Kia SUV Lineup: Which SUV Works Best For You?
Kia has quickly become a standout name in the SUV world, and it’s easy to see why. Known for sleek designs, family-focused features, and a lineup that offers something for everyone, Kia SUVs are a top choice for families looking for style and practicality. But with so many great options, how do you decide which one is the best fit for your family?
If you’re new here – welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom, and helping families find the best car for their needs is my thing. I’m a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), mom of four, and if there’s one thing I know better than anything else – it’s family cars. My goal is to help you make sense of your options so you can feel confident in your decision, regardless of the manufacturer.
Whether your family has been dedicated to Kia for years or you're simply exploring options that suit your needs, I’m here to showcase the Kia models that are most family-friendly. With so much innovation in the automotive industry, it’s worth exploring other brands too.
Let’s dive into the top Kia models and see which ones are the best fit for various types of families.
Kia Has Become A Standout Manufacturer In The Car Market. Here’s Why Some People Love Shopping For A Kia:
Kia has made a name for itself by offering cars that combine style, innovation, and practicality—all at an accessible price point. Over the years, Kia has become a household name for families seeking reliable and feature-packed cars that don’t break the bank. From sedans to their SUVs, Kia’s lineup is designed to meet the needs of modern families.
What sets Kia apart is its ability to offer something for everyone without compromising on quality or affordability. Whether you’re interested in the award-winning Telluride or the family-hauling Carnival, Kia’s diverse lineup caters to families of all sizes and preferences. They’ve also embraced the future with electric options like the EV6 and EV9, making sustainable driving more accessible than ever.
Another reason families gravitate toward Kia is its commitment to safety and peace of mind. With advanced safety features like forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist standard on many models, Kia ensures that every drive is as secure as it is comfortable. Plus, their industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile warranty provides reassurance that your car can keep up with whatever you throw at it.
Here Is The Entire Kia SUV List:
Kia Soul
Kia Seltos
Kia Sportage
Kia Niro
Kia Sorento
Kia Telluride
Kia EV6
Kia EV9
If You’re Interested In A Kia SUV, These Are The Cars I Recommend Test Driving:
Kia Sorento
LATCH Setup:
Second Row: Two sets of lower LATCH anchors and tether anchors on the outboard seats. If you opt for the bench seat, the middle seat lacks both lower and tether anchors.
Third Row: Both seats have their own lower and tether anchors, making it a standout feature for families needing flexibility in car seat configurations.
Who It’s Best For:
Families with 1–2 kids or those occasionally needing a third row for passengers.
Parents who appreciate hybrid options and want a stylish, mid-size SUV with thoughtful features like built-in sunshades, heated second-row seats, and innovative charging ports.
Those who value flexibility in car seat setups and don’t require extensive trunk space when all rows are in use.
Who It’s Not Ideal For:
Large families who need significant trunk space while using all three rows.
Parents frequently using rear-facing car seats who may find the limited rear ventilation and tighter legroom challenging.
Families needing easier access to a spacious third row or more robust cargo capacity—larger SUVs like the Kia Telluride may be better suited.
The 2025 Kia Sorento is a sporty and versatile mid-size SUV that balances style, functionality, and affordability. Redesigned in 2021 to include a standard third row, the Sorento is available in various trims, including hybrid options—a rarity among its competitors.
While smaller than some rivals like the Kia Telluride or Chevrolet Suburban, the Sorento excels in offering thoughtful family-friendly features. The second row is available in either captain’s chairs or a bench seat configuration. Both outboard seats in the second row come equipped with lower and tether anchors, though the middle seat of the bench lacks these. The tilt-and-slide functionality of the second-row seats provides easy access to the third row, which features two seats instead of three—each with its own lower and tether anchors. This setup simplifies car seat installations while offering more comfort for passengers.
However, trunk space is limited when all rows are up—suitable only for small items like an umbrella stroller. Folding down the third row creates a flat cargo area with significantly more storage capacity but sacrifices seating. Families that often need both ample seating and cargo space might find this limitation restrictive.
Kia Sportage Hybrid
LATCH Setup:
Second Row: Two sets of lower LATCH anchors on the outboard seats and three top tether anchors across the bench seat.
Third Row: Not applicable as the Sportage is a two-row SUV.
Who It’s Best For:
Small families with one or two children who need a compact SUV that can comfortably fit two car seats.
Parents looking for a hybrid option with great fuel efficiency (around 38 mpg) and thoughtful design features.
