“For the K900 to be accepted as a true luxury vehicle, Kia needs to alter and differentiate the design since it now looks too similar to the Optima and Cadenza which are lower level vehicles.”
Kia K900: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Kia K900 is a full-size luxury sedan and Kia’s former flagship. It is known for quiet highway comfort, rich interior materials, strong gas engines, and a long list of standard premium features.
The K900 was Kia’s effort to deliver traditional full-size luxury without making buyers climb through many expensive option levels. First-generation cars used rear-wheel drive and offered V6 or V8 power in later years, while the 2019 redesign shifted to a twin-turbo V6 and standard all-wheel drive. Across both generations, the focus stayed on a quiet cabin, comfortable travel, and plenty of built-in comfort and technology.
Strengths
- The quiet cabin and comfort-focused tuning make the K900 well suited to long highway drives.
- Its interior emphasizes upscale materials, with quilted Nappa leather fitted to the redesigned 2019 model.
- The K900 generally includes a generous amount of comfort and technology without relying on a long ladder of trims.
- The second-generation car combines strong power with standard all-wheel drive; in 2020, its twin-turbo V6 produced 365 horsepower.
- Safety and driver-assistance equipment became broader over time, culminating in a wide-ranging standard suite on the second generation.
Who it's for
The K900 fits someone shopping for a comfortable used luxury sedan who cares more about a quiet ride, a well-finished cabin, and generous equipment than a prestige badge. It is especially well suited to relaxed highway travel and buyers who prefer a straightforward lineup.
Kia K900 lineup
Early first-generation cars used Premium and Luxury trim names, with Luxury positioned as the step-up choice. For 2016, Premium V6 was the more accessible version, Luxury V6 paired the higher trim with the V6, and Luxury V8 was the choice for buyers who wanted the larger engine. After the 2019 redesign, the U.S. lineup became much simpler: every K900 came as a single Luxury trim with the twin-turbo V6 and all-wheel drive. That later setup makes trim shopping easy because the core luxury experience was not divided among several versions.
Kia K900 generations
From 2015 to 2020, the K900 spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2019, following the 1st Generation — KH (2015–2018).
2nd Generation (2019–2020)
The second-generation K900 has a new body, a longer wheelbase, a stiffer structure, and revised suspension tuning. U.S. models use a twin-turbo V6, an eight-speed automatic, and standard AWD, with a more upscale cabin and broader safety technology than before.
1 In Stock
2020
Highway Driving Assist becomes standard, and the surround-view camera gets a clearer image.
2019New generation
A full redesign brings a new body and structure, standard AWD, a twin-turbo V6, and a more modern cabin.
1st Generation — KH (2015–2018)
The original U.S.-market K900 is a full-size, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan with a quiet cabin and generous standard equipment. It launched with V8 power, then added V6 trims and received light styling and technology updates for 2016.
3 In Stock
2018
Carryover year and the final model year before the 2019 redesign.
2017
Blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assistance, and rear cross-traffic alert become standard across the lineup.
2016
The lineup changes to Premium V6, Luxury V6, and Luxury V8 trims, along with light styling and cabin technology updates.
2015New generation
The K900 debuts in the U.S. as Kia’s rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan, initially centered on two V8 trims.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Kia K900.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Kia K900?
The Kia K900 is a full-size, four-door luxury sedan with seating for five. It was Kia’s U.S. flagship, built around a quiet ride, a roomy cabin, and a long list of comfort and technology features.
What is the Kia K900 known for?
The Kia K900 is known for quiet highway comfort, rich interior materials, and generous standard equipment. Its focus is relaxed luxury and passenger comfort rather than sharp, sports-car-like handling.
Is the Kia K900 good for rear-seat passengers?
Yes. Rear-seat comfort is a major part of the K900’s appeal. Second-generation models have heated rear seats, and their Luxury trim could include a separate VIP package with additional rear-seat features.
How many generations of the Kia K900 were sold in the U.S.?
Two generations reached the U.S. The original K900 ran from 2015 through 2018. A fully redesigned second generation followed for 2019 and 2020, after which the model left the U.S. lineup.
Is the Kia K900 a hybrid?
No. U.S.-market Kia K900 models use gasoline engines. The first generation used V6 or V8 power depending on year and trim, while the second generation used one twin-turbo V6.
What engines does the Kia K900 have?
Engine choices depend on the era. First-generation models used a 3.8-liter V6 or 5.0-liter V8 depending on year and trim. Second-generation models use a 365-hp, 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 with an eight-speed automatic.
Does the Kia K900 have all-wheel drive?
It depends on the generation. First-generation K900s are rear-wheel drive. The redesigned 2019–2020 K900 has standard all-wheel drive with its twin-turbo V6.
Kia K900 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Kia K900.
4.4
Kia K900
(112 reviews)
“I totally would not recommend KIA to anyone. My car is three months old and been in the shop three times already. I need to put it back in the shop once again for the same reason as the first three times.”
“Both my wife and I love the K900. It offers a very comfortable, quiet, smooth ride. Even at very high speed, you don't even realize how fast you are going. I have recommended the K900 to others. It is a very powerful car. My friends love the car. It also has a very sleek exterior design.”
“This vehicle is fun to drive. Acceleration is excellent. I love the way it responds and handles and is quiet. I love that I can change the driving mode to fit my needs or mood!”
“The car is wonderful. It seems as good as a comparable BMW or Mercedes at a much lower price and warranty.”
“Drive it before you count it out. This car impresses even the most needy of people.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / K900 / 2020
- kiamedia.com — K900 / 2020 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — K900 / 2020 / Features
- kiamedia.com — K900 / 2020 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — K900 / 2020 / Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Models / K900 / 2019
- kiamedia.com — K900 / 2019 / Features
- kiamedia.com — K900 / 2019 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — K900 / 2019 / Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Downloadhandler / Whatsnew / 2018
- kiamedia.com — K900 / 2017 / Features
- kiamedia.com — K900 / 2017 / Specifications