By James Raia
Since its debut in the United States 31 years ago, Kia America has emerged as a multiple award-winning carmaker with a diverse lineup of sedans, sport utility vehicles and, increasingly, some of the best all-electric and hybrid vehicles on the market.
The South Korean manufacturer rolled out its first hybrid car in the U.S. in 2011 (a hybrid version of the best-selling Optima sedan) and in 2014 unveiled its first all-electric car, the 2015 Soul EV.
Since then, the company’s commitment to electrification and sustainability has inspired consumers and competitors alike and earned Kia a spot on Time magazine’s list of “World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024.”
Sales of Kia’s electrified models increased by 41 percent in 2023, and in August the company shattered its U.S. sales record for the second consecutive month, a 27% increase over last year. That was fueled in part by the popularity of Kia’s all-electric EV9, a game-changing three-row sport utility vehicle named 2024 World Car of the Year and 2024 World Electric Vehicle of the Year at the annual World Car Awards by a jury of 102 leading automotive journalists from 30 countries.
In December 2023, when the EV9 launched in the U.S., Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia North America and Kia America, emphasized the company’s commitment to electrification.
“The EV9 is a credible, high-value SUV that encapsulates our approach to bringing innovative, consumer-focused products to market,” said Yoon. “As we continue to grow our electrified lineup, we are continually innovating our vehicles to help deliver fewer tailpipe emissions and lower maintenance costs.”
Those innovations in performance, comfort and design are evident in all of Kia’s EV and hybrid models. Here’s a quick overview of the 10 cars, crossovers and sport utility vehicles in the automaker’s electrified lineup.
2025 Carnival MPV Hybrid
Kia’s 2025 Carnival MPV Hybrid.
Range/fuel efficiency: 627 miles; 33 MPG (combined)Starting MSRP: $40,500Key takeaway: Sleek, spacious and in a category all its own
Kia reimagined the family multipurpose vehicle into a modern showstopper with its 2025 Carnival MPV Hybrid. It’s everything you want in a family vehicle — seating for eight, great legroom and headroom and plenty of cargo space for groceries, sports gear and anything else you need to haul around.
Despite its size, the Carnival is surprisingly quick when it comes to acceleration and handling, aided by a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid powertrain, with 242 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of torque.
In addition to a slew of standard advanced safety features, parents will love the passenger view in-cabin camera and intercom in the EX trim that makes it easy to keep track of kids in the back.
2024 EV9
The multiple award-winning 2024 Kia EV9.
Range/fuel efficiency: 230 to 304 miles; 89 MPGe (combined)Starting MSRP: $54,900Key takeaway: Lives up to every award it’s winning
The 2024 EV9’s sleek design, seven-passenger seating and impressive performance is everything you’d expect and more, given the EV9’s litany of industry awards (Kelley Blue Book’s 3-Row EV Best Buy of 2024, TopGear.com’s Family Car of the Year, and Car and Driver’s 10 Best Trucks and SUVs).
The interior has a luxury feel, but with all the practical features you need, including lots of cargo space, fold-down third-row seats, easy-to-navigate instruments and infotainment systems, and advanced driver-assistance safety systems. There’s a 110-volt onboard power generator in the cargo area and a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless phone charger to help you stay connected wherever you are.
The EV9 also handles like a dream, despite its ample size. Available in two powertrains — a standard 215-hp rear-wheel drive version and an optional 379-hp all-wheel drive version — it delivers plenty of power when and where you need it, and the ride is smooth and quiet (another big bonus).
2024 EV6
Kia’s 2024 EV6 GT.
Range/fuel efficiency: 282 to 310 miles; 117 MPGe (combined)Starting MSRP: $42,600Key takeaway: Quick in all the best ways
The all-electric 2024 EV6 is a midsize crossover sport utility vehicle that beautifully blurs the line between hatchback and sports car. Its quick acceleration trends more toward a sports car, with some EV6 trims like the GT-Line AWD able to reach 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds — faster than a 2021 Porsche Cayenne Coupe.
Charging efficiency is another feature that makes the EV6 a standout, especially if your schedule is stretched thin and you’ve got multiple places you need to be. With an 800-volt fast charger, the EV6 can charge from 10 to 80 percent in as fast as 18 minutes.
Of course, not everything is about speed. The EV6 interior is its own vibe, with room to unwind, heated front seats, ambient lighting and a standard 14-Speaker Meridian® Premium Audio System with subwoofer and external amplifier.
2025 Niro Hybrid
The 2025 Niro Hybrid.
Fuel efficiency: 53 MPG (combined)Starting MSRP: $26,900Key takeaway: A fun ride you’ll feel good about
The 2025 Niro Hybrid is perfect for tooling around the city or making a weekend road trip. Commuters will like its 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which makes acceleration quick and seamless, and the regenerative braking system, which maximizes range, saving you time and gas money (that’s on top of the car’s surprisingly affordable price).
There’s also lots of great tech that comes standard in the 2025 Niro Hybrid, like the 10.3-inch touchscreen and 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a wireless phone charger, five USB ports and remote start.
For those who want a style boost, the EX Touring trim includes features you don’t always find in more expensive vehicles — a sunroof, fog lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 18-inch wheels and the larger 10.3-inch infotainment display.
