Kia Soul EV Expected in Late 2014, Early 2015

Kia has made some major changes to its model lineup over the last couple of years, launching the Cadenza sedan, a redesigned Forte, and refreshed Optima, but that’s just the beginning for the Korean automaker.

Scheduled to arrive later this year is the redesigned two-door Forte Koup and five-door hatchback variants while the second-generation Kia Soul will be arriving this fall. The 2014 Soul will be longer and wider than the current model, giving it a new look while retaining its boxy proportions. As for the Soul EV, it will launch in late 2014, early 2015 though very little details have been revealed on the model. It is believed that the Soul EV will be comparable to the Nissan Leaf in terms of range and price.

SEE ALSO: Electric Kia Soul Prototype Spied Testing in Europe

As for the rest of the automaker’s lineup, the Optima will be redesigned for the 2016 model year while the Rio will see a minor refresh in the summer of 2015. The Quoris will likely be released in America, though a definite launch period has yet to be determined. According to sources, the Korean automaker is watching to see how the Cadenza does in the U.S. market before determining when and if the Quoris will be released.

The Sorento won’t see major changes until the 2016 model year while the Sportage’s update is even further out, not coming until 2017. Meanwhile, Kia will give the Sportage a minor refresh this fall with changes to the headlights and taillights along with an updated grille. The Sedona has been a strange model for Kia, which abruptly disappeared and then reappeared with minor changes. A redesigned model is expected to launch in fall of 2014 with major changes.

Finally, Automotive News reports that a production variant of the GT Concept is still on the table, but isn’t close to getting green lit. Kia still isn’t sold on the idea of producing a rear-wheel-drive sports car for the market.