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What is Kia UVO?

If you're in the market for a new Kia and comparing features, you'll want to learn more about UVO, Kia's advanced in-vehicle infotainment system. Not only is Kia UVO packed with features, but safety enhancements also help minimize distractions. 

What is Kia UVO?

Image via Flickr by theKCB 

UVO is short for "your voice" and was developed from Microsoft's Windows Embedded Automotive software. At its core,  UVO allows drivers to make calls, play music, navigate, and more on their smartphones through hands-free voice commands. Some older Kia models have UVO eServices, a subscription-free package requiring a smartphone connection to the car through a USB cable. UVO Link, found in 2019 and newer Kia vehicles, is an embedded system that contains all of the functionality of UVO eServices as well as other features. 

In 2019 or news models, there are three types of UVO systems: 

  • UVO Play: Using the touchscreen, you can access radio presets and more. UVO Play comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. 
  • UVO Link: In addition to the UVO Play features, UVO Link includes vehicle diagnostics, remote start, maintenance alerts, and more. These additional features are accessed through your smartphone.
  • UVO Link with Navigation: As the name suggests, this version has all the features of the UVO Link plus built-in navigation, so you don't need a smartphone to use your data. 

Choosing the right UVO for you is a matter of personal taste and what features you're looking for.  

What Are the Features of Kia UVO?

Are you curious to know everything that the Kia UVO can do? Let's start with a look at the entertainment and convenience features of the UVO. You can listen to all your favorite music through services like SiriusXM and Pandora. Kia Jukebox lets you stream tracks from your phone directly onto your Kia audio system. 

Voice commands are an integral part of Kia UVO, including commands for texting, hands-free calling, changing the volume,  navigation, and more. All you have to do is hit the talk button on the steering wheel. 

UVO can also alert you about any scheduled maintenance needed and issue vehicle diagnostics and health reports, so you know whether your Kia is operating at its full capacity.

UVO eServices Features

The UVO eServices app includes numerous capabilities, allowing you to see where you parked your car, check your vehicle status, connect with 911, and more. 

UVO's Parking Minder helps you keep track of where you parked your vehicle by connecting to your phone's GPS. You can even send your location to a friend so they can meet you where your car is parked. You can also set reminders for your parking meters. 

Another feature is My Car Zone, which allows you to keep your family members safe by setting thresholds for certain drivers. This feature is great if you have younger or inexperienced drivers in your household. If the vehicle is driven past any of the speed, time, or designated boundary settings, then UVO will send an alert to your smartphone. 

My Points of Interest allows you to save places for navigation later on. For example, if you were on a road trip and found an amazing restaurant you wanted to return to at another time, UVO can save the address for you. 

UVO can connect you with a Roadside Assistance operator if you run into mechanical issues and your vehicle breaks down. In the event of an accident, you can use 911 Connect to summon emergency responders to the scene. If your airbag deploys, UVO will automatically try to call 911 and send emergency services to your location. 

UVO Link Features 

UVO Link offers four different levels—Lite, Care, Plus, and Ultimate—that encompass a variety of features, including:  

  • Remote Climate Control, which allows you to set your car to the right temperature before you get in;
  • Remote Door Lock & Unlock; and 
  • Rear Occupant Alert, which detects movement in the vehicle after locking the doors. 

To learn more about other options, check out the full list of features highlights in the Kia Access App PDF brochure

How Does Kia UVO Work?

Accessing the Kia UVO starts with vehicles that have a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display. The display also has buttons so you can control the system without the need to look at it while driving. When you connect to the car with your smartphone, you have added benefits and features, including hands-free capability. Integrating your smartphone allows you to bring your favorite music, apps, Google maps, answer your phone, and more, without lifting a finger. 

Vehicles enabled with UVO Link include eService features like Parking Minder, 911 Connect, and My Car Zone, in addition to other features like Remote Climate Control and Rear Occupant Alert. You can find these subscription-based features in the Kia Access app. 

What Vehicles Have Kia UVO?

For 2020 Kia vehicles, one or more trim levels of the following models have UVO availability: 

  • Cadenza
  • Forte
  • K900
  • Niro
  • Niro EV
  • Niro PHEV
  • Optima
  • Optima PHEV
  • Rio
  • Sedona
  • Sorrento
  • Soul
  • Sportage
  • Stinger
  • Telluride

On the Kia owners website, you can use the UVO search feature by entering your preferred Kia model, year, and trim to see if UVO is available. There is also a feature to search by VIN.

Does Kia UVO Have Remote Start?

The Kia Remote Start feature allows you to start your vehicle from a distance and is available on certain models regardless of UVO. This feature is ideal when you live somewhere with harsh winters. Even if your preferred vehicle doesn't come standard with Remote Start, it can be added at the dealer level in many cases. 

If you want Remote Start for the cooling and heating benefits, you may achieve the same outcome with the UVO app on some electric vehicles. For example, the Kia Soul EV allows you to use the app to set charging times and pre-warmup or cooldown on your vehicle.  

Contact Tom Kadlec Kia to Learn More and Shop New Kia

Are you in the market for a new Kia? If so, our knowledgeable sales team at Tom Kadlec Kia is here to help you find the Kia that's right for you. If you have additional questions about UVO, we are happy to answer them as well. Come in today and let us help you find the Kia that's right for you. Contact us online, or call us at 507-215-8923 to get started.