2025 Niro Plug-in Hybrid
The 2025 Niro Plug-In Hybrid.
Range/fuel efficiency: 510 miles; 33 miles all-electric range; 108 MPGe (combined)Starting MSRP: $34,490Key takeaway: Combines the best of both worlds
Like the Niro Hybrid, the 2025 Niro Plug-in Hybrid has a dual powertrain that lets you switch between a gas engine and all-electric motor, but the plug-in’s larger battery is a step up in range and convenience (not to mention the cost-savings and environmental benefits of using less fuel).
A compact crossover, it’s comfortable and roomy, with ample passenger space and 39.8 inches of rear legroom — more than any other car in its class. Standard safety features include auto emergency braking, blind-spot collision warning, rear traffic collision avoidance assist and lane keeping and following assist that can help keep your vehicle centered within lane markers.
One of the coolest options on the Niro Plug-in Hybrid is Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 — a game-changer if you’re someone who occasionally misplaces their keys. The digital key lets you use your smartphone to lock/unlock your car doors, start the engine and more, including sharing keys virtually with family and friends.
2024 Niro EV
Kia’s 2024 Niro EV.
Range/fuel efficiency: 253 miles; 113 MPGe (combined)Starting MSRP: $35,900Key takeaway: A lot for the money
The 2024 Niro EV is Kia’s most affordable all-electric vehicle, but it doesn’t skimp on features. This compact crossover has a single-motor front wheel drive powertrain with zero tailpipe emissions. With near-instant torque and 201 horsepower, it can accelerate from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds.
Like its Niro siblings, the 2024 Niro EV is equipped with a 10.3-inch touchscreen and 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a wireless phone charger, five USB ports and remote start. An onboard power generator offers a convenient way to charge or power laptops, electric bikes and camping equipment.
The Niro EV also comes with a buyer’s incentive: 500 kWh of charging credits on the Electrify America network, about 1,750-2,000 miles of driving range.
2025 Sportage Plug-in Hybrid
Kia’s 2025 Sportage Plug-in Hybrid.
Range/fuel efficiency: 34 miles all-electric range; 34 MPG/84 MPGe (combined)Starting MSRP: $39,690Key takeaway: Rugged, roomy and impressive range
The 2025 Sportage Plug-in Hybrid has a lot to offer beyond its rugged good looks: a 1.6-liter turbo plug-in hybrid engine with 261 horsepower, best-in-class rear cargo room and second-row legroom, and an EPA estimated all-electric range of 34 miles.
Great for everyday commuting, this stylish compact SUV is also tailor-made for the weekends. Make the most of road trips, camping and off-road adventuring with its standard all-wheel drive, panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, high-utility roof rails and a host of Kia’s signature safety and technology features.
2025 Sportage Hybrid
Kia’s 2025 Sportage Hybrid.
Range/fuel efficiency: 589 miles; 43 MPG (combined)Starting MSRP: $28,590Key takeaway: High marks for style and comfort
The 2025 Sportage Hybrid features a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid powertrain with best-in-class 227 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Efficiency is a big win, with an EPA-estimated 43 miles per gallon on the highway.
Comfort and style also get high marks, with seating for five and standard features like dual-zone auto climate control, rear privacy glass, a 12.2-inch instrument display and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Available in LX, EX, and SX-Prestige trims, the latter two include all-wheel drive with center lock, Blind-Spot Detection technology, Smart Key with push button and remote start, and front and rear USB-C charging ports.
2025 Sorento Hybrid
Kia’s 2025 Sorento Hybrid.
Range/fuel efficiency: 637 miles; 36 MPG (combined)Starting MSRP: $38,690Key takeaway: It’s just what you want it to be
Versatility is one of the 2025 Sorento Hybrid’s superpowers. Powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor that combine for 227 horsepower, you can switch between modes for optimized fuel efficiency or performance, depending on driving needs.
Inside, the Sorento has seating for six and a multi-functional setup that can be reconfigured on the go. The standard reclining second-row captain’s chairs slide forward at the touch of a button for easy third-row access and the third-row seats fold down for additional cargo space.
The advanced technology, such as multiple driving modes (eco, sport, etc.) and smart safety features, makes it suitable for both daily commutes and longer road trips. Available options include leather seat trim and acoustic-laminated glass to elevate an already quiet ride.
2025 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid.
Range/fuel efficiency: 30 miles all-electric range; 74 MPGe (combined)Starting MSRP: $47,990Key takeaway: Performance plus
The 2025 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid has a larger battery pack than the regular Sorento Hybrid, allowing for an estimated 30 miles of all-electric driving. With a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder and a single electric motor, it combines for 261 horsepower — a healthy boost over the regular hybrid version.
Available in two trim packages, the standard version includes all the safety and technology features you’ve come to expect, including a Smart Power Liftgate with Auto Close, front and rear parking sensors and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go capabilities.
New for 2025 is a refreshed design with new front and rear ends and dual 12.3-inch front displays for SX Prestige trim. There are new exterior colors, too, including Cityscape Green, Mineral Blue and Volcanic Sand.
About the author
James Raia is a syndicated automotive writer and sponsored content contributor whose work appears in several California newspapers. This article is paid sponsored content and is separate and unrelated to the journalism created by our editorial department.