South Korean automaker

Published by Naitik Mehta · March 14, 2026

Stuck on the clue South Korean automaker from the New York Times Mini for March 14, 2026? We have the correct 3-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?

Clue

South Korean automaker (3)

Answer

The answer to South Korean automaker is Kia (3 letters).

Why does Kia fit this clue?

This is a direct definition clue where 'South Korean automaker' points straight to KIA, one of the major automobile manufacturers based in South Korea. Kia Motors Corporation produces a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to SUVs and has been a significant player in the global automotive market since the 1940s. The company is headquartered in Seoul and is known for models like the Sorento, Optima, and Soul. As South Korea's second-largest automaker after Hyundai, Kia fits perfectly as the answer to this straightforward geographical and industry-specific clue.

What does South Korean automaker mean?

We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definition below.

automaker

noun

•a company that manufactures automobiles or cars

Where did this clue appear?

This clue appeared as 9-across in the New York Times Mini on March 14, 2026, by Joel Fagliano. See all answers for this puzzle.

NYT Mini — Mar 14, 2026

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What does Kia mean?

proper noun

•South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, known for producing cars and commercial vehicles

How to use Kia in a sentence

Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Kia.

•“Kia, the South Korean automaker, has gained significant market share in North America over the past decade.”

•“My neighbor just bought a new Kia Sorento and loves its fuel efficiency.”

•“The dealership offers great warranty coverage on all Kia models.”

What are other crossword clues for Kia?

“Rio maker” (3)

“Sportage maker” (3)

“Maker of the Sorento, Sportage and Seltos S.U.V.s” (3)

“Carnival maker” (3)

“Soul from Seoul” (3)

Learn about related clues

All clues from the New York Times Mini, Mar 14, 2026 crossword

The New York Times Mini for March 14, 2026 was published by Joel Fagliano and has 16 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.

Across

1ABook parts: Abbr. (3)4ASilicon Valley company that operates a fleet of robotaxis (5)6ATo a much greater degree (7)8AContents of a scuba diver's tank (3)9ASouth Korean automaker (3)10AStop on a train route (7)12AActress Merman of "Anything Goes" (5)13AFind another purpose for (5)

Down

1DEmployee's hourly calculation (7)2DWorkout spot (3)3D"Great" mountains of Tennessee, familiarly (7)4DOne giving you the dish? (6)5DBaltimore M.L.B. player (6)6DUsed to be (3)7DSuffix with Caesar or Euclid (3)11DNight that NBC once aired "30 Rock" and "The Office": Abbr. (3)

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Frequently asked questions about South Korean automaker

What is the answer to South Korean automaker?: The answer is Kia (3 letters).
Where did this clue appear?: This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on March 14, 2026.
How many letters does the answer to South Korean automaker have?: The answer has 3 letters: Kia.

Author

Naitik Mehta

Co-founder

Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.