Once considered a budget-friendly option, Kia has transformed its lineup into one that is known not only for value, but also style, innovation and reliability. Today's range offers something for nearly every type of driver, from the compact and efficient Picanto city car to large, family-friendly SUVs packed with technology. The brand has particularly excelled in the SUV and crossover segments, with models like the Sportage and Sorento consistently praised for their practicality and premium-feel interiors.
Kia has also become a leader in electrification, offering a compelling range of hybrid and fully electric vehicles. The Niro EV continues to be a popular choice for families making the switch to electric, while the sleek EV6 and the bold, seven-seat EV9 showcase the brand's cutting-edge design and long-range battery technology. This commitment to diverse powertrains, generous standard equipment, and a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty makes Kia a brand that many car shoppers are now considering alongside more established premium rivals.
The cars in this guide have been selected based on a combination of expert analysis, real-world owner feedback, and market data. Our team of automotive journalists rigorously tests each vehicle, providing a comprehensive expert rating. We then combine this with user ratings from owners who live with these cars every day. Finally, we analyse hundreds of thousands of listings on CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good or great deals. This three-pronged approach results in an Overall CarGurus score, giving you a complete picture of what makes a car one of the best you can buy.
The Best Kia Cars and SUVs 2025
- 2025 Kia Sorento
- 2025 Kia Niro EV
- 2025 Kia EV6
- 2025 Kia Sportage
- 2025 Kia Picanto
- 2017-2023 Kia Stinger
- 2025 Kia EV9
- 2019-2025 Kia Proceed
- 2025 Kia XCeed
- 2025 Kia EV3
1. 2025 Kia Sorento
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good value | BMW alternatives are better to drive |
| Spacious interior | Hybrids having lower towing limits than diesels |
| Wide engine range including hybrids | Feels big to drive |
The Sorento is Kia’s flagship non-electric SUV, a large seven-seater that has evolved from a budget 4x4 into a premium-feeling family car that's available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid or diesel powertrains. Its biggest strength is its practicality; the cabin is vast, with generous legroom in the first two rows and third-row seats that are perfect for children. With the rearmost seats folded down, boot space is an impressive 604 litres in the hybrid models. The interior design and quality are top-notch, with plenty of standard equipment and clever features like USB ports for all three rows, making it a formidable rival to SUVs from more prestigious brands.
On the road, the Sorento is a relaxed and quiet cruiser. While the hybrids are smooth and efficient around town, the diesel remains the best choice for those who need to tow, offering a braked trailer capacity of up to 2,500kg. This choice of powertrains makes the Sorento a versatile option for a wide range of family buyers.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If practicality is your priority, you'd be hard pressed to buy a better SUV without spending much, much more." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Kia Sorento review
2. 2025 Kia Niro EV
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive efficiency and decent electric range | Reasonable value for money, but not the bargain Kias once were |
| A practical family car despite compact dimensions | Bold styling might not be to all tastes |
| Long warranty | Only one choice of power output |
Successor to the hugely popular e-Niro, the Kia Niro EV builds on a winning formula, offering a brilliant all-round package for families looking to go electric. It marries a WLTP combined range of 285 miles from the 64.8kWh battery with excellent practicality; the boot is a generous 475 litres, and there’s a handy 20-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet that’s perfect for storing charging cables. It’s roomier than most family hatchbacks yet remains compact enough to feel agile and easy to manage in town, making it a versatile and user-friendly choice for everyday life.
