If you’ve sat in a new Kia lately, you already know the dashboard looks more like a tablet than a car. Two big 12.3-inch screens, a little climate display tucked underneath, a steering wheel full of buttons, and an app that can start your car from your couch. It’s a lot, and most people only use a fraction of it.
That’s a shame, because a lot of this stuff makes driving easier once you know how it works. So we dug through Kia’s own owner’s manuals, press materials, and owner support pages to put together a plain-English guide. For each feature we’ll cover what it does, which newer Kias have it, and the exact steps to use it.
One quick note before we start: features vary by model, trim, and package. If something below isn’t in your car, it’s probably tied to a higher trim or an option package. Your owner’s manual (or your salesperson) can confirm what you’ve got.
Quick Look: Which New Kias Get Which Tech
Here’s a snapshot of the headline features across some of the newest models, based on Kia’s official 2026 and 2027 model information.
| Model | Dual 12.3″ Screens (ccNC) | “Hey Kia” AI Voice Assistant | Digital Key 2.0 | Highway Driving Assist 2 | Remote Smart Parking Assist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Kia K4 | Standard | Yes | Available | Available (GT-Line Turbo) | Not listed |
| 2026 Kia Sportage | Available (curved panoramic) | Via ccNC | Available (UWB) | Available | Not listed |
| 2027 Kia Seltos | Standard | Yes | Not specified yet | Not listed | Not listed |
| 2027 Kia Telluride | Standard | Yes | Available (UWB) | Available | Available |
| 2027 Kia EV3 | Standard | Yes | Available | Available | Available |
Good to know:
- “ccNC” stands for Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, Kia’s newest infotainment platform. It debuted on the EV9 and has since spread across the lineup.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the K4, the 2027 Seltos, and the 2027 Telluride.
- Several features depend on an active Kia Connect subscription (more on that below).
1. The ccNC Infotainment System and Panoramic Displays
What it does
The ccNC system combines your navigation, media, connectivity, driver displays, and over-the-air updates into one platform. On most new Kias you get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen side by side, plus a 5-inch climate display. On the K4 and EV3, Kia says that adds up to nearly 30 inches of screen.
How to use it
- Swipe and tap like a phone. The home screen uses larger icons and swipe gestures. Long-press a widget to rearrange it.
- Use the touch bar below the screen. Many models have a shared audio/climate touch strip. Tap the toggle to switch it between radio controls and climate controls.
- Connect CarPlay or Android Auto wirelessly. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone, go to the phone connection menu on the touchscreen, and follow the pairing prompts. After the first time, your phone reconnects automatically.
- Customize the look. With an active Kia Connect subscription you can download display themes (Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic, all 30 NBA teams, and more) from the Kia Connect Store.
A tip from real-world testing: A Capital One Auto Navigator reviewer who spent time in the 2027 Telluride liked how quick and crisp the system was, but noticed the touch-sensitive buttons below the screen can get bumped on rough roads. If you’re getting accidental inputs, rest your hand on the lower edge of the screen when you reach for them.
2. “Hey Kia” Generative AI Voice Assistant
What it does
This is a big step up from old-school voice commands. Kia’s AI assistant understands normal conversation, so you don’t have to memorize exact phrases. On the 2027 Telluride, Kia says you can ask it for suggestions or even play voice games. On the K4, it can also answer questions about your owner’s manual.
How to use it
- Say “Hey Kia” or press the voice button on the steering wheel.
- Talk like you would to a person.
- Follow up naturally. The assistant keeps context, so you can refine your request.
Things to try:
| What You Say | What Happens |
|---|---|
| “I’m cold.” | Raises the cabin temperature |
| “Turn on my seat heater.” | Turns on the driver’s heated seat |
| “Find Korean BBQ near me.” | Pulls up nearby restaurants and offers directions |
| “Give me directions with less traffic.” | Routes you around congestion |
| “What cafés are nearby?” | Lists local options |
| “How do I turn on the rear defroster?” | Answers owner’s manual-style questions (on supported models) |
In the Capital One test, the assistant handled climate and navigation requests really well, even vague ones. It had a harder time with music requests by genre on SiriusXM, but asking for a channel by number worked fine. So if music requests aren’t landing, be more specific.
