The #4 Most Iconic Kia Cars Ever Designed – Ranked!
In the ever-evolving world of automotive design and engineering, few brands have made as dramatic a transformation as Kia. From its humble beginnings as a budget-friendly alternative to more established marques, Kia has blossomed into a global powerhouse, producing vehicles that turn heads and win hearts. Today, we’re diving deep into the Kia legacy to explore and rank the five most iconic cars ever to wear the Kia badge. These aren’t just vehicles; they’re milestones in Kia’s journey to automotive excellence.
So, buckle up and join us on this exciting ride through Kia’s Hall of Fame. Whether you’re a long-time Iconic Kia Car enthusiast or just curious about what makes these cars so special, you’re in for a treat. We’ll be looking at everything from groundbreaking designs to game-changing performance specs, and of course, the impact these models have had on the automotive landscape.
4. Kia Forte (2008) – The Compact Contender
Let’s kick off our countdown with the Kia Forte, a compact sedan that has been punching above its weight since its introduction in 2008. While it might not have the flash of some of our higher-ranked entries, the Forte has been a consistent performer in Kia’s lineup, offering reliability, efficiency, and value in a sleek package.
Design Evolution
When the Forte first hit the streets, it represented a significant step forward in Kia’s design language. Gone were the boxy, utilitarian shapes of earlier Kia models. In their place was a car with smooth lines, a sporty stance, and an overall aesthetic that could compete with the likes of Honda and Toyota in the compact segment.
Over the years, the Forte’s design has continued to evolve. The second generation, introduced in 2013, brought a more European-inspired look, with a longer hood and a more premium feel. The current third-generation Forte, unveiled in 2018, takes cues from its sportier sibling, the Stinger, with a fastback-like silhouette and a more aggressive front fascia.
Explore the 2025 Kia K4 (Forte’s Successor) at Kia 417!Performance and Efficiency
While the Forte has never been marketed as a performance car, it has consistently offered a range of engines that balance pep and efficiency. The current generation offers two main engine options:
- A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower
- A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 201 horsepower (in the GT trim)
But where the Forte really shines is in its fuel efficiency. The base engine, when paired with the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), achieves an impressive 31 mpg city / 41 mpg highway (7.6 L/100km city / 5.7 L/100km highway). Even the more powerful GT trim manages a respectable 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway (8.7 L/100km city / 6.7 L/100km highway).
Tech and Features
Over the years, the Forte has kept pace with technological advancements, offering features that were once the domain of luxury vehicles. The current model comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems including forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
Why It’s Iconic
The Forte earns its place on this list not for being the flashiest or most powerful Kia, but for its consistency and accessibility. It has been a gateway car for many first-time Kia buyers, offering a compelling blend of style, efficiency, and value. The Forte proved that Kia could compete head-to-head with established players in the compact segment, helping to elevate the brand’s reputation in the process.
| Feature | Kia Forte (2023 Model) |
|---|---|
| Starting Price (USD) | $19,490 |
| Starting Price (CAD) | $19,595 |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | Up to 31/41 mpg (7.6/5.7 L/100km) |
| Engine Options | 2.0L I4, 1.6L Turbo I4 |
| Transmission | CVT, 6-speed manual, 7-speed DCT |
| Cargo Space | 15.3 cubic feet (433 liters) |
Also Read: What Happened to the Kia Forte 2024? The Truth Exposed!
3. Kia Sportage (1993) – The Trailblazer
Next on our list is the Kia Sportage, a vehicle that has been with the brand through thick and thin. First introduced in 1993, the Sportage holds the distinction of being one of Kia’s longest-running nameplates. Its evolution over the years mirrors Kia’s own journey from underdog to industry leader.
Explore the 2025 Kia Sportage at Kia 417!A Journey Through Time
The first-generation Sportage was a true SUV in the traditional sense – boxy, rugged, and built on a truck-like body-on-frame chassis. It was a stark contrast to the sleek crossovers we associate with the Sportage name today. This original model was Kia’s answer to popular compact SUVs like the Suzuki Sidekick and the Honda CR-V.
As consumer preferences shifted towards more car-like handling and comfort, the Sportage evolved. The second generation, introduced in 2004, moved to a unibody construction, improving ride quality and fuel efficiency while maintaining some of its off-road capabilities.
