2023 Kia Cars Lineup: What’s New for the Forte, K5, and More (PHOTO)

The Kia SUV lineup is filled with solid options like the Sorento and the three-row Telluride, but the automaker knows that some buyers don’t want to drive a high-riding crossover. For them, Kia offers one of the most complete car lineups out of any manufacturer today and includes everything from the subcompact Rio to eight-seater Carnival minivan. Read on to find out what changes have been made to the Kia car lineup for the 2023 model year.

Kia Rio 2023

The 2023 Kia Rio sedan and hatchback carry over into the new model year unchanged aside from the addition of an oil level sensor to the engine. It remains one of the few cars on sale that starts under $20,000.

Kia Forte 2023

The Kia Forte is fresh from a facelift it received for the 2022 model year. The compact sedan carries over into 2023 with just a few changes. Kia deleted the GT Technology package and added more standard safety tech for the range-topping GT model. New standard features for the sportiest Forte include Kia’s FCA Fusion suite, which includes forward collision alert for cyclists, an electronic parking brake, highway driver assist, and Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control. The only caveat is that these new features are exclusive to the Forte GT equipped with a dual-clutch transmission; the manual version will not receive the new features.

Kia K5 2023

Competing in the midsize sedan segment, the Kia K5 returns for 2023 with adjustments to its trim structure. Kia discontinued the LX trim level, which was the base model for the 2022 K5. Now the K5 LXS is the new entry level trim and is no longer offered with all-wheel drive as it was before.

Buyers wanting to equip their K5 with AWD will have to opt for the sporty-looking K5 GT-Line which receives new features including the Panoramic Roof package. Additionally, all GT-Line AWD models receive a heated steering wheel. Finally, acoustic glass for the front windows is standard on the GT-Line, EX, and GT trims.

Kia Carnival 2023

Kia updates the 2023 Carnival minivan by including dual 12.3-inch displays setup for the instrument cluster and infotainment unit on the SX trim level. Kia’s Blind-Spot Monitor View technology will also be included with the upgrade. A dual-screen rear entertainment system with media streaming is also optional. The top-level SX-Prestige trim will receive eight-passenger seating with Kia’s Slide-Flex Seating configuration in the second row. The fabulous VIP Lounge Seats are available in addition to the rear seat entertainment setup.

Kia Stinger 2023

For 2023, the Kia Stinger carries over mostly unchanged. Changes for 2022 included a more powerful base engine, an upgraded twin-turbo V-6, new technology features, a new Nappa leather seat design, and tweaked exterior design. If you missed last year’s Scorpion edition, a GT2 Grand Tourer Special Edition also has a blacked-out exterior appeal, with unique 19-inch wheels. The 368-hp V-6 is standard on that model and AWD is available.