952 the name was officially changed to “Kia” and they began producing vehicles under license from other, more established, manufacturers. It was in 1986, when working through a partnership with Mazda and Ford, that Kia started getting their feet under them.
After the company established itself in the U.S., and other countries around the world, it became clear that they were ready to do their own thing. By the late 1990s, they had solidified their partnership with Hyundai, and the rest is, as they say, history.
The evolution of the brand has been interesting to watch. Not unlike Japanese companies did before, Kia entered the U.S. market with smaller, more economical options. The Kia Sephia and Kia Sportage were two of the first vehicles offered for sale in the States for the 1993 model year. The Kia car lineup today is a lot more robust.
From the compact Rio up to the luxury-focused K900, there is a wide variety of Kia cars for every budget and need. We will run through the lineup, from smallest to largest, and let you know what’s what.
Kia Rio
The Kia Rio may be the smallest, and least expensive, car in the Kia lineup, but it’s not short on features and options. The first generation (DC) Kia debuted in 2001 here in North America with a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine and was available in both four and five-door layouts.
Kia didn’t rest on their laurels, by 2006, there was a new second-generation (JB) version available. Available in base, LX, and SX trim, the 2006 Rio is on the used market between $2,584 – $3,996. That iteration lasted until 2011 when Kia launched the third generation (UB) Rio. It was designed by Peter Schreyer, who has penned almost every new Kia since.
If you found yourself doing a double-take on a Kia lately, it’s likely due to the talents of Mr. Schreyer. The third-gen Rio ranges from $3,431 – $7,386 for a 2011 model, up to $9,733 – $16,064 for the final year (2017). That brings us to the latest and greatest Rio, the fourth generation (YB) model that dates from 2018 to present.
The most recent Rio still comes in sedan and hatchback form and is a great option if you’re shopping for a solid subcompact. The only engine available for it is a 1.6L inline four-cylinder with 130 horsepower and 119 lb.-ft. of torque. For the 2020 model year, the Rio got a new, more efficient, 1.6L engine with the same output.
For the most practical option, the Kia Rio hatchback offers 17.4 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats up and 32.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Prices range from just over $11,000 to just under $17,000.
- 2018: Prices range from $11,110 – $18,245
- 2019: Prices range from $13,112 – $17,819
- 2020: Prices range from $13,722 – $17,707
- 2021: MSRP from $16,050 – $16,690
Kia Forte
If you want a Kia that is compact in size, but not in features, take a look at the Forte. You could say that versatility is its… specialty. A lot of compact cars are a bit anonymous, with an exterior and interior design void of much excitement. That’s not the case with the Forte. The Forte has always shared a platform with the Hyundai Elantra, and that continues today.
The first generation Forte (TD) dates back to 2010 here in the States as a replacement for the Kia Spectra and only lasted through the 2013 model year. Starting in 2011, you can get the Forte5, a five-door hatchback version of the Forte. Not resting on its laurels, Kia quickly updated the Forte for the North American market for the 2014 model year. It’s an attractive little car, and second-generation prices range from $7,578 – $12,473 for a 2014 model up to $14,093 – $19,225 for the final year, 2018. The hatchback Forte5 version carried over through the second generation, but 2018 was its last model year.
The third-generation Forte (BD) was launched in 2019 and represents a continued improvement of the compact Kia. Powered by a 2.0L inline-four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque, it’s not exactly fast and furious.
However, take a look at that interior shot, the Forte delivers a near-luxury level experience with available features like heated and ventilated front seats. Prices for the latest Forte generation range from just over $16,000 up to just under $23,300. It’s a lot of car for the cash.
- 2019: Prices range from $16,171 – $21,686
- 2020: Prices range from $19,458 – $24,683
- 2021: MSRP from $17,890 – $23,290
Kia Optima
While Kia doesn’t still sell the Optima (see below for the 2021 Kia K5 replacement) it was a staple of Kia dealerships since the early 2000s. It soldiered on through four generations, the most recent of which ran from 2016 – 2020. Sandwiched in the middle of the lineup between the Rio and Forte and the larger Cadenza, the Optima is definitely a solid option.
