Kia Sedans. 2022 and 2023 Models From Kia's Lineup of Sedans

While sedan sales are declining as Americans flock to buy crossovers, there are still no fewer than four Kia sedan models for sale in the Korean automaker’s US model line. Kia still believes in the sedan and it reckons that its stylish, reliable, and high-value sedans with plenty of standard equipment and excellent warranties can bag it a significant chunk of the remaining sedan market in the US. There is no doubt that it takes no less than having the best product on sale in this market segment to make an impression on buyers.

The Current Range of 2021 Kia Sedan Models

Kia has the sedan market covered between $16,000 and $50,000 and even fields a RWD/AWD performance sedan, which is uncommon for a non-European brand. The accent is firmly on value, equipment levels, and style, with the ample warranty cover clinching the deal for many buyers.

Here is the list of 2021/2022 Kia sedan models currently on sale in the USA:

Kia Rio: The Rio small car starts at a low price and is an important player in the subcompact sedan market. It marries good looks, a modern infotainment system, and competitive ride and handling with a very low price and thrifty fuel economy - ideal for buyers on a budget. Of course, at this price and size, few driver-assistance features are available, it’s not big inside, and the cargo space is limited.
Kia Forte: The Forte compact sedan might not vie for class honors, but it is an honest, high-value car nonetheless that is big on fuel economy, comfort, modern tech features, and warranty cover, all at a low price. Suspension comfort could be better, though, and the CVT automatic won’t be everybody’s cup of tea. The base engine is not very strong and upgrading to turbo power hikes the price considerably.
Kia K5: This new Kia sedan replaces the Optima and, although it doesn’t sell in the same numbers as the class leaders, it is right up there with them in terms of product quality. Pricing is competitive, many standard features are fitted, and the cabin is very comfortable. With these come the expected Kia fuel economy and an excellent warranty. There’s not much power available from the base engine, though, and the CVT is, again, not the best to use. It could also do with somewhat softer suspension settings.
Kia Stinger: The Stinger is a surprisingly competent midsize entry for the enthusiastic driver, offering powerful turbocharged engines with a choice of RWD or AWD - the fastest model reaches 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. It also has arresting styling, plenty of room, and handling that befits its market positioning. It’s not quite as competent as some European rivals when the fast-driving chips are down, or as upmarket inside, but it’s hard to beat at the price.

Kia Sedan Models - Pricing

Here is the base MSRP pricing of every model of the current range of Kia sedan cars:

Model	Power	Engine	Base Price
Kia Amanti	264 hp	3.8L V6 Gas	$26,045
Kia Cadenza	290 hp	3.3L V6 Gas	$37,850
Kia Forte	147 hp	2.0L Inline-4 Gas	$17,890
Kia K5	180 hp	1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Gas	$23,590
Kia K900	365 hp	3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas	$59,900
Kia Optima	185 hp	2.4L Inline-4 Gas	$23,390
Kia Rio	120 hp	1.6L Inline-4 Gas	$16,450
Kia Spectra	138 hp	2.0L Inline-4 Gas	$13,550
Kia Stinger	300 hp	2.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas	$37,135
Kia Optima Hybrid	192 hp	2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid	$29,310

What to Consider Before Buying Kia Sedans

The current range of Kia sedans share some common family traits:

Pros

Very good value in their respective classes
Among the best warranty cover on the market
High equipment levels
Modern infotainment systems even on base cars

Cons

Handling not up to what we’re used to from European rivals
Ride quality can generally be a little too firm
CVT transmissions can be somewhat inert

FAQs

Is the Stinger a traditional sedan such as the K5?

Although the Stinger looks like a sedan, it is, in fact, a fastback with a liftgate, such as the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. It is not a traditional three-box sedan such as the K5, which makes it more practical. Larger objects can fit through the liftgate and can be carried with the seats folded down. However, the trunk has an irregular shape with the seats up, although its volume is good at 23.3 cubic feet. If you prefer the Stinger in a sedan, you can always consider the Genesis G70, which is the same car underneath for a little more money and with better interior finishes in a traditional sedan body.

How much value do I really get on the base model Rio with no extras fitted?

For a base price of $16,050, Kia’s cheapest Rio LX sedan might have steel wheels with hubcaps - there’s no alloy-wheel option - but it supplies, as standard, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB input, Bluetooth, a 12-V outlet, air-conditioning, a trip computer, six airbags, and a “Good” score in five out of the six IIHS crashworthiness criteria. It is, therefore, excellent value in terms of equipment and safety at only $16,000.

Can I get any of the Kia sedans in a hybrid or EV version?

Unfortunately, only the Kia Niro SUV is offered with EV or hybrid powertrains and the Sorento SUV is available as a hybrid. None of the Kia sedans are. If you want a sedan with a hybrid powertrain, you’ll have to look at rivals such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Corolla, or the Hyundai Sonata. The forthcoming Kia EV6 electric vehicle is going to be a crossover, not a sedan.

Is the Kia K5 a better buy than the Hyundai Sonata?

Considering that they are the same cars under the skin, buyers would likely compare these cars and consider both. The Kia’s base engine is a 1.6 turbo with a bit less power but more torque than the Sonata’s 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. Both cars have distinctive styling and both flagships are 290-horsepower cars with available all-wheel-drive. Their trunks are the same size, but the K5 is a little roomier in the back seat. They’re not very different in terms of luxury and safety features, either. Both are so closely matched that a choice will come down to your preference.

For more information and reviews on all these Kia sedans, have a look at our model reviews and comparisons.