For 2023, Korean automaker Kia introduces two completely redesigned crossover SUV models—the Sportage and the Niro—and gives the popular Telluride SUV a significant mid-cycle refresh. While the Sportage gets larger and more capable, the Niro brings all three of its electrified flavors (HEV, PHEV, and EV) with more technology, better driving dynamics, greener credentials, and a polarizing new design.
The other significant addition for the upcoming year is the highly anticipated EV6 GT, the high-performance version of Kia’s EV6 all-electric crossover, which arrived in 2022 and signified the automaker’s shift to electrification and pledge for cleaner mobility. The GT version of the EV6 does all that plus moves from zero-to-60 mph in a claimed 3.4 seconds.
Looking further, Kia has announced that it will launch the EV9—its second mass-market electric vehicle (EV) following the 2021 release of the EV6 crossover—later in the model year.
The rest of the 2023 Kia model updates range from carryover to minor changes that bring smarter technology and feature content upgrades. Here’s the rundown.
One year after replacing the Sedona minivan with a new name and design, the Kia Carnival continues in 2023 with technology and amenity upgrades for its top two trim levels: SX and SX Prestige.
The SX now includes a standard integrated panoramic 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 12.3-inch center display. Standard blind-spot warning is also new. The range-topping SX Prestige receives standard 8-passenger Slide-Flex Seating with a second-row center multi-function seat. Optional second-row VIP Lounge Seats are new, as well. Also, the SX and SX Prestige now offer a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system and streaming media capability as optional features.
The Kia EV6 crossover arrived in 2022 as the brand’s first dedicated EV model, signaling the launch of the automaker’s global Plan ‘S’ electrification strategy. For 2023, Kia adds the high-performance EV6 GT to the model range.
In addition to touting the all-electric green credentials of the EV6, Kia says the 576-horsepower GT can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 161 mph. Power and performance come from a 77.4-kWh battery with a 160-kW front motor and a 270-kW rear motor. Other performance upgrades include “Drift Mode,” larger-diameter disc brakes with quad-piston front calipers, stiffened chassis, and an electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD).
Visually, the GT exterior touts a unique front and rear fascia, neon accents, and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the driver-focused cabin offers racing-inspired sport bucket seats.
After receiving several key enhancements for the 2022 model year, the Forte compact sedan returns mostly unchanged for 2023. All LX, LXS, and GT-Line trims with a 2.0-liter engine are SULEV30 compliant for the new model year.
On the features front, Kia deletes the GT Technology package. However, the automaker adds FCA Fusion—a combination of forward-collision warning with cyclist detection, electronic parking brake, Highway Driving Assist (HDA), and navigation-based adaptive cruise control that it previously included in the GT Technology package—to the GT model with dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Now in its third model year, the Kia K5 sport sedan undergoes minor changes for 2023. Kia discontinues the LX model, leaving four trim levels: LXS, EX, GT-Line, and GT. Additionally, all-wheel drive (AWD) is no longer available on the entry-level LXS.
From a features standpoint, the well-equipped GT-Line now offers a panoramic moonroof package. In addition to the large glass roof panel, the option package includes LED interior lighting and gloss black exterior trim along the B-pillars and windshield for a premium look. A heated steering wheel is now standard on the GT-Line AWD. Lastly, Kia adds acoustic glass to the front door windows on EX, GT-Line, and GT trims for a quieter cabin.
All-new for 2023, the electrified Niro, which comes in all-electric Niro EV, Niro HEV (hybrid), and Niro PHEV (plug-in hybrid) versions, arrives with more tech, sharper driving dynamics, and a greener footprint, further advancing Kia’s efforts in sustainable mobility.
According to Kia, the Niro’s all-new exterior styling creates a more modern and sophisticated look. The C-Pillar blade is a striking, if not polarizing, element to the Niro’s new outer show. Furthermore, Niro models are larger in every dimension, boasting what Kia says is class-leading passenger and cargo volume. The cabin offers innovative interior features and sustainable materials.
