Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Kia Models in 2027
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Kia Models in 2027
Kia has transformed from a budget brand into one of the most respected and design-forward automakers on the road, and its 2027 lineup proves it. From the award-winning Telluride three-row SUV to the striking EV6 and EV9 electrics, the practical Sportage and Sorento hybrids, and the bargain Forte and Soul, Kia offers a genuinely competitive vehicle in nearly every segment.
This ranking covers the best current Kia models for 2027, weighing real engines, real trims, real pricing, and who each one suits, so you can pick the right Kia with confidence.
Direct Answer
The best overall Kia model in 2027 is the Kia Telluride — the three-row midsize SUV combines a strong V6, an upscale and spacious cabin, excellent value, and consistently high reliability and resale, making it the standout family vehicle in Kia's range and one of the best in its entire class.
For best value, the Kia Forte (K4) delivers a roomy, well-equipped compact sedan with strong fuel economy and a long warranty at one of the lowest prices on the market. EV buyers should look at the EV6 and EV9, and families wanting a hybrid at the Sportage Hybrid.
1. Kia Telluride 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Kia Telluride is Kia's flagship three-row SUV and its best all-around vehicle. It runs a 291-hp 3.8L V6 paired to an 8-speed automatic, seats up to eight, and tows up to 5,500 pounds. The cabin rivals luxury brands in materials and design, especially in the top SX Prestige trim, and the X-Pro trim adds genuine light off-road capability with all-terrain tires.
MSRP starts around $37,000 and climbs past $53,000 loaded. With strong reliability, excellent resale value, and a long warranty, the Telluride is the easiest family-SUV recommendation Kia makes and a perennial award winner.
2. Kia Forte (K4) 💎 BEST VALUE
The Kia Forte, sold as the K4 in its latest form, is the value champion of the lineup. The compact sedan offers a 147-hp 2.0L four-cylinder (or a turbocharged GT variant), a roomy interior, sharp modern styling, and a generous list of standard tech. Real-world fuel economy reaches the upper 30s mpg, and MSRP starts near $22,000.
Add Kia's class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the value is unbeatable. For budget buyers, students, and commuters who want a stylish, efficient, well-warranted car for little money, the Forte/K4 is hard to beat.
3. Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is the brand's best-selling compact SUV in its most sensible form. The hybrid pairs a 1.6L turbo four with an electric motor for a combined 227 hp and roughly 38-43 mpg, a huge efficiency gain over the gas-only model. The bold exterior and tech-rich interior with dual curved displays feel premium for the price.
MSRP starts around $30,000. It offers excellent rear-seat and cargo space for the class. For buyers who want a fuel-efficient, stylish, practical compact SUV with strong value, the Sportage Hybrid is one of the smartest picks in the segment.
4. Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is Kia's three-row electric SUV and a genuine breakthrough — a full-size, family-friendly EV with available seating for seven, up to roughly 304 miles of range, and dual-motor all-wheel drive making up to 379 hp. It supports 800-volt ultra-fast charging and adopts the NACS port for Supercharger access.
The cabin is spacious and beautifully designed with available swiveling second-row seats. MSRP starts in the mid-$50,000s. It ranks here rather than higher purely on price, but as an electric family hauler it is class-leading and one of the most impressive EVs on sale.
5. Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is the brand's sporty electric crossover and a multiple-award winner. It offers up to around 310 miles of range, 800-volt fast charging that adds significant range in under 20 minutes, and the wild EV6 GT performance variant making roughly 641 hp with a virtual-shift simulation.
The standard versions are quick, refined, and stylish, with NACS charging now standard. MSRP starts in the low-$40,000s, rising past $65,000 for the GT. For EV buyers who want strong range, ultra-fast charging, and genuine driving fun in a compact package, the EV6 is a standout.
6. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is the brand's smaller three-row SUV, slotting below the Telluride and offered with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Hybrid returns around 37 mpg while the plug-in hybrid offers about 32 miles of electric range. It seats up to seven in a more maneuverable, city-friendly footprint than the Telluride.
MSRP starts around $33,000. The interior is well-built and the powertrain choices are a real strength. It ranks just behind the Telluride because its third row is tighter, but for families who want three rows in a smaller, more efficient package, it is ideal.
7. Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is the brand's minivan, styled like an SUV to win over buyers who avoid traditional vans. It offers a 287-hp 3.5L V6 or an efficient hybrid option, seats up to eight, and provides cavernous cargo space and available VIP lounge second-row recliners.