The Niro EV is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor delivering 201bhp, which allows for a brisk 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds. The driving experience is pleasant and comfortable, with an intuitive regenerative braking system that is among the best for user-friendliness. The interior features high-quality materials and impressive technology, especially on the '3' trim and up, which boast twin 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and the driver's display. Brimming with tech, convenience, and family-friendly features, the Niro EV stands as a benchmark in its class.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Kia Niro EV is one of the best cars of its type when you consider it in isolation within the electric car classes, offering plentiful range and sophisticated regenerative braking." - Vicky Parrott, contributing editor
Read our full Kia Niro EV review
3. 2025 Kia EV6
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 27.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive range and charging speeds | A Skoda Enyaq is roomier and cheaper |
| Luxuriously equipped | Finance deals could be cheaper |
| Usefully wide range of models to suit different budgets and needs | Steering lacks feel |
The Kia EV6 is a pure-electric crossover that impresses with its blend of performance, range, and rapid charging capabilities. Sharing its underpinnings with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EV6 offers a range of up to 361 miles on post-facelift models and features 800V ultra-fast charging, which can replenish the 84kWh battery to 80% in just 18 minutes. The driving experience is engaging, with the entry-level rear-wheel-drive model producing 226bhp for a respectable 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds. For those seeking more thrills, the all-wheel-drive version offers 321bhp, while the range-topping GT model delivers a staggering 577bhp and a 0-62mph time of just 3.5 seconds. While the steering could provide more feedback, the EV6 is a fantastic cruiser with a comfortable ride and excellent refinement.
Inside, the EV6 feels like a premium executive car, with a spacious cabin thanks to its long wheelbase and flat floor. There's plenty of head and legroom in the back, and the 490-litre boot in the rear-wheel-drive models is complemented by an additional 52 litres of storage under the bonnet. The high-tech interior features two 12.3-inch curved screens for the driver’s display and infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even the base 'Air' trim is generously equipped with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control. The EV6 is a versatile family car that successfully combines executive luxury, practicality, and cutting-edge technology.
The CarGurus Verdict: "New or used, the Kia EV6 is one of our favourite electric cars. It’s a fantastic blend of executive luxury and performance, sensible family car roominess and hi-tech gadgetry." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
4. 2025 Kia Sportage
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide range of powertrains | Divisive styling |
| Superb infotainment | Ford Kuga is better to drive |
| Well equipped | Top-spec models are very pricey |
The Kia Sportage is not just the brand's most popular car in the UK, it's also a consistent top-seller globally. A 2025 update to the latest generation ensures it remains a strong contender against rivals like the Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4. Its popularity is well-earned, thanks to a thoughtfully designed interior that offers impressive practicality for families. The front-wheel-drive petrol model boasts a generous 591 litres of boot capacity, and all versions feature a versatile 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat. Passengers in the back enjoy plenty of legroom, while those in the front are treated to a high-quality finish and an abundance of clever storage solutions.
The Sportage delivers a driving experience that is both comfortable and engaging, striking an excellent balance for a family SUV. Its refined ride handles everything from city streets to motorways with composure, and high levels of refinement make it a great long-distance cruiser. The popular full hybrid model, with its 235bhp powertrain, offers a seamless blend of electric and petrol power and brisk performance. Inside, the technology is a highlight; post-facelift models come standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Combined with generous standard equipment across all trims, the Sportage represents one of the most well-rounded and recommendable SUVs available.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Kia Sportage is bold enough to stand out from the crowd, features a smart interior, and has all the practicality you could expect from a five-seat family SUV." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Kia Sportage review
5. 2025 Kia Picanto
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.1 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 37.4% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decent-sized boot for a city car | Ride could be smoother |
| Long warranty from new | No electric version |
| Low running costs | Not exactly nippy |
The Kia Picanto is a funky-looking city car that competes with the Hyundai i10 and Toyota Aygo X. For a car of its size, it's surprisingly practical, with a spacious interior and a 255-litre boot that's one of the largest in its class. Fold the rear seats down, and that space expands to an impressive 1,010 litres. While the ride can be a little firm, the light steering makes it perfect for zipping around town. The older 83bhp 1.25-litre engine is a great all-rounder, offering more punch than the entry-level 66bhp 1.0-litre unit, which can feel underpowered on the motorway. However, all of the latest models come with a 1.0-litre engine producing 68bhp and giving a somewhat ponderous 0-62mph time of 14.6 seconds.