However, with the launch of the fourth generation (JF) the Optima also got a very handsome design. You can choose between three engines, including a standard 2.4L naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 185 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque, an optional 1.6L turbo four making 178 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft., or a 2.0L turbo-four with 245 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. Pricing for the last generation Optima range from just over $13,000 to just over $31,000.
- 2016: Prices range from $13,274 – $21,461
- 2017: Prices range from $14,493 – $23,604
- 2018: Prices range from $16,500 – $26,578
- 2019: Prices range from $19,547 – $28,817
- 2020: Prices range from $20,409 – $31,233
Kia K5
If you weren’t sure if Kia was serious, take a look at the image below. Kia is benchmarking their new midsize K5 sedan against BMW sedans. The LX, LXS, GT-Line, and EX trim levels are powered by a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.
Meanwhile, the new performance-oriented 2021 Kia K5 GT features a 2.5L turbo-four with 290 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. The K5 is very well equipped, all trim levels come with the latest driver assistance functions standard including forward collision warning, front automatic emergency braking, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. Prices for the new 2021 K5 range from $23,490 – $30,490.
Kia Stinger
Now for something a bit different. While the K5 may be benchmarked against some of Germany’s best, the Kia Stinger may very well become a benchmark for other car companies to strive for. Kia went out and built a legitimate sports sedan, Doug DeMuro even bought one to park next to his Ford GT. It launched for the 2018 model year and was also designed by (former Audi designer) Peter Schreyer.
With its “sportback” styling, reminiscent of some of the best recent Audis, the Stinger is an incredibly attractive car. I was actually at the Stinger’s official unveiling in Detroit, and to say that the participants were amazed and impressed is an understatement. Built on the same platform as the Genesis G70 sedan and GV70 SUV the Stinger is a mid-size five-door hatchback with seating for five.
All model years so far are powered by a base 2.0L turbocharged four rated at 255 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque in the GT-Line trim, and an optional 3.3L twin-turbo V6 with 365 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. in the GT, GT1, and GT2 trim levels. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
A sweet spot is the base GT with rear-wheel-drive, which gets you the larger engine at the lowest price. Speaking of prices, a used Stinger can be found for just under $23,000 on the low side, up to roughly $52,000 for the highest trim level for 2021.
- 2018: Prices range from $22,913 – $38,995
- 2019: Prices range from $26,237 – $43,010
- 2020: Prices range from $33,090 – $52,500
- 2021: MSRP from $33,090 – $52,590
Kia Cadenza
While the full-size Cadenza has been around since 2009, it has only been in the domestic market since the 2014 model year. With a handsome exterior and luxurious interior, it represents an interesting luxury-focused option on the used market. It utilizes a solid standard engine, the same 3.3L V6 found in other Kia and Hyundai models, which is good for 293 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. A revision for the 2017 model year means less power (290 hp and 243 lb.-ft.) but slightly better fuel economy.
With a new focus on larger cars, plus the SUV and crossover market, the Cadenza was discontinued following the 2020 model year. Pricing ranges from $11,295 – $15,430 for 2014 model year Cadenzas and $37,850 – $43,550 for the final model year.
Kia K900
We’ve reached the final car on our list of the Best Kia Cars, and it’s quite impressive. Much like the Stinger is a legit sports sedan, the Kia K900 is a real full-size luxury sedan. With rich leather, a host of the latest tech, and competitive pricing, it’s worth a look if you are in the market for a luxury cruiser.
The K900, called the “K9” overseas, has been around for almost a decade but we got it around the 2014-2015 model year. Unsurprisingly, the K900 shares a lot of its underpinnings with its Genesis luxury cousins. The first generation K900 (KH) was based on the same platform as the Hyundai Genesis and Equus the K900 packed a 5.0L V8 engine and lots of features and options. You can find the 2015 model year in the $16,584 – $23,075 range. A lot of car for a reasonable amount of money.
Updated for the 2019 model year, the K900 was redesigned and upgraded in just about every area. The K900 is powered by the same V6 engine that can also be found in several Genesis vehicles as well as the Kia Stinger.
In the K900, it produces 365 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. of torque. Unfortunately, 2020 represents the last model year for the K900 in the domestic market.
- 2019: Prices range from $39,393 – $46,084
- 2020: MSRP from $59,900
Photos: Kia
