What is a KN Car? A New Car Brand or An Established Icon in the Automotive Industry
If you’ve come across sleek, stylish cars adorned with an eye-catching KN logo, you have probably asked yourself whether the car brand is a new player in the automotive arena. Well, you are not alone.
According to Google Trends data, at least 30,000 people are searching for “KN car” every month. But what is a KN car? Is it really a new car brand? In this article, we’ll let you know what a KN car is. Keep reading to find out.
Is a KN Car a New Car Brand?
No, a KN car is not a new car brand. The KN logo you’ve seen on cars is actually a new logo for the South Korean automobile manufacturer, Kia Corporation. In fact, the capital letters spelling out the car brand are “K,” “I,” and A,” not “KN.”
The new KIA logo was officially unveiled in January 2021. It was accompanied by the company’s new brand slogan, “Movement that Inspires.”
According to Kia, the new logo represents its commitment to innovation and its goal to become a leading force in the fast-changing automotive industry.
Unfortunately, since Kia unveiled the logo, thousands of consumers have been left puzzled and confused, as the new logo looks more like “KN” than “KIA.” The redesigned logo features a merging of the letters “I” and “A.” The line that is used to cross the capital letter “A” appears to be missing. And as a result, the “IA” in the Kia logo looks like a backward N.
Google Trends data shows that people from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada have been actively searching online to find out more about the KN car. Questions that are lingering in the minds of consumers include:
- What is a KN car?
- What is the KN car brand?
- What car logo is KN?
- What car has the initials KN?
- Who makes a KN car?
- What is the price of the KN car brand?
Do People Dislike the New Kia Logo?
It has been over two years since Kia debuted its logo. Some people have expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for the redesigned logo, praising its modern and sleek appearance.
However, many customers are not fascinated by the new logo. From Twitter to Reddit, these consumers have voiced their disappointment, citing the difficulty in immediately recognizing the Kia logo, which resembles the letters KN.
Recently, a Twitter (X) user, @Shwinnabego, tweeted, “the new Kia logo is so unreadable that at least 30k people a month search for the “KN car” ever since its debut.” Honestly, the fact that around 30,000 people per month are searching for the term “KN car” is a clear indication of the confusion surrounding the logo’s interpretation.
Apart from Twitter (X), Reddit is another platform where customers have expressed their opinions about the Kia logo. In the Reddit forum “R/what is this car,” a Reddit member posted a Kia with its new logo and asked, “KN car model?” The person wanted to know if it was a new car brand. Someone commented, “Kia Carnival. It’s their new logo.” “Thanks! I don’t think I’m a fan of it,” the original poster replied.
In another Reddit community, “R/nonmurdermysteries,” a Redditor posted,” Have you ever heard of a KM car? Neither have I and I haven’t the slightest idea when or where they come from. Google doesn’t give me anything useful at all.
I’ve saw them twice in Upstate SC, both times on car transporters, close to inland port both times. Sedans and SUV’s neutral colours like red, gray or black and no discernible features besides the large silver KM logo on the backs. They were headed North both times, they appear to be brand new.
Not super interesting but something nonetheless, I’ve seen hundreds of car brands and from what I can tell none are remotely related. Perhaps I saw a prototype of a merger vehicle, it’s been discussed before but are generally unpopular as most manufacturers are in direct competition.”
Luckily, other Reddit members clarified that it was the new Kia logo. “I believe what you’re referring to is the new KIA logo,” one member replied. Another user commented, “KIA KIAAAAA KIAAAAAAAAA.”
What is Kia Saying About the New Logo?
Kia Corporation has taken notice of the numerous Internet posts and discussions surrounding the KN car references. The company recognizes the curiosity and confusion this similarity has sparked and understands the importance of addressing these discussions.
A Kia spokesperson told Motor Trend, “Any adoption to something new can take time, but this change really got people talking.”
“While we have seen Internet posts referring to “KN” reference, we believe the logo offers a fresh approach that is at once modern, easy to read, and very premium,” the spokesperson added.
History of the Kia Logo
Kia was established in 1944 in South Korea. During that time, the company was known as Kyungsung Precision Industry. It manufactured steel tubing and bicycle parts. Seven years later, Kia produced Korea’s first domestic bicycle, the Samchully.
In 1952, the car brand changed its name to Kia Industries. According to the South Korean company, the name Kia comes from the Sino-Korean characters “KI” and “A.” “KI” means “to come out,” while “A” stands for “Asia.” So, the name KIA is roughly interpreted as “to come out of Asia” or “to rise out of Asia.”
A few years later, Kia started manufacturing motorcycles, and by the 1970s, it had expanded its horizons to include the production of automobiles. The company built its first automotive plant in 1973, and they called it the Sohari Plant. This pivotal moment marked Kia’s official entry into the world of car manufacturing.
Kia produced its first line of Brissa passenger cars in 1974. Unfortunately, the production of these cars came to a halt in 1981 after Chun Doo-hwan, the South Korean army general and military dictator, enforced industry consolidation. It was during this period that Kia stopped manufacturing passenger cars. Instead, the company focused on producing light trucks.
