A Quick Look At the 2019 Kia Model Lineup

Model year 2019 is an important one for Kia as they have seen declining sales for the last few years. However, for 2019, most of Kia's lineup has been nicely updated. Several models have been completely redesigned, and most of the others are in mid-cycle refresh mode. The only model with zero updates for 2019 is the subcompact Soul. However, rumors are that the Soul will be all-new for 2020. Not only that, but Kia continues to step out of its budget automaker box with a luxury sedan in the K900, plus a nearly-luxury car in the Cadenza and a sports car in the Stinger. The Forte, Optima, Sorento and Soul continue to be Kia's top-selling models, while the Sedona minivan continues to fight the good fight in the declining minivan market. For 2020, Kia is also planning to take another big step with the release of the Telluride. This boldly-styled crossover is Kia's biggest SUV yet. Let's take a look at Kia's model lineup for 2019. As previously mentioned, most models have gotten either a slight refresh or complete update for this model year.

Kia Stinger

Specifications: $32,000+ - 22-29 mpg - 365 hp

Review: There's no doubt that the Stinger represents one of the most exciting models that Kia has ever offered. Kia introduced the Stinger for model year 2018 and is adding the all-new GT Atlantica Special Edition for 2019. This very limited production model offers 19-inch wheels, plus a new paint color and interior scheme. The Stinger's excitement stems from its 3.3-liter, twin-turbo V6 that is offered on the GT trims. The lesser trims use a 2.2-liter turbo four-cylinder that still makes a respectable 255 horsepower.

Kia Forte

Specifications: $17,790+ - 31-41 mpg - 147 hp

Review: The compact Forte is all-new for 2019. It adds over three inches of length and about half an inch of height. Inside, the Forte boasts an all-new upgrade, which includes a standard eight-inch touchscreen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. The new Forte adds a CVT for 2019, which makes it the first Kia vehicle to offer that. This ups its fuel economy to 35 mpg combined. The CVT is optional while the six-speed manual transmission remains standard.

Kia Sorento

Specifications: $26,290+ - 22-29 mpg - 185 to 290 hp

Review: Kia's popular crossover gets a slight facelift for 2019 with a restyled exterior. The interior remains well-appointed with standard connectivity options and advanced safety features available on higher trims. The Sorento continues to offer a smooth ride and room for seven passengers. Two engine choices are available on the Sorento, including the base 2.4-liter and the 3.3-liter V6. The 2.4 replaces the previous 2.0 and gives the base trims of Sorento a bit more horsepower to work with at 185.

Kia K900

Specifications: $59,900+ - 18-25 mpg - 365 hp

Review: Obviously well-known as a budget automaker, Kia has tried to shed this moniker in recent years with the very upscale K900. In 2019, the K900 moves to a new generation and shrugs off some of its early problems. The new sedan drives and feels better with a longer and wider body. The interior offers some fine accouterments like a 17-speaker sound system by Harman/Kardon and a dashboard clock by Maurice Lacroix. The K900 is equipped with a 3.3-liter, twin-turbo V6 like the Stinger and transfers the power via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Kia Sportage

Specifications: $23,750+ - 23-30 mpg - 181 to 240 hp

Review: Kia's second-most popular crossover was last revised for model year 2016. In 2019, it gets a refresh with small changes on the exterior and interior. The Sportage is known for its smooth ride and handling but loses some credibility with its powertrain. The base 2.4-liter engine only manages 181 horsepower, which means power-hungry buyers will have to spend about $10,000 more to get the turbo Sportage and 240 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Kia Optima

Specifications: $22,990+ - 27-37 mpg - 178 to 245 hp

Review: The Optima gets a refresh in 2019 with a mild upgrade to the exterior. Inside, the Optima offers some new software for its infotainment system but is still using the same screens from the previous model year. Three different four-cylinder engines are available on the Optima. The top engine is the 2.0-liter turbo, which makes 245 horsepower paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Over on the hybrid end of things, the Optima is now nearly $3,000 cheaper, but it comes at the cost of its high-end technology in the base model.

Kia Rio

Specifications: $15,390+ - 28-37 mpg - 130 hp

Review: Like the Soul, the subcompact Rio wasn't upgraded for 2019, but that's mainly due to the fact that it was totally redesigned in 2018. It still remains Kia's most affordable model, even though the base trims have virtually no modern conveniences, not even power windows. The Rio continues to offer sedan and hatchback versions, but only one engine is available on both. That engine is the 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which manages only 130 horsepower paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Kia Sedona

Specifications: $27,200+ - 18-24 mpg - 276 hp

Review: The minivan market is quite paltry in the U.S. market with only five being available. The Sedona offers a mild refresh for the 2019 model year, including changes to the exterior and interior. The most obvious upgrade is the twin 10.1-inch entertainment touchscreens in the rear. Only one engine is available on the Sedona, and that is the 3.3-liter V6, which makes 276 horsepower. The Sedona has room for eight passengers and can tow as much as 3,500 pounds.

Kia Cadenza

Specifications: $33,100+ - 20-27 mpg - 290 hp

Review: The Cadenza is Kia's almost-luxury offering. It doesn't quite meet the expectations of the K900, but it's a solid entry-level luxury model with a spacious interior. The Cadenza continues to offer a single engine option in the 3.3-liter V6, which makes 290 horsepower. The new models now pair this engine with an eight-speed automatic. The Cadenza naturally features a number of luxury tech features like the 12-speaker premium sound system from Harman/Kardon and a surround-view camera.

Kia Soul

Specifications: $16,490+ - 26-31 mpg - 130 to 161 hp

Review: The Soul is Kia's second-best-selling model, but it won't get a well-deserved redesign until at least 2020. However, the Soul has well-proven popularity with its unique appearance and affordable base model. The boxy shape gives it more room than expected for both cargo and passengers. The Soul offers three engines in the 1.6-liter four-cylinder, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder. All engines except the third one offer a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

New vs. Used Kias

Kia models once had a reputation for not being reliable on the used market. However, that has changed dramatically in recent years. Kia continues to win reliability surveys and is now considered one of the most reliable brands, even recently beating out Honda and Subaru.

All images courtesy of Kia.com