by Gabrielle DeSantis

Of all the new Kia models in the lineup, there are a couple that don’t exactly have what it takes to satisfy their owners. There are several compelling vehicles in the Korean manufacturer’s lineup. But, according to Consumer Reports, owners aren’t loving these 2021 Kia models. In fact, a survey shows comparatively low percentages of owners that would buy one again. But does this mean they aren’t good cars?

Some models are consumer favorites, while these two new Kias score low predicted owner satisfaction scores. If you are shopping the Kia lineup, these models should be on your radar. Not because they stand above the rest, but because owners say they wouldn’t buy them again. 

That said, just because these two earned a low predicted consumer satisfaction score doesn’t mean they are all bad. Let’s check them out. Here are the least satisfying 2021 Kia models according to Consumer Reports. 

The 2021 Kia Sportage is a budget crossover SUV that fails to impress owners, but it’s still recommended by Consumer Reports

While the most satisfying 2021 Kia models scored in the 70th percentile for owners that say they’d buy the vehicle again, only 59 percent said they’d buy another Kia Sportage. The 2021 Kia Sportage starts at $24,090. The range-topping trim has a starting price of $35,350. 

Despite earning such low consumer satisfaction scores, the 2021 Kia Sportage still earned the recommendation badge from Consumer Reports. CR calls the Kia Sportage a “competitive small SUV that blends a spry appearance with somewhat sporty handling.” Standard automatic emergency braking is also highlighted as a strong point for this compact SUV. 

Only 59 percent of owners say they would buy the Kia Sportage again. That may not seem super low, but in comparison to Kia’s other crossover SUV models it’s on the low end. For example, 91 percent would repeat buy the Kia Telluride and 71 percent say they would buy another Kia Sorento. 

The 2021 Kia Rio ‘is one of the better subcompact cars, but it’s still basic transportation’

The 2021 Kia Rio is not recommended by Consumer Reports. In fact, there is missing data for most of the model years of this Kia sedan. It now comes as a hatchback and a four-door subcompact car. But it only received a score of 2/5 from Consumer Reports for predicted owner satisfaction. 

Consumer Reports doesn’t see owners loving this car or buying it again. Due to the fact that there are other options in the class that offer a far better experience for passengers, you may want to shop around a little more if you have your eye on the 2021 Kia Rio. For example, CR recommends places the 2021 Nissan Versa significantly higher than the Rio. 

Consumer Reports calls it “a loud car, with a stiff ride and leisurely acceleration from its 1.6-liter engine.” The S trim, which gives drivers a host of active safety features brings the price closer to the compact car segment, so opting to move up a class might prove a wise choice. Still, the 2021 Rio is not all bad. It features a user-friendly interface with straightforward controls and gets up to 48 mpg on the highway. It’s also priced in an affordable range of $16,050-$16,990.

The least satisfying 2021 Kia models according to Consumer Reports

Kia offers a good lineup of models for 2021. When it comes to consumer satisfaction, the 2021 Kia Rio and the 2021 Kia Sportage are the 2021 Kia models with the lowest scores. They both offer some high points and the Sportage is actually a CR recommended subcompact SUV. 

Regardless of the good things, these models aren’t expected to prove worthy of buying again. Owners of these two 2021 Kia models will likely opt for another vehicle when it comes time to buy again. That said, people tend to move on from lower budget entry-level models as soon as they can afford it.

You get what you pay for

Especially within the automotive market, it often circles back to the timeless phrase, “you get what you pay for.” Sometimes buying a brand new vehicle seems appealing for reasons such as a new car factory warranty. However, it’s important that consumers weigh their options because sometimes buying a used car in the same price point can offer a longer list of desired features than a basic budget car that’s brand new.

The post The 2021 Kia Models That Owners Wouldn’t Buy Again appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Though demand for many vehicles remains at a high level, auto website TrueCar is forecasting new vehicle sales to be on a continued downward trend. In its recent prediction, the company said August will mark the fourth consecutive month of declining sales for dealers. Compared to August of last year, overall new vehicle sales are down 4%. If you take fleet vehicles out of the equation, that number rises to 7%. Ongoing supply chain issues are the primary culprit for lagging sales of new cars.

Semiconductor chip shortage means there are less vehicles on dealer lots

For months now, a worldwide shortage of semiconductor chips has plagued automakers, who can’t finish vehicles without them. In some cases, automakers like Ford have been parking dozens of trucks that are still awaiting the necessary electronics to arrive. This translates into long wait times for consumers who have ordered a vehicle, and potentially stressful situations at the dealership otherwise.

“The chip shortage continues to be the driving force behind vehicle availability, creating the lowest average incentive spending since 2013,” said Nick Woolard, Lead Industry Analyst at TrueCar. “Continued strong demand is creating an environment where vehicles are selling extremely quickly. About a third of vehicles are selling within a week of arriving on the dealer lot, compared to just 18% last year.”

Toyota looks strong despite tall odds, says TrueCar

Despite also being hurt by the chip shortage, Toyota is managing to rise above the odds to this point, according to TrueCar. The Japanese automaker has managed to keep its supply chain rolling so far, but said recently that production will be temporarily paused at its Mississippi plant. The company says its 2400 employees there will keep their jobs, despite the halt in production.

“Though new vehicle sales continue to decline in August, some brands saw a year-over-year increase in sales. Toyota is operating extremely well considering their inventory days’ supply is roughly half the industry average. We will continue to see how they perform once their announced plant closures put additional pressure on production and inventory,” said Valeri Tompkins, Senior Vice President of OEM Solutions at TrueCar.

Incentives slashed and used car sales are up

The strong demand also means consumers are paying higher prices, with incentives down 39% compared to 2020. The average transaction price for August is expected to be inflated 6% over August 2020. Compared to July 2021, it is projected to rise .5%, according to TrueCar. While new car sales falter, used vehicle numbers are up 6% to 3.7 million for the month of August.

Final thoughts

With no end to the chip shortage in sight, it’s unlikely new car sales will be on a growth trajectory in the near term.

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The post TrueCar Predicts August Will Continue a 4 Month Slowdown in New Car Sales appeared first on MotorBiscuit.