Although Kia manufactures automobiles with an emphasis on value, the company has recently tried to improve the look, features, and performance of their goods. Even though the carmaker currently produces some vehicles that are genuinely elegant or enjoyable to drive, it still competes in the entry-level market.
The Rio sedan, which has a starting price of $17,000, is the least priced Kia currently on the market. The hatchback version of the Rio is also offered, although it costs roughly $1,000 extra.
Most Expensive: The maximum price for a new Kia has drastically decreased now that the K900 is no longer offered in the U.S. range. A Niro EV EX Premium can be yours for just under $46,000. A Stinger may also be optioned up for more than $50,000.
The name of this vehicle sums it up best. The Stinger feels poised and prepared to attack thanks to its RWD chassis, turbocharged engine choices, and sport-tuned suspension. It is also somewhat practical because to its unusual hatchback load space.
Best Fuel Economy: Up until the arrival of the fully electric EV6, the Niro hatchback is the most fuel-efficient Kia, scoring up to 50 mpg combined. A plug-in hybrid version of the Niro with a range of 560 miles and an EPA-rated 105 mpg-e is also offered.
As soon as a car is released, we want to test and rank as many of them as we can. We’ll rank new models as we periodically update our rankings and we might even change the scores for some models. Vehicles with insufficient testing data, however, are not scored.
In This Article...
What does a basic Kia cost?
Soul LX Kia The base model, which costs $19,190, has a continuously variable automatic transmission and a four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower (CVT).
Are Kia vehicles reliable?
To obtain their overall reliability ratings, the RepairPal team considers a number of different variables. Simply put, your out-of-pocket ownership expenditures will be cheaper the more dependable your car is. The cost, frequency, and severity of repairs are some of these variables. In order to calculate an individual brand’s total RepairPal reliability rating, these categories are averaged.
In the RepairPal reliability rankings, Kia came in at number three, including second place when only non-luxury brands were included. The Kia Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, placing it third among all car brands out of 32. This evaluation is based on the average of 345 different models.
“Kia had three well-liked models, including the Soul, Rio, and Forte, in the top 30 with Excellent ratings. The Optima and Sorento, two of its most well-liked cars, kept their Excellent rankings within the top 100.
Is Toyota superior to Kia?
According to a J.D. Power research from 2019, Kia has the highest initial quality in the non-premium segment in the United States. The 2016 Kia Soul, 2016 Toyota Corolla, Prius, and Prius V were all rated as being among the most dependable vehicles on the road by J.D. Power.
Which automaker offers the best value?
Cheapest Vehicles for 2021
- Overall rating: 4.4 for the 2021 Hyundai Accent.
- Chevrolet Spark in 2021. Overall Score of 3.5.
- Nissan Versa 2021: 4.2 overall rating.
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2021. Overall Score of 4.4.
- Rio Kia 2021. Overall Score of 4.3.
- Hyundai Elantra 2021. Overall Score of 4.8.
- Toyota Corolla 2021. Overall Score of 4.4.
- Volkswagen Jetta, 2021.
What Kia model is the best?
Top mileage vehicles
- Kia Sonet. Price Range: 7.15 – 13.79 Lakh | 24 Kmpl Ex-Showroom. 1.2 Kia Sonet HTE.
- Kia Carens, 2. 9.59 to 17.70 lakh | 21 kilometers per liter. Price is ex-showroom. 1.5% Petrol Kia Carens Premium 7 STR
- Kia Seltos, third. Ex-Showroom Price: 10.19 – 18.45 Lakh | 21 kilometers per liter.
- Kia Carnival. Ex-Showroom Price: 29.99 – 34.98 Lakh | 14 kilometers per liter.
Kia, a luxury manufacturer?
The upmarket reputations of the luxury manufacturers dominate the market for big sedans. On the other hand, Kia lets the K900 do the talking. With its remarkable amenities, spacious interiors, and engaging power, this automobile has received wonderful reviews for its ability to compete in the premium car market.
The 2020 Kia K900 is a wise investment for those automobile buyers who can see past the badges and status markers in this market. The manufacturer’s warranty coverage is unmatched, and the MSRP is really affordable. The fact that Kia doesn’t establish itself as an all-encompassing luxury brand is the only reason it isn’t drawing more attention. Instead, it is a reputable and reasonably priced brand that also happens to produce a superb luxury sedan.
Try out the 2020 Kia K900 if you want all the upmarket features of a luxury vehicle without the price tag. Check out the K900 if status emblems and hood ornaments don’t influence your choice.
Or, the K900 takes the prize if you’re more interested in purchasing the appearance and feel of a luxury brand at a cheaper monthly cost. Even though Kia isn’t your first choice for premium brands, it has a fantastic automobile here.
Which Kia model is the most well-liked?
Top Selling Vehicles in the USA in 2017 by BrandKia
- 1Kia Forte: YTD 2017 Sales: 117,596 Comparison to 2016’s total: +13.8%
- Total 2017 sales for the 2Kia Soul: 115,712 Difference from the total for 2016: -20.6 percent
- Optima 3Ki.
- Toyota Sorento.
- Sportage 5Ki.
