2023 Kia changes include a refreshed Telluride, X-Line, and X-Line Pro models proliferate, a new Niro, and more…
2023 Kia changes: Carnival
2023 Kia Carnival stock photo
Remote start has been added, standard on all models. Side impact airbags for the outboard seats in the second row are standard.
2023 Kia changes: EV6
2023 Kia EV6 stock photo
In addition to the basic rear-wheel drive 167-horsepower motor, Wind/GT-Line 225-horsepower motor, and dual-motor all-wheel drive 320-horsepower models, the EV6 GT is a dual motor, all-wheel drive model with 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. The EV6 GT uses the same battery pack as all the other models except the EV6 Light, so its range is only 206 miles, up to 104 miles shorter than the EV6 Wind rear-wheel drive. Its performance is worth it: 3.4 seconds zero to 60 MPH and 161 MPH top speed.
The EV6 GT has much larger brakes: 15-inch front and 14.2-inch rear, with rear ventilated discs. Its tires and wheels are also larger: 255/40R21. The suspension gains electronically adjustable shock absorbers.
2023 Kia changes: Forte
2023 Kia Forte stock photo
The Forte FE is now called the Forte LX. The base price is up by only $500.
The GT Technology Package is discontinued, but standard on the GT with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Map lights are now standard.
LX, LXS, and GT-Line models are now all rated as Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (SULEV).
2023 Kia changes: K5
2023 Kia K5 stock photo
The entry-level LX is discontinued, along with its highest of all K5 fuel mileage ratings. This raises the base price by about $1500, but only $500 for comparable trims.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, folding rear-seat center armrest, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, automatic hands-free Smart Trunk, and Smart Key with Push-Button Start are now standard.
All-wheel drive is exclusive to the GT-Line this year.
2023 Kia changes: Niro
2023 Kia Niro EV at 2022 NY Auto Show
All-new, the 2023 Niro is still offered in gasoline hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure battery-electric flavors. The new version has a longer wheelbase by less than an inch and is longer overall by three-and-a-half inches.
The Niro Hybrid’s powertrain is a carry-over. The Niro Plug-In Hybrid uses an extra electric motor to increase its total system horsepower by 41 over 2022, up to 180. The Niro EV’s torque has been reduced from 2022, but its horsepower is still 201.
Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and High Beam Assist are now standard.
A Remote Smart Park Assist is standard on Niro EV Wave; it allows completely hands-free parking, even by remote control. Safe Exit Warning is also new, standard on all models, it monitors traffic approaching from the rear and warns the driver and passengers not to open their doors if there’s a possible collision.
The LX trim is the only one that remains and is still the entry-level one. LXS, LXS Special Edition, Touring Special Edition, and EX Premium are replaced by EX, EX Touring, SX, and SX Touring.
2023 Kia changes: Rio
2023 Kia Rio stock photo
A standard oil level sensor can warn of low oil in the engine.
2023 Kia changes: Seltos
2023 Kia Seltos stock photo
Blind Spot Collision Avoidance and rear-cross-traffic collision avoidance are now standard on Seltos S. Navigation is no longer standard on S models, but is still available as an option. The Navigation system is revised, with a 10.25-inch screen.
Wireless phone charging is now standard on Nightfall.
A thicker acoustic windshield helps to reduce wind noise.
2023 Kia changes: Sorento
2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid stock photo
Non-plug-in Hybrid models move up: Sorento Hybrid S is discontinued and a Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige model is added above the Sorento Hybrid EX. The new SX Prestige includes Surround View Monitor, Parking Collision Avoidance-Rear, Blind Spot Monitors (video to show the blind spot), ventilated front seats, memory for the driver’s seat and mirrors, heated steering wheel, rear side window sunshades, a 115-volt household outlet, rain-sensitive wipers, and power-folding side mirrors. All-wheel drive is standard on SX Prestige.
Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance, and Safe Exit Assist are all now standard on all models. Wireless phone charger is standard on S. Rain-sensitive wipers are now offered: standard on SX and Prestige. The Prestige gets a 115-volt household outlet. All-wheel drive is now standard on Prestige.
Front parking sensors, a wireless phone charger, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a frameless rearview mirror, and an 8-way power front passenger seat are now standard on Hybrid.
Sorento Plug-In Hybrid loses its SX model, leaving the top-of-the-line Prestige (SX-P) as the sole, loaded model, with standard 115-volt a/c outlet and rear side window manual sunshades.
2023 Kia changes: Soul
2023 Kia Soul stock photo
With the rise of the Sportage and its myriad different variations, the 2023 Soul is being cut back: the Turbo model is discontinued, leaving the 2.0-liter engine as the sole power plant. The X-Line and its pseudo off-road stance are also gone. Remaining are LX, S, EX, and GT-Line models.
As such, adaptive cruise control is now optional in the GT-Line and a heated steering wheel is no longer offered.
LED headlights, previously standard on the defunct Turbo, only, are now offered as an option on the GT-Line. Fog lights, previously standard on S, EX, X-Line, GT-Line, and Turbo, are now only offered on GT-Line, as an option.
Side mirrors with heaters built in and a rear-seat armrest are now standard on the GT-Line. Heated seats are still standard on EX, and are optional on GT-Line. Dual-zone air conditioning is now standard on the Soul S. An electronic parking brake replaces the manual lever.
Driver attention warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking are all now standard. Lane departure warning with Lane Keep Assist is now offered on LX. High Beam Assist is new, optional on LX, and standard on S, EX, and GT-Line.
2023 Kia changes: Sportage
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid at 2022 Chicago Auto Show
2023 brings a new Sportage and hybrid models, including a plug-in version.
2023 Kia changes: Stinger
2023 Kia Stinger stock photo
2023 Kia changes see the Stinger further simplified, with only GT-Line and GT2 models making it simpler to choose between the powerful 2.5 turbocharged 4-cylinder or the even more potent 3.3 turbo V6, respectively. The mid-level GT1 disappears, leaving those with a need for V6 turbo power to go full boat or nothing.
2023 Kia changes: Telluride
2023 Kia Telluride at the 2022 NY Auto Show
Kia’s most important, profitable, and highly praised model gets a refresh for 2023.
The variations of the Telluride proliferate in 2023. The standard LX, S, EX, and SX are still present. A Prestige trim is added on top of the SX. X-Line off-road versions are added to EX, SX, and SX Prestige. X-Pro off road models are added to SX and and SX-Pro. The result is 10 individual variations.
X-Line and X-Pro versions add an additional 0.4 inches of ground clearance (8.4 inches) and somewhat better angles of approach and departure.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags are added to the second seating row. Automatic rear brakes are also new, standard on all SX models.
Downhill Brake Control, new to Telluride, is now standard on all models.
LED projector headlights and automatic high-beam headlights are now standard.