Tag Archives: KIA

News

Kia Doubles Down on Awards: EV3 and Sportage Take Top Honors at 2025 What Car? Electric Car Awards

Kia just added more silverware to its already crowded trophy cabinet. At the 2025 What Car? Electric Car Awards, the Korean brand’s newest EV, the Kia EV3, was named Best Electric Small SUV, while the ever-popular Kia Sportage took home Best Used Hybrid Family SUV.

If that sounds familiar, it’s because these aren’t the first nods this pair has received this year. Back in January, the same duo grabbed wins at the broader 2025 What Car? Awards—with the EV3 crowned Best Small Electric SUV and the Sportage celebrated as Best Family SUV.

Paul Philpott, President & CEO of Kia UK Limited, summed up the brand’s momentum: “It is a great honor to receive yet more recognition for the EV3 and Sportage from What Car? … What Car?’s great reputation as an independent, influential and respected publication for car buyers gives these awards more meaning.”

EV3: The Electric Small SUV to Beat

The EV3 has been nothing short of a breakout hit. It’s already Kia’s fastest-selling EV of all time and the UK’s retail best-selling EV of 2025. Not bad for a compact SUV that only hit the market this year.

What Car? editor Steve Huntingford praised its refinement: “The EV3 is a relaxing car to drive, because its ride is downright plush, while wind, road and motor noise are kept to a minimum … even the smaller of the two batteries on offer delivers an impressive range, so the EV3 offers excellent value.”

The EV3 isn’t just a category winner—it’s the reigning UK Car of the Year and World Car of the Year. That’s a back-to-back global win for Kia, which snagged the same honors in 2024 with the larger EV9.

Sportage: The Family SUV That Won’t Quit

On the other side of the lineup, the Kia Sportage continues to do what it’s done best for decades: dominate the family SUV space. It remains Kia’s top-selling model worldwide, and in the UK it’s currently the second best-selling vehicle overall.

The fifth-gen Sportage, launched in 2021, brought hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains to the table for the first time. Huntingford highlighted the PHEV version’s everyday appeal: “Like any Sportage, the PHEV version combines impressive ride comfort with a smart, spacious and user-friendly interior. Plus, you get the added bonus of a 43-mile electric range. The fact that your used Sportage will still be covered by the original manufacturer warranty also makes it very appealing.”

For 2025, Kia has given the Sportage a mid-cycle refresh, borrowing some styling cues and tech innovations from its newer EV siblings (EV3, EV6, EV9).

Kia’s Bigger Picture

The EV3’s instant success and the Sportage’s enduring popularity illustrate Kia’s two-pronged strategy: sell cutting-edge EVs while keeping electrified hybrids relevant and competitive in the used market. With a lineup that spans everything from compact crossovers to three-row electric flagships, Kia has firmly positioned itself as one of the most influential brands in the industry.

And with awards piling up, it seems buyers and critics alike are buying what Kia’s selling.

Source: Kia

News

Kia Breaks Sales Records in August, Driven by EV Momentum and SUV Demand

Kia America is on a roll. In August, the brand notched its best-ever monthly sales performance, moving 83,007 units—a 10.4 percent jump over the same period last year. The milestone not only marks Kia’s second time surpassing 80,000 units in a single month but also keeps the automaker firmly on pace for its third consecutive annual sales record. Year-to-date sales are now up 8.6 percent, with retail sales climbing an even healthier 10.3 percent.

EVs in the Fast Lane

Electric vehicles are doing more than pulling their weight in Kia’s lineup. The three-row EV9—a contender in the crowded electric SUV space—posted 2,679 units sold, up a striking 54 percent from July. The EV6 and Niro EV also gained traction, up 39 percent and 57 percent month-over-month, respectively. That makes August the fourth straight month of strong EV growth for Kia, cementing its place among mainstream brands successfully moving metal in the electrified space.

The EV9, in particular, is emerging as a halo model. Not only did it achieve its best-ever monthly sales, but it also earned recognition in the 2025 J.D. Power Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, winning the Mass Market award for “One-Pedal Driving” tech—proof that Kia’s EV push isn’t just about volume, but also about innovation credibility.

SUVs Still Rule the Roost

While EV momentum is grabbing headlines, Kia’s bread and butter remains its SUV lineup. The Sportage and EV9 set personal bests in August, helping drive Kia’s SUV portfolio to its highest-ever monthly sales. The Telluride and Carnival also posted double-digit increases, up 19 percent and 29 percent year-over-year, respectively.

The Sportage, Kia’s longest-running nameplate, is also getting some fresh attention. Kia recently invited journalists to Louisville, Kentucky, to test the updated 2026 Sportage, with particular emphasis on the Turbo Hybrid model. Expect sharper design, improved tech, and a focus on efficiency as Kia continues to refine its SUV lineup.

