Kia Models
Giving it Everything – Kia Models in the USA
Kia is South Korea's 2nd largest automotive manufacturer (after Hyundai) and is one of the ten most popular brands in the USA today – but it hasn't always been that way. The first Kia dealership opened in Portland, Oregon, in the early 1990s, selling only two Kia models: the Sephia and the Sportage. By 1995, however, Kia Motors America had opened dealerships in 30 states and achieved around 25,000 vehicles a year.
By 2005 Kia was selling well over 250,000 vehicles a year in the US, a 1.6% market share, and in 2006 the company broke ground on a brand new manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, that represented a billion-dollar investment in the US. By the time the plant opened in 2010, building the Kia Sorento SUV, Kia's US market share had nearly doubled to 3.1%, and annual sales were over 350,000 vehicles.
Kia's rapid growth continued. In 2021, it marked 18 consecutive years of increased market share and over 600,000 sales. It sold over 500,000 vehicles per year from 2012 through 2019, and despite the down year for the industry in 2020, Kia's market share increased to 4.1%. Despite only being established in the US in 1992, Kia is already one of the ten biggest sellers in the US industry, ahead of long-established American brands such as GMC and Dodge.
Kia's meteoric rise should be attributed to three factors: attractive design, affordable pricing, and an emphasis on quality. In fact, Kia has been JD Power's highest-ranked mass-market brand for initial quality every year from 2015 to 2019, and in 2016 it was named the best brand in the industry – the first time a non-luxury brand claimed the title since 1989. A huge component of that success is attributable to the West Point plant, which has built over 3 million vehicles since opening.
Kia's new tagline, "Give it Everything," embodies the way it has taken the US market by storm, becoming a top-10 shareholder in under 30 years and continuing to offer the best warranties in the business. With a diverse lineup offering something for everyone, it's no surprise this Korean brand is becoming an American staple.
SUVs are the New Sedans...
As the market has transitioned to an emphasis on SUVs that deliver additional utility with similar cost and efficiency as sedans, Kia has transitioned as well. Today there are six Kia models in the SUV lineup ranging from subcompact to full-size, each of which has carved a place for itself near the top of its segment.
Soul
The smallest Kia SUV is the Soul, a compact and affordable SUV that's big on personality. Its distinctive boxy profile makes it stand out, while a wide selection of trims and styling options makes it highly customizable. With a sporty look inside and out and an EV version that won the 2020 World Urban Car of the Year award, this is a great choice for almost anyone shopping for a new car, especially in urban and suburban environments.
Seltos
The new-for-2021 Seltos presents a more conventional small SUV than the spunky Soul. A sleek profile and available all-wheel drive communicate that this subcompact SUV means business. A spacious, refined interior with features like pulsing ambient lighting borrowed from the Soul keeps things cozy, even when challenging back roads. Only marginally larger than the Soul, the appeal of the Seltos stems primarily from its off-road-ready all-wheel drive and more conventional styling in a subcompact format.
Sportage
One of the first two models Kia sold in the US, the compact Kia Sportage is still going strong despite the intense competition from virtually every other manufacturer. The Sportage is a safe, fun-to-drive, high-quality offering ranking right near the top of one of the most competitive segments in the industry. The Sportage particularly stands out for its unique styling and a spacious, upscale passenger cabin.
Niro
Drivers who value environmentally-friendly vehicles will want to explore the incredibly efficient Kia Niro. With and the choice between Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid, and Electric variants, this compact SUV is one of the best ways to save on gas that you will find. And unlike other alternative fuel vehicles, the Niro includes a wealth of advanced technologies at a remarkably affordable price point.
Sorento
The mid-size Sorento has long been Kia's staple people-mover alongside the stylish and affordable Sedona minivan. A composed ride, seating for seven passengers, and a respectable fuel economy make it a popular choice. Top-notch reliability and safety scores make it an excellent one. We're not saying the Sorento is the reason for the decline of minivans, but if you wanted to suggest it, we wouldn't disagree.
Telluride
The big, stylish Telluride has taken the world by storm and was even named 2020's World Car of the Year. It delivers looks to rival Lincoln and Cadillac with prices that beat out Chevy and Ford. Providing unparalleled comfort and luxury for its price at every trim level, this spacious eight-passenger SUV is poised to define its segment for years to come.
...But Don't Forget the Actual Sedans
Kia's SUVs are incredibly successful, but that shouldn't take away from its excellent lineup of sedans. Both the most affordable and most expensive Kia models are sedans, and with seven nameplates to choose from, the possibilities are endless.
Rio
No Kia exemplifies the emphasis on engaging style more than the Rio, Kia's most affordable offering. The city-friendly subcompact sedan has a reputation for comfort, user-friendliness, and reliability to go along with the sharp Kia styling that belies its low MSRP. Drivers who want a little more space for their money have the option of a 5-door Rio hatchback, increasing volume while still offering incredible value.
Forte
The Kia Forte is one of the strongest picks in the compact sedan segment thanks to its combination of great fuel efficiency, low sticker price, and lots of valuable features that will satisfy any customer. Drivers who want a car that looks good and has real performance options will find their money goes a long way with a Forte.
K5
The new-for-2021 K5 is, simply put, stunning. A wide grille, distinctive lighting designs, and a fastback silhouette highlight Kia's latest commitment to mid-size sedans. Inheriting the Optima's mantle and available with AWD, the K5 is significantly more affordable than rivals but looks like a bonafide performance car - and with the powerful GT trim, it has the specs to back up its looks. A satisfying drive and interior do nothing only add to the thrill of climbing into the coolest budget-friendly sedan on the market.
Stinger
The Stinger seemed like it came out of nowhere, a fastback-profile Kia with looks and performance to challenge European luxury brands despite a substantially lower price tag. Qualifying as a true performance car, its excellent warranty, spacious interior, and fantastic safety scores make the Stinger a no-brainer for shoppers who want the luxury sport sedan experience without breaking the bank. Look for examples with the twin-turbo V6 engine for an especially thrilling drag racer!
Cadenza
Kia's affordable full-size sedan offers a long list of high-value standard technology features and a comfortable, refined ride. It's knocking on the door of the genuine luxury class, and it costs thousands less. Fantastic safety and reliability scores make this a must-test-drive option for drivers in the full-size sedan market.
K900
Kia's flagship sedan is built on the same platform as the excellent Genesis G90 and features styling cues reminiscent of big luxury limos at a price that barely covers the down payment for those vehicles. While the interior isn't as gaudy as the lofty competition, technological features and passenger comfort are top-notch, and performance takes a big step up from the Cadenza as well. This is a true luxury sedan, made accessible to the common driver Kia-style.
Parkway Family Kia Welcomes You!
Proudly representing Kia for in the Houston area, Parkway Family Kia is always excited to offer the latest and greatest Kia models to Texas drivers. Kia understands that the most important aspect of any vehicle is getting good value for your hard-earned dollars. Our customers know that our dedication to a completely satisfying experience means we deliver on Kia's promise of the best quality and most affordable prices in the business.
When you visit Parkway Family Kia, our friendly sales team will help you narrow down which model is the best fit for your budget and lifestyle needs. We'd love to then see you off on a test drive in one of the many excellent new and used Kias in our inventory! Our strong used vehicle inventory will provide a reliable, high-value ride for years to come. When you work with us, you'll find that we give it everything in true Kia spirit, so make some time to visit the Parkway Family Kia showroom today!
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.
*Based on Sales from January 2022 to January 2023.