Kia planning small AWD crossover for US market
Could the company be working on a Kia-badged Venue, or perhaps an AWD Soul?
Kia is apparently planning to add a small crossover with all-wheel drive to its US lineup.
Speaking to Wards Auto, Kia Motors America COO Michael Cole confirmed that a new AWD model is in the company's future product roadmap.
The company has not identified which model leads the pack of potential candidates. Speculation points to a Kia-badged adaptation of the new Venue, an AWD Soul variant, or a US launch for the overseas-market Stonic crossover (pictured).
With the redesigned Soul, the company is already targeting a more 'rugged' off-road styling with the X-Line package. Adding all-wheel drive seems like a potentially viable option, as the Soul shares its platform with the Kona crossover that is already available with AWD.
The company has not publicly pinned down a launch window for its mystery small utility vehicle.