Are Kias Good Cars?

Once Budget-Friendly, Now Feature-Rich: Are Kias Worth Considering

Kia has been on my mind for quite a while now. I have worked with the brand for several years and I am still constantly enamored with their innovation and design. I have driven the majority of their cars and have even gone to help a few people purchase a Kia here in Georgia because I am known as the Kia woman. Kia has integrated itself into our family lifestyle so much so that our son (a new driver) asked for a Kia for his first car. He did his research and decided that a Kia Optima…Soul…Cadenza…or anything Kia would work for him. We hope that this Are Kias Good Cars post inspires you. 

Author's Update 2024: My three teens are driving two Kia Sorentos between them. Told you we were a Kia family. 

Present Reality: Are Kias Good Cars?

Kia Awards and Innovation

Kia has undergone a total transformation in the past several years which has garnered many awards. Kia's vehicles offer award-winning reliability. In 2016, J.D. Power and Associates ranked their overall model reliability #1 in the United States — making them the first non-luxury automaker to do so since 1989. To meet this milestone and make a more satisfying driving experience for its customers, the company has made quality an ongoing obsession.

Innovation is another area where they have excelled. One of its most innovative vehicles, the 2017 Kia Niro, recently made it into the Guinness World Record book, averaging the lowest fuel consumption for a cross-country trip. 

Are Kias Good Cars? ~ Get to Know the Kia Family of Vehicles

Kia offers a full, exciting lineup of innovative vehicles. From compacts and SUVs to full-size sedans, there are plenty of options. To truly understand the magnificence of the K900, it's important to check out the entire Kia US lineup to get a feel for design, style, and more. The K900 will strengthen this award-winning global brand.

Kia Rio

The 2019 Kia Rio was a subcompact car available in sedan and hatchback body styles. It was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 130 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque. It came standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2019 Rio was offered in two trim levels: LX and S. The LX came standard with features such as air conditioning, cloth upholstery, and Bluetooth connectivity. The S added features such as LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and cruise control.

The 2019 Kia Rio received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its fuel economy and affordability, while others criticized its interior quality and lack of power. It has a starting MSRP of $16,195. With the Rio, a compact offering, Kia has blended fun with functionality. The Rio combines active safety systems, a stylish design, and standard features such as 15-inch alloy wheels that defy its price tag.

2018 Kia Rio – photo courtesy of Kia

2019 Kia Forte – photo courtesy of Kia 

Kia Forte

The Kia Forte is a compact offering geared for lovers of tech featuring an available infotainment system, rear camera display, and heated and ventilated seats. And while it’s sporty and fun, the Forte also offers active safety features like an advanced airbag system and reinforced body. This compact sedan was redesigned for the 2019 model year. It is known for its comfortable ride, stylish design, and good fuel economy. 

The Forte is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It comes with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is the more fuel-efficient option, with EPA ratings of up to 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The Forte's interior is well-designed and comfortable, with plenty of space for five passengers. The cabin is also relatively quiet, even at highway speeds. The infotainment system is easy to use and includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Forte received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with optional LED headlights. Are Kias good cars? Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.

2019 Kia Optima – photo courtesy of Kia 

Kia Optima

The 2019 Kia Optima was a mid-size sedan known for offering a good value for the price. It came with several engine options, ranging from a fuel-efficient 1.6L turbo to a more powerful 2.0L turbo. While its handling wasn't considered sporty, it offered a comfortable ride and a spacious interior. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Available in both Hybrid and Plug-In models, it also offers advanced features like autonomous emergency braking and smart cruise control.

• Variety of engine options: Choose between a fuel-efficient turbocharged 1.6L or 2.0L engine, or a standard 2.4L for a balance of power and fuel economy.
• Spacious and comfortable interior: Offers good headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, along with comfortable seats.
• Standard features: Includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rearview camera, and smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Competitive pricing: Starts at around $24,000, offering good value for its features and warranty.

Pricing started at around $24,000 and went up to $37,000 depending on the trim and options chosen. While not the most athletic option in its class, the 2019 Kia Optima offered a comfortable, practical, and feature-packed option for mid-size sedan buyers. Are Kias good cars? The 2016 Kia Optima was awarded Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com Midsize Car Best Buy Award.

