Report: Kia Planning to Replace Stinger with an EV in 2026
The Kia Stinger lived a bright but shockingly brief life, but it appears the automaker may have a replacement lined up with its move to electric vehicles. A recent report from Korea claims that Kia is working on the Stinger’s replacement, noting that the car will move to electrification with its new form.
Gone in Thirty Seconds: Super Bowl LVIII Auto Commercial Pre-Game Roundup
Football and marketing - does it get any better? In this era of fragmented streaming services, there are precious few moments of what was once dubbed Must See Tee Vee where one be assured hundreds of million eyeballs will be glued to the same message simultaneously. We likely will never have another shared broadcast moment like the finale of M*A*S*H, so The Super Bowl is it.
2024 Chicago Auto Show: Here's the 2025 Kia K5
The presence of the 2025 Kia K5 at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show is a reminder that the K5 still exists.
2024 Chicago Auto Show: Kia Puts on A Carnival
The 2024 Chicago Auto Show is a slow one, debut-wise, this year. This makes Kia the star of this year's show by default.
2024 Kia EV9 First Drive – Setting Expectations
Having one of the first entries into a segment can really help an automaker. It’s even better if said entry is done well. Enter the 2024 Kia EV9 – a three-row large SUV with an electric powertrain that is one of the first vehicles of its type on the market.
Kia at CES: Going Modular
'Tis the time of year for buzzword-heavy press releases that tend to be word salads. Kia is no exception today with its CES news.
Still, should you take the time to dig through these things and translate them into plain English, you get a sense of what's up.
In this case, the company is showing several modular concept vehicles that are meant to help businesses do their work better.
2023 Kia EV6 GT Review – Generating Grins
Nearly 600 horsepower in any vehicle can do a lot to make a person happy. Nearly 600 horsepower in a silent EV with instant torque can make a person feel like they’ve ingested a bunch of amphetamines.
Kia Introduces Two EV Concepts at 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show
LOS ANGELES -- In addition to the updated 2024 Sorento, Kia has unveiled two concepts today at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show -- the EV3 and EV4.
2024 Kia Sorento -- Family Influence Brings Rugged Facelift
LOS ANGELES -- Boxes are in these days, it seems.
OK, that's probably a bit of an overstatement -- there are plenty of crossovers on the market with swoopy styling -- but the facelifted 2024 Kia Sorento is definitely following the rugged/boxy trend.
Report: Refreshed Kia Carnival On the Way Soon
Kia replaced its aging North American minivan with the Carnival in 2022, which brought a stylish family hauler with a plush interior and great tech. The van is getting a refresh for 2025, and recent spy shots show significant changes to its exterior styling.
The EV6 Will Lead Kia's Transition to Tesla Superchargers
Tesla may sell more EVs than any other American company, but its real asset is its charging network. The automaker’s Superchargers are among the most reliable and intuitive chargers anywhere, and other companies are lining up to join the party. Kia is one major automaker signing on to Tesla’s Supercharger network, and the company recently announced that the EV6 would be the first to get the EV maker’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug.
The Kia EV9 Starts at Around $55,000 and Goes On Sale in Late 2023
Kia has a hit on its hands with the EV6, the first in a line of unique, futuristic electric models. The larger EV9 is coming soon, with reservations opening next week, and Kia recently announced pricing for the upcoming electric family hauler.
Fire Risk: Hyundai and Kia Recall More Than Three Million Vehicles
Though EV fires receive a tremendous amount of attention in the news, they are far less common proportionally than gas vehicle fires. Sure, we’ve seen a few massive recalls for EV fires in recent years, including a massive campaign involving every Chevy Bolt and Bolt EUV made between 2017 and 2023, but gas vehicles are still more likely to catch fire. Hyundai and Kia are the latest manufacturers to issue a fire-related recall, this time for millions of gas vehicles with faulty hydraulic electronic control units (HECU) and antilock brake modules.
Hyundai/Kia Lock Solution Panned by Security Pro
It’s a rare day this author gets to combine his interests of the automotive industry and the YouTube channel for security expert LockPickingLawyer. A video uploaded earlier this week provides opportunity for such a crossover.
Another One Bites the Dust: Kia Killing the Rio After 2023
Mitsubishi recently announced that it would discontinue the Mirage, removing one of America’s few remaining affordable new cars. Kia is now cutting another sub-$20,000 option with its announcement of the Rio’s demise after 2023.
Fire Risk Prompts Kia Niro Hybrid and PHEV Recall
The Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid are being recalled for an issue that could cause fires in the engine compartment. A total of 121,411 vehicles are involved in the recall, which relates to the printed circuit board in the hydraulic clutch actuator.
Kia Introduces K3 in Home Market. Will It Appear as Rio/Forte Replacement?
