The Kia brand has certainly had its ups and downs over the years. In the past, its cars have raised concerns over reliability. The brand’s reputation took a real nose dive, but since 2013 it’s managed to win the International Car of the Year award each year.
Today, Kia models are incredibly popular. You’re likely to see the brand’s bestselling model, the Kia Sportage, just as frequently on the roads as you are the Volkswagen Golf or the Ford Focus. It’s certainly bounced back in terms of popularity. So, if you are thinking of buying a Kia vehicle these days, what can you expect?
Sold with a 7-year warranty
When you buy a new car, it tends to come with a 3-5-year manufacturer’s warranty. However, the standard Kia warranty is 7 years. This lengthy protection gives you great peace of mind in case something does go wrong.
It has also helped the brand improve its reputation over the years. The longer than average warranty highlights how far the brand has come in terms of reliability. So, when you buy a new Kia model today, you know it’s going to be made to an extremely high standard.
Which models are most popular?
You’ll find a wide range of Kia models on the market. From its small, compact cars such as the Picanto, to the larger models such as the Stinger and Optima – the brand has a vehicle to suit all drivers.
Their most popular model to date is the Sportage, an SUV 4×4. However, if you’re looking for an eco-friendlier model, the Soul EV is the one to consider. The latest 2018 model is capable of driving 111 miles on a full charge – more than a lot of its competitors. If you’re looking for the most reliable Kia models, it’s best to stick to those built after 2013.
How reliable are Kia models now?
While reliability was certainly a factor in the past for Kia models, these days they are considered a lot more trustworthy. The brand has worked hard to improve its reputation and as mentioned earlier, this is highlighted by their generous 7-year warranties.
All of the newer models are built with reliability, affordability, and practicality in mind. In 2017, Kia came in third place out of 20 for the most reliable car brands by The Independent. In 2016, the brand managed to rank number one for reliability by J.D Power. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first non-luxury brand to top the list.
A brand is known for its exceptional value
One of the best benefits you can expect when you buy a Kia model is its value for money. It’s known to have the lowest cost of ownership within a 5-year period of any other brand. The car’s depreciation value is also decreasing year upon year, meaning you’ll get more for your money when it comes time to sell.
So, as you can see the Kia brand may have had its problems in the past, but they are certainly behind the brand now. If you invest in a new Kia model, the above are just some of the benefits you can expect to experience.