The car typically needs to be updatable by the customer for free. Otherwise, I think the dealership needs to provide this service and for free. It does not make sense that the dealer cannot do it. There might be an issue with USB port or its wiring. Which Kia EV car do you have? You may contact Kia directly, but not the dealer, to see what they say. If they cannot address the way to fix a simple issue for the customers AND for free, it may cause issues for them. Anyway, this issue may not be critical, but in some states like California, you can return the new purchased car and get a full refund, if they cannot fix its issue (California Car Buyers Bill of Right). You paid for the car and it needs to work correctly without any hassle.
Updating firmware Maps/Multimedia system (HEV, PHEV, EV)
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Are you okay dude?
Unless the warranty included when you purchased/leased your car specifically states that infotainment updates are a covered item, exactly why should a dealer provide them for free when the manufacturer isn't going to reimburse them for the expense? They are a private business, in no way connected to the manufacturer other than the franchise agreement they have (and paid a significant amount for). They have to make money to stay in business.
It's only been recently that some manufacturers offer the ability for an owner to updates their system themselves, and at no cost. Of all my previous cars owned, my '18 Subaru was the first one that offered me free updates that I could download and install myself. Prior to that, you either had to visit a dealer (and pay) or purchase an update that was shipped to you on disc to install yourself. But either way you paid for the update, and in most cases we're talking $150 or more per update. Seems to be we should be pleased that we now have the ability to do it ourselves at no cost.
It's only been recently that some manufacturers offer the ability for an owner to updates their system themselves, and at no cost. Of all my previous cars owned, my '18 Subaru was the first one that offered me free updates that I could download and install myself. Prior to that, you either had to visit a dealer (and pay) or purchase an update that was shipped to you on disc to install yourself. But either way you paid for the update, and in most cases we're talking $150 or more per update. Seems to be we should be pleased that we now have the ability to do it ourselves at no cost.
The dealer I take my Niro to for routine service will do the update while performing the routine service. I don't think it adds materially to the service time and it is excellent customer service. Yes, they have to cover their costs, but that is much easier to do if you have happy, satisfied customers!!
Does the update have to be done in a service bay? Does it need to be a separate process? Cannot the update be uploading while they change the oil, run through the visual inspection? Assuming, of course, they scan for any codes as a first step.
The car must remain powered on during the update, so probably not a good idea to do some of the other maintenance items. Since the ICE can fire at any time if the car's on, I wouldn't want them doing an oil change. Certainly it could sit somewhere out of the way while the update completes. But then you might have the liability of someone jumping in the car and driving off. 
That's what the update instructions state. I believe that a car left in ACC mode might turn itself off after a certain length of time, and the update must not be interrupted.
Understood. Thanks for taking the time to educate me.
Good news! Kia has released an update for non-nav systems.Ah, well that makes me feel really stupid! Us navless folks (I use Android Auto) want to update our software too
Kia Navigation Map Update > Notifications
update.kia.com
Hi,
I'm trying to figure out which system we have, it's a 2018 Niro Hybrid (it also says Eco in many places all over the car) when I checked to download the updates the update for the display audio shows 2019-19 Niro Plug-in Hybrid. Our Niro charges via the gas engine while idle and isn't plugin. the SW version is DEHEV.USA.SOP.V085.180328. Do I have to hunt down an older SW version to update this thing? I'm usually pretty smart when it comes to these things but this is just confusing me. The Navigation Map and Software update lists the vehicle itself but my SW version doesn't show when I try to search using the software version.
I'm trying to figure out which system we have, it's a 2018 Niro Hybrid (it also says Eco in many places all over the car) when I checked to download the updates the update for the display audio shows 2019-19 Niro Plug-in Hybrid. Our Niro charges via the gas engine while idle and isn't plugin. the SW version is DEHEV.USA.SOP.V085.180328. Do I have to hunt down an older SW version to update this thing? I'm usually pretty smart when it comes to these things but this is just confusing me. The Navigation Map and Software update lists the vehicle itself but my SW version doesn't show when I try to search using the software version.
Has anyone tried the Nov. update? Using the app I can download and move the files to my SD card but when I try to update in the car, it says there's update files available. I've done this a few times so I'm pretty sure I've done the right steps.
2019 Hybrid
2019 Hybrid
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It says they are available or says no files available? Read your post. You might reformat the flash drive and put the files in there again.... are you using a small flash drive and formatting ex-fat?
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I don't know what files to download for my 17 touring hybrid. Web instructions made no sense to me. Note: I have done this with my Ford Explorer.
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That's a strange question. My installer app doesn't give me any choices: I tell it is a 2017-18 Niro Hybrid and it is ready to download. No place to get lost nor confused.
Michael, this has a good set of instructions. How to Update | Official Kia Navigation Update Website If you can screen shot where you are having issues, I'm sure someone can help.
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Hi, Zack. Did you ever figure out how to update your software version? My 2017 Kia Niro EX is having same issue you reported (software in my care is still the original 2016). Also, only evident option I have is to use the USB port, as there is no SD Card visible/accessible on the front of my head unit (ie, there's no little card slot flip-up flap). However, my car reports it has 3144KB of memory somewhere. Could there be an SD card somewhere hidden within the dash/trim that I'm not seeing?
Thanks - Scott
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