2018 Kia Cadenza – photo courtesy of Kia

Kia Cadenza

The Kia Cadenza, offers unrivaled style, technology, and a luxurious interior. An exceptionally quiet, smooth ride and advanced voice recognition technology provide an exceptional driving experience. As a contender for the 2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year award, reviewers gushed about the Kia Cadenza responsiveness, refinement, and premium interior. Cadenza was a full-size sedan offering a blend of luxury and value. 

• Powerful V6 engine: Standard with a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission
• Spacious and comfortable interior: Well-built cabin with ample space for five passengers and leather upholstery
• Tech features: Features available like a navigation system, a larger touchscreen, and driver assistance technologies.
• Value proposition: Starting at $34,095, the 2019 Cadenza offers a lot of features for the price compared to competitors like the Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon.

The 2019 Cadenza is a compelling choice for those seeking a comfortable, powerful, and feature-rich sedan without breaking the bank.

2018 Kia Soul – photo courtesy of Kia

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul compact, first offered in the U.S. in 2010, has a distinctive look and features that outclass its rivals — like HID headlights, ventilated and heated seats, and push-button start. The 2019 Kia Soul is a boxy compact hatchback that stands out from the crowd with its unique design. It offers a choice of three four-cylinder engines, including a turbocharged one, and comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It’s also available in an EV (electric vehicle) version. Are Kias good cars? The 2016 Soul was named one of the 10 coolest cars under $18,000 by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. For two years in a row (2015-2016), the Soul was the highest-ranked compact multi-purpose vehicle in initial quality.

2018 Kia Niro – photo courtesy of Kia

Are Kias Good Cars?

Kia Niro

The 2019 Kia Niro is a subcompact hatchback that was offered in three flavors: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric. It was known for its spacious interior, good fuel economy, and long warranty. The Niro was available in five trim levels: FE, LX, EX, S Touring, and Touring. The Niro base FE model came with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a small electric motor, while the other trims used a larger 1.6-liter engine. The plug-in hybrid model had a larger battery pack that allowed it to travel up to 26 miles on electric power alone. The all-electric Niro EV had an EPA-estimated range of 239 miles. All Niro models came with a standard six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was the only drivetrain option.

The 2019 Kia Niro received good reviews from critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and long warranty. However, some reviewers found the interior to be a bit cheap-looking. nd it’s a record-breaker — in 2016, it received a Guinness World Records title for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle, traveling from Los Angeles to New York City with an MPG of 76.7 MPG. Its innovative technology makes it the first of its kind. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient and practical hatchback, the 2019 Kia Niro is a good option to consider. Are Kias good cars? If you're looking for a more luxurious interior, you may want to look elsewhere.

2018 Kia Sportage – photo courtesy of Kia

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV offering a striking design, expanded and versatile cargo space, and optional all-wheel dive. It comes with two engine options, a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter or a turbocharged 2.0-liter, both paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It has above-average cargo space for its class and good passenger comfort for four adults. Standard features include a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and air conditioning. Higher trims offer features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance features.

Is Kia a good car? The 2010 Sportage was the Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A few years later, it won international acclaim for its design, earning the 2016 Red Dot Award for Car Design. The 2019 Sportage is a compact SUV that offers a good value for the price. 

• Body style: Compact SUV
• Engine options: 2.4L naturally aspirated or 2.0L turbocharged I4
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Seating: 5
• Cargo space: 30.7 cu ft (60.1 cu ft with seats folded)
• Standard features: 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, air conditioning
• Available features: Leather upholstery, heated/ventilated seats, sunroof, driver-assistance features

2019 Kia Sorento – photo courtesy of Kia

Kia Sorento

The 2019 Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV that seats up to seven passengers and comes standard with advanced safety features — not optional. It comes with two engine choices: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.3-liter V6 engine. Both engines are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Sorento has a starting MSRP of $27,335 and comes in five trims: L, LX, EX, SX, and SX Limited.

The 2019 Kia Sorento is a good choice for families looking for a versatile and affordable SUV. It has a comfortable interior, a long list of standard features, and good safety ratings. However, it is not as spacious as some of its competitors, and the base engine is not very powerful. The company has made safety a key focus of the Sorento, and the accolades it has won speak for the efforts. Is Kia a good car? The 2017 Kia Sorento was not only named one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 2016 Top Safety Picks but was also awarded the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Overall 5-Star Safety Rating.