Sold in all 50 states, the Niro HEV provides a best-in-class 53 miles per gallon fuel economy. Meanwhile, the Niro EV has an all-electric range (AER) of 253 miles, and Kia says its battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in under 45 minutes. With the PHEV also in the mix, the new Niro family of crossovers gives buyers three distinct flavors of electrification from which to choose.
The Kia Rio sedan and hatchback return unchanged for the 2023 model year, except for adding a sensor to alert drivers when the engine oil is low.
The Kia Seltos continues for 2023 with minor feature enhancements in user technology and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Kia adds blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems to the S FWD and S AWD trim levels. Those two trims also receive an optional 10.25-inch navigation screen with satellite/HD Radio and telematics. Additionally, the cabin in all 2023 Seltos trims gets quieter thanks to new acoustic windshield glass that helps reduce wind noise.
For 2023, the gas-powered Sorento goes untouched, while the Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid models undergo minor but notable trim level changes.
Kia discontinues the Sorento Hybrid S base model and adds an all-new range-topping SX-P trim. It comes standard with Kia’s AWD system with a center-locking differential and a drive-mode system with Snow Mode. Other standard features on the SX-P include 17-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, Bose premium audio system, and second-row captain’s chairs. The EX trim gains an 8-way power front passenger seat.
Elsewhere, Kia streamlines the Sorento PHEV to one range-topping SX-P trim that gains amenities over the previous model year, such as retractable rear door sunshades, a 115-volt inverter that can charge household items, and standard HomeLink for opening garage doors.
For 2023, the Kia Soul gets several enhancements. On the design front, the boxy runabout brings a new grille flanked by available LED headlights and redesigned fog lights. New available 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels and a redesigned rear fascia and taillights complete the exterior look. And there are two new paint schemes. Inside, a 10.25-inch (standard on all but LX trim) touchscreen with navigation is a welcome addition.
To simplify the lineup, Kia discontinued the X-Line and Turbo trims. With the Turbo gone, a naturally aspirated 147-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine powers the Soul. A new LX Technology package includes 16-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning.
To elevate safety, a number of previously optional ADAS features are now standard across all Soul trims. These include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, driver monitoring system, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system.
The Sportage is all-new for 2023. Now larger in every dimension, Kia’s longest-running nameplate enters its fifth generation with a more capable lineup featuring two new trim levels: the eye-catching X-Line and the trail-ready X-Pro.
According to Kia, the exterior of the new Sportage blends modern and rugged design elements for a distinctive appearance. All-wheel-drive versions benefit from increased ground clearance and new all-terrain tires.
Within, the 2023 Sportage debuts class-up features, including available dual panoramic curved 12.3-inch display screens. Space-wise, the Sportage offers best-in-class rear-seat legroom and rear cargo capacity. There are eight standard ADAS, including newly available features such as a 3D surround-view camera and live-feed blind-spot monitor within the instrument cluster.
Under the hood, the Sportage gets more power with a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that works with new 8-speed automatic transmission. For green-minded customers, the Sportage now offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The Kia Stinger will return for the 2023 model year, but no information on changes or new packaging was available as we prepared this article for publication.
The significantly refreshed Telluride brings a host of mid-cycle enhancements for 2023, starting with two new AWD trims—X-Line and X-Pro—for an added dose of ruggedness. Of the two, the X-Pro gives buyers a true off-road-ready offering thanks to all-terrain tires and multi-terrain drive modes.
Changes to the SUV’s exterior design elevate the Telluride’s commanding presence with new front and rear fascias, lighting, and wheels. The refreshed interior receives a redesigned dash and center console with newly available dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, including standard navigation.
Other upgraded convenience technology includes a newly standard Wi-Fi hotspot and optional digital key supporting compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, and Samsung Galaxy smartphones. The newest ADAS highlight is Highway Driving Assist 2, with semi-autonomous hands-on capability and automatic lane-change technology.
Kia is the source of information in this article. It was accurate on October 20, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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