IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kia America today announced that seven Kia models have earned top honors in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money Awards, underscoring the brand’s continued leadership in delivering quality, value and innovation across its lineup.
The following Kia vehicles were recognized as 2026 Best Cars for the Money Award winners:
- Best Midsize Electric SUV for the Money: 2026 Kia EV9
- Best Midsize Three-Row SUV for the Money: 2026 Kia Sorento
- Best Midsize Hybrid SUV for the Money: 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid
- Best Compact Hybrid SUV for the Money: 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Best Compact Plug-in Hybrid for the Money: 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid
- Best Subcompact Hybrid SUV for the Money: 2026 Kia Niro
- Best Compact Car for the Money: 2026 Kia K4
“Customers continue to choose Kia for the design, technology, and quality we bring to every vehicle,” said Eric Watson, VP of Sales, Kia America. “Sportage and Sorento earning multiple Best Cars for the Money awards reflects our focus on delivering well-equipped, highly capable vehicles across the lineup.”
U.S. News & World Report presents its Best Cars for the Money Awards annually each January. Winners are determined by identifying the vehicle in each class that offers the best combination of quality and value. Quality is assessed using each vehicle’s overall score in the U.S. News Best Car Rankings, while value is measured using transaction price data and projected five-year ownership costs.
“Kia’s seven 2026 Best Cars for the Money wins showcase its continuing focus on value alongside its increasing emphasis on design and technology,” said Alex Kwanten, managing editor of Autos for U.S. News & World Report. “Vehicles like the K4, Niro, Sportage Hybrid and Sorento are some of the most affordable models in their classes, in purchase price and ownership costs, but they don’t skimp on style, features or efficiency.”
The full list of 2026 Best Cars for the Money Award winners is available here.
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
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* Select trims of the all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
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SOURCE Kia America
