Used Kia buying guide
About Kia
Established in the 1940s, Kia has evolved from a humble manufacturer of bicycles and motorcycles into a global automotive brand known for its innovative designs and diverse vehicle options. Emerging into the US market in the early 1990s with the Sephia sedan and Sportage, Kia has since expanded its lineup to include compact cars, crossovers, midsize SUVs, performance cars, hybrids, and fully electric vehicles. Models such as the Telluride are praised for their spacious three-row interiors and upscale design, while the hybrid, PHEV, and EV versions of the Niro have boosted the brand’s popularity. Kia vehicles generally offer intuitive infotainment technology and contemporary styling, with one of the strongest warranty offerings in the industry.
What CarMax customers like
Fuel Economy
Ride and Handling
Interior Space
What CarMax customers don’t like
Cabin Noise
Technology and Entertainment
Power
Kia FAQs
Yes, Kia is a good choice for a used car. According to RepairPal, Kia ranks third out of 32 car brands for reliability. It scores well for lower ownership costs, less frequent repairs, and reasonable average repair costs compared to other vehicle brands.
When shopping for a used Kia, look for models with less than 100,000 miles and a clean vehicle history report. With regular maintenance, many modern Kias can surpass 200,000 miles. For more details, refer to this article on mileage vs. maintenance.
Kia does not offer a seven-year warranty on used vehicles. Kia’s original 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty becomes a shorter five-year/60,000-mile warranty when transferred to a second owner. Other warranty coverages — such as limited basic, anti-perforation, and roadside assistance — transfer within their original five-year terms.
Kia currently offers around a dozen models, including SUVs like the Telluride, Seltos, Sportage, and Sorento; passenger cars such as the Forte, K4, and K5; the Carnival minivan; electrified options like the Niro hybrid/PHEV/EV; and pure-electric vehicles, including the EV6 and EV9 SUVs.
Kia discontinued the Rio subcompact sedan and Stinger performance sedan in the US after the 2023 model year and the Forte compact sedan after the 2024 model year. This reflects Kia's shift toward SUVs and electric vehicles.
1. Kia Forte5
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Standard Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ integration
Manual and automatic transmission options
SX trim packs powerful engine for a compact car
Cons
Ride can be stiff
Seating comfort features are additional add-ons
Fuel economy could be better
2. Kia Soul
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Feature-packed for the price
More spacious than many extra-small SUVs
Agile and responsive handling
Cons
Loud wind and road noise on highways
Only one engine option
No all-wheel-drive availability
3. Kia Rio
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Well-built for the class
Surprisingly comfortable ride quality
Impressive real-world fuel economy
Cons
Small cargo capacity
No telescoping steering wheel
4. Kia Forte
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Available turbocharged engine
Standard smartphone integration
High fuel economy
Cons
Limited rear legroom
Firm ride
Vague steering
5. Kia Sportage
CarMax owner rating
Pros
Stylish, quiet interior
Spacious seating with a massive cargo area
Enhanced off-road capability with X-Pro trim
Cons
Standard engine feels sluggish
Below-average fuel economy
Transmission frequently has to hunt for the right gear
6. Kia Sedona
CarMax owner rating
Pros
SUV-like styling in a minivan
Quiet cabin out on the highway
Standard V6 power
Cons
Not quite as large as other minivans
Small standard touchscreen
Some features you might want are optional
Ready to find your used Kia?
RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
***
Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.