Fast forward to today, and the Sportage has transformed into a stylish, tech-laden crossover that’s a far cry from its humble beginnings. The latest generation, unveiled in 2021, features a bold design with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights and a wide “tiger nose” grille that gives it a distinctive presence on the road.
Performance and Efficiency Through the Years
The Sportage’s powertrains have seen significant advancements over its lifetime. Early models were equipped with modest four-cylinder engines, with some markets receiving a V6 option. Today’s Sportage offers a range of sophisticated powertrains, including:
- A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower
- A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain generating a combined 227 horsepower
- A plug-in hybrid variant with 261 horsepower and an all-electric range of about 32 miles
Fuel efficiency has improved dramatically. While early Sportage models struggled to break 20 mpg combined, the current non-hybrid model achieves up to 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway (9.4 L/100km city / 7.3 L/100km highway). The hybrid model pushes this even further, reaching an impressive 42 mpg city / 44 mpg highway (5.6 L/100km city / 5.3 L/100km highway).
Tech Evolution
The tech features in the Sportage have come a long way since the basic radio and cassette players of the ’90s. The latest model boasts an available dual panoramic curved display that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. It also offers a range of advanced driver assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control.
Also Read: Shocking: What’s New in the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid?
Why It’s Iconic
The Sportage earns its iconic status through its longevity and adaptability. It has successfully navigated changing consumer preferences, evolving from a basic, rugged SUV to a sophisticated crossover. The Sportage has been a consistent top-seller for Kia, playing a crucial role in establishing the brand in markets around the world.
| Feature | Kia Sportage (2023 Model) |
|---|---|
| Starting Price (USD) | $26,290 |
| Starting Price (CAD) | $28,995 |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | Up to 42/44 mpg (5.6/5.3 L/100km) for hybrid |
| Engine Options | 2.5L I4, 1.6L Turbo Hybrid, 1.6L Turbo PHEV |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic (hybrid) |
| Cargo Space | 39.6 cubic feet (1,121 liters) behind 2nd row |
2. Kia Seltos (2020) – The Stylish Newcomer
Taking the bronze medal in our ranking is the Kia Seltos, a relative newcomer that has quickly made a big impact. Introduced in 2020, the Seltos fills the gap between the Soul and the Sportage in Kia’s SUV lineup, offering a compelling blend of style, technology, and practicality.
Explore the 2025 Kia Seltos at Kia 417!Design That Demands Attention
The Seltos arrived on the scene with a design that perfectly encapsulates Kia’s modern aesthetic. It features a bold front grille, flanked by striking LED headlights and daytime running lights. The side profile is characterized by a strong character line and a gently sloping roofline that gives it a more dynamic appearance than many of its boxy competitors.
One of the Seltos’ standout design features is its two-tone roof option, allowing for personalization and adding to its youthful appeal. The rear end is equally distinctive, with LED taillights connected by a chrome strip, creating a wide and planted look.
Performance for Every Driver
Despite its compact dimensions, the Seltos offers a choice of powertrains to suit different driving preferences:
- A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower, paired with a CVT
- A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine generating 175 horsepower, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations are available, making the Seltos a versatile choice for various climates and driving conditions.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Seltos holds its own in the competitive subcompact SUV segment. The base 2.0-liter engine achieves up to 29 mpg city / 35 mpg highway (8.1 L/100km city / 6.7 L/100km highway) in front-wheel drive configuration. Even the more powerful turbocharged engine manages a respectable 25 mpg city / 30 mpg highway (9.4 L/100km city / 7.8 L/100km highway) with all-wheel drive.
Tech-Forward Interior
Step inside the Seltos, and you’re greeted by an interior that punches above its weight class. The centerpiece is an available 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s one of the largest in its segment. This is complemented by an available 7-inch digital instrument cluster, giving the Seltos a decidedly high-tech feel.
The Seltos also comes packed with advanced driver assistance systems, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. Higher trims add even more features like Highway Driving Assist and Safe Exit Assist.
Why It’s Iconic
The Seltos may be a newcomer, but it has quickly become an icon in Kia’s lineup for several reasons:
- It perfectly embodies Kia’s modern design language, serving as a showcase for the brand’s evolving aesthetic.
- The Seltos fills a crucial gap in Kia’s SUV lineup, offering a “right-sized” option for many buyers.