3. Kia Connect and the Kia Access App
What it does
Kia Connect is the connected-car service that links your Kia to your phone. The app you’ll use is called Kia Access. Depending on your plan, you can lock and unlock the car, start it with the climate running, find it in a parking lot, get vehicle health reports, and more.
Kia says new vehicles with Kia Connect come with a complimentary three-year subscription starting from the date the car is sold or leased. Kia’s 2026 Sportage and EV3 materials confirm the three-year trial. After that, you choose a plan.
Kia Connect plans at a glance
| Plan | Price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Lite | Free (complimentary for up to 7 years) | Trip info, 911 Connect, maintenance reminders, Digital Key, remote charge control on EVs |
| Care | $5.99/month or $59/year | Adds vehicle health reports, roadside assistance, geofence/curfew/speed alerts, alarm notifications |
| Plus | $14.99/month or $149/year | Adds remote start with climate, remote lock/unlock, horn and lights, Find My Car, remote heated/ventilated seats, climate and charge scheduling |
| Ultimate | $19.99/month or $199/year | Adds Amazon Alexa commands, send destination to car, connected routing with live traffic, weather, navigation OTA updates |
Pricing from Kia’s owner site at the time of writing. Check owners.kia.com for current rates.
How to set it up
- Download the Kia Access app from the App Store or Google Play and create an account.
- Add your vehicle by entering your VIN and requesting a verification code.
- In the car, select “Activate Kia Connect” on the touchscreen and enter the code.
- Confirm the connection on your phone.
Handy things to do with it:
- Pre-heat or pre-cool the car before you leave the house.
- Set up a speed or curfew alert if you have a teen driver.
- Use Find My Car in big parking lots or at the airport.
- Schedule climate so the car is warm every weekday morning at 7:15.
4. Digital Key 2.0: Your Phone Is the Key
What it does
Digital Key 2.0 lets your smartphone or smartwatch act as your car key. The newest version uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, so on supported models you can lock, unlock, and start the car with your phone still in your pocket. The 2027 Telluride also supports NFC smart cards and lets you share keys with up to three people, including Apple Watch access.
Some earlier Kias use a “Touch” version that requires you to tap your phone on the door handle instead.
Compatible devices (per Kia dealer guidance)
- Apple: iPhone XS or newer, Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, on the latest iOS
- Samsung: Galaxy S20 or newer, Note20 5G or newer, Z Flip 5G or newer, Fold 2 or newer, with Samsung Pass
How to set it up and use it
- Make sure your car is registered in the Kia Access app and Kia Connect is active.
- Follow the Digital Key prompts in the app to add the key to Apple Wallet or Samsung Pass.
- To unlock: Walk up to the car (UWB models) or tap your phone or watch on the door handle sensor (Touch models).
- To start: Place your phone on the wireless charging pad, or tap your watch on the start button, then press start.
- To share: Send an invite through the app and choose the access level: full, limited, or valet.
Why this matters: Your kid can borrow the car without you handing over the physical fob, and you can give a valet limited access instead of the keys to everything.
5. Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2)
What it does
HDA2 is a Level 2 driver-assist system. On certain highways it keeps a set distance from the car in front, holds your speed, keeps you centered in your lane, and can help you change lanes when you flip the turn signal. It combines Smart Cruise Control with Lane Following Assist, and it can adjust to speed limit changes along the way.
It is not hands-free. Your hands need to stay on the wheel.
How to use it
- Get on a highway where the system is supported.
- Press the Driving Assist button on the steering wheel.
- Watch the HDA icon in the gauge cluster:
| HDA Icon | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Green | Active and working |
| Gray | Standby (one required function isn’t running yet) |
| Blinking white | You’re pressing the accelerator |
| Off | System is off |
- To change lanes: With your hands on the wheel, flip the turn signal. The car will steer into the next lane if conditions are right.
