Kia Corporation had an eventful year in 2024, surpassing Hyundai in the Korean market for the first five months but ultimately falling short at year-end. Despite this, the Sorento emerged as the best-selling vehicle in South Korea, ahead of Hyundai’s Santa Fe. Kia’s success continued in other major markets, although sales in China remained a challenge. The brand is determined to win over Chinese customers with tailored new models.
Looking ahead, Kia has an ambitious lineup planned for the rest of the 2020s and into the next decade. The Picanto/Morning, a popular hatchback in Europe and South Korea, is set for a possible electric replacement by 2027. The Ray, another small hatchback, will share its platform with the Picanto/Morning successors.
The Ceed, a key player in the European market, may see a facelift and delay in its successor until 2028. Kia aims to offer a range of electric and thermal power options in the European C segment. The brand’s K-models, like the K3, K4, and K5, will see replacements and updates in the coming years.
For the Indian market, Kia is gearing up to launch the Syros, a compact SUV tailored for Indian buyers. The Sonet and Creta SUVs will also see successors by early 2027. The Seltos range will introduce hybrid options and be manufactured in India and South Korea.
In the electric vehicle segment, Kia plans to introduce the EV2 for Europe in 2026, followed by the EV3 with a special model for North America. The EV5, EV6, and EV9 models will see facelifts, upgrades, and successors in the next few years. The brand’s MQ4i project will introduce a hybrid Sorento model in India.
The Telluride, Kia’s largest SUV, is due for a replacement in 2026 with hybrid powertrain options. The Tasman pick-up, aimed at select markets, will offer diesel, petrol, and electric variants. Kia’s MPVs, like the Carens and Carnival, will receive facelifts and replacements with electric and hybrid options.
Kia’s future lineup promises a blend of combustion and electric models, catering to diverse markets and customer preferences. The brand’s strategic approach to product development and market expansion aims to solidify its position in the global automotive landscape.