# Modernized Minivan Makeovers The South Korean Kia 'Ray' Gets a New and Exclusive 2023 Makeover By Kanesa D | Published 2022-08-12 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ray References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2022/8/kia-ray-2023-minivan-design-reveal-south-korea-exclusive) & [kia](https://www.kia.ca/en?gclid=CjwKCAjw9NeXBhAMEiwAbaY4luD7qDjxfaT7a-Raa00q0-0C8yg-6EUz46I8s3vcO9Mo5Dadxg_UDhoCWPwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)  [Kia](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-k4-hatchback) has launched a new design for its ‘Ray’ minivan for the [2023](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2023-kia-sportage-phev) season. The Korean automobile manufacturer has given the classic minivan a modern makeover, reinventing it with new aesthetics commonly found on the electric and hybrid vehicles of today. The new Kia model comes with a fully covered grill, a new and improved badge design, new streamlined LED lights and taillights, and the body comes with a refreshed look as well. It is rumored that the new Kia ‘Ray’ will keep its internal combustion engine and [electric powertrains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ev2). The original model boasts a 1.0-liter MPI engine and a four-speed automatic gearbox, while the powertrain is a single-motor setup with 67 horsepower and a 16.4kWh lithium-ion battery. The 2023 Kia ‘Ray’ is will solely be available as a South Korean exclusive, and more specifications are expected to be released before its September debut. Image Credit: Kia ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 12% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Modern Minivan Aesthetics:** The reinvention of the classic minivan with new aesthetics found on electric and hybrid vehicles presents an opportunity for car manufacturers to innovate and modernize their designs. - **Hybrid Powertrain Revamps:** Continued updates to the powertrain systems in hybrid and electric vehicles opens up opportunities for innovation and improvement in fuel efficiency and sustainability. - **Exclusive Regional Models:** Offering exclusive models for specific regions presents opportunities for automobile manufacturers to tailor their designs to specific markets and customer segments. ### Who This Affects Most - **Automotive Manufacturing:** Automobile manufacturers can capitalize on the trend of modernizing and innovating minivan designs by launching their own updated models and targeting customers seeking modern aesthetics. - **Battery Manufacturing:** The updates to the powertrain system and lithium-ion battery in the new Kia 'Ray' present opportunities for battery manufacturers to innovate and improve battery efficiency and sustainability. - **Marketing and Sales:** Creating exclusive regional models to target specific markets can provide opportunities for marketing and sales professionals to develop targeted campaigns and strategies to reach specific customer segments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dynamic Auto Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-k4-hatchback.md) - [Retro-Futuristic Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kia-ev9-suv.md) - [Shapeshifting Communal EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kia-concept.md) - [Opulent Elongated SUV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2027-kia-telluride.md) - [Sleek Sedan Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kia-k4.md) - [Affordable Electric Compact Crossovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kia-ev5.md) - [All-Electric Restored Restomods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1996-pride-13-lx.md) - [Collaborative Vehicle Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobility-solutions.md) - [Compact Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ev2.md)