Kia Vehicles with & without CVT (4 Models: New + Used)
Continuously variable transmission (CVT) improves fuel efficiency and lowers production costs, two key attributes that best describe Kia vehicles.
Besides the Korean automaker’s renowned long warranty and feature-rich products, these Kia cars have the CVT transmission.
The list of models without CVT is near the bottom of this post.
Kia Models with CVT Transmission
#1 Kia Rio
While the extra-small Accent sedan makes a compelling little car among Hyundai’s CVT models, the similarly-sized Rio is more average in its overall appeal.
However, Kia Rio’s notable trump card lies in its impressively frugal engine mated with a CVT transmission; it’s one of the most efficient non-hybrid cars – over 40 mpg combined in real-world driving.
The CVT transmission has been standard across every Kia Rio since 2020; 2019 and older Rios were not CVT models.
The sub-$17k price tag brand-new is hard to beat, and it does the job as a reliable, basic transportation for those on modest budgets.
The manufacturer’s long warranty is the icing on the cake for such an affordable car.
Kia Rio is available as a sedan or hatchback, and the first model year dates back to 2001. Still, only the 2020 Rio and newer have CVT.
#2 Kia Forte
While CVT-equipped compact sedans from Toyota and Honda are more famous with chart-topping sales, the Kia Forte is a segment underdog that offers (arguably) slightly better value for money.
Besides the super-affordable pricing, Kia Forte is impressively economical on fuel while offering the biggest bang for the money with loads of features and Kia’s generous warranty.
2019 and newer Kia Forte sedans have a CVT transmission in most models, except for the GT.
The CVT was absent in 2018 and older Kia Fortes.
It rides comfortably, and the well-laid-out interior is relatively roomy, especially in the driver’s row.
That said, if you desire to pilot a more enjoyable drive with communicative steering, the CVT-shod Honda Civic is the better choice.
#3 Kia Soul
If you want to own a little SUV for under $20k, the Kia Soul represents your best bet to fulfill that wish.
Despite its subcompact body, the Soul’s boxy frame gives it significantly more interior room than the exterior suggests – both rows have an abundance of head and legroom.
The tall windows also mean all-around visibility is greater for the driver, enabling a safer drive.
Kia had made CVT available in the Soul subcompact made in 2020 or later, while older models lacked the continuously variable transmission technology.
The peppy acceleration and cornering abilities make the Soul enjoyable to drive, like a sporty Mazda, while the CVT automatic gearbox enables the engine to achieve above-average fuel economy.
#4 Kia Seltos
The Seltos is another Kia subcompact SUV alongside the Soul, but less quirky in looks.
It is stylish on the outside and roomy on the inside, with many latest technology and safety features you’d expect from a Kia.
Although the efficiency of the CVT-paired engine is pretty mediocre and the ride quality decidedly average, Seltos’s maximum cargo capacity is a notable plus, a class leader in this aspect.
That said, Seltos’ CVT gearbox is smooth and quiet-shifting, and the optional turbocharged powertrain offers plenty of pep.
Most Kia Seltos crossovers have CVT, except for the Turbo model.
Kia Models without CVT Transmission
The various Kia vehicles that do not have the CVT transmission include:
- Kia Optima – midsize sedan.
- Kia K5 – midsize sedan.
- Kia Stinger – midsize sports sedan.
- Kia Sportage – compact SUV.
- Kia Niro – compact SUV.
- Kia Sorento – midsize SUV.
- Kia Telluride – midsize three-row SUV.
- Kia Niro EV – compact electric SUV.
- Kia EV6 – compact electric SUV.
- Kia Carnival – minivan.
Kia is one of the few automakers with V6 engines that equip their larger vehicles with six or eight-speed, traditional or shiftable automatic gearboxes.
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