Renamed telematics system aligns with Kia’s new future-focused EV brand direction
- Kia Connect enhances UVO catalog of features with new updates and added amenities including Map Over the Air (OTA) updates starting with all-new 2022 EV6 crossover1
- New name emphasizes the importance of connectivity, as Kia Connect is now available on at least one configuration of all Kia models
- Fully refreshed Kia Access App provides a more streamlined customer experience
- New Stolen Vehicle Recovery feature ups level of security and peace of mind for Kia owners
Kia America has rebranded its long-standing in-car and app-based telematics system from “UVO” to “Kia Connect,” aligning with the automaker’s new future-focused brand direction, centered around electrification. The renaming emphasizes the importance of connectivity as, starting with model year 2022, one or more configurations of each Kia vehicle will have access to Kia Connect. The brand has seen its number of connected cars grow forty-fold from 15,000 in 2018, to an estimated 600,000 by the end of 2021.
Kia Connect builds on the existing catalog of UVO features with new updates and added amenities, including Map Over the Air (OTA) updates, which will first become available on the upcoming all-new 2022 EV6. The advanced technology suite also provides peace of mind for Kia owners with the newly-introduced Stolen Vehicle Recovery feature, which assists law enforcement in the recovery process with location sharing and immobilization capabilities.
Along with the new name, Kia Connect is redefined through a fully refreshed Kia Access App on Apple2 and Android3 devices. The new interface offers newly added compatibility through smartphones and smartwatches to access features including remote climate control and door lock/unlock.4 Aside from increased convenience, the Kia Access App provides customers with a more streamlined and intuitive user experience.
“As Kia shifts to electrification, in-car connectivity is a core pillar of the brand,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. “To that end, Kia Connect will deliver a world-class customer experience through an array of features that enhance vehicle connectivity, functionality, and user control.”
Aside from upcoming Map OTA updates and new Stolen Vehicle Recovery, and depending on the model and trim, Kia Connect provides the following services and features through advanced embedded connectivity5:
- Wi-Fi Hotspot6 connects up to five devices to 4G LTE based internet
- Connected Routing: Cloud-based system calculates the optimal route using real-time maps and predicted traffic info based on historical information and AI to learn the preferred routes of users
- Last Mile Navigation: Provides walking directions to selected navigation destination from up to one mile away through the Kia Access app on compatible smartphone
- Smart Speaker Integration lets customers use Amazon Alexa7 or Google Assistant8 enabled smart speakers or devices to remotely control some functions (such as remote start)
- Connected Weather: Provides weather information for more than 25,000 cities
- Enhanced voice assist feature allows voice control of the vehicle’s climate, seat and steering-wheel heating9, audio system, and other functions
- 911 Connect and Enhanced Roadside Assistance: Automatically calls 911 via the built-in modem if an airbag deploys.10 For non-emergencies, it can connect with 24/7 roadside assistance and share the vehicle’s location
- On-demand Find My Car with Surround View Monitor: Uses the vehicle cameras to capture images of the vehicle’s surroundings and then displays them in the Kia Access App or Kia Owner’s Portal
- Integrates owner’s personal calendar and shows calendar events in the navigation system
Currently, new connected car features are launched through the Kia Owner’s Portal and app updates. Customers will rely on OTA updates in the future as Kia adds this capability to new vehicles. The 2023 Sportage is the first Kia model to be announced with Kia Connect. However, the 2022 EV6 will be the first model to go on sale with the Kia Connect name.
1 Purchase/lease of certain 2022 and newer Kia vehicles with Kia Connect includes a complimentary 1-year subscription starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After your complimentary 1-year Kia Connect subscription expires, continued access to the full suite of Kia Connect services available on your Kia will require a paid subscription at the then-current subscription rate or your use of certain Kia Connect features may immediately terminate. Use of Kia Connect is subject to agreement to the Kia Connect Privacy Policy (available at owners.kia.com/us/en/privacy-policy.html) and Terms of Service (available at owners.kia.com/us/en/terms-of-service.html). Complimentary Kia Connect subscription is transferable to subsequent owner during the original Kia Connect service term. Only use Kia Connect when safe to do so. Kia Connect may currently be unavailable for Model Year 2022 and newer vehicles sold or purchased in Massachusetts; please see the Kia Owner’s Portal for updates on availability. Kia Access with Kia Connect app is available from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Kia America, Inc. reserves the right to change or discontinue Kia Connect at any time without prior notification or incurring any future obligation. Message and data rates may apply. Cellular and GPS coverage is required to use most features. Kia Connect features may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. For more on details and limitations, visit www.kia.com or your authorized Kia dealer. Apple and App Store are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Google and its related trademarks are trademarks of Google LLC or its affiliates.
2 Apple is a trademark of Apple, Inc.
3 Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
4 Remote features require a Kia Connect subscription, a compatible smartphone and/or smartwatch, and a wireless signal with good coverage. Normal cellular service rates may apply. Do not use remote climate control or remote start if vehicle is in an enclosed area (e.g., closed garage) or a partially enclosed area without ventilation. Close all doors leading from adjacent living areas to the vehicle area before executing a remote climate control or remote start command.
5 Kia Connect features may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Cellular and GPS coverage is required to use most features. Message and data rates may apply.
6 Wi-Fi Hotspot requires enrollment in Kia Connect. Trial or paid subscription data plan required. Wi-Fi Hotspot services require vehicle cellular connectivity and availability of vehicle GPS signal; certain services may collect location information. Wi-Fi Hotspot available only in the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia. Wi-Fi Hotspot may be unavailable for model year 2022 and newer vehicles that are purchased or sold in Massachusetts.
7 Amazon devices are sold separately and require a Wi-Fi internet connection. Amazon, Alexa, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
8 Google devices are sold separately and require a Wi-Fi internet connection. Google, Google Assistant, and all related logos are trademarks of Google, Inc.
9 Use extreme caution when using the seat warmers to avoid burns. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more safety information.
10 911 Connect must be enabled on head unit and activates after air bag deployment.