News & rumors about the future Kia models & changes for the 2022 model year.
A big part of what we do here at theKEEA blog is keeping you up to date with everything going on in the world of Kia. There is always something happening in terms of redesigns, facelifts and new models in both the U.S. and the rest of the world.
2022 looks to be especially busy, with the Kia R&D department set to deliver several new models in the coming months.
With so much going on, we thought that it would be a good idea to take a closer look at the changes coming to the Kia model line-up in 2022, so let’s jump right in.
2022 Kia Sportage hybrid
It will be an all-new Kia Sportage that we will see unveiled as a 2022 model. The Sportage is the longest-running nameplate for Kia, with the new model set to undergo a total makeover, including significant improvements in the safety, ride, and powertrain departments and its overall look.
The 2022 Kia Sportage will also feature hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants for the first time.
2022 Kia Carnival minivan
We tend to think of minivans as boring, but Kia will buck that trend by delivering a 2022 model that looks more like an oversized SUV. The all-new Carnival minivan exterior design is indeed a sight to behold, as is the revamped interior, which will feature seating for 7 or 8 people.
The 2022 Kia Carnival will ride on a brand new platform and will come equipped with AWD for the first time (only available in S. Korea). You will also find a host of safety features on board, yet this stylish new minivan will still be affordable.
2022 Kia K5 sedan
The expectation is that the 2022 Kia K5, which replaced the always popular Optima, will essentially be the same as the 2021 model. We may see some new color options and minor adjustments to the trims and packaging, but outside of that, do not expect to see any dramatic new changes.
Kia Seltos 2022
It’s much the same story with the 2022 Kia Seltos, which will get dome new color options and trim level changes, but nothing more. The international market is a little different in that the Seltos will get an all-electric powertrain variant. That is not something that we are going to see in the U.S. at this time.
2022 Kia Sorento
Since the Sorento received a full makeover for the 2021 model year, we don’t expect any changes for the 2022 Kia Sorento.
2022 Kia Soul
The boxy Kia Soul has been a favorite among crossover drivers since day one, but there is not much to report for the 2022 model. Other than some trim level and packaging changes, things should stay the way they are.
We are still hoping to see the 2022 Soul EV model launched in the U.S. sometime next year. The all-electric Soul was supposed to be released a couple of years ago, but postponements have stalled it.
2022 Kia Telluride
The Telluride has won countless awards and become a top seller for Kia USA, and it should remain that way despite no significant changes scheduled for the 2022 model.
One thing that is expected to stay in place is the Nightfall Edition package, which remains in high demand across the United States.
One change that we may see for the 2022 version of the Kia Telluride is more color options, much like we saw last year with the Wolf Gray exterior color’s introduction.
Kia pick-up truck coming for 2022 model year?
Since Kia has never yet had a pick-up truck in their line-up, it is perhaps no real surprise that the buzz surrounding this model is huge.
While there is still no official word of a pick-up truck being part of the upcoming 2022 Kia model line-up, you do get the sense that they might follow sister company Hyundai, who recently introduced the Santa Cruz pick-up.
A truck from Kia is still on our wishlist, and maybe 2022 will be the year we finally get to see it come to pass.
2022 Kia Optima (no longer available)
As mentioned earlier, the Kia Optima is no longer available in the US Kia line-up, as it has had its spot filled by the K5 sedan. You can scroll back up to our piece on the 2022 Kia K5 to get an idea of what to expect from that model.
2022 Kia Stinger facelift
The Kia Stinger is the fastest, and arguably the best-looking, vehicle in the line-up, and it will be getting a few minor tweaks for 2022. Those changes will be both inside and out, but they will not make the 2022 Stinger look that much different from how it looks now. There will be tweaks made to the ride to make it even better, which is exciting!
2022 Kia Rio
There is not much to tell about the 2022 Kia Rio. This is a model that has never really been a sales hit in the U.S., so it’s tough to say how much longer it will be around.
The Rio is a great little vehicle, but small crossovers are now dominating the North American market. The feeling is that the Sonet crossover will replace the Rio, but whether that happens with the 2022 model remains to be seen.
Kia Forte 2022
The rumor is that the Kia Forte will receive a mid-cycle facelift for the 2022 model year, with sales expected to commence in late 2021 or early 2022.
Kia EV models to launch in 2022 model year
There is always something new and exciting coming from Kia, and the 2022 model year will be no different. We can expect to see a brand-new all-electric crossover, named EV6, hitting the US soil sometime next year.
The upcoming 2022 Kia EV6 electric crossover will be built on the just recently released e-GMP platform and will boast a 300-mile driving range on a single charge and an 18-minute charging (0-80%) on a DC charger.
Rumors also suggest that a new generation Kia Niro EV and hybrid are coming in 2022, as are several other electrefied vehicles.
Exploring options for SUVs in 2022 either Hybrid or extended range EV w/minimum charge-up time (seems Kia will offer this). Please add my name to your Mailing list for updates – thank you!
I have owned 6 KIA’s. Please keep me posted on the new models. I am 70 and live alone. I LOVE MY KIA!!
I am sitting in my 10th Kia. Ready to upgrade to the 2022. Hope the Soul EV comes to my area of the US. Hubby loves his Rios. He will be sad to see them end.