2026 Kia Models Ranked by Fuel Efficiency (MPG / MPGe)
1. Kia Sorento PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid)
Efficiency: Around 76 MPGe combined
Electric Range: ~30 miles all-electric before it switches to hybrid mode
Why It Leads: This model takes the lead because its plug-in system allows many drivers to drive daily commutes almost entirely on electricity, making it the most fuel-efficient in the lineup.
2. Kia Sorento Hybrid (HEV)
Efficiency: About 34–36 mpg city/highway,
~35 mpg combined
Driving Range: Over 600 miles per tank
Why It Ranks High: Being a three-row SUV, the Sorento Hybrid provides great efficiency and range, which makes it highly practical for families needing space without wanting to lose out on fuel efficiency.
3. Kia Carnival Hybrid
Efficiency: Around 34 mpg city, 31 mpg highway,
~32 mpg combined
Why It Matters: As one of the few hybrid minivans available, the Carnival Hybrid provides decent mileage in a class that traditionally favors power over fuel efficiency.
4. Kia K5 Sedan
Efficiency:
LXS trim: ~30 mpg combined (26 city / 37 highway)
EX and GT-Line trims: ~29 mpg combined (25 city / 36 highway)
Why It Works: The K5 is a mix of sporty looks and functional efficiency. It offers sedan buyers improved gas mileage over many SUVs and crossovers and provides a comfortable ride.
5. Kia K4 Sedan and Hatchback
Efficiency: Estimated at approximately 26 mpg city / 36 mpg highway, ~29 mpg combined
Real-World Reports: Owners typically achieve significantly higher combined results, with numbers in the high 30s to mid-40s.
Why It's Notable: New to the lineup is the K4, and it presents a mix of performance and efficiency, especially in turbo trims.
6. Kia Seltos (Gasoline Models)
Base 2.0 L FWD: 28 city / 34 highway / 31 combined
2.0 L AWD: 27 city / 31 highway / 29 combined
1.6 L Turbo AWD (SX): 24 city / 27 highway / 25 combined
Why It Sits Mid-Pack: The Seltos is a subcompact SUV with good efficiency, but AWD and turbocharged models cut into fuel economy from the base model.
7. Kia Sorento (Gasoline Models)
2.5 L Base Engine: Around 23 city / 28–31 highway / 27–28 combined
2.5 L Turbo: Around 20 city / 27–29 highway / 23–24 combined
Why It Ranks Lower: These gas engines, while powerful, are not as fuel-efficient as the hybrid options. Buyers who choose them will prioritize performance and towing capacity over fuel efficiency.
8. Kia Carnival (Gasoline V6)
Efficiency: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined
Why It's Last: This trim offers the most space and power in Kia's lineup but at the expense of fuel economy. For large families who don't mind bigger fuel bills, the Carnival V6 is still a solid choice.
Key Takeaways
Hybrids and plug-ins take the lead: The Sorento HEV and PHEV, and the Carnival Hybrid, are the unquestioned efficiency leaders.
Sedans offer balance: The K5 and K4 offer decent mileage without sacrificing the drive and style.
SUVs are all over the place: The Seltos performs well for a subcompact, and the Sorento's gas trims rank lower unless you hybridize.
Minivan buyers have a choice: The Carnival Hybrid is a fuel-sipper for a family vehicle, but the gas V6 serves up more power at the expense of greater fuel use.