Sedans Still Showing Signs of Life

In a market that loves crossovers, Kia’s sedans are holding their own. The K5 midsize sedan jumped 13 percent year-over-year in August, while the Forte (K4 in some markets) continues to be a volume anchor with 12,091 units sold. Together, these models prove that Kia isn’t walking away from the four-door formula just yet.

Awards Keep Rolling In

On the recognition front, Kia’s utility vehicles are collecting hardware. The 2025 Carnival MPV and 2025 Telluride SUV each received Winter Vehicle Awards from the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). For the Telluride, it’s the fourth NEMPA honor, adding to an already decorated trophy case. The Carnival, meanwhile, earns its first class win in the minivan category.

Kia’s August story is one of balance. EVs are building credibility and momentum, SUVs are shattering records, and even sedans are showing resilience. With more than 83,000 vehicles sold in a single month, the brand is proving that its diverse lineup is hitting the sweet spot in today’s market.

As Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations for Kia America, put it:
“These are clear indicators of the strength of the Kia brand and how our diverse product offerings continue to meet customer needs.”

If August is any indication, Kia isn’t just coasting toward another annual record—it’s sprinting there.

Source: Kia America

NEW CARS

2026 Kia Stonic: The Little Crossover That Wants to Punch Above Its Weight

Kia’s smallest crossover just grew up. The new Stonic arrives with sharper looks, a tech-rich cabin, and enough safety gear to make some mid-size SUVs blush. In a segment that’s crowded with budget-friendly, city-friendly choices, Kia’s latest update is a clear attempt to move the Stonic from “just another subcompact crossover” to “mini premium contender.”

Design: Familiar Size, Bigger Attitude

The Stonic still measures 4,165 mm in length, which keeps it firmly in the small-urban-runabout category. But don’t let the compact footprint fool you—Kia has turned up the volume on styling. The front end now wears the brand’s “Star Map” LED signature and a bolder grille, while the bumper treatment gives it a more planted stance. Out back, revised taillights and a cleaner hatch design tie things together.

Buyers can pick from fresh wheel designs, including exclusive 17-inch alloys for the GT-Line. New colors—Adventurous Green and Yacht Blue—add some personality to what has traditionally been one of Kia’s more conservative shapes.

Interior: A Class Above Its Class

If the outside is a facelift, the inside is a full renovation. The cabin is now anchored by a twin 12.3-inch display setup that merges digital gauges with infotainment in a sweeping glass panel—hardware normally found in cars a size (and price) up. Kia’s new “Multimode Touch Display” cleans up the dash by replacing traditional HVAC buttons with a reconfigurable digital panel, giving the cockpit a sleeker, more modern vibe.

Other thoughtful touches: a redesigned steering wheel, USB-C charging ports, wireless phone charging, ambient lighting, and even a reshaped gear knob. It all feels more upmarket than you’d expect from a B-segment crossover that used to be pitched as a practical bargain.

Powertrain: Small Turbo, Big Flexibility

Under the hood, things are familiar but fine-tuned. The sole engine is Kia’s 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder (T-GDI), available either as a straight petrol or with mild-hybrid assist. Power ranges from 100 to 115 PS, and torque tops out at 20.4 kgf·m in hybrid spec. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Performance isn’t blistering—0–100 km/h takes between 10.7 and 12.1 seconds depending on configuration—but this isn’t meant to be a hot hatch. Instead, Kia aims for efficiency, urban drivability, and enough versatility to cover longer commutes without stress. Top speed maxes out at 182 km/h, which is plenty for a car in this bracket.

Tech and Safety: A Serious Upgrade

The Stonic’s most convincing argument may be its tech suite. The car now supports Kia Connect cloud services, real-time diagnostics, and even a Digital Key that turns your smartphone or smartwatch into the fob. These features bring a slice of the premium experience into a budget segment.

Safety tech is equally impressive. The Stonic now packs blind-spot monitoring with exit warning, forward-collision avoidance, lane centering, adaptive cruise with navigation input, and highway driving assist. For context: these are features you’ll often find as options—if at all—on cars costing twice as much.

Practicality: Still a City Hero

Despite all the new toys, the Stonic hasn’t forgotten its role as an everyday crossover. Cargo space sits at 352 liters, enough for a weekend trip but not a family vacation. Front legroom (1,070 mm) and decent rear dimensions make it comfortable enough for adults on short to medium trips. Ground clearance varies up to 183 mm, which helps when curbs and potholes are part of your urban routine.

Verdict: The Subcompact Crossover With Aspirations

The 2025 Kia Stonic doesn’t reinvent the subcompact crossover formula, but it does something arguably more important: it elevates expectations. With premium-style displays, genuine safety tech, and a bolder design identity, the Stonic is no longer just a cheap, cheerful city crossover—it’s a serious contender that makes rivals like the Renault Captur, VW T-Cross, and Hyundai Bayon look a bit dated.

It still won’t thrill enthusiasts, but for buyers who want small-car agility with big-car features, the Stonic’s new formula hits the sweet spot.

Source: Kia