Kia was recently recognized as the “Highest Mass Market Brand” by J.D. Power, making it the fifth-straight year that the brand has taken home this honor. What does this mean for those seeking SUVs for sale?
Well, this award specifically focuses on the brands that manage to avoid “quality issues within the first 90 days of ownership.” Sedans are generally able to avoid immediate issues, but larger vehicles are much more susceptible to problems. Therefore, if you are in the hunt for an SUV, you can avoid plenty of headaches by opting for one of Kia’s offerings.
“Being ranked at the top of J.D. Power’s U.S. Initial Quality Study among all mass market brands once is a tremendous honor, but capturing this leadership position for five consecutive years unequivocally affirms Kia’s commitment to quality and the ownership experience,” said Michael Cole, the chief operating officer and EVP at Kia Motors America. “With four segment winners – and three additional models ranking among the top three in their respective segments – Kia’s ‘Give It Everything’ brand philosophy has clearly yielded a world-class model lineup.”
Of course, Kia does a whole lot more than provide customers with unmatched reliability. Below, we’ve detailed several additional reasons why Kia stands out from the pack. Take a look at what you can expect from the brand’s options, and you’ll quickly have a list of targets as you’re shopping for SUVs for sale…
Performance
SUVs are obviously significantly bigger than their sedan counterparts. With that increased size comes a whole lot of power, as the accompanying large engine will be better prepared to hit the open road. This is certainly the case with Kia’s various SUVs, as these nameplates are more than capable of cranking out a whole lot of muscle.
Take the Kia Telluride for example. The 3.8-liter engine that’s quickly become synonymous with the nameplate is able to crank out 262 pound-feet of torque and 291 horsepower. You’ll be hard pressed to find those numbers in rival SUVs, much less a sedan. Thanks to these two specs, you’ll be able to test the pedal to the metal and overcome any adverse weather conditions. Ultimately, it’s the best you could really ask for from an SUV.
Of course, those performance specs do a whole lot more than satisfy your need for speed. Rather, the accompanying Kia engine will also transform your SUV into a towing behemoth. For instance, the Telluride will ultimately be capable of delivering an incredible 5,000-pound towing capacity, meaning you’ll be prepared for any impending road trip.
Shockingly, despite all of that power, Kia’s engineers have still found a way to optimize the SUV’s fuel efficiency. The 3.8-liter engine is capable of delivering an incredible 26-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency (on the FWD variation). Good luck finding these types of numbers in rival SUVs, especially when you consider the engine’s power specs.
Finally, to top it all off, Kia has managed to provide a driving experience that’s unlike any other. Despite all of the power that’s emanating from the engine, drivers still can expect a vehicle that drives more like a sedan. That means you can capitalize on incredible handling and traction while you’re hitting the open road.
Technology
Those innovative, modern technological amenities are not exclusive to luxury vehicles or sports cars. Rather, each of Kia’s affordable SUVs provides occupants with an unmatched driving experience thanks to their array of interior features.
It all starts with the brand’s touchscreen infotainment unit, which makes it incredibly easy to access the radio, a navigation application, or vehicle diagnostics. Plus, due to the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, you can seamlessly connect your smartphone to the unit. Thanks to these inclusions, you’ll be able to access many of your preferred gadget’s best features and applications.
Do you tend to jam out to the radio when you’re zooming down the highway? In that case, you’ll appreciate the brand’s decision to include the available Clari-Fi by Harman Kardon Surround Audio System. This unit doesn’t compromise any of your music’s stereo audio, but it also enhances the listening experience thanks to the subwoofer, amp, and surround-sound construction. If you enjoy listening to music while you’re driving, then you can look forward to a concert experience when you’re behind the wheel of a Kia SUV.
That’s not all! Kia also includes technological amenities that will boost convenience. The various USB rapid-charging docks will assure that your smartphone is always fully-juiced. Drivers can also equip their SUVs with 12-volt outlets, which is especially important if you’re going to be relying on your SUV for work.
You’re ultimately going to be spending all of your time inside the actual SUV, so why not boost your traveling enjoyment? Thanks to all of the technological amenities included in Kia’s SUVs that will be a realistic opportunity.
Safety
SUVs are a perfect choice for families, and for very good reason. After all, they’re roomy, comfortable, and (assuming you’ve opted for a Kia) affordable. Of course, that doesn’t mean that any ol’ SUV will do. Rather, you’ll want to target a vehicle that promises plenty of safety functions, assuring that your entire family is remaining safe at all times.
Unsurprisingly, Kia’s SUVs are more-than-prepared to keep you and your passengers safe and secure. For starters, the vehicle is built of high-strength steel, meaning occupants will remain secure during an accident. Add in the brand’s extensive airbag system, and you should be able to drive with absolute confidence.
Some of the brand’s safety features linger under the surface, but this doesn’t make them any less important. For instance, the Electronic Stability Control allows drivers to maintain a proper handle of their SUV at all times, regardless of the conditions. Meanwhile, the clever Hill-Start Assist Control will provide you with that extra boost you’ll need when traveling up an incline.
When you’re heading down that hill, you can rely on the Downhill Brake Control, which provides you with an extra bit of stoppage power that you’re presumably seeking. There’s also a renowned Antilock Brake System, which will be especially useful during those emergency situations.
Interior Space
SUVs continue to get bigger, and that sentiment certainly includes Kia’s grouping of vehicles. Thanks to those size increases, customers will also find that the cargo-space specs are also increasing. Therefore, if you’re hunting for an SUV that will fit all of the cargo you’ll need for a daily ride or a weekend getaway, there’s a good reason to zero in on Kia’s offerings.
For instance, the hulking Telluride delivers more-than-enough space for drivers to use. The vehicle delivers a roomy 21 cu.ft. of space behind the third row, and that can be increased to a lofty 46 cu.ft. of space behind the second row. However, if you hide all of the rear seats, you can capitalize on an 87 cu.ft. of space. That means you’ll have plenty of space to fit whatever luggage or cargo you’ll need during your journey.
Plus, Kia makes it incredibly easy to hide those seats. The 50/50 split-folding seats can easily be hidden, as can the reclining, split-folding third-row seats. That way, when you’re loading your cargo, you won’t have to be overly concerned about rearranging your interior.