Is a Kia a cheap vehicle?
Why are KIAs so inexpensive when they are regarded for having a comfortable ride, a respectable new-vehicle warranty, and lots of cargo space?
Each automobile owner has a reason(s) for favoring a particular brand’s model. While some people are seeking the excitement and speed, others are searching for a reliable car for their family. The features you require, how the car is made, and the brand will all affect how much it costs. While some purchasers aren’t concerned with the vehicle’s price, others will focus on the perks that come with the cost.
KIAs are affordable since the raw material for their car bodies is plastic. As they are designed to survive five to seven years, they have a short production line and a bad image as disposable cars. Another factor contributing to KIAs affordability is the cheap cost of labor.
The company’s entry into the United States wasn’t easy, and most people thought of KIA as a budget brand with subpar automobiles. But over time, the Korean business has worked to disprove these allegations by spending money on production and research to demonstrate KIA’s dependability.
Continue reading to find out why KIAs are so affordable and whether you should buy one.
Here is what we learned after conducting our investigation and speaking with numerous professionals in the field of vehicle production.
Which Hyundai model is the least expensive?
Hyundai’s smallest vehicle is the Accent subcompact sedan, which, like its Kia Rio platform counterpart, is powered by a four-cylinder engine and an optional CVT. This combination achieves a combined fuel economy of 36 mpg. The SE’s base comfort features include power windows and locks, a 60/40-split, folding rear, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel-mounted radio controls. Higher trim levels also offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. Unfortunately, if you want automated emergency braking, you have to move up two model levels.
Are KIAs still worth anything?
We’ll venture the bold assumption that you’ll want to sell your car for as much money as you can. You want to recover as much of the cost of the investment as you can because it was expensive. All cars lose value over time, but some do it more quickly than others.
IntelliChoice calculated the average retained values for a brand’s full model portfolio over a five-year period to find out. These estimates allow us to identify which manufacturers’ vehicles have better depreciation resistance. Let’s talk about the automobile brands that lose value more quickly now that we’ve determined which ones do so the best.
Mini: 50.4 Percent Retained Value
A fairly, well, small percentage of drivers are drawn to Mini automobiles because of its size, which lives up to its name. Models with charming aesthetics and nimble handling, like the retro Cooper, sporty Countryman crossover, or funky Clubman wagon, attract drivers with an eye for fashion and a sense of adventure but, more crucially, who can manage their diminutive dimensions. However, doubts about future worth may put buyers’ first enchantment to rest. The Countryman and Clubman receive a Poor five-year cost of ownership rating from IntelliChoice. Furthermore, we weren’t too impressed by the brand’s recent attempts at electrification. As joyful as Mini’s cars are to look at and drive, the brand’s market position is indicated by its value retention rate of 50.4%.
Mazda: 49.3 Percent Retained Value
Mazda doesn’t compare to other Japanese brands in terms of name recognition, lineup diversity, or value despite producing some of the best-looking and best-driving mainstream cars on the market. Even though the Mazda3 and Miata have sizable fan groups, those and other models may place a greater emphasis on driving characteristics than general utility. The Mazda6 lagged behind rival sedans until it was recently discontinued, while the CX-30 and CX-9 are less adaptable than rival crossovers. Although we usually love driving a Mazda, its value retention rate of 49.3 percent isn’t as high as that of its primary rivals. Possibly the brand’s next, higher-end vehicles will hold their value longer.
Kia: 47.7 Percent Retained Value
Kia has put a lot of effort into keeping up with its rivals in terms of quality, dynamics, and design. Want proof? The Sorento is back and even better than before, the Telluride won our competition for SUV of the Year, and the Optima’s makeover into the K5 gave this sedan new life. However, despite their appeal in other areas, Kia’s automobiles behind with an average value retention rate of 47.7% during a five-year period. Despite its extensive standard warranty and genuinely enticing options, that is the case. Even while we enjoy driving the Telluride and the sporty Stinger, Kia still needs to improve as evidenced by their respective Mediocre and Poor IntelliChoice scores.
Hyundai: 47.1 Percent Retained Value
Hyundai strives to match the reputation for quality and durability of Toyota and Honda, much like its corporate rival Kia. The long-term value proposition of Hyundai doesn’t appear to have been significantly impacted by a lengthy warranty or a group of very regarded experts. Models like the Sonata, Palisade, and Tucson serve as indicators of how far the brand’s products have come. However, Hyundai’s 47.1 retained value % suggests that it needs to do more to earn the trust of customers who value their money.
Volkswagen: 46.9 Percent Retained Value
Volkswagen’s image for quality suffered as a result of the Dieselgate incident, even though the company didn’t have a very strong one to begin with. Volkswagen lacks American and Asian rivals in mass-market appeal, even with more recent models like the Tiguan or Atlas, which only manage Average or Mediocre IntelliChoice value scores depending on trim. A shorter warranty is detrimental to its cause. Volkswagen is planning a number of electric vehicles, which might assist the company’s current 46.9% value retention percentage.
