Is Kia Vehicle Reliable These Days

yangguchunyang7612 on 08/10/2025 - 09:36

I’m a parent with two kids, and my parents come stay with us a few months every year – so I’m looking to get a bigger car that can fit everyone in one go. After doing some research, it seems the Kia Carnival is the only real option if I want good legroom in the third row within a budget of about ~$80K.

Right now I drive a diesel SUV, but I don’t love the noise and vibration. For my next car I’m leaning toward a hybrid (HEV) to get something quieter and smoother.

That said, I’ve seen plenty of complaints about the quality of Korean cars, especially their HEVs, which makes me a bit worried and hesitant.

If anyone owns a Kia HEV, I’d love to get your take. What’s your experience been like?

Automotive Kia

Comments

  • Duckie2hh on 08/10/2025 - 09:48
    -8

    Let me go get my crystal ball and wizard hat.

    Duckie2hh on 08/10/2025 - 09:48 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
  • bazingaa on 08/10/2025 - 10:12
    -3

    I would get a diesel. Hyundai diesel engines are pretty reliable.

    • jv on 08/10/2025 - 10:18
      -6

      They're not good for the environment though.

      • bazingaa on 08/10/2025 - 10:19

        so no road trains anymore ? :(

        • jv on 08/10/2025 - 10:20
          -1

          Eventually, they will also be either electric or hydrogen.

          • pegaxs on 08/10/2025 - 10:43

            @jv: Good.

            • jv on 08/10/2025 - 10:47
              -3

              @pegaxs: I would prefer Mr. Fusion though…

        • Murkymerv on 08/10/2025 - 13:10

          We need those to keep OZ running 💯

      • Murkymerv on 08/10/2025 - 13:09

        America's not good for the environment , JV . Get it right for God's sake….

      • apple2016 on 08/10/2025 - 15:25

        Still better than petrol!

        • jv on 08/10/2025 - 15:32

          Not really… Diesel releases significantly higher amounts of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, posing greater immediate risks to human health and contributing to smog.

          • apple2016 on 08/10/2025 - 16:35

            @jv: Unless you are talking about decade old Diesel engines maybe.. Modern Diesel with cat convertors / Adblue, have reduced Nox significantly…

  • djkelly69 on 08/10/2025 - 10:13

    We have had a Sorento PHEV for a bit over 2 years (from new). No issues at all so far, touch wood.

  • altomic on 08/10/2025 - 10:46
    -1

    How old are the kids ? If they’re not in booster seats then Mitsubishi outlander 7seater

    • jv on 08/10/2025 - 11:05
      -1

      How old are the kids ?

      It's more to do with weight and height than age…

  • timmysbiscuits on 08/10/2025 - 11:00
    +4

    The Carnival is widely considered the best in its class. I don't think you can go wrong with it and should be happy with it too. It has a seven year warranty and from what I have read is reliable.

  • cngu0803 on 08/10/2025 - 11:00
    +1

    80k, could get you 16 2005 camrys.

    • jv on 08/10/2025 - 11:06
      +3

      16 2005 camrys.

      Can they be daisy chained?

  • JIMB0 on 08/10/2025 - 11:13

    They're alright if you're buying new and get rid of it between 10 to 15 years old.

  • GordonD on 08/10/2025 - 11:21

    https://gearjunkie.com/motors/2025-jd-power-vehicle-dependab…

    There you go, an evidence-based answer. At least for the US, because I don't know of any equivalent in Australia.

    Kia isn't the best, but it is a bit above average in reliability.

    • hmac on 08/10/2025 - 12:25
      +4

      Engines in the US are known to have issues due to the manufacturing process in the US. We don't get the same engines here

  • MS Paint on 08/10/2025 - 11:33
    +1

    @Stealtho - over to you blue leader

  • wannagrababargain on 08/10/2025 - 11:42
    +1

    Yes

  • ThadtheChad on 08/10/2025 - 12:06
    +3

    I'd also consider a JDM imported Alphard or Vellfire.

    Another option (a bit out of left field) are the VW ID.Buzz base and Pro models.

  • tellhimhesdreaming on 08/10/2025 - 12:18
    +1

    If you can limp along til next year the Kia PV5 should be out and sounds like it might tick the box for you if full EV isn't a problem. Price guestimate is 70k

  • Brucet on 08/10/2025 - 12:34
    +1

    I would recommend you to go with Toyota..it is more reliable than any other car. I have had several Toyota cars like RAV4, Camry, Corolla Yaris and never had any problems.

    • JimB on 08/10/2025 - 14:48

      Toyota stopped selling Tarago's a while ago.

      Kluger, Prado and LC300 have 7 seats but aren't people movers

      • Brucet on 08/10/2025 - 15:08
        -2

        Subaru not much differences with toyota. can consider.

        • JimB on 08/10/2025 - 15:16
          +2

          Subaru cost much more to service and aren't as reliable as Toyota.

  • Far Cough on 08/10/2025 - 12:42

    Yeah it’s alright

  • Drakesy on 08/10/2025 - 12:56

    I had a 2010 Sportage that i sold off at 275,000k's, no issues (mind you this was naturally aspirated.) Last time i checked the guy that bought it off me drove it another 15,000k's, crashed it, fixed it and sold it (it popped up on marketplace)

  • apple2016 on 08/10/2025 - 15:29

    That said, I’ve seen plenty of complaints about the quality of Korean cars, especially their HEVs, which makes me a bit worried and hesitant.

    While some cars do have inherent problems, there are very minor in comparison to problems caused by incorrect or improper maintenance.
    Kia could be very reliable, if taken care of well.

  • DollarDownUnder on 08/10/2025 - 16:25
    -1

    I see a concerning amount of KIA motors suffering major engine failure, we are talking cars that are under 8 years old with full service history. Take a look on the facebook groups, lots of KIA owners have had to join the class action.

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