When lane change assist will (and won’t) work
Kia’s manual lists these conditions for the assisted lane change:
- Your hands are on the steering wheel
- There’s no collision risk in the lane you’re moving into
- The lane line is a single dashed line
- You’re going faster than about 50 mph
- No collision avoidance warnings are active
Turn off the signal early or steer sharply and the lane change cancels.
What happens if you take your hands off
- First warning: a message on the dash.
- Second warning: a red steering wheel icon and an audible alert.
- If you still don’t respond: HDA and lane change assist shut off, and the car limits your speed as a safety measure.
Keep in mind: HDA2 doesn’t work well in heavy rain, snow, fog, or on roads with worn or covered lane lines. In the Capital One test, the reviewer drove about 250 highway miles and found the steering smooth and steady, but noted the system passed big trucks a bit closer than he’d like. That’s a good reminder to stay alert.
6. Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)
What it does
When you hit the turn signal, BVM shows a live camera view of your blind spot right in the gauge cluster, using wide-angle cameras in the side mirrors. The Capital One reviewer called it “a game changer,” and once you’ve used it, it’s hard to go back.
How to use it
- Make sure it’s enabled in Settings > Vehicle > Driver Assistance (menu names vary slightly by model).
- Flip your turn signal. The camera feed replaces one of the gauges in the cluster.
- Glance at it along with your mirrors before changing lanes. It’s a helper, not a replacement for a quick look.
It’s available on the K4, the 2027 Telluride, and the EV3, and it’s on the X-Line trim of the 2027 Seltos.
7. Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)
What it does
RSPA lets you pull the car straight into or out of a tight parking space using your key fob while you stand outside. It’s perfect for narrow garages or when someone parked way too close. The car handles the steering, speed, and gear changes.
On some Kias, an upgraded version called Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 is sold through the Kia Connect Store.
How to use it (based on Kia’s owner’s manual)
Option A: Car is off
- Stand within about 13 feet of the car.
- Lock the doors with the smart key.
- Within 4 seconds, press and hold the Remote Start button until the car starts.
- Press and hold the Forward or Backward button on the fob to move the car.
Option B: Car is on
- Pull up in front of the space and shift to Park.
- Press and hold the Parking/View button inside the car.
- Get out with your key and close all the doors.
- Press and hold Forward or Backward on the fob.
Important details:
- The car moves only while you’re holding the button. Let go and it stops.
- It travels up to about 22 feet per operation.
- To finish, press the Remote Start button again or get back in. The car shifts to Park and sets the parking brake automatically.
8. Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates
What it does
Kias with ccNC can download software updates wirelessly, just like your phone. That means map updates, bug fixes, and sometimes new features, without a trip to the dealer.
How to install an update
- The car downloads updates in the background while you drive. You’ll get a notice in the Kia Access app.
- The next time you shut the car off, a prompt shows up on the screen with the estimated install time. You can install now or schedule it for later.
- Watch progress on the screen (you don’t have to stay in the car).
- When it’s done, you’ll get a push notification and a QR code with details on what changed.
Before you start, make sure:
- The car is in Park with the parking brake on
- Exterior lights are off
- The hood is closed
- Any OBD-port devices (like insurance trackers) are unplugged
Heads up: The car can’t be driven during the install, so don’t start an update ten minutes before you need to leave.
9. Safety Tech Worth Knowing About
Most of Kia’s driver assistance features work in the background. You don’t really “use” them, but you should know what the beeps and lights mean. Here’s a rundown of common features on 2026 and 2027 models:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (with Junction Turning) | Warns you and can brake automatically for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, including when turning at intersections |
| Lane Keeping Assist / Lane Following Assist | Nudges you back into your lane or keeps you centered |
| Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go | Keeps a set gap to the car ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic |
| Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist | Warns you about cars in your blind spot and can help steer you away |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist | Warns about (and can brake for) cars crossing behind you when you back up |
| Safe Exit Assist/Warning | Warns passengers before they open a door into approaching traffic |
| Hands-On Detection | Uses a steering wheel sensor to make sure you’re still holding on |
| Rear Occupant Alert (2027 Telluride) | Uses in-cabin radar to detect people in the second and third rows and alerts you, including on your phone |
| 360° Surround View Monitor | Gives you a bird’s-eye camera view for parking |
A few model-specific standouts:
- The 2027 Telluride adds a front-row center airbag, a 12-inch head-up display and full-display digital rearview mirror on top trims, and a Ground View Monitor on the X-Pro that shows the terrain under the front of the car at low speeds.