MSRP starts around $36,000. It drives well and the cabin is genuinely upscale in higher trims. It ranks here because minivans are a niche, but for families who prioritize maximum interior space, sliding doors, and flexibility, the Carnival is one of the best and most stylish vans on the market.
8. Kia K5
The Kia K5 is the brand's midsize sedan and a sharp-looking alternative to the Camry and Accord. It offers a 180-hp 1.6L turbo four or a punchy 290-hp 2.5L turbo in the sporty GT trim, available all-wheel drive, and a tech-rich, well-finished cabin. Fuel economy is strong and MSRP starts around $27,000.
It blends style, value, and the long Kia warranty in a roomy, comfortable package. It ranks mid-pack here only because midsize sedans are a shrinking segment, but as a stylish, affordable, well-equipped family sedan, the K5 is genuinely excellent.
9. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is the brand's quirky, boxy subcompact and a longtime value favorite. A 147-hp 2.0L four-cylinder powers it, fuel economy is good, and the upright body delivers surprising interior and cargo space for the small footprint. With distinctive styling, a long warranty, and a low MSRP starting near $21,000, the Soul is an excellent first car or city runabout.
It is front-wheel drive only and not quick, but for urban buyers who want personality, practicality, and low cost in one tidy package, the Soul remains a smart and likable choice.
10. Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is the brand's subcompact SUV, slotting below the Sportage with available all-wheel drive that the Soul lacks. It offers a 146-hp 2.0L four or a turbocharged 195-hp 1.6L in higher trims, a roomy cabin for the class, and strong standard tech and safety features.
MSRP starts around $25,000. It is a sensible, efficient, all-weather-capable small SUV. It ranks last here only because it competes in a crowded segment against Kia's own excellent Sportage, but for buyers who want all-wheel drive and SUV practicality in a smaller, cheaper package, the Seltos delivers real value.
How to Choose
Start with how many people you carry and your powertrain preference. For families needing three rows, the Telluride is the best overall choice — spacious, upscale, reliable, and a strong value. If you want a smaller three-row with hybrid efficiency, the Sorento is ideal, and the EV9 is the electric option for families ready to go fully electric.
Budget buyers and commuters should look at the Forte/K4 sedan or the Soul and Seltos subcompacts, all of which carry Kia's standout 10-year powertrain warranty.
For compact SUV buyers, the Sportage Hybrid is the sweet spot, blending efficiency, space, and value. EV shoppers who want driving fun and ultra-fast 800-volt charging should choose the EV6, while those needing room pick the EV9. Sedan buyers who want style and more power should consider the K5, especially the GT.
Across the lineup, Kia's combination of bold design, generous standard tech, strong safety scores, and the long warranty makes nearly every model a credible choice; the right one simply comes down to size, powertrain, and budget.
FAQ
What is the best Kia to buy in 2027? The Kia Telluride is the best overall Kia for 2027. The three-row midsize SUV pairs a strong 291-hp V6, a luxurious and spacious cabin, excellent reliability and resale, and strong value, making it the standout family vehicle in Kia's range and one of the best in its class.
Which Kia offers the best value? The Kia Forte (K4) is the value leader. Starting around $22,000, it delivers a roomy interior, upper-30s mpg, sharp styling, generous standard tech, and Kia's class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty — exceptional value for a compact sedan.
Which Kia EV should I buy, the EV6 or EV9? Choose the EV6 if you want a sporty, efficient compact crossover with strong range, 800-volt fast charging, and available high-performance GT power. Choose the EV9 if you need a three-row family electric SUV with seating for up to seven and a more spacious, practical cabin.
Is the Kia warranty really that good? Yes. Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, among the best in the industry. Combined with strong reliability scores across the lineup, it significantly lowers the long-term ownership risk and helps resale value.
Bottom Line
Kia's 2027 lineup is one of the strongest and most complete in the industry, with a genuine standout for nearly every buyer. The Telluride is the best all-around choice and a class leader, while the Forte/K4 leads on outright value. Hybrid shoppers are well served by the Sportage and Sorento, EV buyers by the award-winning EV6 and the breakthrough EV9, and families wanting maximum space by the stylish Carnival.
Backed by bold design, generous tech, strong safety, and the best warranty in the business, Kia has a compelling answer in almost every segment — match size, powertrain, and budget, and you will land a winner.
Sources
- Kia Telluride — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Telluride
- Kia Forte — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Forte
- Kia Sportage — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Sportage
- Kia EV9 — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_EV9
- Kia EV6 — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_EV6
- Kia Sorento — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Sorento
- Edmunds Kia Reviews: https://www.edmunds.com/kia/
- Kelley Blue Book Kia: https://www.kbb.com/kia/