Kia Motors has been hard at work developing the next chapter in the brand story and rise to success.
The previous years have seen periods of re-design and new model activity followed by periods of relative quiet on the new vehicle front.
We are now at a point where the Kia line-up is exactly where they want it to be, which means we will see something like two major new model launches per year.
The goal of each of those will be to improve the quality of the ride, handling, and powertrains, not to mention the technology contained within.
Kia will also be looking to improve brand perception, which is set to begin with the release of the new Optima sedan.
Here’s what else Kia Motors has on tap moving forward.
- Update: List of Kia models in 2020
2017 Kia models
Rio sub-compact car: The Rio has received a subtle mid-cycle refresh (or facelift) last year. Adopting several minor styling tweaks, the model remains pretty much the same. Latest rumors suggest that Kia will launch a fully redesigned 2017 Rio in the USA.
Soul crossover vehicle: The funky Soul car, which has helped put Kia in the spotlight, got a full makeover two years ago, so don’t expect many changes in the coming years. The 2017 Soul may, however, receive a subtle facelift.
Soul EV: For the 2017 model year, Kia will most likely upgrade the Soul EV electric drivetrain technology and extend its range. It will also refresh the styling of their all-electric car.
Forte compact car: The Forte family received a major makeover two years ago, so for the 2017 model year, the company will perform a mid-cycle facelift. The 2017 Forte will continue to be available as a 5-door hatch, 4-door sedan and 2-door Koup coupe.
Optima mid-size sedan: The highly popular Optima midsize sedan is all-new for the 2016 model year, so no major upgrades are expected for 2017. Two more Optima versions are coming to the United States this year: 2017 Optima hybrid and 2017 Optima plug-in hybrid!
Optima hybrid: As mentioned above, the hybrid version of Kia Optima will arrive in showrooms roughly six months after the gas-powered model. A plug-in model is also confirmed for production!
Cadenza premium sedan: The move into near-premium territory began for Kia back in 2013 when this vehicle got a mid-cycle refresh. That move will see the Cadenza have a shorter life cycle than normal, which means a fully redesigned model will come in late 2016 as a 2017 model.
K900 luxury car: This high-end Kia luxury sedan arrived in the US about a year ago, at exactly the same time it went through a mid-cycle refresh.
So far, it has only been able to muster up several thousand units sold, but since Kia sees this model as a way to build brand perception, it will carry on. The next big change for Kia K900 will come in the form of a full redesign in a couple of years.
GT sedan: A 4-door coupe-sedan is headed for the showrooms late next year. There are no 2017 / 2018 Kia GT spy shots available at this point.
Sportage: The compact crossover just got a complete makeover for the 2017 model year. The all new 2017 Sportage rides on a new platform and adopts several engines from its Hyundai Tucson sibling.
Sorento SUV: A re-engineered version of the popular 7-seat Kia crossover has hit showrooms a while ago and has been sold as a 2016 model. It seems like the 2017 Sorento may receive a facelift!
Sedona MPV: Kia is hoping to lure families back into the minivan segment by introducing a fully redesigned Sedona with a more muscular body style. The new model can seat up to 8 people as opposed to the 7 passengers on the outgoing model.
All trim levels feature third-row folding seats and 60/40 split that can be stowed in the cabin floor to create extra cargo space. No changes are expected for the 2017 Kia Sedona minivan!
We LOVE the Kia Sedona; it’s gorgeous and ahead of its time but there’s a few items preventing us from buying one: the second row doesn’t fold into the floor (this is our largest gripe), the third row only can be stowed manually, the center console doesn’t collapse making it difficult to get into the 2nd row from the passenger seat (think about responding to a crying baby in the back) and lastly the 2nd row television is oddly positioned and relatively small considering all the other technology the Sedona offers. Out of everything listed though, the biggest one for us was not being able to collapse the 2nd row into the floor. I know your competitors Toyota and Honda don’t offer it either but that’s why we’re not buying their vans as well. The Town and Country has that feature and despite the all around terribleness of that car, we’re honestly considering one purely for that feature…a feature every van owner I know says they want!
We own the 2016 Kia Sedona EX. We bought it for the highest safety evaluation score among all of the minivans. Last, all of the competitor minivans look so ugly. The 2016 Kia Sedona looks like a luxury minivan even though it is in the non-luxury category. However, I think Kia should take the new 2017 Honda Odyssey very seriously. I do not recommend Kia keep their 2017 Sedona version similar to their 2015 and 2016. It will be a big mistake if they ignore 2017 Honda Odyssey.
I own a 2008 Rondo with over 250,00 km. Why does Kia Canada not promote this car? Will it be gradually eliminated from the Canadian market like it was in the USA? It’s sales numbers are becoming lower and lower.
Kia Canada does not seem to care about its sales decline.
I’m really excited by the Telluride… I hope they change the name to something more jazzy though. If I can just keep my older model Optima and Sedona until its available, I know what my next vehicle is now.
Is the 2017 Forte already in production? If so, when can we expect to see it on sale in the U.S.? Hopefully it will come with some good color choices, unlike the very limited choices on the Optima.
Love my Kia Sorento 2015 loving forward for the new 2017 rolls in ready to trade in Been with Kia more than 12 to 16 years , great company and staff at Lou fuza.kia
That’s Westport staff at Lou fusz.kia great group of people there always smiling willing to help and always meet my needs even if a call answer it or just say we need look at it what time or day is good for you .. That’s Zachary ….