With a versatile roster of small, medium, and (larger) medium SUVs, Kia has something for everyone.
The SUV is easily the most popular vehicle on the market today. Just about every automaker has one in their showroom and buyers can’t get enough. Kia Motors is no different, they have been in the SUV game from the beginning.
The first Kia dealerships in the United States opened in Portland, Oregon back in 1992 and they have continued to expand since then. One of their early vehicles that arrived on our shores was the Kia Sportage SUV.
While many consider the Jeep Cherokee XJ as the first “SUV” as we know it, the Sportage was right there when the craze started as well. So Kia has had quite some time to refine and add to their SUV lineup.
Kia currently sells six vehicles under the SUV and crossover segments, including the Soul, Seltos, Sportage, Niro, Sorento, and the Telluride. The automaker has created a reputation for delivering solid vehicles at a reasonable price, with the least expensive 2021 option being the Kia Soul, starting at under $16,000.
This is followed by the Seltos at just under $22,000, the Sportage starting a bit over $24,000, and the Kia Niro right under $25,000. The recently updated midsize Kia Sorento starts over $29,000, while the rugged midsize Kia Telluride is $32,000 or more.
Which of these worthy contenders is the best Kia SUV out of the lot? The answer may surprise you.
Kia Soul: The Funky Subcompact
Kia Soul First-generation (2010-2013)
If you are in the market for something a bit different, check out the Kia Soul. The Soul was conceptualized in the U.S. when a California-based Kia designer was inspired by a documentary on wild boards and sketched a caricature of a boar wearing a backpack. That sketch ended up being the inspiration for the new Kia Soul back in the mid-2000s.
We didn’t get our first taste of the boxy Soul until 2010 when the first generation landed on U.S. soil for the first time and was sold up through the 2013 model year. That first generation of the Soul is available on the used market with a choice of two inline four-cylinder engines.
The base 1.6L engine was good for 122 horsepower, while higher trim models came with a 2.0L 142 horsepower four-cylinder. On the inside, the Soul does make use of some fun colors to break up the drab plastic.
Don’t expect a luxury car, but the first-generation Soul is a practical hatchback option. Prices range from just under $6,000 for 2010 models, to just under a max of $10,000 for 2013 models.
- 2010 Kia Soul: Prices range from $5,834 – $8,948
- 2011 Kia Soul: Prices range from $5,842 – $10,305
- 2012 Kia Soul: Prices range from $6,951 – $8,464
- 2013 Kia Soul: Prices range from $8,263 – $9,910
Kia Soul Second-generation (2014-2019)
Between 2006 and 2009, Kia launched a series of fun Soul concepts. They paved the way for a second-generation Soul, which went on sale in 2014 and ran through 2019.
While it is a bit less funky than the concepts, it does feature a cool wraparound greenhouse that makes the roof look like it’s floating.
The second-generation Soul still features a 1.6L four-cylinder engine as the base offering, but it was upgraded to 130 horsepower, while the optional 2.0L four-cylinder was bumped to a healthy 160 horsepower.
This generation of Kia Soul definitely upped the ante on the interior, featuring better materials and a host of options to make your commute a bit more comfortable. Prices range from just under $9,000 for the 2014 model year and top out at a bit under $19,000 for 2019 models.
- 2014 Kia Soul: Prices range from $8,753 – $10,500
- 2015 Kia Soul: Prices range from $10,677 – $12,554
- 2016 Kia Soul: Prices range from $12,087 – $14,172
- 2017 Kia Soul: Prices range from $13,088 – $15,241
- 2018 Kia Soul: Prices range from $14,668 – $16,899
- 2019 Kia Soul: Prices range from $16,297 – $18,616
If you are looking for something a bit different, check out the Kia Soul EV. Launched in 2015, the EV version of the Soul features a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack (upgraded to 30 kWh for 2018) with an all-electric range of 104 miles.
Prices range from just over $11,000 for 2015 to just under $23,000 for 2019 models.
Kia Soul Third-generation (2020-present)
The most recent Kia Soul has a sleek new front end that nicely updates the box-on-wheels design. The base engine remains the same 130 horsepower 1.6L four-cylinder, but the upgraded 2.0L receives another power bump to an impressive 201 horsepower.
For the 2019 model year, the Soul was sold with fun trim names like base, Plus (+), and Exclaim (!) which was changed to boring alphanumeric labels starting in 2020 – LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX, and GT-Line Turbo.
A great sweet spot for features and options is the Plus (+) trim for 2019 which became the EX starting in 2020.