Kia later rejoined the automobile industry in the mid-1980s. It became partner with an American automobile manufacturer, Ford. In 1992, Kia began selling its cars in the US.
Asia Financial Crisis
The 1997 Asia Financial Crisis caused widespread economic turmoil in many Asian countries, including South Korea. During this period, Kia experienced financial difficulties that eventually led the company to the brink of bankruptcy.
The situation forced Kia to put itself up for auction. And in 1998, the Hyundai Motor Company stepped in to acquire a significant stake in Kia. Today, Hyundai Motor Company owns about 34% of the company.
Currently, Kia’s lineup consists of an extensive range of vehicles, including:
- SUVs
- Minivans
- Sedans
- Electric vehicles
The car brand is the second-largest automaker in South Korea. It sells around 3 million cars worldwide annually.
So how has the Kia Logo evolved over the years? Here’s everything you need to know:
1944–1964
Kia was founded in 1944, but it did not have a logo as it was primarily focused on manufacturing bicycle parts. However, the company started producing bicycles in 1951, and it changed its name from Kyusung Precision Industry to Kia Industries.
In 1953, the first-ever Kia logo was designed. The logo featured a three-diamond pattern, a gear in the middle, and another diamond inside the gear. Kia’s name was placed inside the inner diamond.
1964–1986
The next Kia logo was unveiled in 1964. This logo looked nothing like its predecessor. It was composed of a green circle with a diagonal line protruding from the top. It actually resembled an upside-down letter “Q.”
It is said that the logo is a combination of the letter “O,” which symbolizes the wheel, and the first letter of the Korean word that represents the “Automobile industry.”
1986–1994
The logo during this period featured the name “Kia.” The “K” had a thick line, and the lower line was shaped like a right-angle triangle. The upper line of the letter “K” was wavy and elongated on the top of the letters “i” and “a.”
1994–2012
In 1994, the wavy logo was out, and Kia introduced a new logo. This time, the name of the car brand was inside an oval shape. The emblem was not only clear, but it also consisted of a simple color palette of white and red. The horizontal line in the letter A was missing.
Kia decided to use the color red as it represented the company’s passion and energy to serve its customers. On the other hand, the white color stands for the purity and loyalty of Kia to its consumers.
2012–2021
The 2012 logo resembled the logo from 1994. However, this logo had bold and sharper lines with brighter red coloring.
2021 — Present
The current Kia logo is not only sleek and stylish, but also futuristic. It uses Kia’s primary colour, Midnight Black. According to Kia, the logo is meant “to resemble a handwritten signature.”
The logo features three key elements that represent Kia’s confidence and commitment to serving its customers worldwide. They include:
- Symmetry
- Rhythm
- Rising
All three letters connect to each other; the letter “K” merges with the letter “I” on the upper line of “K,” and the letter “I” merges with the letter “A.” The horizontal bar in the letter “A” is not there, and this makes the logo look like the letters “KN” at first glance.
What Kia Vehicles are Currently Bearing the New Kia Logo
Now that you know that the KN car you’ve seen on your way to the grocery store is actually a Kia, you must be wondering what Kia vehicles are currently featuring the redesigned logo. Here are vehicles bearing the new Kia logo:
2024 Kia Seltos
The 2024 Kia Seltos is a subcompact SUV that has garnered widespread acclaim for its spacious interior, excellent warranty, and modern technology.
The car comes with a larger grille and updated lighting both at the front and rear. The cabin features an updated infotainment panel with a pair of huge screens. Its optional 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine can now make 195 horsepower.
The Kia Seltos is designed with driver and passenger comfort in mind. Both the front and rear seats are comfortable and spacious, providing ample legroom for an average adult.
Pricing: Starts at $24,390
2023 Kia Niro
The 2023 Ki Niro is another stylish car you should definitely check out. The car is bigger than the 2022 model. And it comes with a host of advanced tech features.
The Kia Niro offers an impressive mileage of up to 53 mpg in combined city and highway driving. It is powered by a 139-hp powertrain, which consists of a 6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor.
The Niro comes with numerous safety features, such as:
- Automatic emergency braking.
- Lane-following assist.
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Inside the Niros cabin, you’ll find a range of components that are made using recycled materials.
Pricing: Starts at $26,590
2023 Kia EV6
The 2023 Kia EV6 is one of the most loved vehicles in the Kia lineup. The car is celebrated for its impressive electric performance and cutting-edge technology.
The EV6 takes advantage of super-fast charging capabilities. It allows you to recharge your battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. Its battery comes in two sizes, a 58.0 kWh and a 77.4 kWh pack. The smaller one has an EPA-rated range of 232 miles. The larger one has an EPA-rated range of up to 310 miles.
When it comes to the interior, Kia has embraced a futuristic design that seamlessly merges technology and comfort. The car features dual curved 12.3-inch screens; one provides driver information, and the other is for the infotainment system.
