Kia is shaking things up with several new electric and hybrid SUVs set to join its lineup in 2026. Here’s what’s coming.
What will Kia’s EV and SUV lineup look like in 2026?
Coming off its best November sales month since launching in the US over 33 years ago, Kia America said it’s on track for its third consecutive record sales year in 2025.
With the recent changes under the Trump administration, including ending the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and imposing tariffs on imports, Kia, like many others, is adapting its lineup for 2026.
For one, the beloved Kia Soul, the boxy SUV that was the star of the dancing hamster commercials over a decade ago, will not be offered for the 2026 model year. Kia is retiring the Soul after the current model, as it gears up for a new generation of SUVs for the US.
Kia’s 2026 lineup may be “soul-less” next year, but the company claims even more exciting cars are on the way to replace it.
That is still expected to include the EV3, Kia’s all-electric crossover SUV. The EV3 is already among the top-selling electric vehicles in Europe and South Korea, and is the best-seller in the UK.
Although Kia was expected to launch its first electric sedan, the EV4, in early 2026, that will no longer happen. Due to recent policy changes, Kia said it’s indefinitely delaying the EV4 for the US.
Out with the old, in with the new
Kia America’s marketing boss, Russel Wager, told Car and Driver on the sidelines of the LA Auto Show that the changes will likely impact other vehicles and prices. Wager suggested Kia is still planning to bring the EV3 to the US in 2026.
Other changes to Kia’s 2026 lineup include the new Sportage, available with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. The larger 2026 Kia Sorento, with available three-row seating, is also offered in gas, hybrid, and PHEV variants.
With the Soul out, the Seltos becomes Kia’s cheapest SUV in 2026. Aside from a new LX FWD trim, the 2026 Seltos remains essentially the same as the outgoing model.
The Niro remains in the lineup in 2026 as a carryover, with hybrid, PHEV, and fully electric options. Although the Niro is expected to receive a significant update for the 2027 model year, rumors suggest that Kia could replace it with the EV3.
Kia’s current electric SUVs, the EV6 and EV9, received minimal updates for 2026. The EV6 is coming off a significant refresh in 2025, which included a longer driving range, improved interior and exterior design, an added NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers, and an upgraded infotainment system.
The 2026 Kia EV9 gains a stealthy new Nightfall edition, featuring a blacked-out interior and black exterior elements. A sporty new GT variant was expected to join the lineup, but that has also been delayed until further notice.
According to MotorTrend, the Kia Telluride will skip the 2026 model year as it prepares for the all-new 2027 model. The 2027 Kia Telluride will be offered with a gas and hybrid powertrain.
With the 2026 models arriving at dealerships, Kia is looking to clear its inventory with generous discounts. Kia is currently offering over $10,000 in savings across its entire EV lineup.
Want to see which Kia vehicles you can find near you, or are you thinking about taking one for a drive? You can use the links below to find available models in your area.
- Kia EV9 near you
- Kia EV6 near you
- Kia Niro EV near you
- Kia Sportage near you
- Kia Telluride near you
- Kia Seltos near you
- Kia Sorento near you
Author: Peter Johnson
Source: Electrek
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
