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Kia’s 2026 pricing: modest hikes, a few cuts
Kia remains one of the industry’s best examples of value for money — a broad lineup brimming with technology, strong warranty coverage and competitive pricing. For 2026 the Korean brand has mostly held the line, with only modest price increases on many models. In a few notable cases, however, Kia actually lowered prices — most prominently on several trims of the EV9 electric SUV. Even with small destination-fee adjustments trickling through the range, the overall picture is that Kia is nudging prices rather than hiking them dramatically.
Quick highlights
- Most Kia models see small MSRP increases for 2026, usually under $1,500.
- The EV9 sees price reductions on multiple trims — a move that helps EV affordability.
- Destination charges were adjusted on some models (EV9 +$100, Seltos +$50, K5 +$20), affecting final sticker prices.
Why this matters
With auto buyers sensitive to both fuel/energy costs and monthly payments, small pricing moves can influence shopping behavior. Kia’s strategy appears focused on keeping core models competitively priced while using trim, feature and powertrain choices to preserve margins. Cutting select EV9 trims by roughly $1,000–$2,000 signals Kia wants to accelerate EV adoption and close the gap with rival electric SUVs.
Kia Seltos: a rare starting-price cut
The compact Seltos is one of the few U.S.-market Kias with a lower entry price in 2026. Kia introduced a new base LX FWD model (no all-wheel drive), which brings the Seltos' starting MSRP down to $25,145. Most other Seltos trims rose slightly, but the model remains an affordable compact crossover option.
Key Seltos trims and MSRPs for 2026 include:
- Seltos LX FWD — $25,145
- Seltos LX AWD — $26,335
- Seltos S FWD — $26,835
- Seltos EX AWD — $27,835
- Seltos S AWD — $28,335
- Seltos EX AWD — $30,035
- Seltos SX AWD (top trim) — $32,835
The SX AWD carries the 190-hp 1.6T turbo four and upgrades such as LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless charging, premium audio and a power liftgate. The rest of the range uses a 147-hp 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine.
Kia K5: steady with a tiny bump
The midsize K5 sedan remains essentially unchanged for 2026 — familiar styling, the same engine choices and a minimal price increase. The entry LXS FWD now starts at $28,585, about $440 higher than the outgoing 2025 model. Four of the five trims remain FWD; all-wheel drive is available on the GT-Line for $31,185.
Powertrain notes: the standard 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four produces around 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The hotter GT model continues with the turbocharged 3.5-liter four-cylinder (around 290 hp and 311 lb-ft), paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.
2026 K5 trims:
- K5 LXS FWD — $28,585
- K5 GT-Line FWD — $29,585
- K5 GT-Line AWD — $31,185
- K5 GT FWD — $34,685
- K5 EX FWD — $36,085
Sportage refresh pushes price higher
Kia’s compact/midsize crossover got a full refresh for 2026. The redesign brings a modernized interior and exterior, larger digital displays (12.3-inch screens), upgraded connectivity and more standard tech — all of which contribute to a roughly $1,300 increase in the starting price. The combustion Sportage retains Kia’s 187-hp 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine while some hybrid outputs were tweaked.
Selected Sportage pricing highlights:
- Sportage LX FWD — $30,135
- Sportage EX FWD — $31,935
- Sportage EX AWD — $33,735
- Sportage X-Line AWD — $33,735
- Sportage SX and Prestige trims — mid-to-high $30k territory, up to ~ $41,000+ for X-Pro Prestige AWD
Sorento and Carnival: small upticks, steady value
The three-row Sorento and family-focused Carnival minivan remain competitive with modest price changes. The Sorento LX now starts at $33,635, up about $200, and continues to offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants — the PHEV tips the range toward 261 hp in top form.
Meanwhile the Carnival holds its position as one of the most affordable minivans. Entry LX FWD begins at $38,485, with V6 and hybrid powertrain options and high-tech standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
EV9: selective cuts to attract EV buyers
Perhaps the most interesting change is to the EV9 electric SUV lineup. Kia cut prices on multiple EV9 trims — the Light LR and GT are nearly $2,000 cheaper to start, and the Land sits about $1,000 lower. The Light SR begins at $56,495, while Light LR crosses in just under $60,000. The GT-Line now starts at $73,495 and gains about 10 miles of EPA range (up to roughly 280 miles in that configuration). Kia also introduced a Nightfall appearance package for the Land trim.
EV9 pricing snapshot:
- EV9 Light SR — $56,495
- EV9 Light LR — $59,495
- EV9 Wind — $65,495
- EV9 Land — $70,495
- EV9 GT-Line — $73,495
What to watch next
Kia has yet to release pricing for several models — the K4 hatchback, the full Telluride lineup, the Niro and the remaining Sportage variants — so shoppers should expect additional updates. Destination and delivery charges remain a factor and can shift final on-the-road numbers slightly after MSRPs are published.
Quote: "Kia still plays the value game well — even when prices rise slightly, the brand offsets sticker shock with generous features and targeted EV discounts," says an industry analyst familiar with pricing trends.
For buyers, this means Kia continues to offer strong value in 2026. If you’re shopping compact crossovers or considering an electric SUV, the updated pricing — especially on the EV9 — could make a tangible difference to your monthly payment or lease rate. Keep an eye on destination fees and wait for the remaining model prices to be announced before making a final decision.
Source: motor1
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