- It brings premium features and technologies to the subcompact SUV segment, raising the bar for what consumers can expect in this class.
- The Seltos has been a global success, performing well in diverse markets from India to the United States.
| Feature | Kia Seltos (2023 Model) |
|---|---|
| Starting Price (USD) | $22,840 |
| Starting Price (CAD) | $23,695 |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | Up to 29/35 mpg (8.1/6.7 L/100km) |
| Engine Options | 2.0L I4, 1.6L Turbo I4 |
| Transmission | CVT, 7-speed DCT |
| Cargo Space | 26.6 cubic feet (753 liters) behind 2nd row |
Also Read: Kia Seltos 2025: The SUV That’s Breaking the Internet!
1. Kia Stinger (2017) – The Ultimate Game Changer
Taking the silver medal in our ranking is the Kia Stinger, a car that redefined what Kia was capable of producing. Launched in 2017, the Stinger is a performance-oriented fastback that competes with premium sports sedans from established luxury brands.
Inquire About Kia Stinger Availibilty! Explore New Kia 2025 Models at Kia 417!A Design That Turns Heads
The Stinger’s design is nothing short of breathtaking. It features a long hood, short front overhang, and a fastback silhouette that gives it a distinctly athletic stance. The front end is dominated by Kia’s signature “tiger nose” grille, flanked by aggressive headlights. The side profile is characterized by muscular fenders and a sweeping roofline that flows seamlessly into the rear deck.
But it’s not just about looks. The Stinger’s design is functional too. The fastback shape isn’t just for show; it contributes to the car’s impressive aerodynamics. Functional air curtains and vents help to manage airflow and cooling, while the rear diffuser and integrated spoiler provide downforce at high speeds.
Performance That Matches the Looks
Under the hood, the Stinger offers two potent engine options:
- A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque
- A 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine generating 368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque
Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The Stinger’s performance credentials are impressive. The V6-powered GT model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, putting it in the company of much more expensive sports sedans.
Despite its performance focus, the Stinger manages respectable fuel economy figures. The 2.5-liter engine achieves up to 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway (10.7 L/100km city / 7.3 L/100km highway) in rear-wheel drive form. The more powerful V6, naturally, is a bit thirstier, managing 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway (13.1 L/100km city / 9.4 L/100km highway).
Also Read: IS THE KIA STINGER REALLY RETURNING IN 2025?
Premium Interior and Tech
Inside, the Stinger offers a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish. The low-set driving position and thick-rimmed steering wheel immediately communicate the car’s sporting intentions.
On the tech front, the Stinger is well-equipped. It features a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Higher trims add a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
The Stinger also comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Highway Driving Assist.
Inquire About Kia Stinger Availibilty! Explore New Kia 2025 Models at Kia 417!Why It’s Iconic
The Stinger earns its high ranking on our list for several reasons:
- It represents a dramatic departure from Kia’s traditional offerings, showcasing the brand’s ability to produce a world-class performance car.
- The Stinger competes directly with premium sports sedans from established luxury brands, often at a lower price point.
- It has played a crucial role in changing perceptions of the Kia brand, demonstrating that Kia can produce exciting, driver-focused vehicles.
- The Stinger’s success paved the way for other performance-oriented Kia models, influencing the brand’s overall direction.
| Feature | Kia Stinger (2023 Model) |
|---|---|
| Starting Price (USD) | $36,590 |
| Starting Price (CAD) | $47,995 |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | Up to 22/32 mpg (10.7/7.3 L/100km) |
| Engine Options | 2.5L Turbo I4, 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph | 4.7 seconds (V6 model) |
Conclusion
Kia has successfully transformed its brand image through innovative designs and high-quality vehicles that cater to various consumer needs. From the quirky Soul to the performance-oriented Stinger, these five iconic models have played significant roles in shaping Kia’s reputation as a formidable player in the automotive industry.
If you’re interested in exploring these models further or looking for special deals on new Kias, check out our new inventory or our new car specials. For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to contact us at Kia417!
By ranking these iconic vehicles based on their design impact and consumer appeal, we celebrate not only their success but also what they represent for the future of automotive innovation at Kia. Whether you are looking for style, performance, or efficiency, there’s a perfect Kia waiting for you!