Running costs are a major strength, thanks to low insurance groups and efficient engines. Three trim levels are offered, with decent standard equipment even on the basic Pure spec. Higher GT-Line and GT-Line S trims boast heated seats, wireless phone charging, and automatic air-conditioning. All models come with a touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Kia has put together a cracking small car in this latest Picanto, and it ticks plenty of boxes for customers. Overall, it's a well-equipped and comfortable supermini that drives well and looks good, too." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Kia Picanto review
6. 2017-2023 Kia Stinger
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 20.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Thumping performance with a soundtrack to match | Cabin materials don't match those of premium rivals |
| Refined and comfortable on the motorway | The twin-turbo V6 is thirsty |
| Loads of standard kit | Kia badge lacks clout in the company car park |
Although now discontinued, the Kia Stinger was a bold statement, a direct challenge to the premium German establishment from a brand known for practicality and reliability. Its elegant 'fastback' design, a five-door hatchback layout, offers superior practicality to a traditional saloon, boasting a 406-litre boot that expands to 1,114 litres with the seats down. Then Kia loaded the Stinger with standard equipment to tempt buyers, including a head-up display, 360-degree parking cameras, and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon stereo—features that often cost extra on rivals from BMW and Audi.
The highlight of the range is the GT S model, powered by a 361bhp 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine. When launched, this powertrain made the Stinger GTS the fastest-accelerating Kia ever, capable of 0-60mph in a blistering 4.7 seconds. While this performance comes at the cost of fuel economy — with a realistic figure of around 24mpg — the Stinger GTS proved Kia's ambition to build cars that appeal to the heart as well as the head.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Brisk, comfortable, great to drive, stylish, and well-equipped, the Stinger falls short of the best-in-the class in only a small number of areas." - Dan Prosser, car reviewer
Read our full Kia Stinger review
7. 2025 Kia EV9
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.1% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Imposing looks | Some slightly disappointing cabin materials |
| Hugely practical seven-seat cabin | Dynamically very average |
| Even entry-level car is stuffed with tech | Rear visibility isn’t great |
As Kia's flagship electric car, the EV9 is a huge statement of intent. It's a vast, seven-seat SUV that majors on practicality and technology. The interior is spacious for passengers in all three rows, and even with every seat in use, there's a useful 333 litres of boot space. All versions feature a 99.8kWh battery, giving the entry-level model an impressive official range of up to 349 miles. What's more, thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the EV9 can be charged from 10-80% in as little as 24 minutes, making long journeys a breeze. Even the basic 'Air' model is packed with features, including twin 12.3-inch screens, heated and ventilated seats in the first two rows, and a full suite of driver aids.
Performance varies depending on the model you choose. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive car produces 200bhp, which is enough for everyday driving and a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds. Higher-spec all-wheel-drive versions, however, get a significant power boost to 378bhp, cutting the 0-62mph dash to a startlingly quick 5.3 seconds. While the EV9 doesn't offer the plush ride of premium German rivals, it is exceptionally quiet and refined on the motorway, making it a relaxing long-distance cruiser. It may not be the most dynamic SUV to drive, but for families looking for a capable, tech-filled, and fuss-free electric vehicle, the EV9 is a mighty package.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It’s incredibly practical, with a roomy cabin and a big boot, it has a good range and super-fast charging capability. While it’s not cheap, it still feels like decent value." - Ivan Aistrop, contributing editor
8. 2019-2025 Kia Proceed
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 52.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.8 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Handsome estate-meets-coupe looks | Bland driving experience |
| Generous seven-year warranty | Limited engine line-up |
| Lots of standard kit | A bit pricey as a new car |
Currently being phased out of the Kia range, the Proceed offered a stylish and refreshing alternative to the ubiquitous SUV thanks to its 'shooting brake' body—basically an estate car with the rakish profile of a coupe. Despite its sloping roofline, practicality remains a strong point; its 594-litre boot is larger than many SUVs and will easily meet the needs of most families. Inside, the Proceed is packed with a generous level of technology as standard, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reversing camera, which handily compensates for the compromised rear visibility.
