Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle to take on your daily commute or a better car for your family, Kia has what you’re looking to buy. With a variety of sedans and SUVs in various sizes, there are plenty of options available on the market.
Kia Forte
The Forte got a full redesign in 2014, so the 2016 model continues that new look and style. It’s available in a sedan, hatchback, and coupe, but it’s the sedan that gets the best fuel economy.
There are several engine and transmission configurations available, but the base 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an automatic transmission comes in ahead of the pack at 31 miles per gallon combined, or 26 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The manual transmission is only slightly lower, with an estimated rating of 30 mpg combined, 25 mpg in the city, and 37 mpg on the highway.
Kia Rio
This subcompact sedan is another leader in terms of efficiency. It’s actually more comfortable inside than it may look from the exterior, with high-quality materials and roomy seating areas. Beneath its hood you’ll find a four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine that puts out 123 pound-feet of torque and 138 horsepower. The EPA estimates that a 2016 Rio with either a manual or automatic transmission will get an average of 31 mpg combined or 27 mpg in the city. The difference comes in highway driving, since the manual transmission vehicle comes in at 38 mpg while the automatic drops by one at 37 mpg.
You can also add the Eco package to the Rio EX, which includes an automatic start-stop system that will shut down the engine when you come to a stop. When you take your foot off the brake, the engine immediately re-engages. With that package, the estimate in the city increases to 28 mpg.
Kia Optima Hybrid
A hybrid vehicle typically comes in higher than a standard model, so the Kia Optima Hybrid has many others beat. It’s a midsize sedan that comes packed with features like automatic dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated glove box, heated side mirrors, and keyless entry and ignition, all standard on the base model. Its engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder model that works in conjunction with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor. Combined, the engine and motor put out 235 pound-feet of torque and 199 horsepower.
There are two trim levels available on this vehicle, and the fuel economy estimates are slightly different between them. The base gets a combined estimate of 38 mpg, which breaks down to 36 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The upper trim level, EX, drops a bit to 37 mpg combined, or 35 (city) and 39 (highway).
These vehicles vary in size but each offers excellent fuel economy that will save you some money at the pump. With these options available to buyers, along with several other fuel-efficient Kia models, it’s easy to pick the perfect car for you and your family.
This photo, “Kia rio5 1.4 EX 2016,” by RL GNZLZ used under CC BY-SA 2.o. “Kia rio5 1.4 EX 2016” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.o by Gay Family Kia.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.