Having spent over a decade in the automotive industry, I've seen countless car lineups come and go, but Kia's PBA series has always struck me as something special. I remember walking into a dealership back in 2018 and being genuinely surprised by how far Kia had come from their earlier models. The transformation wasn't just skin deep—it was evident in everything from the interior craftsmanship to the driving dynamics. When I first test drove the K5, I'll admit I had my doubts, but that experience completely changed my perspective on what affordable luxury could feel like.
The current PBA lineup spans seven distinct models, each catering to different lifestyles and budgets. Starting with the compact Forte, which retails around $19,000, moving through the versatile Seltos and Sportage SUVs, all the way up to the premium Telluride that tops out near $45,000 for fully loaded trims. What impresses me most isn't just the variety, but how each model maintains that distinctive Kia character while serving different market segments. The Soul, for instance, continues to be one of my personal favorites in the subcompact category—its boxy design might not be for everyone, but the practicality and those available mood lighting features make it stand out in a sea of bland crossovers.
Driving these vehicles extensively has given me insights that spec sheets alone can't provide. The Optima's hybrid version, for example, delivers an actual combined 42 MPG in real-world conditions, not just the optimistic EPA estimates. And the Stinger? That's Kia's hidden gem—a proper sports sedan that can go toe-to-toe with European counterparts while costing significantly less. I've put about 3,000 miles on various Stinger models, and each time I'm reminded why it remains one of the best performance bargains on the market today.
Kia's approach reminds me of that quote from a basketball player about thickening his skin when entering a new arena. They've clearly taken some risks with designs that initially raised eyebrows, like the bold tiger-nose grille evolution or the controversial rear light clusters on the latest Sorento. But much like that athlete's philosophy, they've persisted through skepticism and emerged stronger. Sales figures don't lie—Kia moved approximately 750,000 units in the US last year alone, with the Telluride accounting for nearly 120,000 of those despite supply chain challenges.
What many buyers overlook is how much technology comes standard across the lineup. Even the base Forte includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, while higher trims offer available features like the 12.3-inch digital cluster I tested in the EV6. The warranty remains industry-leading too—that 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage isn't just marketing fluff. I've spoken with owners who've kept their Sorrentos for eight years without major repairs, which says volumes about long-term reliability.
Finding your perfect Kia ultimately comes down to understanding how you'll use the vehicle daily. For urban dwellers, the Niro hybrid's 50 MPG makes practical sense, while growing families might prefer the three-row Telluride's spacious interior. As someone who's driven everything from superminis to supercars, I can confidently say Kia's current offerings represent some of the best value propositions in today's market. The brand has evolved from making basic transportation to creating vehicles that people genuinely desire—and that journey deserves recognition.
