Your Simple Guide to Types of Kia SUVs

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia

Have you ever wondered which Kia sport utility vehicle ideally suits your daily commute or weekend adventures? Kia’s SUV lineup spans compact crossovers, three-row family haulers, and fully electric vehicles (EVs), so the right choice comes down to space, seating, efficiency, and how you drive. Whether you want an easy-to-park commuter, a third-row option for growing families, or an electrified option that cuts down on fuel stops, there’s a Kia SUV built to match.

Kia SUV Lineup at a Glance

Use this overview to compare the Kia SUV range, then narrow by class, seating, and powertrain before comparing trims and features with us.

Compact Kia SUVs: Seltos and Sportage

• Seltos: Value and available all-wheel drive (AWD) in a compact footprint
• Sportage: The versatile volume SUV with gas and electrified options

The Seltos is Kia’s entry SUV, pairing an upright compact body with available all-wheel drive and an available turbocharged engine. It suits commuters and first-time buyers who want SUV practicality without a larger footprint, and it’s easy to park in tight city spaces. A redesigned Seltos also introduces the nameplate’s first hybrid, covered below.

The Sportage steps up in size and versatility, often serving as the sweet spot of the lineup. It offers generous passenger and cargo room, available AWD, modern technology, and a full range of gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains for shoppers who want efficiency and space for small families.

Midsize Three-Row: Kia Sorento

• Best for: Families needing occasional third-row seating
• Seating: Up to seven across three rows
• Standout: Gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid availability

The Sorento bridges the gap between compact SUVs and Kia’s largest models. It delivers available third-row seating in a midsize package that stays easy to maneuver and park, making it a practical fit for families who need extra seats only some of the time.

Like the Sportage, the Sorento is offered with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, so shoppers can prioritize efficiency without sacrificing flexibility. For buyers who want more room and capability, the flagship Telluride is the next step up.

All-New for 2027: The Telluride and Seltos Hybrids

Two Kia SUVs enter new generations with major changes worth watching. The redesigned 2027 Telluride becomes the flagship’s second generation and adds the model’s first-ever available turbo-hybrid powertrain, producing up to 329 horsepower with an EPA-estimated 35 miles per gallon (MPG) combined on the front-wheel-drive (FWD) model, for well over 600 miles of combined range.

When properly equipped, the hybrid tows up to 4,500 pounds and the gas model up to 5,000 pounds. The redesigned 2027 Seltos also debuts the compact’s first-ever hybrid, pairing an all-new hybrid system with available electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD) for added traction. Kia has not yet released full efficiency figures as of this writing, so confirm ratings and availability before you shop.

Hybrid and Electric Kia SUVs

Beyond the redesigned models, Kia offers a deep bench of electrified SUVs. The Sportage and Sorento are each available as hybrids and plug-in hybrids, giving commuters and families added efficiency in familiar packages. The Niro is a dedicated hybrid crossover built around fuel economy for everyday driving.

For fully electric driving, the EV6 is an athletic electric crossover with fast-charging capability, while the three-row EV9 delivers segment-competitive electric range and seating for the whole family. Home-charging access and daily mileage should guide whether a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full EV is best.

Find the Right Kia SUV for You

Ready to find your Kia SUV? Think through your typical passenger count, cargo needs, efficiency goals, and whether you want all-wheel drive, then compare current inventory and trims with our team. Schedule a test drive to compare models in person.

Kia SUV FAQs

Q: What types of SUVs does Kia offer?

A: Kia’s SUVs span compact models like the Seltos and Sportage, the three-row Sorento and Telluride, plus hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric models like the EV6 and EV9.

Q: Which Kia SUVs come as hybrids?

A: The Sportage, Sorento, and Niro offer hybrid power, and the redesigned Telluride and Seltos each add a first-ever hybrid to their lineups.

Q: Is the Kia Carnival an SUV?

A: No. The Carnival is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and minivan alternative. It sits alongside the SUV lineup rather than within it.