Like most car shoppers, you hear things about this different automakers. There could be some valid information there, but not everything said on the street is true. Kia cars have been showing up on American lots for more than 20 years, and they’re distinctly different than the competition. Keep reading to learn three common myths people have about the Kia brand and how we debunked them.
Affordable Cars Aren’t Innovative
Kia is one of the most affordable brands, but it still manages to load its cars with all the latest gadgets. Take a look at the 2018 Niro FE, for example. This stylish crossover touts a 7-inch color touchscreen loaded with Kia’s UVO connectivity for only $23,340. Wirelessly charge your phone while it plays your favorite tunes through Kia’s Clari-Fi technology, and revel in concert quality sound.
All UVO equipped Kia vehicles feature push-button roadside assistance and 911 Connect that calls for emergency services if the airbags deploy. UVO’s advanced voice recognition lets you make calls, while curfew, speed, and zone alerts help parents keep track of new drivers. From vehicle diagnostics to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, budget-minded buyers love Kia’s innovations.
They Are Unreliable
J.D. Power and Associates ranked Kia highest among brands for overall initial quality — three years in a row. Its highest-ranking models in their respective segments for the 2017 model year include the Cadenza family sedan, the compact Forte, the eco-friendly Niro crossover, the versatile Sorento SUV, and the funky fresh Soul.
That’s six award-winning, reliable Kias, according to the experts over at our trusted source for car ratings. Not that we’re counting. Even the brand-new, luxurious and athletic Stinger already boasts an above-average predicted reliability rating.
U.S. News and World Reports picked Kia as one of their top 10 most reliable cars in January, and also named the Kia Soul its 2017 best compact car for the money. That sounds pretty reliable to us. If you need more proof, Consumer Reports ranked the 2017 Kia Niro third overall with an average predicted reliability score of 71.
They Won’t Last
Every new Kia — yes, especially those at Gunther Kia’s showroom — offer buyers an industry-leading 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. What automaker would extend its protection plan that long if it wasn’t confident your new car is going to last?
One satisfied Kia owner on CarGurus.com reported his faithful 2007 Kia Sportage racked up 188,640 miles and was still going strong after nine years of service. Other owners declared their Sportage reached over 283,000 miles. Just to be on the safe side, you might want to consider that extended warranty. The keys to your new Kia might take up residence in your pocket until your grandkids are old enough to drive it.
Everyone has that friend of a friend that’s a car expert. They’re always ready to hand out that unsolicited advice about what automaker’s badge to park in your garage. Look at the facts and make up your own mind about Kia.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.