Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Media
“Best of” lists never fail to grab people’s attention when looking to purchase a new product. In this case, it’s a car.
Every year, car publications collect and analyze data from its test drivers on new vehicles from brands across the spectrum. These numbers are then crunched and delivered to consumers to help them make the most informed decision come car-buying season. Oftentimes, the publications also create their own awards such as the “Best of” category to highlight truly worthy vehicles.
One such publication, U.S. News and World Report, released their version of the “best of” list and the results may come as a shock to some. While the publication covers a range of topics, notably travel and education, they also have their team of analysts that judge cars. And for one automaker, a trio of awards might have kicked off 2021 with the jolt they wanted. In the annual awards, Kia Motors walked away with not one, not two, but three, “Best Cars for the Money” awards for the 2021 calendar year from U.S. News and World Report.
The publication has over 80 years of experience over a series of categories and is one of the most trusted and well respected in the reviewing business. The “Best Cars for the Money” list covers 11 different automotive classes and takes into consideration overall quality and value as its main benchmarks in the respective car classes of trucks, crossovers, cars, SUVs, and more.
Before the publication makes its picks for the awards, a team of car reviewers analyzes drive feel, comfortability, ease of use, technology and connectivity. From there they move to the actual specs of the car such as fuel efficiency, interior passenger and cargo space, and most important—safety. After all metrics and scores are tabulated and considered, U.S. News and World formulates a list that is later published reflecting their findings. Included in their decisions is also the cost efficiency of maintaining the vehicle during the time of ownership.
Kia Motors has been on the roll as of late and notched other awards such as the Autotrader 10 Best Non-Luxury CPO Programs List in 2019, and two Kia models landed on the U.S. News Cars for Teen Lists, also in 2019.
This time, it was the Kia Forte, Soul, and Sorento that made the list spanning the sedan, compact SUV, and SUV categories. It also marked the fifth year-in-a-row that the Sorento and Soul have made the list.
“The Kia Sorento’s low price and operating costs make it a great value, and that value comes without compromises on features, comfort or performance…Car reviewers love the Forte for its roomy passenger cabin and long list of standard features,” said Jamie Page Deaton, executive editor, U.S. News & World Report. “Its low price and long-term ownership costs make it a great value. This is a car that buyers – and their budgets – will enjoy owning for the long haul. And the Kia Soul has plenty of interior space and an excellent infotainment system. Its long warranty keeps repair costs low, making it an excellent long-term value.”
If you’re in the market for a Kia, check out a Kia Motors dealer in Florida.
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Terry is an avid Nascar fan who grew up attending races at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, just down the road from his hometown of China Grove, NC. Terry currently resides in Wellington and has been writing for 15 years. He also enjoys watching the Road Runner Looney Tunes cartoon with his two sons in his spare time.