Kia Ranks Sixth Among Automakers In 2014 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

IRVINE, Calif., June 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- J.D. Power 2014 Initial Quality Study (IQS) has ranked the Kia Sportage and Kia Cadenza as leaders in the Small SUV and Large Car segments, respectively.  Furthermore, Kia has moved up four positions over last year's IQS ranking and now stands at number six (in a tie) in the automotive industry for initial quality out of a field of 32 car brands.  The 2014 Sportage ranked first (in a tie) in the Small SUV segment for the second consecutive year, and the Cadenza ranked highest in the prestigious Large Car category, recognized by IQS for its first U.S. model year.

"The results of the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study demonstrate Kia's long-term strategy to concentrate on quality, strengthen our brand and elevate the ownership experience," said John Crowe, vice president, service & aftersale operations, Kia Motors America (KMA).  "The Sportage and the Cadenza are two prime examples of how far the entire Kia model line-up has progressed in the way of design, performance, sophistication and value."

Aside from Kia's highest ranking ever and Sportage's back-to-back honors, Cadenza's score was the second best for any Kia model in history.  The annual report analyzed responses from 86,118 respondents with regards to 239 vehicle models across 23 segments.  Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance and a broad range of quality problem symptoms reported by vehicle owners. 

About the 2014 Cadenza

The 2014 Cadenza brings the Kia brand into the emerging space between mainstream and luxury with European-influenced styling and premium amenities and features that had never previously been seen on a Kia.  The Cadenza features an all-aluminum 3.3 liter V6 GDI engine, which produces a 293hp.  The Cadenza delivers the second generation UVO eServices¹ infotainment and telematics system, an eight-inch high definition navigation display with backup camera and SiriusXM Traffic², backup warning system³, a 12-speaker, 550-watt Infinity^®4 audio system with steering wheel-mounted controls⁵, Smart Key keyless entry, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and Bluetooth^®6.  Also optional are the Luxury package and Limited trim level upgrade, which include amenities such as an electronic parking brake, advanced smart cruise control⁷ and Nappa leather-trimmed seats.  The advanced and luxurious 2014 Cadenza remains value-minded, offered at a starting MSRP of $35,100⁸ for base, $38,100 for the Luxury Package; and $42,400 for the Limited Trim.

About the 2014 Sportage

Starting with the LX trim, Sportage offers numerous standard features, including 17-inch alloy wheels matched with 225/60R17 low-rolling-resistance silica tires, body-color door handles, Bluetooth^®6 Wireless Technology Hands-Free Connectivity, solar glass, privacy glass, keyless entry with folding key and a six-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic™ automatic transmission. The popularly equipped EX trim offers stylish 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/55R18 tires, LED turn signals on the outside mirrors, a rear camera display and backup warning system,³ high-performance dampers, roof rails, a rear spoiler, fog lamps and chrome body trim and door handles. The top-of-the-line Sportage SX adds a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine producing 260-horsepower, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, sculpted side sill moldings, LED accent lighting along the headlamps for a sportier, more upscale appearance and a unique SX grille.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea.  KMA proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and surpassed the 500,000 annual sales mark for the second consecutive year in 2013 following the launch of seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles.   KMA offers a complete line of vehicles, including the rear-drive K900 flagship sedan⁹, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the United States.  Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, builds the Optima* and Sorento* and is responsible for the creation of more than 14,000 plant and supplier jobs.

Information about KMA and its full vehicle line-up is available at www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

*The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
¹ No subscription fee for UVO eServices. No charge for the UVO eServices app. App uses your smartphone cellular data service. Normal cellular service rates will apply.  Only certain UVO eServices available for MY14 Soul.
² Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com© 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.
³ The backup warning system is not a substitute for proper and safe backing-up procedures. The backup warning system may not detect every object behind the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution when backing up.
⁴ Infinity is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
⁵ Warning: Driving while distracted can result in a loss of vehicle control that may lead to an accident, severe personal injury and death. The driver's primary responsibility is in the safe and legal operation of a vehicle, and use of any handheld devices, other equipment or vehicle systems which take the driver's eyes, attention and focus away from the safe operation of a vehicle or that are not permissible by law should never be used during operation of the vehicle.
⁶ The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth® wireless technology enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.
⁷ The Advanced Smart Cruise Control system is not a substitute for safe driving and cruise control procedures. This is not an auto-pilot feature. Always drive safely and use caution. The Advanced Smart Cruise Control system may not detect every object in front of the vehicle.
⁸ MSRP excludes $800 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
⁹ 2015 K900 V8 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140618/119343

SOURCE Kia Motors America