The Proceed provides a comfortable and composed driving experience, feeling more like a mini grand tourer than a sports car. The 1.5-litre petrol engine with 158bhp delivers unfussed progress, pairing well with the smooth seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. For those seeking more power, the 1.6-litre turbo petrol in the GT model offers 201bhp, but it still doesn't transform the Proceed into a hot-hatch rival. While it may not deliver the thrilling drive its sporty looks suggest, the Proceed excels as a handsome, well-equipped, and practical five-door estate that stands out from the crowd.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Although undeniably stylish and a welcome distraction from the hordes of homogenous SUVs that have been flooding the market in recent years, the Kia Proceed remains a niche product." - Leon Poultney, contributor
Read our full Kia Proceed review
9. 2025 Kia XCeed
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 48.6% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.7 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lots of kit as standard | Ford Focus Active and Peugeot 3008 have more efficient engines |
| Handsome on-trend styling | More expensive to buy than the regular Ceed |
| Plug-in hybrid will be cheap to run if you can charge at home | No four-wheel-drive model |
The Kia XCeed is a stylish crossover that blends the attributes of a traditional hatchback with the rugged appeal of an SUV. Based on the same underpinnings as the popular Kia Ceed, the XCeed features more adventurous body styling, a raised ride height, and a high-quality cabin that feels more premium than its price might suggest. Practicality is a strong point, with a generous 426-litre boot that surpasses rivals like the Ford Focus Active and Toyota C-HR. However, buyers should note that the discontinued plug-in hybrid model sacrifices boot space for its battery pack, reducing capacity to a less practical 291 litres.
While it may not be as sharp to drive as a Ford Focus Active, the XCeed's light steering and easy-going nature make it a relaxing companion for daily driving. The latest 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine provides a healthy 177bhp, while the older plug-in hybrid version offers up to 29.8 miles of electric-only driving. This PHEV can be very cheap to run for those who can charge at home, but its limited range and small boot do count against it.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It’s certainly a good-looking car, and its styling is bang on-trend. It’s also well-built and offers a lot of standard equipment for a reasonable price." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Kia XCeed review
10. 2025 Kia EV3
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 27.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 3.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extrovert styling | Unsettled ride |
| Loads of space for a car of its size | Too many touch-sensitive controls inside |
| Long range | Some cheap-feeling interior plastics |
The Kia EV3 is a compact electric SUV that stands out with its bold, futuristic styling, setting it apart from rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Volvo EX30. Inside, the cabin is light and welcoming, offering impressive practicality with vast leg and head room for rear passengers and clever storage solutions up front. The boot is a generous 460 litres, complemented by an additional 25 litres of storage under the bonnet, making it a highly practical choice for families.
All versions of the EV3 come with a single electric motor producing 201bhp, which provides brisk acceleration. The long-range 81kWh battery offers an excellent official range of up to 375 miles, which translates to a very usable real-world figure. While the EV3 offers good body control and solid grip on twisty roads, its ride can be jiggly over bumps. Although it's priced higher than some competitors, its combination of space, range, and Kia's strong warranty presents a compelling package.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It might not be quite as versatile as some of its rivals, but it packs in a lot of space and equipment, and while some of the interior plastics might not quite match up to your expectations for such an expensive car, the EV3 is still a delightful place to be." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Kia SUV for a family?
For larger families, the Kia Sorento and the all-electric Kia EV9 are excellent choices, as both offer seven seats and vast, practical interiors. The Sorento provides a choice of diesel and hybrid powertrains, while the EV9 is a fully electric option with a spacious cabin for all three rows. For smaller families, the Kia Sportage is a top contender, blending generous boot space and passenger room with a comfortable ride and modern technology.
Which Kia electric car has the longest range?
The Kia EV4 currently offers the longest potential range in the lineup, with the long-range 81kWh battery model capable of up to 388 miles on an official charge. The larger Kia EV6 and EV9 also boast impressive figures, with the EV6 offering up to 361 miles and the EV9 up to 349 miles, making them all highly capable for long-distance travel.
Are Kias reliable cars?
Yes, Kia has earned a strong reputation for reliability, often ranking highly in dependability studies. This is backed by one of the best warranty packages in the industry, which includes a seven-year/100,000 miles of cover on new cars, giving owners significant peace of mind.
Is Kia still a good value brand?
While Kias are no longer the budget-only option they once were, they continue to represent excellent value for money. Models across the range come with generous levels of standard equipment, high-quality interiors, and advanced technology that often costs extra on premium rivals. When combined with their strong reliability and long warranty, the overall ownership proposition remains very compelling.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners - people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus score that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in December 2025. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.