Rio, Forte, Sportage, and Soul big winners in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

The 2016 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study is out, and Kia is number one overall.

But let’s get specific. Four popular Kia models were leaders in their respective market segments. We’d say Kia quality is a good indication WHY they’re so popular. 

KIA RIO: One of top three Small Cars 

KIA FORTE: One of top three Compact Cars 

KIA SPORTAGE: One of top three Small SUV 

KIA SOUL: Tops in Compact MPV.

J.D. Power rates brands by the number of flaws found by owners in their cars in the first 90 days of ownership. This year, owners placed Kia first among the 33 brands by reporting 21% fewer problems per 100 cars than the industry average.

Kia Rio offers performance without compromise. Its Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Engine produces powerful get up and go, making Rio the state-of-the-art sub-compact. Fun to look at, fun to drive.

Forte delivers more than you might expect from a compact sedan. Sleek and sporty, it includes lots of all-about-you features like a spacious, modern cabin including available heated leather seats and steering wheel. On the list of available technology: Voice command navigation and Bluetooth wireless technology.

The all-new Sportage is ready for whichever road you choose. With agile handling and a smooth ride, every drive is more fun. It also has earned the highest designation possible—Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+)—from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with optional front crash prevention. 

Soul has been one of the “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000” according to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com for two years in a row. Even though it’s cool, it’s also recognized by Parents magazine as among the 10 Best Family Cars of 2016, and U.S. News & World Report has named it the “Best Compact Car for Families”. 

Spurred by the J.D. Power study, Kia sales in June jumped 15.6% over the same period last year, capping the greatest quarter and greatest half-year performances in Kia’s U.S. history. That’s a fifth monthly sales record in the past six months. 

No auto brand has experienced greater growth over the last 20 years than Kia. 

All that industry-leading quality is here at Barnett Kia. Right now, you can lease a 2016 Forte LX as low as an incredible $69 a month. Or a 2016 Optima LX as low as $165 a month with only first payment, tax, title, and license due at signing. A new 2016 Sorento LX leases as low as $119 a month, and a 2016 Sedona LX as low as $155 a month. You can buy a new 2016 Rio LS starting at $11,689. 

And, of course, every new vehicle purchased comes with Barnett’s exclusive—and FREE—MILLION MILE Warranty. Ask your sales associate for all the details on that, too. Come see us soon at Barnett Kia on Highway 61 in White Bear Lake!