Finest New Kia Vehicles Underneath $40,000

Kia is a model that is not solely recognized for reliability, but additionally for producing a variety of automobiles at an reasonably priced value. Whereas $40,000 is not precisely pocket change, it is also not the kind of price-tag you’d anticipate from higher-end premium manufacturers. However within the Kia steady, there’s quite a bit on supply – from crossovers to sedans, and SUVs to the Carnival minivan. The very best Kia automobiles have an reasonably priced value tah and can even go away you room so as to add a couple of choices earlier than coming near $40k.

In the event you’re wanting the very best from Kia for the cash, this is a breakdown of the model’s ten greatest fashions in response to our BuzzScore scores.

10 2025 Kia K4

BuzzScore Unrated | Base Worth: $21,990

This listing kicks off with one of many latest merchandise from the model, and one we foresee will rapidly turn out to be among the finest Kia fashions on supply. The Kia K4 sedan was revealed initially of 2024, and though it arrives to switch the Forte, each are on sale concurrently for the time being. The brand new sedan comes with a lot sportier styling and the choice for 2 engines: a 147-horsepower four-cylinder or a 190-hp turbocharged four-pot. The latter does obligation within the Turbo fashions, and paired with expressive new styling, actually strikes the sport ahead for cheap sedans. As a result of its nonetheless so new, nevertheless, we have not had an opportunity to drive the automobile but, so it stays unrated on our BuzzScore rating system.

9 2024 Kia Sorento

BuzzScore 8 | Base Worth: $31,990

The Kia Sorento lineup obtained an replace for 2024 which gave it a recent new look together with a restyled dashboard and a few new tech. This places the Sorento on stronger footing towards rivals just like the Honda Pilot, which outsold the Sorento by practically 22 000 models in 2023. The most recent Sorento has a less expensive base value than the Pilot, nevertheless, and it comes with both a 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder within the entry-level fashions, or a stronger 281-hp turbocharged engine. There are additionally hybrid choices, which we focus on beneath, however throughout the vary, the Sorento charges extremely for its reliability and security techniques. Normal security assists embrace:

Blind-spot collision warning parallel exit and protected exit help Ahead collision-avoidance help with pedestrian, bicycle owner and junction turning detection Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance Lane departure warning Lane maintaining and lane following help Sensible cruise management with clever pace restrict help Driver consideration warning

2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid – BuzzScore 8.2

Though there are two Sorento hybrid choices – an everyday HEV and a plug-in hybrid – solely the previous is included right here as a result of it has a beginning value of $38,690. The PHEV prices considerably extra at $47,990. The hybrid Sorento solely obtained the facelift for the 2025 mannequin yr, which is why we embrace it right here. The hybrid powertrain – a 1.6-liter turbo-four supplemented by a 59-hp electrical motor – returns nice gas economic system figures of 36/36/36 mpg on town/freeway/mixed cycles with FWD, or 34/34/34 mpg with AWD. It is these nice effectivity figures and a stronger engine with a complete of 277 hp that ends in the upper BuzzScore score for the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid.

8 2025 Kia Soul

BuzzScore 8 | Base Worth: $20,290

Though it scores the identical 8 out of 10 BuzzScore because the automobile above it, the Kia Soul is a bit cheaper, which provides to its attraction. We have at all times beloved the Soul for its quirky look, and it stays a high-value proposition within the compact crossover phase. No adjustments are made to the Soul for 2025, however it’s the first yr the bottom mannequin Soul prices greater than $20k, and even the highest trim within the vary would not break the $24,590 mark. The slight-sized crossover pack a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine beneath thehood that makes 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque; it isn’t constructed for efficiency, but it surely will get passable fuel mileage figures of 27/33/30 mpg. It is the best economical city runabout.

7 2024 Kia Forte

BuzzScore 8 | Base Worth: $19,990

Kia’s finances sedan ranks highest of the 8-out-of-10 group because it’s sub-$20,000 beginning value is so interesting. The Kia Forte is on its means out, nevertheless, and 2024 is the final yr you possibly can nonetheless get your palms on one earlier than the K4 takes its place. The place the Forte earns its excessive rankings is in a balanced strategy to efficiency, frugality, and comfort, with 5 fashions within the lineup that cater to both affordability, riving enjoyable, or extra premium touches. Base fashions have the identical 147-hp engine the Soul makes use of, however the GT mannequin comes with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 201 hp. Kia can be one of many few automakers left that supply a handbook transmission – the Forte GT Handbook permits you to row your individual gears, though that drops fuel mileage figures from 27/35/30 mpg with the usual seven-speed auto to 22/31/26 mpg with the six-speed self-shifter.

6 2025 Kia Niro

BuzzScore 8.0 | Base Worth: $26,990

The Niro is the all-rounder within the Kia steady; there aren’t any gas-only Niros, however you possibly can have it as an everyday hybrid, a plug-in, or an EV – and all three choices rating extremely. The common hybrid is the baseline, so we begin off with that right here. The one adjustments that occurred from 2024 into 2025 was the quirky blacked-out C-pillar that used to tell apart the little automobile has been completed away with. The 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain is nice for 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and returns glorious gas economic system, which – on the entry-level mannequin is as spectacular as 53 mpg mixed.

