Kia models ranked by fuel economy, 2026

For model year 2026 the data rates 16 Kia models. The most efficient is Kia EV6 at 115 combined and the least efficient is Kia Carnival at 21; the middle of the list sits at 34.5.

That is a spread of 94 from first to last; the leader's rating is 5.5 times the last model's.

The largest step between neighbouring ranks comes after Kia EV9, 3rd: the next model, Kia Niro Hybrid, is 36 lower.

On annual fuel cost under the file's assumptions, Kia EV6 is lowest at $650 and Kia Carnival highest at $3,200; the median is $1,950.

By vehicle class: Small SUVs (11), Vans and special purpose (2), Large cars (1), Midsize cars (1), 1 more with 1 models in all.

By powertrain: Gasoline (6), Hybrid (4), Electric (3), Plug-in hybrid (3).

MPGe is used for electric models: it is the electric equivalent of MPG, so the figures are comparable as energy efficiency.

Best combined rating of the most efficient Kia models for model year 2026.

All 16 models ranked

Annual fuel cost in the file is based on 15,000 miles a year, 55% city and 45% highway driving, and the fuel prices that fueleconomy.gov published at the time of the release (the same prices for every model year).

Kia models ranked by combined rating, model year 2026
Rank	Model	Vehicle class	Powertrain	Combined MPG	Annual fuel cost	CO2 g/mile	Versions
1	Kia EV6	Small SUVs	Electric	115	$650	0	5
2	Kia Niro Electric	Small SUVs	Electric	113	$700	0	1
3	Kia EV9	Standard SUVs	Electric	89	$850	0	5
4	Kia Niro Hybrid	Small SUVs	Hybrid	53	$1,250	167	2
5	Kia Niro Plug-in hybrid	Small SUVs	Plug-in hybrid	48	$1,400	71	1
6	Kia Sportage Hybrid	Small SUVs	Hybrid	42	$1,600	209	2
7	Kia Sorento Hybrid	Small SUVs	Hybrid	37	$1,800	240	2
8	Kia Sportage Plug-in hybrid	Small SUVs	Plug-in hybrid	36	$1,850	97	1
9	Kia K4	Midsize cars	Gasoline	33	$2,050	269	5
10	Kia Sorento Plug-in hybrid	Small SUVs	Plug-in hybrid	33	$2,050	110	1
11	Kia Carnival Hybrid	Vans and special purpose	Hybrid	32	$2,100	275	1
12	Kia K5	Large cars	Gasoline	30	$2,250	298	4
13	Kia Seltos	Small SUVs	Gasoline	29	$2,300	309	2
14	Kia Sportage	Small SUVs	Gasoline	28	$2,400	317	3
15	Kia Sorento	Small SUVs	Gasoline	26	$2,600	339	4
16	Kia Carnival	Vans and special purpose	Gasoline	21	$3,200	428	1

Each model is shown with its most efficient rated version. How the figures are prepared: methods and data.