Nissan: 45.6 Percent Retained Value
Nissan has struggled to gain momentum and maintain its competitive position after a high-level organizational restructuring. It is currently working on refreshing its stale lineup. We were impressed by some of those efforts, like the Rogue and Sentra. Others, such as the legendary Z sports vehicle or the Pathfinder, stop at simply spiffing up antiquated platforms and engines. Despite the merits of Nissan’s engineering advancements, only a small percentage of its vehicles receive Good IntelliChoice value scores; the majority are ranked at Average, Mediocre, or Poor in terms of ownership costs. Nissan has a dismal 45.6 percent average value retention over a five-year period.
Buick: 42.3 Percent Retained Value
What does Buick mean today? Buick doesn’t seem to be confident in itself. Due to the brand’s current inventory consisting solely of SUVs, its tradition of opulent vintage sedans has come to an end. All of those models aren’t particularly terrible, but they don’t do much to change the outdated perception of Buick. Additionally, Buick’s uncertain positioning does not help. Does it aim for real luxury to compete with the best in the field, or does it aim for a premium experience at entry-level pricing? We believe Buick requires revival and a more focused course. If and when it occurs, it might improve the lineup’s average value retention, which is 42.3 percent.
Mitsubishi: 41.3 Percent Retained Value
Many of the Mitsubishi vehicles we’ve evaluated are affordable, but not just financially. We’ve encountered subpar engineering and craftsmanship in Mitsubishi cars, which leads to dull driving experiences. The Mirage and Eclipse Cross are among the least expensive options in their respective sectors, which is obvious from their flimsy construction and crude driving characteristics. The previous Outlander’s available electric driving range deserves praise, but the revised three-row SUV falls short of expectations. Mitsubishi’s value retention rate of 41.3% is significantly lower than that of other brands. Every other Mitsubishi has a Mediocre or Poor IntelliChoice ownership rating, leaving just the outdated Outlander Hybrid.
Chrysler: 40.2 Percent Retained Value
Any carmaker would find it challenging to maintain a two-model lineup, especially if those options are designed to compete in some of the least-wanted segments of the market. But Chrysler is going in that direction. Despite having advantages of its own, the 300 sedan and Pacifica minivan just do not appeal to the tastes of contemporary drivers. Only a layer of gradual improvements can hide the 300’s deterioration. Considering that it is a minivan, the Pacifica (and its fleet-only Voyager counterpart) is actually rather decent. Although Chrysler’s future is uncertain, introducing models that are contemporary in design could increase the lineup’s average value retention rate of 40.2%.
Fiat: 39.5 Percent Retained Value
Fiat’s tiny, quirky cars briefly appeared ready to inject some Italian panache into the compact car market. But that period has passed, and it is now clear that Fiats are less attractive than they once were. The 500X subcompact crossover is the only vehicle currently offered by the brand. Its cute design and standard AWD can’t make up for its sloppy driving manners and shoddy construction. Fiat’s abysmal 39.5 percent retention rate is the weakest among major brands because the 500X symbolizes the complete lineup.
Are Kia vehicles durable?
Maintaining the factory-recommended maintenance plan and taking care of problems as soon as they appear are the best ways to maintain your Kia in good working order. Any material or workmanship flaws should be covered by the Kia guarantee that comes with new and certified pre-owned cars, but these protections ultimately run out.
If your car needs repairs after the first warranty period has passed, an extended warranty might assist cover the cost of such unforeseen expenses. Kia has an extended warranty that may be purchased directly from the company, but you can also acquire coverage from third parties.
Independent extended warranty providers frequently provide more options for coverage, older vehicle coverage, a larger network of repair facilities, and more comprehensive benefits. Endurance and CarShield are two companies that we suggest.
Endurance: Best Coverage
Up to 8 years or 200,000+ miles of additional warranty coverage are possible with Endurance. Additionally, Endurance offers some of the market’s most comprehensive contracts. There are five different coverage options available, ranging from straightforward powertrain coverage to complete bumper-to-bumper warranty protection.
CarShield: Best Value
Additionally, CarShield provides extended warranty protection for cars with up to 300,000 miles on the odometer, potentially doubling the Kia factory warranty’s scope of coverage. CarShield offers a solid reputation in the market, a wide range of coverage options, and some of the most affordable contracts available.
For more information, see our comprehensive CarShield review. To get a free, no-risk CarShield quote, click the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kia is a dependable automaker. Overall, Kia receives a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal, placing it third overall (out of 32 brands).
Both Kia and Toyota are well-known for their dependability, and both have a 4.0 out of 5.0 RepairPal reliability rating. Kias may be marginally more reliable, while RepairPal puts Toyota seventh overall and Kia third.
Kias require an average of 0.2 unforeseen repair shop visits year, according to RepairPal. This is half of the 0.4 visits per year average for all brands. You have a one in five risk of needing an unforeseen repair each year, according to this statistic.
Previously, the Kia name was associated with low-cost, subpar vehicles. This is partly because the brand’s automobiles had a lot of issues when it first appeared in the United States. Since then, Kia has made fleet improvements and has earned a reputation for having great reliability.
Yes, Kias have a reputation for lasting just as long as other trustworthy cars like Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota. Although the powertrain is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for up to 100,000 miles, many owners keep their Kias for much longer.