Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

NEW CAR PROFILES KIA — LAND ROVER

Kia Forte
!

The Forte has some

positives, including simple

controls and impressive

fuel economy. However,

it suffers from an overly

stiff ride and the car is very loud.

The engine pulls adequately and the

continuously variable transmission

provides unobtrusive progress, but the

engine is raucous. At 34 mpg overall,

fuel economy is excellent. Handling is responsive, and the Forte is willing to

tackle corners. But the suspension transmits every bump to the passengers.

The interior is drab and spartan, and the seats in the midtrim LXS are

uncomfortable. But the automatic climate control is an unexpected positive,

and the infotainment system is simple and easy to use. It's commendable that

forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard.

A sportier GT model, offering a turbocharged engine, is new for 2020.



OVERALL

SCORE

66

$17,790-$22,890

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 67 MPG 34

Kia K900

The second-generation

K900 serves as the

flagship sedan for Kia.

It is positioned as a

value-driven luxury car

that promises the features and

experience found in prestige-brand

rivals at a significantly lower cost. It is

powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6,

producing 365 hp. This Stinger-shared

engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is

routed as needed via an all-wheel-drive system. Kia says the K900 is quieter

than before. The well-appointed interior offers large screens, plus a 9.7-inch

head-up display. The comprehensive suite of safety systems has some

interesting features, such as a live video feed of adjacent lanes activated

by the turn signal, a driver attention monitor, and an exit assist that watches

for potential hazards when opening a door.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$59,900

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Kia Niro

Kia's five-passenger Niro

hybrid marries good fuel

economy with cargo

versatility. The 1.6-liter four-

cylinder engine and electric

drive unit puts out a combined 139 hp.

This combo is mated to a six-speed

dual-clutch transmission. We got

43 mpg overall, which is good but not

as impressive as the Hyundai Ioniq or

Toyota Prius. A plug-in hybrid is also available. The handling lacks agility, and

the ride is a bit choppy. The optional power driver's seat provides better sup-

port than the standard seats. An EV version with a 239-mile range is also avail-

able. Updates for the 2020 model include new headlights, a standard 8-inch

touch screen, and various exterior styling details. Available safety features

include automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane keeping assis-

tance, and rear cross traffic warning, but they push the price above $30,000.



OVERALL

SCORE

63

$23,490-$44,000

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 65 MPG 43

Kia Niro EV
!

The Kia Niro EV gets

around without gasoline,

but it doesn't compromise

on comfort or practicality.

Its interior is well-

appointed, and its elevated seat

height and roomy cargo area give the

five-passenger, front-drive Niro the

versatility of a small SUV. It has a

239-mile range, which means the Niro

EV will outrun some electric cars that cost tens of thousands more. The Niro

shares its electric drive with the Hyundai Kona Electric and upcoming

Kia Soul EV. Like its corporate siblings, it has a 64-kWh battery that takes

about 10 hours to charge from almost empty through a 240-volt connector.

Acceleration is smooth, instant, and silent. We think this EV is more rewarding

to drive than the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Niro. Kia has limited

its availability initially to certain states.



OVERALL

SCORE

80

$38,500-$44,000

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 81 MPGe 112

Kia Optima

!

Kia's midsized sedan

drives nicely, with a

firm yet absorbent ride

and responsive, secure

handling. The 2.4-liter

four-cylinder is pleasant and returned

28 mpg overall in our tests; the uplevel

2.0-liter turbo engine packs more

punch. Both hybrid and plug-in hybrid

versions are available. The EX trim

features comfortable leather seats, automatic climate control, heated

front seats and steering wheel, and a roomy rear seat. The controls are very

intuitive to use, but the low-mounted dash vents tend to blow more air on

the driver's hands than on his face. All 2020 models have a suite of standard

advanced safety features, which include forward collision warning, automatic

emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, and rear

cross traffic warning.



OVERALL

SCORE

82

$23,190-$36,090

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 86 MPG 28

Kia Rio

The Rio is one of the better

subcompact cars, but it's

still basic transportation. It

is a loud car, with a stiff ride

and leisurely acceleration

from its 1.6-liter engine. We got 33 mpg

overall in our tests. That's good, but

many more substantial compact cars

also achieve that mileage. The Rio's

ride makes passengers feel every

bump, and the car moves in choppy motions over uneven roads. We found that

the Rio has safe, competent handling. The interior is basic, the front seats are

short on support, and the rear seat is tight, but the easy-to-use controls are a

high point. Buyers must opt for at least the S trim to get the advanced safety

features. Because the S trim is close to the price of a compact car, it's another

reason not to buy the Rio. Changes for 2020 include a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder

engine, which is now matched with a continuously variable transmission.



OVERALL

SCORE

59

$15,750-$16,690

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

2

ROAD-TEST SCORE 61 MPG 33

Kia Sedona

Freshened for 2019, the

Sedona uses a smooth and

refined 276-hp, 3.3-liter

V6 engine that is now

matched to an eight-speed

automatic. The Sedona is available

in seven- or eight-passenger seating

capacities. The roomy cabin is quiet,

but the ride is overly stiff and falls far

short of the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda

Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna. The Sedona is not enjoyable to drive. Its handling

is rather ungainly, though ultimately secure. The interior is nicely finished and

inviting, with a front console that provides handy concealed storage. The very

comfortable second-row seats neither fold flat nor are removable, cutting into

cargo capacity. Available safety features include forward collision warning,

blind spot warning, and cross traffic warning systems.



OVERALL

SCORE

67

$27,400-$41,300

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

3

ROAD-TEST SCORE 70 MPG 20

Kia Seltos

Kia's newest SUV, the

Seltos, has a more angular

rear that should make for

easy cargo loading. It's a

little longer than its Ford

EcoSport, Honda HR-V, and Mazda

CX-3 competitors. Two powertrains

are available: a 146-hp, 2.0-liter

four-cylinder engine paired with a

continuously variable transmission

and a 175-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with a seven-speed dual-clutch

automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel-drive is optional.

The base LX trim does not offer key advanced safety features, like forward

collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

These features, and more, come with the higher trims. The Seltos goes on sale

in the spring.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$21,990-$27,890

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

66 CR.ORG APRIL 2020