The Lowest Maintenance Kia Cars Ranked

Blog May 09th, 2025

When buying a vehicle, it’s not just about the price tag. Ongoing maintenance costs can quietly add up—especially if you drive daily or plan to keep your car long-term. Fortunately, Kia vehicles are some of the most affordable to maintain in Canada, thanks to their smart engineering, durable components, and competitive service schedules.

At Orléans Kia, we’ve worked with thousands of Kia owners—and we know which models deliver the lowest lifetime maintenance. Here’s our 2025 ranking of the top 5 lowest-maintenance Kia vehicles, from great to greatest.

#5 – Kia Seltos: The Up-and-Coming Compact SUV

Estimated annual maintenance cost: $560 CAD
Best trims: LX FWD or EX AWD
Engine: 2.0L MPI or 1.6L Turbo

The Kia Seltos is one of the newest additions to the Kia lineup, but it’s already showing signs of long-term affordability. With fewer high-tech systems than larger SUVs, simple oil change intervals, and a proven powertrain, the Seltos holds its own in the low-maintenance category.

Brake pads last around 60,000–80,000 km with regular city driving
Oil changes required every 12,000 km (or once a year)
AWD servicing every 60,000–80,000 km, which is lower than most rivals
Common parts like filters and sensors are inexpensive

Avoid the turbocharged trims if keeping costs low is your main goal. The 2.0L MPI FWD version offers the best balance of fuel efficiency, reliability, and simple upkeep.

#4 – Kia Sportage: The Reliable Everyday SUV

Estimated annual maintenance cost: $520 CAD
Best trims: EX AWD, LX FWD
Engine: 2.4L MPI (pre-2022), 2.5L GDI (2023+)

If you’re looking for a dependable SUV that won’t burden your wallet, the Kia Sportage is one of the most sensible choices. It’s simple to service, comes with widely available parts, and delivers better-than-average durability.

Brake pads and rotors often last longer due to lighter curb weight
Suspension repairs are rare in the first 150,000 km
Transmission issues are uncommon with proper fluid changes at 90,000–100,000 km
Regular spark plug and coolant maintenance only needed every 160,000 km

The 2020–2022 model years are especially good picks if you’re looking for a low-cost ownership experience in a compact SUV form factor.

#3 – Kia Soul: Surprisingly Resilient and Affordable

Estimated annual maintenance cost: $490 CAD
Best trims: EX IVT, EX+
Engine: 2.0L MPI

The Kia Soul may look unconventional, but under the hood, it’s one of the simplest and most reliable vehicles in the Kia lineup. Owners often report years of smooth driving with minimal mechanical issues, especially on the naturally aspirated 2.0L trims.

Oil changes and tire rotations are all that’s typically needed for the first 50,000 km
Brake service around 70,000–90,000 km intervals
Minimal transmission wear on IVT models when fluid is replaced on time
Cabin components like HVAC and infotainment hold up well beyond 100,000 km

If you want value, durability, and low ownership costs in a unique design, the Kia Soul EX offers a strong case.

#2 – Kia Niro Hybrid: Minimal Gas, Minimal Service

Estimated annual maintenance cost: $550 CAD
Best trims: Niro HEV EX, Niro HEV Premium
Engine: 1.6L hybrid-electric

Hybrids are often seen as expensive to service—but not the Kia Niro Hybrid. Thanks to regenerative braking, a simplified hybrid transmission, and no alternator or starter motor, the Niro delivers ultra-low running costs with excellent fuel savings.

Brake pads last 100,000+ km due to regenerative braking
Oil changes are infrequent (every 12,000–15,000 km)
No timing belts or CVT issues—the Niro’s dual-clutch system is robust
Covered under Kia’s 8-year/160,000 km hybrid battery warranty in Canada

It’s a smart choice for commuters, eco-conscious drivers, or anyone tired of rising fuel prices and service bills.

#1 – Kia Forte: The Undisputed Low-Maintenance King

Estimated annual maintenance cost: $450 CAD
Best trims: LX MT, EX IVT
Engine: 2.0L MPI

The Kia Forte consistently ranks as one of the lowest-cost vehicles to own in North America. With its simple, proven 2.0L MPI engine, long service intervals, and minimal electronic complexity (especially in base trims), it wins the top spot without contest.

Oil and filter changes every 12,000 km
Brake pads and rotors last up to 80,000 km with proper care
Spark plugs and coolant rarely need attention before 150,000 km
Manual transmission models have fewer components that can fail over time

If your priority is minimal trips to the shop and maximum savings over time, the Kia Forte LX or EX is the best value on the lot.

Final Thoughts: Reliability, Simplified

Whether you’re buying new or used, low maintenance costs can save you thousands over the years. Kia’s lineup offers excellent options for every kind of driver—whether you want an efficient commuter, a practical SUV, or a feature-packed hybrid.

At Orléans Kia, we inspect and service every used vehicle before it hits the lot. Our team can walk you through expected maintenance costs, service schedules, and ownership perks for every model.

Want to see our current selection of low-maintenance Kias?
Browse now: https://www.orleanskia.com/inventory/new/
Orléans Kia – 2045 Mer-Bleue Rd, Orléans, ON
Call us at (613) 824-5421 to learn more

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