The announced changes for the 2022 Kia model line include the arrival of the all-new Carnival multi-purpose vehicle, which replaced the long-standing Sedona minivan, and the introduction of the all-new EV6 all-electric crossover SUV. The EV6 signifies the beginning of the automaker’s shift to electrification and pledge for cleaner mobility.
Another green addition to the Kia lineup is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Sorento sport utility vehicle (SUV), which was completely redesigned for the 2021 model year, offering both gas and Hybrid powertrains. In addition, the Forte and Stinger sedans have undergone mild but noticeable enhancements.
For 2022, Kia adopts a new brand logo and continues to offer something for everyone across its varied lineup of cars and SUVs, minus the K900 and Cadenza premium sedans (Kia has discontinued both models beyond 2021). Other changes to individual models are listed below.
The all-new Kia Carnival replaces the longtime Sedona minivan with a new name, design, and, well, everything else. Kia says it’s a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Whether you call it that or not, there’s no denying the Carnival’s bolder appearance and more powerful V6 powertrain, delivering a best-in-class 290 horsepower and 3,500 pounds of towing capability.
The Carnival is more spacious and more premium than the Sedona, offering Slide-Flex 2nd-Row seating and VIP Lounge Seating options. And there’s greater cargo room to support camping adventures and long road trips. The Carnival also boasts 12 standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including segment-exclusive Blind-Spot View Monitor.
The all-new 2022 Kia EV6 crossover (CUV) is the brand’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV), signaling the launch of the automaker’s global electrification strategy.
The rear-wheel or dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) EV6 CUV draws its energy from a 77.4-kWh high-density battery allowing up to 300 miles of driving between charges. According to Kia, its 800-volt multi-charging architecture enables DC fast charging from 10-80 percent in under 18 minutes. Performance-wise, the EV6 can get from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 5.1 seconds.
This technological tour-de-force offers an available Augmented Reality head-up display, 21 standard active ADAS, and Vehicle-to-Load functionality. And the interior is as spacious as it is premium, with a flat floor design that yields 53.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down.
Three years since its last complete makeover, the 2022 Forte compact sedan receives several enhancements, including new front and rear design elements, a newly available 10.25-inch widescreen navigation display, and a larger 4.2-inch color TFT LCD cluster standard on all trim levels. The expanded suite of ADAS technology now encompasses 15 available systems, including Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist.
Also, for 2022, Kia has discontinued the EX trim but has added a new GT-Line Sport Premium package. Other new package offerings include LXS Technology, GT-Line Technology, and GT Technology, each with unique combinations of tech and ADAS features.
Though only in its second year (since replacing the long-standing Optima), the K5 sedan gains new Kia badging and numerous premium-level enhancements across its lineup, including new Surround View Monitor and Park Distance Warning-Forward on EX and GT trims. It also receives a standard 10.25-inch navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on GT-Line, EX, and GT trims.
A new GT-Line AWD Premium package offers a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, LED projection headlights, and newly added driver-assistance features, including Highway Driving Assist and Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve. The GT-Line AWD Special Edition package is no longer available.
Mostly carryover for 2022, the Niro—available in Hybrid, EV, and PHEV variants—arrives with new Kia badging on the front grille, tailgate, steering wheel, and wheel center caps. Additionally, the Niro EV’s 10.25-inch touchscreen becomes standard equipment.
The Kia Rio will return for the 2022 model year, but no information on changes or new packaging was forthcoming as we prepared this article for publication.
The Kia Seltos SUV arrives for the 2022 model year with more standard technology and a menacing, new Turbo Nightfall Edition AWD version with exclusive 18-inch matte black alloy wheels, unique black grille, rugged stand-up roof rails, and side sills.
On the ADAS front, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, driver-attention warning, lane-following assist, and high-beam assist are standards across the Seltos lineup. Also, a 10.25-inch navigation display, UVO connectivity, remote engine start, and auto climate control are standard features on all but the LX trim. Lastly, the Seltos SX AWD receives a flat-bottom sport steering wheel.
For 2022, the newly introduced Sorento PHEV joins the gas-powered and hybrid models, which Kia launched the previous year. The PHEV’s highlights include a 261-hp turbocharged powertrain, a 79-MPGe rating, rugged AWD capability, and the most passenger room in its market segment.
In addition, the Sorento Hybrid receives available AWD (along with 19-inch wheels for the Hybrid EX). At the same time, the gas-powered Sorento expands the rugged X-Line package to EX and S trims due to its popularity. Sorento SX-P models get standard memory seats and 14-way power (up from 10), and standard rear heated captain’s seats. Lastly, the 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen is now standard on all S trim and above Sorentos.
The iconic Kia Soul arrives for 2022 with new Kia badging on the hood, liftgate, and wheel center caps. Feature updates to the S, X-Line, and GT-Line trims include a standard 10.25-inch display navigation screen, dual automatic climate control, push-button start with engine immobilizer, and wireless smartphone charger. The base LX trim gets a one-inch-larger head unit screen and a new Technology package that adds 16-inch alloy wheels and an array of ADAS features. Items include blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane-change assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, and driver-attention warning. Meanwhile, Kia has discontinued the LX trim with manual transmission.
Visually, the Sportage is unchanged for 2022, but the popular compact SUV receives a handful of packaging and content changes. To that end, a new LX Value Edition package replaces last year’s LX Popular package, adding 18-inch dark gray wheels, Smart key with push-button start, and heated front seats, along with blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic collision warning. Also, the newly introduced Nightfall Edition replaces the S trim as a standalone package, and the EX trim now offers a panoramic sunroof as standard equipment. Lastly, the EX Tech package and SX Turbo offer new complimentary map updates.
Kia’s halo sport sedan receives several enhancements for 2022. Appearance upgrades include new LED lighting, new geometric wheel designs, and more aggressive-looking quad exhaust. Inside, the Stinger gains gloss black and chrome dash finishes, standard 10.25-inch navigation, and a new Nappa leather seat design. A new Scorpion Special Edition arrives with a rear spoiler, blacked-out wheels and exterior elements, and an interior carbon-fiber trim pattern.
For greater performance, the GT-Line replaces its 255-hp 2.0-liter engine with a new 300-hp 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder. And the GT’s 3.3-liter twin-turbo also gets a bump in power along with a new electronic variable exhaust. On the safety tech front, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assistance are now standard features on all trims.
Kia’s phenomenally popular Telluride midsize SUV returns for 2022 with minor design enhancements and additional safety and convenience features. The exterior gets new Kia badging and a tweaked radiator grille. Within, the LX and S trims get a larger 10.25-inch navigation screen, fully automatic temperature control, and Highway Driving Assist, all standard. The Telluride S trim also receives a standard wireless phone charger. And all trims now benefit from standard Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control-Curve.
Kia is the source of information in this article. It was accurate on October 29, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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© 2022 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.
© 2019 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.