As new car prices trend upward at record levels, choosing a model that provides the best value is increasingly important. Five 2023 Kia models recently ranked among the best-value new cars on one list. And the Kia Rio S took top honors as the “Best Value New Car” for 2023. 

2023 best value new cars

Cars.com says that small vehicles offer more value and affordability than their larger counterparts, thanks to lower median prices. Admittedly, small cars won’t fit everyone’s needs.

Kia offers an industry-leading five-year or 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and covers the powertrain for 10 years or 100,000 miles. So which specific Kia models did Cars.com recommend?

2023 Kia Rio S

The 2023 Kia Rio S equipped with the $1,800 Technology Package ranked first on the best-value new car list for 2023, has a median price of $20,240, and gets an estimated combined 36 mpg.

The Rio S comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque backed by an automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a split folding rear seat. The optional technology package includes the following:

• Forward collision avoidance assistance with pedestrian detection
• Lane-keeping assist
• Lane-following assist
• Lane departure warning 
• LED headlights with high beam assist
• Driver attention warning
• Rear occupant alert
• Automatic climate control

2023 Kia Forte LXS

The fourth-ranked Technology Package-equipped 2023 Kia Forte LXS has a $21,585 tag and gets a combined 32 mpg. The Forte LXS includes a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 132 lb-ft of torque, 16-inch alloy wheels, and everything from the Rio S as equipped above.

The $500 LXS Technology Package adds:

• Blind-spot collision avoidance assist
• Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist
• Safe exit warning
• Heated side mirrors with LED turn signals

2023 Kia Seltos S

The 2023 Kia Seltos S placed third among small SUVs with a $26,228 tag and an estimated combined fuel economy rating of 31 mpg. The Seltos S features a 146-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 132 lb-ft of torque. The car also comes with automatic transmission, roof rails, LED daytime running lights, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic climate control, and Kia’s Drive Wise driver assist technology. 

2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX

The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX came in fourth in the hotly contested electric vehicle (EV) class with a $35,895 tag, a 33-mile electric-only range, and a combined 108 mpg equivalent, as estimated by Kia.

The PHEV Niro powertrain features a 1.6-liter hybrid with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, roof rails, 16-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, Kia’s Drive Wise technology, and wireless phone charging. 

2023 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid X-Line

The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV X-Line finished eighth on the list of EVs with a $39,940 tag, a 34-mile all-electric range, and a combined 84 mpg equivalent, as estimated by the EPA.

In addition, the PHEV Sportage X-Line comes with a more powerful 261-hp 1.6-liter turbo hybrid powertrain with 258 lb-ft of torque, all-wheel drive with a center locking differential, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof, plus everything listed for the Niro above.