- The 2027 Seltos now gets Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning as standard.
- The 2026 K4 comes with 16 standard driver assistance features, with more available.
10. EV-Specific Tech (EV3, EV6, EV9)
If you’re driving one of Kia’s electric models, you get a few extra tools.
i-Pedal (one-pedal driving)
- What it does: Lets you speed up, slow down, and stop using just the accelerator. Lift off and the car slows itself using regenerative braking. The EV3 gets i-Pedal 3.0, which works in reverse and remembers your setting.
- How to use it (EV6 example): Pull the left paddle behind the steering wheel to reach regen Level 3, then pull it once more. An i-Pedal indicator lights up in the cluster. Use the right paddle to back off the regen level.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)
- What it does: Turns your car’s battery into a power source for things like a laptop, a coffee maker, or camping gear.
- How to use the exterior adapter (EV6 example): Plug your device into the V2L adapter, plug the adapter into the charging port, and press the button on the adapter. Kia lists max output at 1.9 kW (1,900 watts) for that setup.
- Protect your range: Go to Settings > EV > Vehicle to Load (V2L) > EV Charge Transfer Settings and set a battery discharge limit so you don’t drain the car completely.
NACS charging and Plug & Charge
- The 2025 EV6, 2026 EV9, and 2027 EV3 have a NACS (Tesla-style) charging port built in.
- Kia EV owners can use Tesla Superchargers through Kia Charge Pass in the Kia Access app.
- With Plug & Charge, you just plug in and charging starts, with billing handled automatically. No app fumbling at the charger.
| EV Charging Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Port on newest models | NACS (native) |
| Supercharger access | Yes, through Kia Charge Pass |
| Payment | Plug & Charge on supported models and stations |
| Older CCS1 Kias | NACS-to-CCS1 adapters available through dealers |
11. The Kia Connect Store: Features You Can Add Later
Kia now sells some upgrades as downloads. Depending on your model, the Kia Connect Store includes:
- Remote Smart Parking Assist 2
- Boost (a performance upgrade on certain EVs)
- Lighting Patterns
- Vehicle to Home support
- Entertainment and Data Services (Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube streaming while parked)
- Kia myQ Connected Garage (on the 2027 Telluride, it can open and close your garage as you arrive and leave)
- Display Themes
Availability and pricing depend on your vehicle, so check the store in the Kia Access app or at owners.kia.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for Kia Connect?
Not right away. New Kias with Kia Connect include a complimentary three-year subscription. After that, the basic Lite plan stays free, and paid plans start at $5.99/month. You’ll need Plus or higher for remote start and remote lock/unlock through the app.
Can I still use my regular key fob if I set up Digital Key?
Yes. Digital Key is an addition, not a replacement. Your smart key keeps working, and you’ll need it for features like Remote Smart Parking Assist.
Is Highway Driving Assist 2 self-driving?
No. It’s a Level 2 driver-assist system. It helps with steering, speed, and lane changes on the highway, but you need to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.
Why won’t HDA2 change lanes when I use my turn signal?
Usually one of the conditions isn’t met. Check that your hands are on the wheel, you’re going faster than about 50 mph, the lane line is dashed, and there’s nothing in the next lane.
Will an OTA update erase my settings?
Kia doesn’t say updates wipe your settings, and they’re designed to install without a dealer visit. Just plan ahead, since the car can’t be driven while an update installs.
Can I watch Netflix in my Kia?
On models with Entertainment and Data Services, yes, but only while the car is parked.
Does “Hey Kia” work without a subscription?
Basic in-car commands like climate controls are built into the system, but features that pull live information (like nearby restaurant searches and traffic-aware routing) rely on your Kia’s data connection and Kia Connect. If a request isn’t working, check that your subscription is active.
Can my Kia EV charge at a Tesla Supercharger?
