#Kia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Changes in the EV tax credit rules have been confusing and made it hard to determine which cars are eligible for credits. Some automakers argued that the rules would unfairly harm their business and ability to compete, and we’re now starting to see how some of the changes are shaking out. Automotive News reported that the top eight EVs in the U.S. in January were built in North America, while Hyundai and Kia fell back.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

It's that time of year. Time to look back, take stock of the year that's just passed, do some self-reflection, and think about the best and worst cars we drove in 2022.

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.