Kia to Add Small AWD Crossover in U.S.

Kia Motors Corp. is developing a compact crossover with all-wheel drive for its U.S. lineup.

Such a model is in the company’s plans, Kia America chief operating officer Michael Cole tells WardsAuto. But he didn’t provide any details about the program.

Wards notes that all the three top-selling small crossovers in the U.S. offer awd. The Jeep Compass ranked first in the market last year, followed by the Subaru Crosstrek and Hyundai Tucson.

Other media reports speculate that Kia could offer an awd model based on parent Hyundai Motor Co.’s upcoming Venue crossover (pictured). That vehicle was unveiled at last month’s New York auto show.

Other possibilities include awd variants of Kia’s Soul or Stonic crossover. The latter isn’t currently available in the U.S. The third-generation Soul shares a platform with the Hyundai Kona, which offers awd as an option.