In the southern part of Florida, car buyers tend to look for several things: fuel efficiency, durability, and affordability. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, check out some of these top-selling options and how Kia vehicles can match up.
Ford Escape vs. Kia Sportage
Both the Ford Escape and Kia Sportage fit into the compact SUV class, with features and options available to appeal to all drivers. The Ford Escape gets slightly better fuel economy, coming at an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Sportage is close behind, with an estimated efficiency of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Both feature two-wheel drive, but critics complain that the Escape feels cramped, especially for the driver and front passenger due to the placement of the dashboard. The major advantage of a Kia Sportage is the price tag: its base price is more than $1,000 lower than that of the Escape.
Chevrolet Malibu vs. Kia Optima
Buyers looking for a mid-size sedan may be considering a Chevrolet Malibu, another leader in Southern Florida. But the Kia Optima has quite a bit to offer and has a cheaper base price by several hundred dollars. Other benefits of the Optima include several extra inches of leg room in the front, more than a half-inch of additional head space (ideal for taller drivers and passengers), and extra cubic feet of passenger volume. Its trunk volume is also slightly larger, and it holds 5.5 additional gallons of fuel in its tank.
Nissan Murano vs. Kia Sorento
Another option for a smaller SUV crossover is the Nissan Murano, which offers additional cargo space and more room for passengers. But the Kia Sorento is a tough competitor, offering more leg room and hip room in the interior. The passenger volume of the Sorento is 146.4 cubic feet, substantially more than the Murano’s 108.1 cubic feet. The estimated combined fuel economy is identical between the two cars at 24 mpg. The 2016 model of the Kia vehicle also features upgraded interior touches that provide a more luxurious feel, without the costly price tag.
BMW 5 Series vs. Kia Cadenza
Buyers who are in the market for a luxury car tend to lean toward BMW 5-Series vehicles in Miami and many of the surrounding cities. Their sales are quite high, but what most buyers don’t realize is that they can save a lot of money by choosing a Kia Cadenza without sacrificing the upgraded features. This vehicle starts at $35,100, which is drastically lower than the base price of the 5-Series at $50,200. The Kia also comes standard with four-wheel drive, an impressive 3.3-liter, V6 engine, heated seats, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and much more.
Before you make up your mind about which car is best for your South Florida commute, consider taking a Kia out for a test drive. The company has made great strides in improving its offerings, and many buyers are surprised by what Kia vehicles can offer, often at much lower prices than competitors.
Photo by 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.