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Back in the 1990s, Kia was a struggling brand. Its cars had a less-than-stellar reputation for quality and reliability. However, now, it’s a complete reversal. Hyundai bought Kia in 1998, and since then, Kia has grown to be a respected brand — with many high-quality vehicles. This includes an electric car, which is the most reliable Kia. The 2023 Kia EV6 electric crossover SUV takes the top spot for reliability.

What’s the most reliable Kia model?

Front angle view of silver 2023 Kia EV6 electric car, most reliable Kia according to Consumer Reports owner surveys
2023 Kia EV6 | Kia

This reliability determination for Kia models is based on Consumer Reports’ annual Auto Reliability Survey, as detailed by USA Today and  Kelley Blue Book. For the recent Auto Reliability Survey, the organization evaluated owner surveys from over 300,000 vehicles with 17 potential problem areas during the past 12 months. Examples include the engine, noises, brakes, electrical systems, paint, and leaks. 

Using the results of these surveys, Consumer Reports calculated the predicted reliability ratings for almost all new vehicles available. And for Kia, the model with the highest predicted reliability rating is the 2023 Kia EV6 electric crossover SUV. The EV6 is followed in reliability by the 2023 Carnival minivan and the 2023 K5 midsize sedan.

EV6 electric crossover SUV is the most reliable Kia

The 2023 Kia EV6 electric crossover SUV is the best Kia model for Consumer Reports predicted reliability ratings. The EV6 is also the first Kia vehicle designed from the ground up to be all-electric. Highlights include its sleek and modern exterior, a roomy and stylish interior, excellent driving dynamics, and superb performance. 

Mechanically similar to the Hyundai IONIQ 5, the Kia EV6 offers either a single-motor rear-wheel drive layout or a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. The dual-motor EV6 generates up to 576 horsepower, enabling the electric crossover SUV to accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 3.2 seconds. Also, the EV6 has an estimated driving range of up to 310 miles, which is respectable for an EV.

The Carnival and K5 are also very reliable Kia models

Front angle view of gray 2023 Kia Carnival, second-most reliable Kia model according to Consumer Reports owner surveys
2023 Kia Carnival | Kia

Following the EV6 electric crossover SUV as the second-most reliable Kia is the 2023 Kia Carnival. Officially, Kia calls the Carnival an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle). However, the South Korean brand is not fooling anyone, for it’s still a minivan — and there’s no shame in that. 

That being said, the Carnival has a more athletic design compared to what one might think is a prototypical minivan. Also, the Carnival provides a smooth and refined ride, along with plenty of power from its V-6 engine. Inside the Carnival, the cabin has attractive styling, with a cavernous total passenger volume of 168.2 cu-ft.

The 2023 Kia K5 midsize sedan is the third most reliable Kia model. Like minivans, sedans are not as popular as they used to be, but Kia bucks this trend with the Carnival and K5. The K5 features a sleek fastback design, is fun-to-drive, and offers great value with its many standard features. Also, it delivers excellent performance, especially with the GT trim. The K5 GT has a potent 290-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-four engine, enabling it to complete the 0-60 mph sprint in only 5.2 seconds.

The most reliable Kia model is the 2023 EV6 electric crossover SUV, followed by the 2023 Carnival minivan and the 2023 K5 midsize sedan. If you want a reliable Kia vehicle that will likely last many miles and years, then these three models could be a good choice for you.

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