When you visit a Kia dealer, you’ll notice that there are several crossover and SUV options to choose from. This can get exciting and overwhelming pretty quickly. While all crossover models seem to share many of the same traits, you can’t base your purchase on looks alone. That’s why we’ve prepared an overview of Kia’s 6 different 2022 crossover/SUV models: so that you can easily choose the right model for you.
The Kia Soul
Let’s start off small. The 2022 Kia Soul is a 5-seater compact SUV that can get up to 31 mpg combined. Despite its small stature, the Soul can carry up to 62.1 cu.ft. of cargo. Further, this model comes in 6 different trims, leaving plenty of room for affordability and customization.
What we love most about the new Soul is its balance of affordability with technology. Even the low-level Kia Soul S trim includes standard tech and safety features, such as wireless device charging, Forward Collision Alert, and Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist, to name just a few. It also includes dual-zone temperature control and a 10-way power adjustable seat. You don’t have to climb far up the trimline to reach luxury.
However, if you do decide to upgrade to a higher-level trim, you can. The Kia Soul Turbo trim offers heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, along with Syntex/Cloth seating trim, LED head and fog lamps, and Smart Cruise Control, in addition to all the base-level tech features included on other trims. Overall, the new Kia Soul is perfect for small families and single drivers who don’t want to spend large sums of money on their next vehicle.
The Kia Seltos
Do you like the Kia Soul’s cargo space ratings and price range, but prefer a less boxy SUV style? The 2022 Kia Seltos is a great option. This 5-passenger subcompact SUV can reach up to 31 mpg combined, while offering .7 cu.ft. more cargo space than the Soul. These two models are very similar, with the exception of exterior styling. The Kia Seltos offers a more aerodynamic SUV exterior, whereas the Soul has a square design. While interior measurements are almost identical, the Seltos does occupy more space due to its exterior design.
When it comes to all-weather capability, the Kia Seltos definitely takes the lead. The Soul is only available in front-wheel drive, but the Seltos includes Intelligent all-wheel drive that improves traction for safer travel during inclement weather. Furthermore, the Seltos’ base-level LX trim includes helpful, standard driver-assist features such as Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Keep Assist, and Lane Following Assist. While both the Soul and the Seltos fall into a similar category, the Seltos is definitely the better option for those who have to drive during harsh weather conditions.
The Kia Sportage
So, you’re family-oriented, but you like to show off when the kids aren’t in the car. We understand that one. Or, maybe you just need enough power to handle some average towing. If either of these options sound familiar, then you might want to look into the 2022 Kia Sportage. This SUV is more powerful than the previous Kia SUV options, offering a max 240 horsepower rating and 2,000-lb tow capacity. Further, the Sportage offers sport-tuned suspension, making it more fun to drive than your standard SUV model.
You’ve already seen how generous Kia is when it comes to standard features, so it likely comes as no surprise that the Sportage carries some great tech—at no additional cost. Some of these standard features include Driver Attention Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and even Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection. When you go further up the trimline, you gain access to heated and ventilated seating, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and much more.
The Kia Niro (Hybrid)
Now, let’s talk about fuel efficiency. While the models you’ve already seen prove quite fuel-efficient, the Kia Niro is designed specifically with efficiency in mind. This hybrid model can reach up to 50 mpg combined, thanks to its 1.6-L I4 hybrid engine and 6 dual-clutch transmission. In addition to saving you money, the Niro offers 63.2 cu.ft. of cargo capacity for hiking gear, luggage, work supplies, and the like.
You can choose from 5 different trims, offering everything from standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control. You can even access heated and ventilated ergonomic seating. Since this is a hybrid rather than an all-electric model, you get to still experience the fun pep that comes with a gasoline engine—without the painful fuel receipts.
The Kia Sorento
Don’t think we’d forget about you wanderlusts out there. It’s time for an adventure! The 2022 Kia Sorento is the all-terrain SUV that active drivers love. This is especially true of the X-Line trim, which is designed specifically for off-pavement driving. The X-line trim has an extra inch of ground clearance compared to other Sorento models, includes standard roof rails, and comes standard with all-season tires. Plus, the X-Line’s Torque-Vectoring All-Wheel Drive and Center Locking Differential will make your off-road capabilities soar above regular SUV models.
When it comes to the Sorento as a whole, the stats greatly vary. The 2022 Sorento comes with 4 different engine options. These include the following:
- The 2.5-L Engine: The Sorento can reach up to 26 mpg combined with this engine, which produces 191 horsepower.
- The Turbo-Hybrid Engine: This peppy engine can get you up to 37 mpg combined, while reaching 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
- 2.5-L Turbocharged Engine: You’ll reach up to 25 mpg combined—only one mpg less than the standard 2.5. However, the Sorento’s horsepower increases to 281, and the torque rating lands at 311 lb-ft.
- The Turbo Plug-in Engine: When you choose this engine, you’ll get up to a whopping 79 mpge combined, along with 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Needless to say, there’s plenty of engine variety here with the new Sorento. If you’re open to tampering with the electric world, the good news is that the hybrid Sorento options don’t sacrifice power. That said, if you want the truly off-road capable X-Line trim, you’ll have to choose between the two 2.5-L engine options.
The Kia Telluride
When you arrive at work looking relaxed, calm, and collected every day, you can thank your Kia Telluride for your improved peace of mind. This Kia SUV’s modern tech and comfort features are certainly attractive. After all, this commuting SUV is designed for larger families—while never crossing over into minivan territory. You can seat 7 to 8 passengers, depending on the trim and body configuration that you choose. You’ll also get more usable space than you will with any other Kia SUV model: an 87 cu.ft. max cargo rating.
The Kia Telluride has won many awards over the years, mostly for comfort, convenience, and safety. What we like most about the 2022 Telluride is that it acts as the perfect family vehicle—while offering a modern, stylish design that any driver will love. Plus, this SUV is capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs, meaning it can haul small campers, boats, ATVs, and more. Who said that staying safe and hauling cargo has to be boring? This SUV makes it fun to take home a brand-new family car.