Teen drivers whose parents want to provide them with a safe and reliable SUV.
Who It’s Not Ideal For:
Families needing three-across seating in the second row or those requiring a third row for additional passengers.
Parents who prioritize rear climate controls for better ventilation for rear-facing car seats.
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is a standout compact SUV that combines sporty aesthetics, excellent fuel economy, and family-friendly features. Redesigned as part of its fifth generation, the Sportage Hybrid offers more interior space than its predecessor while maintaining a sleek and futuristic exterior.
For families, the second row offers ample legroom—even for tall adults—with two sets of lower LATCH anchors on the outboard seats and three top tether anchors across the bench. While it comfortably accommodates two car seats (rear-facing or forward-facing), the narrow middle seat makes three-across setups impractical. Rear amenities include air vents, USB ports on the seatbacks, leather storage pockets, and hooks for bags or purses. However, there are no rear climate controls.
The trunk is another highlight of the Sportage Hybrid. It easily fits a full-size stroller with room to spare for groceries or other items. The power tailgate and fold-flat rear seats add convenience when loading larger items. Underneath the trunk floor, Kia includes a spare tire—a practical touch often omitted in modern cars.
Kia Telluride
LATCH Setup:
Second Row: Captain’s chairs have two sets of lower LATCH anchors and two tether anchors. The bench seat option has off-center lower anchors and two tether anchors.
Third Row: One set of lower anchors (off-center) in the middle seat and tether anchors for all three seating positions. However, the shallow bench makes car seat installation challenging.
Who It’s Best For:
Families with 2–3 kids who need a spacious, versatile SUV that can handle multiple car seats and still offer comfort for passengers.
Parents who value family-friendly features like ceiling vents, sunshades, and advanced safety technology.
Those who want a rugged yet stylish SUV with off-road capabilities.
Who It’s Not Ideal For:
Families needing three-across car seat setups or easier access to the third row with a car seat installed in the second row.
Parents looking for maximum trunk space when all three rows are in use.
The Kia Telluride continues to shine as one of the most popular family SUVs on the market, offering a blend of rugged capability, modern design, and family-friendly features. I’d classify this family car as rugged, with a sleek exterior and off-roading capabilities.
Inside, the Telluride impresses with its spacious cabin and thoughtful amenities. The second row offers exceptional knee clearance and comes in either captain’s chairs or a bench seat configuration. Built-in sunshades, ceiling vents, and USB-Cs on the seatbacks enhance passenger comfort. However, while spacious, the seats are on the firmer side. The captain’s chairs are ideal for families needing flexibility with two car seats, while the bench option is better suited for those occasionally requiring three across (though it’s not easy to achieve).
The third row is less impressive compared to competitors. While it includes ceiling vents, USB ports, cup holders, and tether anchors for all three seats, its shallow depth makes it less comfortable for adults or larger car seats. Access is made easier with buttons that slide the second-row seats forward but lacks a car seat tilt feature.
Trunk space is decent but not class-leading. With all rows up, it can accommodate smaller items like groceries or compact strollers. Folding down the third row significantly increases cargo capacity but sacrifices passenger seating. The lack of a power-folding third row may be inconvenient for some buyers.
Kia Carnival
LATCH Setup:
Second Row: Available in both captain’s chairs and a bench seat configuration. All second-row seats come equipped with lower LATCH anchors and tether anchors, making it highly car seat-friendly. Additionally, the ability to remove any second-row seat adds flexibility for families needing easier access to the third row or more space.
Third Row: Lower anchors are available on the two outward seats, and tether anchors are present across all three seating positions. The deep trunk design and thoughtful layout make it practical for families using multiple car seats.
Who It’s Best For:
Families with 2–3 kids who need a spacious, versatile minivan with excellent car seat compatibility.
Parents who value family-friendly features like ceiling vents, rear entertainment systems, and advanced safety technology.
Those who want a sleek, SUV-like minivan with a modern design and hybrid options for better fuel efficiency.
Who It’s Not Ideal For:
Families requiring all-wheel drive (AWD) for winter or off-road conditions.
The Kia Carnival is a modern, family-focused minivan that combines practicality with SUV-inspired style. Marketed as an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle), it challenges minivan stereotypes with its sleek design and advanced features. The 2025 model introduces hybrid options, offering 33 mpg combined and up to 627 miles of range.
