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Reliability is a crucial element for any vehicle on the road. This is important not only for your safety but the safety of your passengers and even other drivers on the road. It can save you money in the long run and ensures you don’t get a dud.

Kia has come a long way in terms of reliability over the years, and now it’s one of the most trusted brands on the market, with three vehicles that have earned nearly perfect scores from RepairPal and are the most reliable Kia models. 

1. Kia Forte is one of the most reliable Kia models

A Kia logo covering a car, which could be one of the most reliable Kia models.
Kia logo | Krisztian Bocsi via Getty Images

The Kia Forte is one of the market’s cheapest and most reliable compact cars. It comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 147 hp. It has a starting price of $19,490.

According to RepairPal, owners can expect to pay $451 in repairs for their Kia Forte per year. This is $103 cheaper than the average compact vehicle, which costs around $526. Other vehicles are $652.

Another factor to consider when determining if a vehicle is reliable is how often you need to take it to your mechanic for repairs. Some vehicles seem in need of constant repaired or are involved in yet another recall, but that’s not quite the case with the Kia Forte. 

Most compact cars are brought in an average of 0.3 times a year for repairs, but the Kia Forte is brought in an average of 0.2 times. In comparison, all vehicles are brought in 0.4 times a year.

Finally, you need to consider the severity of a repair. Getting a bill of $100 is much more pleasant than $2,000. 

The Kia Forte has a probability of 8% for any repairs to be major and cost you a significant amount of money. In comparison, compact cars have a probability of 11%, and all vehicles have a probability of 12%.

2. Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is a subcompact SUV that is perfect for anyone who wants an SUV without paying a ton in gas. It comes equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that makes 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Soul is slightly more expensive than the Kia Forte, with a starting price of $19,790.

According to RepairPal, it costs, on average, $437 for annual repairs. For other subcompact SUVs, the average price is $466 and $652 for all vehicle models.

The frequency of how often you’ll need to take the Kia Soul to a mechanic is 0.2 times per year. This is the same for other subcompact SUVs. The average for all vehicle models is 0.4 times a year.

The severity rating for repairs is 9% on the Kia Soul, which is the same on average for other subcompact SUVs. For all vehicle models, the average is 12%.

3. Kia Rio is one of the most reliable Kia models

The Kia Rio is a subcompact sedan that has managed to hang there, although many drivers are now choosing trucks and SUVs. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produces 120 hp.

RepairPal reports the Kia Rio $434 yearly for repairs and maintenance, compared to $456 for other subcompact sedans. The frequency of repairs is also very low for the Kia Rio. It’s only 0.2, compared to other subcompact SUVs, which have an average of 0.3.

The severity of repairs is only 9%. This is slightly higher than the Forte. Other subcompact cars have an average of 11%.