Many manufacturers are busy running in the opposite direction from small, affordable cars, but there remain a few which are willing to play in this low(er) margin arena. Kia is one of them, with cars like the Rio and Forte – and it may be re-upping the latter in our market later this year.
Hyundai and Kia Recalled More Than 90,000 Vehicles for Fire Risk
Hyundai and Kia are among the most talked-about automakers on the planet. The duo’s new electric models are exciting and feature styling that makes them look ripped straight from a sci-fi film. Their growth has been impressive, but the news isn’t always positive. The automakers recently recalled more than 91,000 vehicles for an issue that could cause an oil pump fire.
Kia Debuts Refreshed Sorento In South Korea
Kia’s SUVs are surprisingly premium and well equipped for the price, and the automaker has had great success with its Telluride three-row. The long-running Sorento is due for a facelift after a few years on sale in its current form, and it appears it’s getting one – at least in South Korea.
NHTSA to Probe Kia EV6 After Claimed Power Loss
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching an investigation into the Kia EV6 after 11 complaints were filed regarding sudden power losses.
2023 Kia Niro EV Wave Review – Under the Radar
The Kia EV6 gets most of the attention when it comes to Kia EVs. That and the upcoming EV9. But the EV version of Kia’s Niro flies a bit under the attention radar.
2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line Review – This EV Future Is One We Want
A younger, less informed version of myself was a bit scared that once EVs took over the market, we’d all be sentenced to driving boring machines that silently whisked us from place to place but offered no soul, no character, no fun.
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX Review – Urban Crossover, Right Price
You might remember that when yours truly flew to California last year to drive the 2023 Kia Sportage, I didn’t get to spend more than five minutes in the hybrid version. I spent most of my day in the X-Pro, which I was lukewarm about.
A full week with the hybrid showed me I was, indeed, missing out.
Hyundai and Kia Settle Lawsuit Over TikTok Thefts
We’ve been hearing about the ease with which even the most amateur thief can steal older Hyundai and Kia models for a while now. Fixes for the lack of an electronic immobilizer are slow to come, but a group of owners took matters into their own hands with a class-action lawsuit. The issue was recently settled, netting a significant payment from the automakers.
Insurers Suing Hyundai/Kia Over Viral Thefts
Hyundai Motor Group might quite literally end up paying for having failed to equip engine immobilizers to some of its older models. You’ll undoubtedly recall the TikTok Kia Boyz Challenge, where “at-risk youths” utilized USB connectors on torn open ignition slots to hotwire Hyundai and Kia models. Originating in the summer of 2021, the trend was in the mainstream media the following year and caused serious publicity issues for the manufacturer.
Numerous U.S. insurance agencies have reportedly joined forces to sue the automaker for damages they claim could reach up to $600 million.
Kia to Rely on Lease Loophole to Make Its EVs Eligible for Tax Credit
Though their electric vehicle lines are among the most compelling new zero-emissions models, Kia and Hyundai’s EVs don’t currently qualify for federal tax credits because of where they’re built. Both are working toward bringing EV production to the U.S., but in the meantime, Kia is looking to take advantage of a little-known provision in the new rules that allow customers to receive the credit on ineligible vehicles when leasing.
States Push for Recall of Easy-to-Steal Hyundai and Kia Models
We’ve been hearing about the TikTok-inspired thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles for a while, including that some insurers have declined to issue new policies on some models. Now, several states are calling on the feds to issue a recall for the cars and fix the problem.
Kia Refreshes Seltos for 2024 – We Think
Like those occasions when yer Significant Other changes their hairstyle and ya don’t notice, Kia has applied the slightest of visual changes to its little Seltos. On tap is an expansion of the X-Line, first seen on other models, and a few more horses – plus a pricing update.
2024 Kia EV9 Officially Debuts, Made in Georgia
While we already covered the powertrains the 2024 Kia EV9 will receive, its North American premiere at the New York International Auto Show has given us more to chew on.
The Old-School Club May Be the Best Answer to TikTok-Inspired Car Thefts
Beyond infecting the minds of young people and potentially opening dangerous back-door data access to Americans’ phones, TikTok has also gifted the world with the knowledge of how to steal older Hyundai and Kia models easily. The problem has gotten so bad that some insurers won’t cover the cars, and owners have been left scrambling for a fix. The Korean automakers have a few ideas, including issuing free steering wheel locks and upgrading the anti-theft software on millions of vehicles.
Kia EV9 Powertrains Revealed, High Performance Variant Coming in 2025
While the Kia EV9’s existence isn’t news, the manufacturer has released the all-important details regarding powertrains and they really span the gamut.
From the sound of things, you’ll be able to have the standard version of the all-electric SUV optioned to be unsatisfyingly slow or surprisingly quick. It all depends on how much you’re willing to spend and your sensibilities as a driver. However, news has also broken that Kia is developing a high-performance GT model that’s slated to arrive in 2025.
Kia Shows Off Yet Another Electric SUV
The Kia EV6 just landed last year, and the three-row EV9 is on its way for 2024, but there’s already another electrified Kia to discuss. The automaker recently hosted an event in China, during which it showed the EV5 concept. The ultra-futuristic-looking two-row SUV could be sold here, as its tidy Sportage-like dimensions would make an appropriate foil for the larger EV9.
Kia's EV9 is Being Attacked By BMW I4 Owners
Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
BMW i4 forum members are calling the Kia EV9 ugly.
Takes a large grille to know one, huh?
Kia Unveils EV9, All-Electric SUV Proves Its Hip to Be Square
There’s little doubt that designers at Kia and Hyundai are currently hitting it out of the park in terms of styling, particularly with their EVs. Like ‘em or lump ‘em, at least rigs like the Ioniq5 and EV6 refuse to blend in at soccer practice.
Now, Kia has hauled the covers off its new EV9 – and its looks are bound to get a few jaws flapping.
Kia Teases EV9 Ahead of March 15 Unveil
Creating a bit of hype for the launch of their all-electric large crossover, Kia has dropped a teaser video for their upcoming EV9. If the shadowy images are any indication, there’s little chance of owners losing it in a parking lot.
Hyundai Pushes Software Update to Combat Theft
Most of our readers will recall learning about the specter of people discovering – then explaining in detail – just how easy it is to steal some Hyundai and Kia products. Now, workers from the mothership have apparently come up with a solution, one which involves a simple software upgrade.
Insurance Companies Are Refusing to Cover Certain Hyundai and Kia Models
You’ve probably heard about the TikTok-inspired uptick in Hyundai and Kia thefts, where the lack of an immobilizer has given thieves an open invitation. Beyond the stress that your car could be stolen at any time, insurance companies now appear to be less willing to cover the vehicles.
QOTD: Will Kia's EV9 Be a Hit or Not?
On paper, the Kia EV9 looks like a potential hit -- and given the company's success with the Telluride, it seems likely that Kia knows how to sell a three-row SUV. But the EV bet is still a bit risky.
Potential Kia EV9 Specs and Details Leaked Way Ahead of Official Announcement
The Kia EV6 is one of the most well-reviewed EVs on sale, but the automaker is busy developing follow-up hits to its flagship model. The EV9 isn’t due until next year, but Car and Driver got ahold of a spec sheet with details we’d likely have waited months to discover otherwise.
Dealer Develops Home-Brew Fix for TikTok-Inspired Hyundai and Kia Thieves
Owners of older Hyundai and Kia models have had a rough go over the last few months. A TikTok video made them the targets of thefts and break-ins after it was discovered that the vehicles didn’t have electronic immobilizers. Some have sued, some are resorting to old-school measures like “The Club,” and others are looking to dealers for help. A dealer service director in St. Louis came up with an answer.
TTAC Podcast Episode 8 Has Dropped
In our final podcast episode of the year, I chat about the new Toyota Prius and Kia EV6 GT with automotive industry analyst Robby DeGraff, who works for AutoPacific.
QOTD: Can the Mid-Size, Mid-Lux Sports Sedan Be Saved?
The Kia Stinger is dead. The Nissan Maxima is going to die after 2023. The Volkswagen Arteon oft seems to be forgotten. Is there hope for mid-size sport sedans (and four-door coupes) with front-wheel or all-wheel drive and priced between $45,000 and $60,000?
Stung: Kia Kills the Stinger
It's a sad day for fans of mid-luxury sports sedans/four-door coupes. And fans of the Kia Stinger. Or for people like yours truly, fans of both.
Dan O’Brien Kia Hit With $1.25m Judgement for Deceptive Practices
“There is no choice but for them to improve. They have to find a way to meet customer expectations.” Those are the words uttered by Steve Center, Chief Operating Officer of Kia America, at this year’s L.A. Auto Show in response to questions about the brand scoring dead last in a sales satisfaction survey about its dealerships.
Well, it seems Dan O’Brien Kia of New Hampshire either didn’t get the memo or is hell-bent on becoming the poster child for Center’s ire. After all, being told to pay $1.25 million in a deceptive practices settlement are unlikely to ingratiate the place to their brand’s COO.
2023 Kia EV6 GT Review – Electric Excitement
Standing around outside the Las Vegas Motor Speedway last week, I noticed a bunch of fighter jets taking off and landing from the nearby Nellis Air Force base. It must be unbelievable to feel the G forces when those things accelerate, I thought to myself.
Report: Hyundai and Kia Suppliers Employed Minors in Alabama
Hyundai and Kia are quickly becoming two of the world’s most prominent automakers, but the Korean giants have struggled to get a handle on reports of child labor in their suppliers’ factories. Reporting surfaced earlier this year, and today, Reuters released its findings that child labor has been found in as many as 10 Alabama facilities belonging to the automakers’ suppliers.
QOTD: Colored Brake Calipers
I'm in Sin City testing the Kia EV6 GT this week -- check back next week for the review -- and one thing I've noticed is the neon green brake calipers.
TTAC Drive Notes: 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Hi there, this is take two of our new series in which I give you short notes on something I am driving or have driven recently. It doesn't necessarily mean a given car will or won't get a full review in the future -- it's just a chance to hit some highlights sooner since it can take some time before a full review gets published. And some cars don't get full reviews, anyway.
Today's ride: The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid.
QOTD: Is the New Kia Logo Confusing You?
Over the weekend, I saw a tweet suggesting that people are searching for "KN car" in a number of 30K a month. The tweeter posits that it's because the new Kia logo is so confusing that people are mistaking it for "kn".
Kia Reveals Modestly Updated Seltos at LA Auto Show
Kia’s had a great run the past few years. The Telluride was a hit when it landed, and the new EV6 is selling out all over the place, and the automaker has established itself as a forward-looking company that has outgrown its budget-friendly beginnings. Kia took the opportunity to unveil a revised Seltos crossover and brag about its recent accomplishments at this year’s LA Auto Show.
QOTD: What LA Auto Show Debut Excites You?
Hello from sunny Southern California. You may notice a later-than-usual posting schedule today and tomorrow as we work our way through the LA Auto Show -- we're sorta working on West Coast time.
Which brings me to the QOTD -- what debut from this show has you perking up?
TTAC Rewind: 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid
Today's TTAC Rewind for your Sunday afternoon perusal takes a few years back to 2017.
2022 Kia Seltos Review - Easy
I suppose I can be an occasional automotive Luddite. I’m mentally throwing wrenches at the twenty-year-old German project car in my garage since it’s not nearly as straightforward to repair as the thirty-year-old Japanese project car right next to it. More than once I’ve pondered the possibility of adapting carburetors to both.
The Right Spec: 2023 Kia Telluride
Leaving aside the absolutely psychotic dealer markup being slapped on these things by some sellers over the last couple of years, the squared-off Telluride represents a good-looking and reasonably equipped SUV which has been eating the lunch of more than a few established competitors.
This model year brings a few cosmetic changes and a dizzying 10 different trim levels. Which one do we prefer? Why, the one without any greedy markup, of course.
Columbus, Ohio City Attorney to Sue Hyundai, Kia Over Thefts
Columbus, Ohio City Attorney Zach Klein said earlier this week that he intends to file a lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia.
QOTD: Have Korean Cars Shed Their Reliability Reputation?
Given the recent legal struggles that Hyundai and Kia have been facing, I started wondering if the two brands had shed their past reputation for reliability -- or lack thereof.
Report: Engine Issues Will Cost Hyundai and Kia $2 Billion In Q3
Hyundai Motor Group's Theta II GDI engines are costing the company a fortune, with the company recently acknowledging the troubled powertrain will leave the manufacturer $2 billion leaner for the third quarter of 2022 alone. While that hit will be split between Hyundai and Kia brands, it still represents a healthy slice of their quarterly revenue.
Hyundai and Kia's Decade of Very Troublesome Engines Continues
In what’s only the latest in a long history of engine-related legal battles in the form of recalls, individual owner lawsuits, and class action suits, Hyundai and Kia find themselves entangled in the latter once more. This time, the list of the affected vehicles is much larger than in previous instances. It seems the calendar has now crossed the decade mark with regard to major engine issues in Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Oh, and they’re also super easy to steal, too.
Automakers Are Drastically Underreporting Average Emissions: Report
Dieselgate slashed a gaping hole in the assumption that automakers were genuinely invested in building more efficient cars, but it’s hardly the only flimflammery going on behind the scenes. A recent report from Transport and Environment, a European NGO pushing for cleaner transport, found that many automakers are underreporting global emissions by as much as 115 percent.
Summer of Theft Creating Bad Publicity for Hyundai, Kia
Following an internet trend that proliferated on TikTok over the summer, there’s been an alleged surge of vehicle thefts targeting Kia and Hyundai products. The issue reportedly began with a video tutorial recorded in Milwaukee showing how to steal the cars by shoving a connected USB cable into a cracked-open ignition. But the resulting problem has spread to major cities across the country, often with rowdy teens – known as “ Kia Boyz” – taking random cars for little more than joy rides.
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