Inside, the Carnival boasts a spacious cabin with ceiling vents, ample legroom, and flexible seating configurations. The second row offers captain’s chairs or a bench seat, with removable seats for easier third-row access. However, glossy black door trims show fingerprints easily, and the center console could be more spacious. The third row features tether anchors for all seats but lacks lower anchors in the middle position. While suitable for kids, its lower roofline may feel cramped for adults.
Storage is a highlight, with a deep trunk accommodating strollers and groceries. Folding the third row expands cargo space significantly. Kia also upgraded its camera systems for 2025, adding a 360-degree exterior view and interior Passenger View to monitor rear passengers. Rear entertainment includes dual 14.6-inch monitors with streaming capabilities. Despite lacking AWD and having shallow side panel storage, the Carnival remains an excellent choice for families seeking a stylish, functional vehicle with thoughtful features and strong car seat compatibility.
Kia EV9
LATCH Setup:
Second Row: Two lower anchors on the outboard seats and three tether anchors across the back. Available in both bench seating (fits three across) and captain’s chairs, both offering excellent car seat compatibility.
Third Row: Each seat has its own lower and tether anchors, a rare and impressive feature for third rows.
Who It’s Best For:
Families needing a spacious, electric SUV with excellent car seat flexibility.
Parents who value advanced tech features like a curved infotainment system, Heads-Up Display, and rearview camera mirror.
Those seeking an eco-friendly vehicle with all-wheel drive and decent range (up to 300 miles).
Who It’s Not Ideal For:
Families requiring maximum third-row space for adults or frequent use of the trunk for storage.
Buyers looking for a budget-friendly EV (base model starts at $60,000).
The Kia EV9 is a long-awaited, family-focused electric SUV that blends futuristic styling with practicality. As an affordable alternative to luxury EVs like the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X, it offers sporty design elements like blacked-out fenders, roof rails, and unique tail lights. With all-wheel drive on the GT line, it delivers up to 300 miles of range, starting at $60,000.
Inside, the EV9 maximizes space thanks to the absence of an engine, providing more room in the first and second rows compared to the Telluride. The cabin features firm yet comfortable seats, gunmetal gray trim (resistant to fingerprints), and a driver’s seat with calf support. High-tech amenities include a semi-curved infotainment display, Heads-Up Display, and a rearview camera mirror for unobstructed visibility.
The second row offers built-in sunshades, ceiling vents, USB-C ports, and heated/ventilated seats. Both bench seating and captain’s chairs are available, with excellent car seat compatibility. Taller passengers will find ample space here. The third row includes two seats with lower and tether anchors for both positions but offers limited legroom when the second row is pushed back.
Storage is functional but not exceptional. The trunk fits a Zoe double stroller with extra room underneath for additional storage. However, the frunk is disappointingly small and impractical. The third-row seats fold manually to expand cargo space quickly.
Kelly, Why Don’t You Cover Every Kia SUV?
You might have noticed that while I provide an overview of Kia’s entire SUV lineup, my detailed breakdown focuses on just a few standout models. This isn’t an oversight—it’s intentional!
The SUVs I’ve chosen to highlight are ones I’ve personally toured and tested for family-friendliness. From evaluating car seat compatibility to assessing interior space and tech features, these models stood out as the most versatile and practical options for families of all sizes. Plus, two-row SUVs within Kia’s lineup are incredible similar, so I wanted to prioritize the differences within the majority of their three-row lineup.
Kia offers a ton of models, so I always recommend test-driving several models to find what fits your family’s specific needs. Taking the time to explore different options will help you identify the features that matter most when choosing the perfect family car.
How To Choose The Right Kia SUV For You
Choosing the right Kia SUV for your family depends on your lifestyle, family size, and specific needs.
If you’re looking for a compact and fuel-efficient SUV for city driving or small families, the Kia Sportage Hybrid is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you need a midsize SUV with flexible seating and hybrid options, the Kia Sorento is a standout.
For larger families or those prioritizing comfort and versatility, the Kia Telluride is hard to beat. However, if maximum car seat compatibility and storage are your top priorities, the Kia Carnival is an exceptional choice. Finally, for eco-conscious families ready to embrace electric driving, the Kia EV9 is an impressive option.
Ultimately, taking these models for a test drive is the best way to determine which one fits your family’s needs. Bring along your car seats, strollers, or anything else you regularly transport to ensure it meets your practical requirements.
Which Kia SUV would work best for your family? Let us know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest car-buying tips for families, check out my recent posts:
