Thoughts Working at a Kia Dealership

In my time working at my local Kia dealership, I had the opportunity to spend lots of time with the Korean brand's latest models. Driving the cars to different lots, dealerships, and customers' homes both near and far away revealed much about each of them. Kia has built its brand around offering a comprehensive 10 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, but how do its cars and SUVs stand on their own merits? Here are my thoughts about all the cars I drove on the job. However, there are a few models that I didn't get fully acquainted with. The dealership used a base-trim Sedona as a service shuttle; it reminded me of my family's old Ford Windstar. My dealership also never stocked any new Cadenzas. A used one showed up once, but I never drove it. As for the Kia K900, well, let me know if you ever see one.

Kia Forte

A surprisingly competent and composed small sedan with strong build quality and attention to detail. Available in a wide range of trim levels for different budgets. Top-spec 201 hp, 1.6L turbo GT is fun to drive and significantly undercuts rival sporty compacts on price. Models with the standard 147 hp, 2.0L engine return fantastic fuel economy. Many times driving on the highway I averaged high 40s or even 50 miles per gallon. Pity it doesn't come as a hatchback.

Kia K5

The Kia K5 improves upon all aspects of the Optima it replaces by leaps and bounds. Knockout exterior design and a completely overhauled interior move Kia's midsize sedan game up a level considerably. In a clever advertising campaign, Kia calls out other manufacturers for killing off their sedans while Kia "turbocharges ahead." The sedan market isn't dead yet, and Kia is determined to attract sedan shoppers to its dealers with the all new K5. Be on the lookout for the 290 hp, all-wheel drive GT out soon.

Kia Niro

How do you make sure your hybrid/electric vehicle doesn't suffer from any packaging compromises or performance issues that come from fitting extra batteries inside the car? The answer is you design a vehicle from the outset to accommodate the necessary electric hardware. While on the small side of the crossover spectrum, there is plenty of room in the Niro for a family of four and their cargo. If you have never driven a hybrid or electric vehicle before, the silent operation of the motor may be a bit disconcerting. The Niro can be pricy, but a combined fuel economy rating of 49 miles per gallon can result in significant savings at the pump.

Kia Rio

Don't let the Rio's low price, and admittedly chintzy ancestors fool you. The current generation Rio subcompact sedan and hatchback exceed their humble mission brief to deliver a classy and sophisticated experience with a smart layout and pleasing materials. 120 hp isn't much, but it is plenty adequate to move the Rio along at normal speeds. Ride and handling are also impressive for such a small car. The hatchback model adds more cargo space and slightly more passenger volume, making it the ideal choice.

Kia Seltos

The first ever Kia Seltos had an important job upon its introduction for the 2021 model year. It effectively splits the difference between the subcompact Soul and the compact Sportage by pairing tidy exterior dimensions and robust all-wheel drive with enough style and personality to stand on its own. The Seltos feels big on the inside and material quality is superb. Seltos buyers should never leave the showroom feeling shortchanged. Confident handling and aforementioned all-wheel drive should make the Seltos a hit here in New England.

Kia Sorento

Life for the Kia Sorento hasn't been easy. Forced to pull the brand along following the spectacular sales failure of the Borrego, the Sorento now finds itself regularly upstaged by its newer big brother, the Telluride. Despite this, the Sorento makes sense as a family vehicle in the ultra-competitive midsize crossover market. The interior layout is simple and straightforward with upper trim levels adding noticeable luxurious elements to class up the cabin. Acceleration is strong, and the vehicle rides comfortably enough to make long trips a breeze. A third row of seats comes standard, but should only really be used in emergencies. The Sorento functions much better as a two-row SUV with the third row folded flat to maximize cargo space.

Kia Soul

One of my personal favorite cars in the Kia lineup, the Soul's balance of style, practicality, and affordability is hard to beat. It manages the rare feat of being cheap without looking or feeling cheap. The fact that the Soul is popular with people ranging in age from 17 to 77 speaks volumes to its versatility and ease of use. True, it doesn't come with all-wheel drive, but the Soul's engaging handling and a set of proper tires should get the Soul out of most trouble spots.

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage holds the distinction of being one of the brand's oldest nameplates in North America, first debuting back in 1993. The vehicle has gone through quite a metamorphosis since then. There was a time when you could buy a three-door Sportage with a convertible roof! Now, the Sportage is a lynchpin to Kia's SUV lineup, and impressed me with its intuitive interior layout, comfy seats, and optional turbocharged engine. Although the current model is getting a bit long in the tooth, it continues to hold its own against the competition.

Kia Stinger

It's rather unfortunate that the Kia Stinger has fallen off the radar as of late. Sales have slowed considerably, and there are questions as to whether the Stinger will live to see a second generation. The loss of the Stinger would be a heavy blow to Kia as well as the entire automotive industry. The halo cast by the Stinger has imbued several of Kia's models with greater degrees of sportiness. With a base price that undercuts similar models from Audi and BMW by several thousand dollars, and performance figures that keep the Germans within reach, the Stinger makes for a compelling performance sedan. When you enter a Stinger, you immediately know that you are getting inside something special. A flat-bottomed steering wheel, deeply bolstered seats, and a distinctive T-shaped shift lever communicate that this car means business. Rear legroom is generous, even though outward rear visibility isn't the best. It even comes with a hatchback, making loading things into the trunk a breeze. Don't let your significant other talk you out of getting a Stinger. Just mention all the practical benefits as well as the Stinger's 365 hp, twin-turbo V6.

Kia Telluride

2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. 2020 Motor Trend SUV of the Year. 2020 World Car of the Year. And now a two-time Car and Driver 10 Best award winner. Does the Kia Telluride lives up to the hype? Yes it does. Forget the K900. That car is a unicorn for the couple hundred people who know or care that it exists. The Telluride is the true flagship of the Kia brand. If you are looking for a new family vehicle, there are not many better choices out there than a Telluride. It's outer appearance is unlike anything else on the market, and the Nightfall Edition package, such as on the Telluride in the photo above, adds an appropriate level of menace to the vehicle. Build quality and materials are top notch and there are plenty of comfort, convenience, and safety features included regardless of trim level. Unlike the Sorento, the Telluride's third row is spacious, and can be enjoyed by children and adults. On the road, the Telluride drives smoothly, with the 291 hp V6 engine never feeling like it is struggling to move the car along. Loaded SX Tellurides top out just below $50,000, a relative bargain for the level of luxury you get. Car and Driver even jokes that people interested in the Telluride should buy one now before Kia realizes how good its car is and raises the price accordingly.