Kia Car Models: What You Need to Know

Sandy B
Nov 27, 2020

Stylish, competitively priced, and easy to drive are all terms you’re looking for when buying a car. The Kia car models can offer that and much more. All you have to do is figure out which of the 6 Kia car models can work for your needs the best.

2020 Kia Stinger- Photo by Kia

Which Kia car models are available?

The 2020 line up of Kia vehicles include:

  • Rio: $15,850 – $16,490
  • Forte: $17,890 – $24,255
  • K5: $23,490 – $30,490
  • Stinger: $33,090 – $50,390
  • K900: $59,900 – $59,900

Are you looking for a luxury car that gives you massive horsepower and still offers value? Maybe you’re looking for a Kia with driver-assist features? By the end of this article, you’ll know what all of your options are. You’ll be able to choose from the Kia car models.

2020 Kia Car Models

Rio: $15,850 – $18,245

A well-priced car, the Kia Rio gives you get-up-and-go performance with a small price tag. It includes some nice features, too, like the Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity along with a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen color display with a rearview camera.

2020 Kia Rio - Photo by Kia

The engine onboard is a 4-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic transmission, providing ample power for daily, in-the-city use. It also features Motor Driven Power Steering that improves performance and control behind the wheel.

Inside, it’s comfortable and roomy for four people. Reconfigure the seats as you want to. Count on good lighting (LEDs are optional) and good driver safety features.

Rio Specs:

  • 1.6 Liter Inline 4-cylinder engine
  • Front-Wheel Drive
  • 120 HP
  • 36 combined mpg
  • Intelligent variable transmission

Safety and Customer Reviews for the Rio:

  • Mostly “Good” ratings from IIHS
  • 4.4-Star owner review ratings at Vehicle History
  • 4.3/10 expert review rating at Vehicle History

Forte: $17,890 – $24,255

A nicer build with more room, the Kia Forte is still an affordable vehicle with good innovative tech and solid fuel economy. This vehicle offers nice tech updates including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard along with auto emergency braking technology.

2020 Kia Forte - Photo by Kia

In particular, the GT trim gives you a log including black exterior accents, smart key with push-button start, and blind-spot collision warning. It also features alloy wheels and better LED lighting outsides. The sports seats make this vehicle feel more like a sports car.

The 2.-L engine gets 201 horsepower. It also features a high flow active exhaust system and larger front brakes for more stopping power.

Forte Specs:

  • 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder engine
  • 147 horsepower
  • 6-speed manual transmission
  • Front-wheel drive
  • 31 combined mpg

Safety and Customer Review Ratings:

  • 4-star overall safety rating at NHTSA
  • Solid “Good” ratings from IIHS
  • 4.75-star owner reviews at Vehicle History
  • 4.5/10 expert review at Vehicle History

K5: $23,490 – $30,490

The K5 gives you a lot of features including a far more sport-focused design with a driver-oriented cockpit and more technology. It’s also giving you more performance in all weather conditions (the all-weather drive options are some of the best in its class).

2021 Kia K5 - Photo by Kia

There’s a lot available including up to 180 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque as well as a GT model that offers a 2.5L turbo engine getting 290 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. It also offers a Quick-Shift 8-speed dual clutch transmission with wet clutch.

It can get up to 60 mph faster than a BMW. Aside from this, you’ll appreciate Kia Drive Wise features such as Junction Turning Accident Avoidance ability and Smart Cruise Control with Highway Driving Assist. There’s a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation to boot.

K5 Specs:

  • 1.6L turbo 4-cylinder
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Electronic parking brake
  • Lane keeping and lane following assist technology
  • Remote keyless entry

Safety and Customer Reviews for the K5:

  • 5-star overall safety rating at NHTSA
  • All “Good” ratings at IIHS
  • 4.63-star owner reviews at Vehicle History
  • 4.4/10 expert review at Vehicle History

Stinger: $33,090 – $50,390

The Kia Stinger is built with more style and refinement while still giving drivers a powerful engine (and the ability to go 0 to 60 in 4.7 seconds). This vehicle features an aerodynamic design to minimize drag which enhances overall function.

2020 Kia Stinger - Photo by Kia

Choose a 3.3L Twin-Turbocharged V6 engine or the standard 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder, with the bigger model giving you 365 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. The Stringer GT trim also has a well-tuned powertrain with impressive engine revving.

Even better, it has the tech you want including leather seat trim with heated front seats, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seats, a wireless phone charger, and a 7-inch touchscreen display. You can upgrade and give a bigger screen with a sunroof and Harman Kardon speakers.

Stinger Specs:

  • 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
  • 7-inch touch-screen display w/ rear camera
  • Blind-spot detection technology
  • 255 HP at 6,200 rpm

Safety and Customer Reviews:

  • 5-star overall general safety rating at NHTSA
  • Solid “Good” ratings from IIHS
  • 4.38-star owner reviews at Vehicle History
  • 4.4/10 expert review at Vehicle History

K900: $59,900 – $59,900

The K900 gives Kia the luxury sedan drivers want. It’s packed with features and feels like a luxury car, even though it’s well below competitor pricing.

2020 Kia K900 - Photo by Kia

The engine is at the heart of this vehicle. It’s a 3.3L V6 engine producing 365 horsepower. It also features Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive and a quiet ride, thanks to the reinforced structure and wheel dampeners.

Premium features are throughout including Nappa Leather Seat Trim with both heated and ventilated front seats. It comes with Lexicon Premium Audio along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. There’s also a Surround View Monitor and Head-Up Display.

K900 Specs:

  • 3.3L V6 twin turbocharged engine
  • Dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • All-wheel drive
  • 21 mpg combined

Safety and Customer Review Ratings:

  • 3.0-star owner reviews at Vehicle History
  • 3.9/10 expert review at Vehicle History

Photos: Kia

avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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