Upcoming Features for Kia in 2022. Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle, a remodeled and renamed SUV, and the first plug-in hybrid electric version of its Sorento three-row SUV will debut in the model year 2022. Kia has also gotten a head start in 2023 by announcing a facelift of its Sportage compact SUV, which will hit the market in early 2022. The automaker also promises additional tweaks and feature updates for the remainder of the lineup, in addition to its new, more elegant emblem. Here’s a glimpse at what else Kia has planned for 2022.
All-New Models
2022 Kia Sportage
EV6:
Kia’s first battery-only car shares a new platform, technology, and SUV-like design with Hyundai’s upcoming Ioniq 5 EV. The 2022 EV6 will have a GT variant to compete with performance cars like the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Tesla Model Y, with 576 horsepower and a 0-60-mph time of roughly 3.5 seconds, as befitting Kia’s image as the more fun sibling. Kia claims that the EV6 will be available in all 50 states by early 2022. The EV6 GT, which is more powerful, won’t be available until late 2022.
The new EV will be available with single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive, as well as a 58.0-kWh or 77.4-kWh battery. The output of non-GT models ranges from 167 to 313 horsepower. The larger 77.4-kWh battery is expected to have a competitive all-electric range in the 300-mile range, according to Kia; EPA official estimations have not been released as of this writing. Fast chargers ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW will be compatible with the EV6.
Cars
Forte:
Kia’s tiny car gets minor front and back styling adjustments, as well as some tech enhancements, to make it more competitive. Kia also discontinued the EX trim level. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available on the basic 8-inch touchscreen. A new 10.25-inch screen is available on higher trim levels (which does not, however, allow wireless smartphone integration). Lane-centering steering is now standard, and basic automatic braking now includes pedestrian detection, with cycling detection available as an option. A rear cross-traffic alert system and navigation-based adaptive cruise control are also now available.
K5:
Kia’s mid-size K5 sedan, which was remodeled and rebranded for 2021 (remember the Optima? ), returns with only minimal changes for its sophomore year. Including a 360-degree camera system, extra wireless chargers, and standard navigation for the GT-Line, EX, and GT trim levels.
Rio:
For 2022, Kia’s Rio subcompact sedan and hatchback remain essentially unaltered.
Soul:
With a few feature changes, the boxy Soul hatchback returns for the model year 2022. Standard features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, multi-zone automatic air conditioning, wireless smartphone charging, and dual USB ports on the S, X-Line, and GT-Line. The manual transmission in the base LX is gone, and the LX now has a Technology Package. Option that includes 16-inch alloy wheels as well as safety and driver aid technologies including automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane change assist.
Stinger:
For 2022, the RWD and AWD Stinger sport sedans get a significant facelift, with additional standard power and technology enhancements. Revised LED headlights and taillights, as well as new wheel designs and exhaust tips, give it a more aggressive appearance. The base GT-Line now has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower, up 45 horsepower, while the top two trim levels now have a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 engine that produces 368 horsepower, up from 365.
The interior of the 2022 model gets new trim, a new design for the optional leather seats, and a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation (up from 8 inches). Automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, which works with the navigation system to adjust speed to changes in posted limits and slow the car ahead of curves, are now standard on all versions. A rear spoiler, dark exhaust tips, carbon-fiber inside trim, and black wheels and side mirror covers are all part of the new Scorpion Package for the top GT2 specification level.
SUVs
Seltos:
For 2022, the subcompact Seltos SUV gets more safety and multimedia features, as well as a new trim level. All trim levels will now come equipped with a standard safety package that includes automatic forward emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high lights. A 10.25-inch touchscreen system and automated climate control will be standard on all trim levels save the base LX.
Standard matte-black 18-inch wheels, a black grille, darkened roof rails, and lower-body side paneling are included in the new Nightfall Edition AWD trim level. The top-of-the-line SX AWD trim comes with a flat-bottom steering wheel and a Plum inside colour option.
Sorento:
Model-year 2022 brings a PHEV version with standard AWD an EPA-estimated 32 miles of all-electric range and a gas-only combined rating of 34 mpg. Kia’s three-row Sorento was redesigned for 2021 with gasoline and hybrid versions, and model-year 2022. Brings a PHEV version with standard AWD, an EPA-estimated 32 miles of all-electric range, and a gas-only combined rating of 34.
The Sorento Hybrid will also be offered with AWD in 2022. Except for the entry LX trim level, all models come with a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen with navigation. The Sorento X-Line Package, which includes more robust aesthetic accents and AWD, will now be available on the mid-range S and EX trims, as well as the top-of-the-line SX Prestige. Standard front memory seats with 14-way power adjustment, a thigh extender, and heated. Captain’s chairs in the second row are also included in the top trim.
Niro:
For 2020, the Niro series of electric small SUVs with hybrid, PHEV, and EV powertrains was revised, and for 2022, it is largely unchanged. A 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and superior audio is now standard on the EV variant.
Telluride:
The Telluride mid-size three-row SUV’s biggest challenge for 2022 maybe how to get one, since the model has been in low supply since its launch in 2020. However, for the 2022 model year, it receives a few updates, including a new grille design. A 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, automatic climate control, and Kia’s Highway Driving Assist is also included in the base LX and S model levels. Wireless phone charging is available on the S trim level, while navigation-based adaptive cruise control is available on all trim levels.
Sportage:
The Sportage will be available for a brief 2022 model year before the new 2023 Sportage arrives in early 2022. A Value Edition Package for the lowest LX trim level adds 18-inch dark-gray alloys, heated seats, and push-button start. While the EX trim level gets a standard panoramic moonroof. Also, the Nightfall Edition replaces the S as the second-tier trim level, with a blacked-out aesthetic package.
Vans
Carnival:
Kia isn’t just continuing in the minivan game; it’s going all-in for 2022 with the Carnival, an all-new design with a new name that replaces the Sedona. It has a boxy SUV-like design, as well as a broad list of standard comfort and safety equipment and a low starting price.
The single-engine option is a powerful V-6; AWD and a hybrid version are not available, despite the fact that some competitors do. The smart Slide-Flex second row with three seats that recline independently and a sleek central seat. That glides forward and back or folds down as a table is a hallmark family feature.
