Posted on June 9, 2022
When you’re shopping for a Kia, you have a lot of decisions to make in order to ensure you find the perfect vehicle with everything you need. One of the most important choices is picking between a new or used model. As your used Kia dealership, we are pleased to offer a fantastic selection of pre-owned vehicles. Even if you know you want a used vehicle, you still need to decide on the right model and model year that best meets your needs. Having someone you can rely on by your side to help you with the choice definitely makes things easier, but it is still a good idea to have a sense of what you want to find.
To help with that, let’s take a look at four of Kia’s most popular models and some details on what you should look for in terms of model year. Sometimes, the changes from one year to another are pretty minor; other times, however, there can be huge differences from one year to the next. If you have more questions, then we are here to assist you with everything you need; this will simply help you start your search and get a sense of what’s out there.
The Optima is one of Kia’s most popular models: a midsize four-door sedan that is perfect for families and daily commutes. If you are looking for a gorgeous car that is fun to drive and incredibly reliable, then this model is a great place to start your search. This car has been known under several names here in Canada: first the Magentis, then the Optima, but in 2021 the model name changed to the K5. Keep that in mind as you look at different used models, especially if you want a vehicle from just the last couple of years.
First released in Canada as the Kia Magentis in 2001, you probably won’t find too many of those here at Sherwood Kia or any other dealership. You’re more likely to find models from the last decade or so. The Kia Optima launched in the 2011 model year and featured several engine options, including a hybrid, plus standard features like air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and cruise control. With a facelift in 2014, the Optima received a refreshed exterior with new front and rear fascias, along with an updated interior that included new seating.
The second generation of the Optima launched with the 2016 model year; while it might look much like the previous year, pretty much every part of the Optima was overhauled. It was made larger, translating into more space to stretch out in the cabin, with an improved frame and suspension designed to boost handling and overall feel. The interior was updated and modernized, with high trims featuring luxurious materials like quilted Nappa leather and a greater range of advanced safety features. If you prioritize safety features, then look for one from 2018 or later: technology like Blind Spot Detection and a Rear Cross-Traffic Alert became standard on all models.
First launched for the 2010 model year, the Kia Soul is a reliable and sporty hatchback model that is the perfect option if you want something that falls between a sedan and an SUV. When it was first released, two engines were offered with either a manual or automatic transmission, so keep that in mind as you look at used models. The Soul received a redesign and update for the 2012 model year, including new engines and superior transmissions compared to previous years.
A second generation for this Kia SUV launched in 2014 with some subtle styling changes but a lot more going on in terms of performance. It was built on an all-new platform for improved handling and overall ride quality, with a more-refined interior. Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions remained available, while the infotainment system and other features were all improved. This second-generation model was updated for 2017 with some refreshed styling and the addition of an available turbocharged engine for boosted performance.
For 2018, the manual transmission was removed, and only an automatic remained, so if you prefer the control of a stick shift, then look for a Soul from 2017 or earlier. A third-generation for the Kia Soul kicked off with the 2020 model year, which included numerous updates and some restyling though it retains its signature look. Of particular note is that the turbocharged engine was removed here in Canada, so you’ll need to look for a model from the second generation if you want that kind of performance.
For nearly 20 years, the Sorento has been one of Kia’s most popular offerings: a robust midsize SUV that has fantastic features inside and out. Its first generation ran through 2009, and then it took a break for a year before returning with a second generation in 2011. It came back with a splash and utilized a unibody design as a crossover model rather than the previous truck-like body-on-frame design.
The second generation of the Sorento was larger than it had been before, with a spacious and comfortable interior. Two engines were offered on models starting in 2011, including a 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 3.5L V6 for more robust performance. Both manual and automatic transmissions were offered on the four-cylinder (the manual was discontinued the following year), with an automatic on the V6. For 2014, the Sorento received a refresh that included a more powerful V6 engine and an improved suspension.
A third-generation Kia Sorento launched for the 2016 model year with a complete redesign that included revised power steering and superior handling compared to previous years. Three engines were offered on these models, including a new turbocharged engine with impressive power and performance. This was refreshed again for the 2018 model year with an improved 8-speed automatic transmission, and the impressive V6 engine became standard in all but the lowest trim. The standard trim remained a five-passenger model, while other trims gained a third row for up to seven passengers.
Although it was just released as a new model for the 2020 model year, the Telluride has already proven itself to be an extremely popular vehicle with a lot to offer. This is the largest model that Kia makes, and it’s a fantastic choice if you are looking for a three-row SUV that has plenty of space inside for your friends and family. It’s been designed to compete with other high-end midsize and full-size models by delivering robust performance and fantastic features.
Powered by an impressive V6 engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Telluride comes with all-wheel drive standard on every model, making it ideal for dealing with rough winter weather. Standard features include LED headlights and automatic high beams, a sunroof, and heated front seats with eight-passenger seating overall. The standard trim also includes three-zone automatic climate control, a 26 cm infotainment display, plus fantastic safety features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, all standard.
Since it was first introduced, there have been only minor changes to the Telluride, which means any model you find when shopping for a used Kia is going to be a fantastic option. You can see that getting the right Kia really comes down to understanding what you are looking for and then finding the vehicle that brings it all together for you. Contact us at Sherwood Kia today, and we will help you choose a new or used Kia that you will enjoy for many years to come.
Categories: Used Kia Dealership