- 2020 Kia Soul: Prices range from $17,836 – $26,330
- 2021 Kia Soul: Prices range from $17,490 – $27,550
Kia Seltos: The Versatile Subcompact
Kia Seltos First-generation (2021-present)
The Seltos is one of Kia’s latest addition to the ever-growing SUV lineup. The subcompact Seltos is a bit longer than Soul but smaller than a Sportage. So, if you are looking for a stylish, rugged-looking SUV, take a look at the Seltos.
New for the 2021 model year, the Seltos is powered by a base 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower, or an optional 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder with 175 horsepower. Just like the Soul, the Seltos is offered in a variety of trim levels including LX, S, EX, S Turbo, and SX Turbo.
Similarly, the EX trim level offers the best mix of comfort and convenience with standard features like a sunroof, leather upholstery with heated front seats, automatic climate control, and wireless device charging.
Although, it’s worth noting that even the base LX has standard AWD. Pricing ranges from just under $22,000 for the base LX or a tad under $28,000 for the top-spec SX Turbo.
- 2021 Kia Seltos: Prices range from $21,990 – $27,890
Kia Sportage: The Dependable Compact
Kia Sportage First-generation (1993-2005); Second-generation (2005-2010)
The Kia Sportage has been in production for 28 years, evolving with each new model. The first generation arrived here in 1995 and was based on the Mazda Bongo.
Developed during a partnership between Kia, Ford, and Mazda, it was available as a five-door SUV and even a three-door convertible. After being on hiatus for two years, the Sportage returned for its second generation, this time based on a Hyundai Elantra-based platform that was shared with the 2005 Hyundai Tucson.
The updated Sportage was larger than the first generation and less truck-like in design and engineering.
Kia Sportage Third-generation (2011-2016)
In August of 2010, the updated Sportage was released for the 2011 model year. Still based on a shared platform with its cousin (the Hyundai Tucson), the redesigned Sportage was edgier and more refined than its previous iterations.
With a standard 2.4L engine putting out 174 horsepower, and an optional 2.0L engine with 256 horsepower, the third generation Sportage is a great pick on the used market.
Pricing is around $7,000 for an early model year and under $20,000 for the final year of the third generation.
- 2011 Kia Sportage: Prices range from $7,028 – $12,212
- 2012 Kia Sportage: Prices range from $7,272 – $12,547
- 2013 Kia Sportage: Prices range from $8,014 – $14,414
- 2014 Kia Sportage: Prices range from $11,375 – $15,954
- 2015 Kia Sportage: Prices range from $13,750 – $18,127
- 2016 Kia Sportage: Prices range from $15,270 – $19,659
Kia Sportage Fourth-generation (2017-present)
Kia has continued to evolve the Sportage from generation to generation, and it has become a very impressive option in the compact SUV market. Although the latest Sportage continues the trend of an expanding in size from generation to generation it falls slightly behind the competition for interior space. Expect 30.7 cu. ft. of storage behind the second row and 60.1 cu. ft. with the seats folded.
The Sportage is powered by a 2.4L four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower while higher trim levels get a turbocharged 2.0L four with a more robust 240 horsepower.
Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive available as an option. Pricing ranges from around $17,500 for a 2017 base model up to just over $35,000 for a new top trim Sorento.
- 2017 Kia Sportage: Prices range from $17,579 – $23,424
- 2018 Kia Sportage: Prices range from $18,721 – $25,157
- 2019 Kia Sportage: Prices range from $21,383 – $28,105
- 2020 Kia Sportage: Prices range from $20,792 – $30,588
- 2021 Kia Sportage: Prices range from $23,990 – $35,150
Kia Niro: The Economical Compact
Kia Niro First-generation (2017-present)
The Kia Niro is marketed as the “un-hybrid,” meaning that it has all the benefits of a hybrid without looking like one. Indeed, the Niro has a handsome exterior and comes with a ton of features and options.
Debuting for the 2017 model year, the Niro is basically a tall hatchback but is marketed as a compact SUV. Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.6L four-cylinder paired with an electric motor that has a total power output of 139 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.
That’s good for an EPA-estimated 50 mpg in combined city/highway rating, while that torque makes for some peppy acceleration.
Just like the compact Sportage, the EX (dubbed “Touring” for 2020) is a great place to start. Pricing is a very reasonable $15,000 for a 2017 model, up to a premium of over $36,000 for a new 2021 EX Premium trim.
