The Best Used Kia SUVs to Buy

Kia has come a long way. Once known primarily for affordability, the brand has spent the last decade building a reputation for quality that now competes with far more expensive names. Kia was named the top mass market brand in J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study three consecutive years in a row, the only brand in the study's history to achieve that distinction.¹ For dealers, that shift means Kia SUVs carry real desirability on the lot. Buyers know the name, trust the quality, and appreciate the value. These four Kia SUVs cover every size class and price point, making them some of the most versatile used inventory you can stock.

Top Used Kia SUV Car Models

2022 Kia Telluride

The Telluride is Kia's flagship three-row SUV and one of the most decorated vehicles in its class. It took home Best 3-Row SUV for the Money and Best 3-Row SUV for Families honors in 2022, backed by a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100, rated "Great."² It seats up to eight passengers and runs a 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 hp with an eight-speed automatic, with fuel economy rated at 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway.³ For 2022, Kia added a standard 10.25-inch touch screen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Highway Driving Assist across all trim levels, making even the base model well-equipped out of the box.² For dealers targeting buyers who want three-row space without a luxury price tag, the Telluride is one of the strongest picks available.

2021 Kia Sportage

The Sportage is Kia's best-selling compact SUV and one of the more reliable options in the used compact class. It earned a predicted reliability score of 88 out of 100 in independent evaluations, one of the highest marks in its segment for that model year.⁴ Two engine options are available: a standard 181 hp four-cylinder rated at 23 mpg city / 30 mpg highway, and an available 240 hp turbo in the top SX Turbo trim.⁴ Every 2021 Sportage comes standard with an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automatic emergency braking. Kia also backs every Sportage with its 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which transfers to subsequent owners within the coverage window.⁵

2020 Kia Sorento

The 2020 Sorento is a three-row midsize SUV that punches well above its price point. It earned strong marks across independent reviews for its well-appointed cabin, smooth ride, and low projected ownership costs, with a predicted reliability score of 86 out of 100, rated "Great."⁶ Engine options include a 185 hp four-cylinder or a stronger 290 hp V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic, with fuel economy rated at 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway on the base engine.⁶ Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch touch screen come standard across all trims, with the S trim and above adding the V6 and a full suite of active safety tech. Kia's 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty adds additional peace of mind for used buyers still within the coverage window.⁶

2021 Kia Soul

The Soul is one of the more underrated picks in the used Kia lineup. It earned a predicted reliability score of 87 out of 100 for the 2022 model year, and the 2021 model is widely cited as the best used year to target based on its low complaint rate and clean ownership history.⁷ It runs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 hp, rated at 28 mpg city / 33 mpg highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient options in Kia's SUV lineup.⁸ Standard features include a 10.25-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a full suite of active safety tech. With average annual maintenance costs of just $437 according to RepairPal, the Soul is one of the most affordable Kias to own long-term, which makes it an easy sell to budget-conscious buyers.⁷

Find the Best Used Kia SUV Inventory with ACV Auctions

From the Telluride to the Sportage and Soul, ACV Auctions connects dealers with nationwide access to in-demand used Kia SUV inventory. Every vehicle listing is backed by a transparent condition report featuring 60+ images, OBD-II diagnostics, undercarriage views, and engine audio, so you know exactly what you are bidding on. Sign up with ACV Auctions today to source the used Kia car inventory your customers are searching for.

Sources

1. "Kia Maintains Momentum in J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study as Top Mass Market Brand for Third Consecutive Year." Kia News Center, kianewscenter.com/news/kia-maintains-momentum-in-j.d.-power-vehicle-dependability-study-as-top-mass-market-brand-for-third. Accessed Apr. 2026.
2. "2022 Kia Telluride." U.S. News & World Report, cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/kia/telluride/2022. Accessed Apr. 2026.
3. "2022 Kia Telluride." Cars.com, cars.com/research/kia-telluride-2022. Accessed Apr. 2026.
4. "2021 Kia Sportage." U.S. News & World Report, cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/kia/sportage/2021. Accessed Apr. 2026.
5. "2021 Kia Sportage." Edmunds, edmunds.com/kia/sportage/2021/review. Accessed Apr. 2026.
6. "2020 Kia Sorento." U.S. News & World Report, cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/kia/sorento/2020. Accessed Apr. 2026.
7. "The Best Used Kia Models Known for Reliability." Top Speed, topspeed.com/best-used-kia-models-known-for-reliability. Accessed Apr. 2026.
8. "2021 Kia Soul." U.S. News & World Report, cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/kia/soul/2021. Accessed Apr. 2026.