The most important thing about your car is that it works as expected when you’re behind the wheel. No one wants to deal with the hassle of malfunctions and the resulting repairs. That need for stability makes Consumer Reports’ annual reliability rankings such a valuable resource as a statement on the latest releases from the auto industry. Their findings show that the most reliable Kia models for this year are the EV6 and the Carnival.
How are the Consumer Reports reliability rankings formed?
Consumer Reports (CR) bases its reliability rankings on member surveys that provide an average predicted reliability score for each brand’s lineup. The score acts on a 100-point scale, and the average rating falls between 41 and 60 points.
Over the course of a year, the site collects data on 17 trouble areas, such as the engine, transmission, and in-car electronics, in over 300,000 vehicles with model years spanning 2000 to 2022. (A few 2023 models that were released early were also included in the rankings.)
The top three brands in the overall rankings were Toyota, Lexus, and BMW. Kia was one of the most-improved brands from last year’s rankings, rising six places to ninth out of 24 carmakers with an average reliability score.
The most reliable Kia model in the eyes of CR is the electric EV6. The Carnival and the K5 followed the EV6.
The Kia EV6 is a top-tier electric vehicle
Its high-performance level caught some by surprise, but the Kia EV6 is one of the best electric SUVs on the market.
The base EV6 has a 58-kWh battery pack, a single motor with up to 225 horsepower, and 258 lb-ft of torque with rear-wheel drive enabled. (The upgraded EV6 Wind comes with 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque.) It also has a maximum estimated driving range of 310 miles on a full charge.
The vehicle combines impressive power with a smooth driving experience. Tight controls, a 19-foot turning radius, and excellent all-wheel drive make the EV6 an exciting SUV to drive every day.
U.S. News came to a similar conclusion as Consumer Reports. The outlet gave the EV6 a score of 8.5 out of 10, and it ranked second in their electric SUVs category, seventh among crossover SUVs, and fourth in SUVs with two rows.
The 2022 Kia EV6 has an impressive driving range, spry handling, active safety features, and a premium cabin with comfortable seats.
It’s an excellent vehicle, a fact made even more impressive considering this is one of Kia’s first attempt at a dedicated electric vehicle. The EV6’s starting price is $40,900.
The Kia Carnival is another reliable choice
Take the recalls with a grain of salt. The Kia Carnival is a more than adequate replacement for the Kia Sedona.
Each vehicle trim has a 290 HP V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The minivan is another smooth-riding vehicle that delivers award-winning performances.
The Carnival’s interior is befitting of its name. Top-shelf materials give it an upscale feel, and the feature set of the infotainment systems is extensive, even in base models. It also has three rows of seats and a large cargo hold.
U.S. News does not have enough data to come up with an overall rating, but they still gave the Carnival a critics rating of 8.9, a performance rating of 7.9, an interior rating of 8.4, and a safety rating of 9.8. The base model has a starting price of $32,100, and the highest trim costs at least $46,100.
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