Pricing: Starts at $42,600
2023 Kia Soul
If you are looking for an affordable, spacious car with a touch of style and practicality, the 2023 Kia Soul is an excellent choice. It comes with 24.2 cubic feet of cargo room. If the rear seats are folded, it has 62.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
The high roof of the 2023 Kia Soul translates into abundant headroom for both the front and rear. The rear legroom is 38.8 inches. It features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive.
The Kia Soul carries an EPA rating of up to 35 mpg for highway driving and 28 mpg for city driving. The key safety features included in the 2023 Kia Soul are:
- Automatic high-beam headlamps.
- Lane-keeping assistance.
- Automatic emergency braking.
Pricing: Starts at $19,890
2024 Kia Carnival MPV
The 2024 Kia Carnival is another Kia that we can’t forget to mention. From comfort to innovative features, the Kia Carnival delivers a truly exceptional experience for families worldwide. The car also boasts attractive looks that set it apart from other minivans on the market.
The Kia Carnival is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 engine that pumps out 290 horsepower. It has 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space. However, when the third-row seats are folded, this car’s cargo space expands significantly to a generous 86.2 cubic feet.
The Carnival also comes with a ton of driver assistance features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking.
- Lane keep assist.
- Blind-spot monitoring.
- Automatic high-beam headlamps.
Pricing: Starts at $33,200
2024 Kia Telluride
With seating for up to 8, advanced safety technology, and a bold design, the 2024 Kia Telluride has quickly become a favourite among families and adventure seekers as well. It has a spacious cabin that prioritizes comfort for all passengers.
The 2024 Kia Telluride comes with a gasoline V6 powertrain. A front-wheel-drive Telluride is rated at 20 mpg city and26 mpg highway. An all-wheel-drive EPA rating is 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
The Telluride is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. It also comes with many safety features, such as:
- Rear parking sensors.
- Child door locks.
- Blind spot alerts.
- Rearview camera.
Pricing: Starts at $35,990
2023 Kia Sportage
The 2023 Kia Sportage is another car you may think is a KN car since it has the new Kia logo. This car is equipped with a huge and slightly curved digital display on the dashboard.
When driving the Kia Sportage, you’ll realize that it excels at providing a comfortable and quiet ride. Its interior offers a serene and beautiful environment, allowing you to enjoy your journeys to the fullest.
The fuel economy for the Kia Sportage is 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The Sportage comes with a spacious interior. In fact, it can accommodate up to five passengers.
Pricing: Starts at $26,290
2023 Kia Sorento
When it comes to tackling the most challenging weather conditions and rugged environments, the 2023 Kia Sorento stands out as a reliable SUV. It comes with numerous off-road features, such as Hill Assist Control and Snow Mode.
It has seating for up to seven. For turbocharged models, it offers the option of a captain’s chair in the second row. The Sorento cargo area has 12.6 cubic feet of space. However, the third-row seats can easily be folded down to expand cargo space.
Pricing: Starts at $30,090
2023 Kia Stinger
The 2023 Kia Stinger sedan is one of the most stylish and captivating vehicles on the market right now. From its sleek exterior to its premium interior, the Stinger is a true representation of Kia’s dedication to blending performance and luxury in a single package.
It comes in two different models:
- The Stinger GT-Line.
- The Stinger GT2.
The GT-Line is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that churns out 300 horsepower. The GT2 is powered by a 3.3 liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine that pumps out 368 horsepower.
Other features of the 2023 Kia Stinger include:
- LED headlights.
- Rear parking sensors.
- A 12-way power driver’s seat.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control.
- Heated side mirrors with puddle lights.
- Rain-sensing wipers.
- Self-dimming rearview mirror.
Pricing: Starts at $36,690
2024 Kia K5
The 2024 Kia K5 is a midsize sedan that has been making waves in the automotive world since its inception. The car is equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features, including:
- A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- Twelve Bose speaker premium audio system.
The Kia K5 features a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 180 hp and also 195 lb-ft of torque. The K5, with the base engine and front-wheel drive, has a fuel economy rating of 37 mpg highway and 27 mpg city. For an all-wheel drive, the rating drops to 25 mpg city and 33 highway.
Pricing: Starts at $25,390
2023 Kia Rio
If you are looking to purchase a cheap and efficient car with a good warranty, the 2023 Kia Rio is a great choice. The Rio comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This makes it an appealing option for a new driver who wants peace of mind and reliable transportation.
The Kia Rio has an 8-inch touchscreen display that offers wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. Its trunk space isn’t as generous as some other Kia vehicles. Its cargo area is just 17.4 cubic feet. If the rear seats are folded down, the space expands to 32.8 cubic feet.
Pricing: Starts at $16,750
Final Words
For those who were wondering what a KN car is, we hope that this article has answered your question. A KN car is not a new car brand. The KN Carnival or the KN E6 you’ve come across on the streets is actually not a KN car. It is just a new logo for the renowned South Korean Automobile manufacturer, Kia.
The confusion is understandable, given the similarities between “KN” and “KIA” in the new logo design. However, keep in mind that the logo symbolizes Kia’s bold transformation and it’s vision for the future of mobility. So it’s unlikely that the car brand will change the logo.
