Kia has fully embraced the American SUV market, presenting an impressive lineup of models that cater to diverse needs. Their offerings range from compact and agile electric crossovers to roomy and robust three-row SUVs, making Kia dealerships ideal venues for customers seeking the perfect family SUV.
If you’re asking yourself which Kia SUV stands out as the top choice for 2024, we have utilized our proprietary BuzzScore ranking system to identify the leading model this year. Don’t fret if your preferred option isn’t at the top; every SUV in Kia’s impressive collection has received strong ratings for valid reasons. Keep reading to explore our evaluation of Kia’s 2024 SUV lineup.
CarBuzz has compiled insights on Kia’s 2024 SUV offerings from various sources, which are credited at the conclusion of this article. Models are ranked based on their BuzzScore, listed in ascending order from lowest to highest rated.
8 2024 Kia Niro
BuzzScore: 8/10
The 2024 Kia Niro is one of the smaller SUVs in Kia’s arsenal, yet it stands out for its versatility, available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions. Its compact size contributes to its impressive fuel efficiency of over 50 mpg, keeping operational costs low, complemented by a starting MSRP of just $26,940. The Niro has eliminated gas-only variants, with the standard hybrid producing 139 horsepower, while the more expensive plug-in version offers a boosted performance with 180 horsepower.
Although the Niro does not match the space of Kia’s larger SUVs, it provides 22.8 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row and a maximum capacity of 63.7 cubic feet, ensuring it remains a strong competitor in the subcompact crossover market.
7 2024 Kia Sorento
BuzzScore: 8/10
The newly updated 2024 Kia Sorento showcases a bold redesign that keeps it competitive in the mid-size three-row SUV category, positioned between the Sportage and Telluride in Kia’s lineup. While Kia emphasizes hybrid and electric options, the Sorento remains available with a gasoline-only powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that delivers 191 horsepower. For enhanced performance, a turbocharged engine producing 281 horsepower is available for those willing to invest more.
This year’s model comes equipped with new technologies and interior enhancements. For the SX trim and higher, the standard four-inch driver’s display is replaced by a high-resolution 12.3-inch digital display, positioned alongside an equally-sized infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup, as well as a variety of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
6 2024 Kia Soul
BuzzScore: 8/10
The 2024 Kia Soul may offer less power and cargo space compared to Kia’s other SUVs, but it stands out with its distinctive personality and quirky style. Now in its third generation, the Soul offers outstanding value, starting at just $20,190.
In addition to its attractive starting price, the Soul is well-equipped with features, including a renowned warranty and plenty of technology to remain competitive. The base model, LX, includes an eight-inch touchscreen for infotainment, while upgrading to the next tier provides buyers with a larger 10.25-inch display and additional features like alloy wheels and built-in navigation.
The 2.0-liter inline-four engine offers a modest 147 horsepower, making it sufficient for city driving, with impressive fuel efficiency of up to 35 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in urban settings.
5 2024 Kia Sportage
BuzzScore: 8.4/10
For the 2024 model year, the Sportage offers a gasoline-only option, producing 187 horsepower, but buyers may prefer the Hybrid model, which delivers a more robust performance with 227 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid variant escalates this to 261 horsepower, along with an electric range of 34 miles.
Inside, the Sportage comes equipped with a host of technology and comfort features, but it really shines in terms of spaciousness. With the seats in place, it provides 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space, and when the second row is folded, this can be expanded to 74.1 cubic feet in the gas and hybrid trims, and 65.5 cubic feet in the plug-in hybrid variant, exceeding the cargo capacity of the 2024 Toyota RAV4.
4 2024 Kia EV9
BuzzScore: 8.5/10
Kia has utilized its award-winning EV6 platform to create the all-new Kia EV9, a fully electric mid-size SUV featuring three rows. This innovative offering represents Kia’s first fully electric three-row SUV, providing versatility on par with its more established models. The vehicle features a dual-motor setup with power outputs ranging from 215 horsepower to an exhilarating 379 horsepower. The interior is also customizable, with options for six- or seven-seat configurations.
Starting at $54,900, the EV9’s pricing is competitive for a fully electric SUV of this size, especially given the array of premium features included. Every trim includes large dual screens, with the infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and Bluetooth streaming, accompanied by an eight-speaker sound system.
3 2024 Kia Seltos
BuzzScore: 8.5/10
Ranked as the third best Kia SUV, the updated 2024 Kia Seltos features a base model that may seem underpowered. However, many of its variants come equipped with Kia’s dynamic turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 195 horsepower in the higher trims.
The interior boasts two large, slightly curved screens that provide important driver information and access to streaming, navigation, and connectivity options. The Seltos ensures a family-friendly environment with ample leg and headroom, especially for second-row passengers, nearly matching the space available in the front.
With pricing starting at $24,490, it can rise above $30,000 for trims like the EX and SX, depending on selected options. Regardless of the chosen trim, the Seltos comes well-equipped with high-quality materials and stylish design elements, making it a strong contender in its category.
2 2024 Kia Telluride
BuzzScore: 8.6/10
The Kia Telluride competes in a fiercely contested segment, facing rivals like the Mazda CX-90, Toyota Highlander, and its sibling, the Hyundai Palisade. While its 3.8-liter V6 engine might not be the most powerful in its class, producing 291 horsepower is still more than adequate for this SUV size. The Telluride impressively manages to deliver value where it counts.
With a comprehensive list of standard features, an updated design, and a competitive starting price of $36,190, the Telluride excels in offering value for money. It boasts impressive cargo space, with a maximum capacity of up to 87 cubic feet, and a roomy third-row that surpasses many competitors. The base LX model features cloth-covered manual seats, but upgrading to the EX or higher introduces leather, heated, and powered seating, along with perks like a sunroof and Wi-Fi hotspot.
1 2024 Kia EV6
BuzzScore: 8.9/10
Claiming the title of the best Kia SUV is the all-electric compact crossover, the 2024 Kia EV6. This model can be configured with either one or two electric motors, yielding 167 or 320 horsepower, respectively. For those seeking power, the high-performance EV6 GT boasts an astounding 576 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds.
The new larger 77.4-kWh battery in the Light Long Range model offers an EPA-rated range of 310 miles, while budget-friendly buyers can opt for the EV6 Light, equipped with a smaller battery that provides 232 miles of range. An eco-conscious interior using recycled materials and vegan leather trim adds environmental appeal, complemented by a six-speaker sound system that will satisfy audiophiles.
Overall, the EV6 represents an exceptional family vehicle and a proficient commuter, backed by its extended driving range. While its price may be higher than other Kia models, it offers everything that rivals do, paired with superb build quality.
Sources:
Kia
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