Kia, like many other automakers, is taking steps to bolster sales in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. In addition to offering qualifying customers who finance via Kia Motors Finance up to 120 days’ deferral of their first payment, existing Kia Motors Finance customers who purchased a vehicle prior to March 14 “and who are providing care for themselves or a member of their household resulting from the current global health crisis and are temporarily not able to work” can qualify for up to three separate 30-day payment deferrals. On top of all that, a selection of new Kias are available with 0% percent APR financing.
Related: Should I Buy a Car During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Unfortunately, two of Kia’s newest models — the Telluride three-row SUV and Seltos subcompact SUV — are not part of this financing offer, though Kia is offering $199-per-month leases on the Seltos and $309-per-month leases on the Telluride. Of the qualifying models — the 2019 Forte and Niro Plug-In Hybrid and EV, and the 2020 Forte, Optima (all powertrain variants), Sedona, Sorento, Soul, Sportage and Stinger — here are five we recommend:
1. 2019-20 Kia Forte
The Forte is a competent compact sedan, and the previous generation nearly unseated the Honda Civic in our segment-wide comparison test. It underwent a redesign for the 2019 model year that updated the styling to a more Stinger-inspired look and added an updated automatic transmission. For 2020, Kia added the GT and GT-Line trims. But if your budget is smaller, or if the current economic situation requires a bit more financial belt-tightening, a 2019 may be your best bet.
2. 2020 Kia Optima
Like the Forte, the Optima may not be the best overall in its class — mid-size sedans — but it is a solid value proposition. The Optima offers a roomy cabin, a robust list of standard safety features and a very user-friendly infotainment system. It’s also one of two vehicles on this list that has a redesign coming for the 2021 model year, so deals beyond just low financing may be available as dealers look to clear inventory ahead of the next generation’s arrival.
3. 2020 Kia Sorento
Here’s another vehicle with a pending redesign, which was announced virtually during what would’ve been the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show. The Sorento shares many similarities with the Hyundai Santa Fe, which won our most recent mid-size SUV comparison test. Like the Optima, the Sorento was already a strong value proposition before its pending redesign. It also comes with the same easy-to-use infotainment system that includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
4. 2020 Kia Stinger
Stingers, for whatever reason, aren’t selling as well as Kia likely had hoped, and there are already lots of deals to be had for a shopper looking for something a little more fun. With an available (and potent) twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 producing 365 horsepower, the roomy Stinger is an able and affordable grand tourer. Plus, you can get one with a really cool-looking orange paint color. Take advantage of slow sales and dealers’ desire to move vehicles sitting on the lot for too long, now with the potential for excellent financing.
5. 2020 Kia Soul
Last on our list — but perhaps first in our hearts — the 2020 Soul was a finalist for our Best of 2020 award. Offering a fun and funky combination of hatchback utility and respectable driving chops, the Soul may be your next vehicular soul mate. You could even get two, like this couple:
55 years of being “Soul” mates. Happy #ValentinesDay from Kia owners, John and Peggy. pic.twitter.com/hN09r0L4mT
— Kia Motors America (@Kia) February 14, 2020
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