2019 Kia Sedona – photo courtesy of Kia

Kia Sedona

The 2019 Kia Sedona is a minivan that received a refresh for the year, offering updated styling with features like LED headlights on the higher-end trim. It boasts a powerful 3.3-liter V6 engine mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission for improved performance and fuel efficiency. While not the most powerful minivan, it's still capable of handling cargo and passengers with ease. The Sedona also comes equipped with a variety of safety features and offers comfort and entertainment options like twin 10.1-inch touchscreens for rear passengers.

Featuring a winning design, uncompromising safety features, and the second-row “First-Class Lounge Seating” —reclining seats with retracting footrests, allowing for luxurious lounging. The Sedona doesn’t compromise on style, upsetting convention for minivans with a design that commands attention. All while being an Institute for Highway Safety’s 2016 Top Safety Pick. Is Kia a good car? The 2019 Kia Sedona is a good option for those seeking a stylish, comfortable, and feature-rich minivan.

• Engine: 3.3L V6
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Horsepower: 276 hp
• Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
• Seating: 7 or 8 passengers
• Features: LED headlights (on higher trims), power-sliding doors, twin rear-seat entertainment screens (available)

Are Kias Good Cars?

Kia Stinger

The 2018 Kia Stinger is rakishly drawn with compelling styling thanks to the design genius responsible for the original Audi TT. It is low-slung with a fierce face, a long hood, and badass-looking grilles and slots – just enough to draw attention, in a good way. However, the fastback roofline, just like in its competitors, bites on hatchback practicality. The cockpit boasts aircraft-inspired designs complete with upscale detailing. Kia's inherent generosity is seen in the standard and available wood and chrome trims, and in some models, lush Nappa leather seating. All controls are logically-placed and work intuitively.

Sporty and Sleek

The 2019 Kia Stinger is a sporty, mid-size hatchback with five seats and a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 255 horsepower or a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 with 365 horsepower. Both engines feature an eight-speed automatic transmissions and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Stinger is praised for its stylish design, powerful engines, and comfortable ride. It is also relatively affordable, with a starting price of around $34,000. It competes with cars like the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Audi S4.

• Two engine choices: A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6
• Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
• Spacious cargo area for a sporty car
• Standard features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a touchscreen infotainment system
• Available features like a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and ventilated front seats

Kia K900

The Kia K900 is a full-size luxury sedan produced by Kia Motors and positioned as Kia's flagship sedan. This car competes with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Lexus LS. The K900 is available in two trims: Premium and Luxury. Both trims came standard with a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produced 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are also standard. The K900 is praised for its spacious and comfortable interior, long list of standard features, and competitive price point.

Are Kias Good Cars?

Is Kia a good car? Kia's reputation has improved significantly in recent years, and they are generally considered good cars for several reasons. Kia has shed its past reputation for less reliable vehicles and now ranks above average in reliability according to sources like RepairPal. Kia's reputation has undergone a significant shift in recent years. While they may have had a reputation for less reliable and budget-focused vehicles in the past, Kia is now considered a good car brand by many experts and consumers.

Kia offers a good combination of features, performance, and affordability, making them attractive to budget-conscious buyers. Kia offers one of the longest warranties in the industry, providing peace of mind to new car owners. Not all Kia models are created equal. While some models consistently receive high marks from reviewers, others may have specific issues. It's always best to research specific models you're interested in to get a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

2019 Kia Sorento Review

• Above-average reliability: Kia has dramatically improved its reliability, ranking among the top 10 most reliable brands according to sources like Consumer Reports. While Kia's overall reliability is good, some specific models may have more reported problems than others. Researching individual models is crucial for getting a complete picture.
• Strong value proposition: Kia offers a good balance of features, performance, and price, making them appealing to budget-conscious buyers. This value is particularly evident when compared to some established brands.
• Safety: Many Kia models receive high safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Warranty: Kia offers a long warranty compared to some other manufacturers, providing peace of mind to owners.
• Reliability can vary by model: 
• They may not be the most luxurious or prestigious: Kia prioritizes value and practicality over luxury features and brand recognition compared to some competitors.
• Warranty coverage: Kia offers a long warranty, typically 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, which gives buyers peace of mind and contributes to their overall value.

Resources for Further Research

• Cadenza
• J.D. Power
• Kelley Blue Book

So are Kias good cars? We think so and so do a lot of other people. The Kia family of cars. I can say that I have driven every single one of them. My favorite is the included updated safety features. Very soon, I will have three teenage drivers on the road. I care that what they are driving will keep them safe and I trust Kia to do that. We hope that this Are Kias Good Cars post inspires you. Happy car shopping!

Car preparations for your summer road trip