Kia’s Best Budget Models

Some automotive brands are known for manufacturing vehicles that are safe, while others have a reputation for delivering performance. It’s rare that a manufacturer can claim authority in more than one category, but Kia can. The Kia model lineup you’ll find at your Reading, PA, Kia Dealership consists of vehicles that are safe, fun to drive, and affordable. They’re stylish – some more quirky than others – and designed to stand out among their competitors. In other words, they tick all the boxes. This is especially true when it comes to measuring affordability. But what are the best Kia models for people on a budget?

Lucky Kia buyers can find affordably-priced vehicles in every category. That’s by design because Kia wants consumers to get incredible bang for the buck without compromising on desirable features, whether it’s luxury they’re after or a little extra style. From the unique Kia Soul to the practical Kia Rio, there’s a bargain to be had in every segment.

Even on the higher end of the lineup, Kia succeeds in its quest for consumer value, giving buyers access to exciting models without showing up as the most expensive option in the category. The exciting new Kia Stinger is a great example, giving buyers access to a luxury performance sports sedan at an unbelievable price. Kia is also embracing electric powertrain technology, offering the Niro as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicle, all with competitive price tags.

Finally, all Kia models come with a best-in-class 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which beats nearly every other manufacturer’s coverage by a landslide. Kia stands by the quality of its products, which translates into peace-of-mind, especially for budget-conscious buyers wanting to avoid costly repairs. So, which Kia model is best for folks with a limited budget? We’ll review the best, most affordable choices here while giving you access to a few different categories so you’ll find the best fit for your lifestyle.

The Kia Soul

We are smitten with Kia’s small but mighty 2021 Soul. This unique subcompact SUV provides an unmatched balance of versatility and value, with the Soul coming in at a wallet-friendly starting price of $17,490. Since we’re sticking to budget-friendly options, we’ll focus on the base level trim and review everything that’s included.

Kia puts the emphasis on style and individuality with the Soul, offering six different exterior color choices for the base LX trim, including fiery Inferno Red or the glossy Cherry Black, which gives the Soul’s unique exterior lines a surprising level of luxury. We also love Mars Orange, one of the brighter and more unique colors in the Soul’s palette. Speaking of exterior lines, the Soul is a rally car style, marrying the best of the SUV, hatchback, and roadster categories to deliver a truly one-of-a-kind curb appeal. The good news? All this styling is part of the basic package!

Budget-minded buyers will want to look at the Soul LX trim. The LX comes standard with a surprisingly long list of equipment, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, keeping you connected to your favorite podcasts and music streaming apps while on the road. A rear camera display makes backing out of parking spots stress-free, and Kia’s high seating puts you in command of the road.

The Soul LX comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a peppy 147 horsepower – plenty of power for urban driving and highway acceleration – and the choice between an engaging six-speed manual transmission or a fuel-efficient automatic. This gives the Soul a fuel economy rating of up to 29 MPG city and 35 MPG highway, meaning you’re stopping for gas a lot less often.

The Kia Seltos

If you’re looking for something just a little bit bigger and with more traditional SUV lines, the 2021 Seltos might fit the bill. Starting at $21,990, it’s a little pricier than the Soul, but it is roomier and comes standard with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. Fuel economy also remains solid, coming in at up to 29 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.

The 2021 Seltos comes with a standard 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and rear display camera, as well as compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Remote keyless entry is also standard. The six-speaker audio system comes with steering wheel-mounted controls, and there’s a convenient USB charging port that doubles as a music input, perfect for when passengers want to control the entertainment.

Kia puts the spotlight on safety with the Seltos, including a standard rear occupant alert that notifies the driver if there are children in the backseat after you exit the vehicle. Dual front airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags are all standard. Traction Control and Hill Start Assist Control keep the vehicle connected to the road and prevent rollbacks when stopped on an incline.

Overall, the Seltos is a great compact crossover SUV option for budget-minded buyers. It delivers more traditional styling, a bit more interior room than the Soul, and an array of safety equipment designed to keep occupants safe. Fuel economy is another money-saving feature, as is Kia’s exceptional factory warranty coverage.

The Kia Niro

Kia is running headlong into the electric vehicle landscape with the expanded Niro lineup. With three powertrain options – the Niro hybrid, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid, and the all-electric Niro EV – buyers can dial in their level of alternative power. They’re priced affordably, with the hybrid starting at $24,590, the Plug-In Hybrid at $29,490, and the EV at $39,090. It’s important to remember that your up-front costs are a little higher with hybrid and electric vehicles, but your cost-of-ownership goes way down because you’ll be buying little or no gas.

For the purposes of focusing on budget-friendly models, we’ll highlight the basic Niro hybrid here, and the headline is fuel economy. Get ready to pass by the gas station because you can expect a fuel economy rating of 52 MPG city and 49 MPG highway. That’s thanks to a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated with a full parallel hybrid system and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. You’ll get 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, which translates into plenty of power for daily driving.

On the inside, the Niro is equipped with a standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system, and a rear-view camera with dynamic parking guidelines that help you park like a pro every time. Power windows and keyless entry, along with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel and four-way adjustable front seats, keep you comfortable.

Kia is synonymous with value, and the current lineup of Kia models exemplifies this with its plethora of options for under $25,000, perfect for budget-conscious buyers. Why buy a pre-owned car when you can get a brand new Kia that’s covered under one of the best warranties available and supported by a dealer network that provides high-level service and maintenance?

If you’re on a budget, we highly recommend visiting us at Allentown Kia. Take a test drive and experience all the benefits of a new Kia vehicle. You won’t have to sacrifice quality, safety, or style, and Kia’s focus on building cars that deliver great fuel economy means less money spent on gas while you own it. It’s a great product at a great price, and with so many different body styles to choose from, you’re bound to find the vehicle that fits your lifestyle perfectly.