2024 Kia Niro EV and PHEV – BuzzScores 8.1 and eight.4

To supply patrons much more choices, Kia additionally makes the Plug-In Niro and the EV model obtainable. The all-electric Niro barely makes it in beneath the $40k value cap for 2024, with 2025 fashions nonetheless beneath wraps (you may see the blacked-out C-Pillar on these fashions, nonetheless). The EV scores a bit increased on account of its effectivity (8.1 out of 10) but it surely’s the plug-in that actually impresses. It begins at $34,490 for the bottom mannequin, and the top-end trim simply simply breaches the $40k mark with an MSRP of $40,790. Each supply a 33-mile all-electric driving vary with fuel mileage equal figures of 126/101/113 MPGe from the EPA. On high of this, outputs creep as much as 180 hp and 915 lb-ft with the PHEV powertrain.

5 2025 Kia Sportage

BuzzScore 8.4 | Base Worth: $27,190

The Kia Sportage was the best-selling Kia automobile for 2023, and a part of its attract is the truth that it is obtainable with a wide range of powertrains. The bottom mannequin is fuel solely, and that scores a excessive 8.4 out of 10 on our rating scale. Not solely is the Sportage a great-looking automobile, but it surely comes with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft from a 2.5-liter engine that is sufficient to hustle the small crossover alongside in site visitors. The Sportage has robust competitors from the perennial Toyota RAV4, but it surely comes well-equipped, particularly within the higher trims, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3 inch digital show, heated entrance seats, and a bunch of security options that earn it high marks.

2025 Sportage Hybrids – BuzzScore 8.5

There are two Sportage hybrid choices, one as an everyday hybrid and the opposite with a plug-in hybrid setup. These each rating an 8.5 BuzzScore score, but it surely’s worthnoting that the PHEV model verges on $40k within the base trim. Each use a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid system, however the HEVs make 227 hp and 258 lb-ft, whereas the PHEVs put out 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. The hybrids are essentially the most environment friendly when evaluating fuel/electrical motors mixed, with the EPA estimating 42/44/43 mpg at greatest for the Sportage Hybrid FWD. Plug-In fashions utilizing fuel and electrical energy common 84 MPGe, however can journey for 34 miles on electrical energy alone.

4 2024 Kia K5

BuzzScore 8.5 | Base Worth: $25,390

Kia has already revealed the facelifted K5 sedan for 2025, however since that features a entire new powertrain which we have not pushed, there is no BuzzScore for the 2025 mannequin yr but. So, the 2024 mannequin remains to be on sale and scores a excessive 8.5 out of 10, rating it ones of the very best Kia automobiles on this listing. The model’s midsize sedan follows a easy recipe with engaging styling, a near-premium cabin within the higher tris, a bunch of normal options, and an attainable $25,390 beginning value for 2024. The K5 beats out the 2024 Toyota Camry for cargo area and presents oodles extra front-row legroom – even surpassing what the Honda Accord presents. The outgoing powertrain is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 180 hp and 195 lb-ft.

3 2025 Kia Seltos

BuzzScore 8.5 | Base Worth: $24,590

The Kia Seltos obtained a little bit of a makeover in 2024, so it comes into 2025 with no overt adjustments, though a number of the options have been shuffled round a bit. It ranks extremely on the BuzzScore scorecard, with a top-notch inside, far more cargo area than rivals supply, and a beneficiant commonplace options listing. Due to how roomy it’s, the Seltos makes for a wonderful household automobile – and a sub-$25k beginning value solely feeds into that.

Powering the Seltos on the base stage is a 2.0-liter inline-four with 146 hp and 132 lb-ft, however in order for you one thing punchier, the highest trims include a 1.6-liter turbo engine that is good for 195 hp and 195 lb-ft.

2 2024 Kia Telluride

BuzzScore 8.6 | Base Worth: $36,190

With an 8.6 out of 10 rating – and gross sales knowledge of over 110 000 fashions offered in 2023 – the Kia Telluride’s recognition has solely elevated in the previous few years. Kia’s gross sales knowledge means that midway by means of 2024, the earlier yr’s gross sales figures had been soundly beat, too. What makes the massive SUV so well-liked? The three-row mid-size SUV has seating for as much as eight occupants and ten trim choices for patrons to peruse. Solely the primary two trims are available beneath $40k, although, so you possibly can anticipate the higher fashions to be suitably plush. On the entry-point to the vary, you get a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 hp that permits for a towing capability of 5,000 lbs. Kia’s rating extremely for reliability, because of an industry-leading guarantee, and the Telluride is likely one of the fashions within the steady that provides to the already excessive rankings with high scores for inside spaciousness, a great deal of tech and options, high-end driver security assists, and a high-value price ticket.

1 2025 Kia Carnival

BuzzScore 9 | Base Worth: $36,500

An anomaly within the lineup – and, to an extent, on showroom flooring within the USA – the Kia Carnival is the model’s tackle the common-or-garden minivan (though Kia markets it as an MPV). There is a cause this massive people-mover scores so extremely; it is surprisingly well-priced for a spacious, massive, and near-premium car. Admittedly, the higher trims price properly over $45,000 – and there is a hybrid, too, however we have excluded it right here because it’s already over the value cap. For 2025, Kia made the Carnival even higher than it was final yr, updating its styling to be extra in keeping with its electrical EV9. It additionally comes with new security options, all of which push the Carniva’s BuzzScore to a stable 9 out of 10, makng this the very best Kia you should buy in 2024.

Sources:
Kia,
FuelEconomy.gov