Only available in the local Korean domestic market, the Kia Ray is equipped with a 998 cc gasoline engine which generates 78 PS (57 kW; 77 hp) at 6,400 rpm.

The Ray nameplate was used for an unrelated plug-in hybrid concept vehicle, based on the contemporary Kia Forte.

[4] The plug-in hybrid concept Ray was equipped with a 1.4L GDI engine developing 114 kW (153 hp)[5] and a 78 kW (105 hp) electric traction motor which drew power from a lithium-ion polymer battery sufficient to give the vehicle a 80 km (50 mi) all-electric range.

It is powered by a 50 kW (67 hp) electric motor, with a 330 V, 16.4 kWh lithium ion battery that allows an all-electric range of 139 km (86 mi) depending on driving conditions.

[10] The initial roll out was limited to a production run of 2,500 vehicles destined for the South Korean government fleets, and scheduled to be deployed in 2012.

[7] In May 2013 a fleet of 184 Kia Ray EVs were deployed in Seoul as part of a carsharing service called "Electric Vehicle Sharing” at a rate of US$5 per hour.

[14] The radiator grille in the centre of the existing model was raised to the same height as the headlamp and changed to body colour.

The sudden braking alarm system was applied to all trims, and rollover detection was added to the existing six airbags.

Gravity is based on Ray's top trim signature and applies new design elements to create a tough-looking exterior.

[19] Kia Ray sales have grown year-on-year since 2017; the 2023 increase was credited to the introduction of the updated EV model.