- 2017 Kia Niro: Prices range from $15,218 – $21,911
- 2018 Kia Niro: Prices range from $17,541 – $25,596
- 2019 Kia Niro: Prices range from $24,479 – $29,578
- 2020 Kia Niro: Prices range from $29,490 – $36,390
Looking for an even more frugal driving experience? Then you’ve got to check out the Niro EV. With an impressive 239 miles of estimated before you need to recharge, the all-electric Niro is pretty cool. Pricing is $29,611 – $39,511 for 2019 models and $39,090 – $44,590 for 2020 models.
Kia Sorento: The Handsome Midsize
Kia Sorento First-generation (2003-2009); Second-generation (2011-2014)
The original Kia Sorento was a traditional truck-based body-on-frame SUV. Early models are pretty cheap, the 2003 Sportage is in the $3,742 – $5,274 range while the first generation’s final model year can be found for $6,310 – $8,531.
The second-generation Sportage was much more modern, built off of the same platform as the Hyundai Santa Fe. Its base four-cylinder was a bit weak for its size at 175 horsepower, however, a more potent 3.5L V6 was available with 275 horsepower.
You’ll find 2011 models at $8,611 – $12,438, and 2014 models in the $13,435 – $17,614 price range.
Kia Sorento Third-generation (2016-2020)
While the second generation straddled the line between compact and midsize, the third generation expanded the size of the Sorento firmly into midsize territory.
With more interior space and a host of new features and options, the Sorento should definitely be on your midsize SUV shopping list. The Sorento is available in five or seven passenger layouts, thanks to an optional third-row.
Power comes from a base 2.4L four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. You can also choose between two optional engines, including a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and a 290 horsepower 3.3L V6 engine.
If you have the option, go for one of the larger engines, the Sorento’s larger size means more weight to lug around.
Regardless of the trim level, you’ll find an impressive list of standard stuff like LED running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, three drive modes, stain-resistant fabric upholstery, plus 40/20/40-split second-row seats that fold, slide, and recline.
Pricing on the third-generation Sorento range from just over $16,000 to over $35,000 for top-spec of the last model year.
- 2016 Kia Sorento: Prices range from $16,252 – $23,385
- 2017 Kia Sorento: Prices range from $17,652 – $28,735
- 2018 Kia Sorento: Prices range from $19,967 – $32,691
- 2019 Kia Sorento: Prices range from $22,781 – $34,229
- 2020 Kia Sorento: Prices range from $23,192 – $35,131
Kia Sorento Fourth-generation (2021-present)
Kia Telluride: The Rugged Midsize
Kia Telluride First-generation (2020-present)
Now for something a bit different. While Kia’s lineup of SUVs has always been pretty versatile and practical, it wasn’t necessarily that “tough” looking.
Enter the Telluride, the largest vehicle that Kia has ever produced. Still technically a midsize, it’s got a large interior with three-row seating and room for up to eight people. With up to 87 cu. ft. of cargo capacity, buyers looking for a Kia with more room than the Sorento should definitely take a look at the Telluride.
It is powered by a standard 291-horsepower V6 engine, which is the only available engine. There are four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX. Even the base LX comes with standard stuff like simulated leather upholstery, automatic headlights, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, 60/40-split folding second and third-row seating, plus an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Best Kia SUV…
You’ve made it to the end, this is where we label one Kia SUV as the best of the best. There can be only one! Well, that’s not really true, the real answer to the question of which is best is, “it depends”.
Each buyer has varying needs and criteria. If you live in the city, the Sorento or Telluride may be too big. If you have three kids, the Soul or Niro may be too small. So here are our favorites from the various SUV classes.
Best Subcompact/Compact Kia SUV: Niro
The Niro does something exceptionally well, and that is “be a normal crossover” even with its hybrid and electric powertrains. Kia promotes the Niro as “not your neighbor’s hybrid,” likely a reference to the plentiful Toyota Prius.
The Niro packs the latest gas-saving tech into a handsome five-door package. It also delivers a host of standard features, even in the base trim. It’s hard not to find something to like in the Kia Niro.
Best Midsize: Kia Telluride
No offense to the Sorento, but in this two-horse race, my money goes on the Telluride all day long. Its exterior styling may be a bit derivative (you can’t look at the front and not think “GMC Yukon“) but that’s not a bad thing.
Kia delivered a sculpted midsize SUV with a great standard V6 and impressively well-appointed interior. While the starting price may be a bit higher than the rest of the lineup, it’s worth the price of entry.
If the new Telluride is out of your budget, keep an eye on Telluride prices on the used market. As they start to come down, you’ll get one heck of a great Kia SUV for the price.
Regardless, you can’t go wrong with anything in Kia’s SUV lineup.
Photos: Kia