Yes. Newer models like the EV3, 2026 EV9, and 2025+ EV6 have a NACS port built in. Older Kia EVs can use a NACS-to-CCS1 adapter from a Kia dealer. Enroll in Kia Charge Pass in the Kia Access app to get started.
My car doesn’t have one of these features. Can I add it?
Maybe. Some features, like RSPA 2 or display themes, can be purchased in the Kia Connect Store. Hardware-based features like the head-up display or 360° camera are tied to the trim you bought.
The Bottom Line
Kia has packed an impressive amount of tech into its 2026 and 2027 lineup, from the AI voice assistant and phone-as-key access to highway driving assist that makes long road trips a lot less tiring. The best way to get comfortable with all of it is to spend 20 minutes in your driveway going through the settings, pairing your phone, and setting up the Kia Access app. Once it’s dialed in, you’ll wonder how you drove without it.
Have questions about a specific feature, or want a walkthrough on a new Kia? Stop by and our team will be happy to show you how everything works.
References
- Kia America. “2027 Kia Seltos: Big-SUV Capability Puts Small SUV Segment on Notice.” Kia Media. https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/24569/introducing-the-all-new-2027-kia-seltos-big-suv-capability-puts-small-suv-segment-on-notice
- Kia America. “2026 Kia Sportage.” Kia Media. https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/24749/2026-kia-sportage
- Kia America. “2026 Kia K4 Overview.” Kia Media. https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/k4/2026
- Kia America. “2027 Kia Telluride Overview.” Kia Media. https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/telluride/2027
- Kia America. “The All-New 2027 Kia EV3 Debuts at New York International Auto Show.” PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-all-new-2027-kia-ev3-debuts-at-new-york-international-auto-show-302730776.html
- Kia America. “Kia EV6, EV9 and Niro Owners Gain Access to Over 21,500 Tesla Superchargers.” Kia Media. https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/23210/kia-ev6-ev9-and-niro-owners-gain-access-to-over-21500-tesla-superchargers
- Kia Owners Portal. “Kia Connect.” https://owners.kia.com/us/en/about-uvo-link.html
- Kia Owners Portal. “Compare Packages.” https://owners.kia.com/us/en/uvo-compare-packages.html
- Kia Owners Portal. “OTA Software Update.” https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/ota-software-update.html
- Kia Owners Portal. “Kia Connect Store.” https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/kiaConnectStore.html
- Kia Owners Portal. “Remote Smart Parking Assist 2.” https://owners.kia.com/us/en/kiaConnectStore/rspa.html
- Kia Owner’s Manual. “Remote Smart Parking Assist Operation.” https://ownersmanual.kia.com/docview/webhelp/doc/c131d6a0-386f-4a9d-89b5-96e7a8c261c8/topics/chapter7_20_2.html
- Kia Owner’s Manual (EV6). “Highway Driving Assist Operation.” https://www.kia.com/content/dam/kia2/in/en/content/ev6-manual/topics/chapter6_28_2.html
- Kia Owner’s Manual (2026). “Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM).” https://ownersmanual.kia.com/full_webhelp/MV1A/2026/en_US/topics/chapter7_8.html
- Kia Owners Portal. “2024 Kia EV6 Vehicle Feature Tips.” https://owners.kia.com/content/dam/kia/us/owners/pdf/2024/2024-Kia-EV6-Vehicle-Feature-Tips.pdf
- J.D. Power. “What Is Kia Highway Driving Assist 2?” https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-kia-highway-driving-assist-2
- J.D. Power. “What Is the Kia Connected Car Navigation Cockpit?” https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-the-kia-connected-car-navigation-cockpit
- Capital One Auto Navigator. “2027 Kia Telluride Review: Tech Test.” https://www.capitalone.com/cars/learn/finding-the-right-car/2027-kia-telluride-review-tech-test/4142
- Kia Country of Hilton Head. “How to Use Kia Digital Key 2.” https://www.kiaofhiltonhead.com/blog/kia-digital-key-2
- Jeff Belzer’s Auto Group. “How to Set Up Kia’s AI Voice Assistant.” https://www.jeffbelzer.com/blog/how-does-the-kia-ai-assistant-work/
