Top 5 Slowest Cars Kia Has Ever Produced
Kia is known for its balance of affordability, reliability, and style, but not every Kia model was built for speed. While Kia has produced some incredibly fast vehicles, there have also been models designed for efficiency and practicality over raw performance. If you’re curious about the slowest Kia cars ever made, this list will highlight models that took their time getting up to speed, while still offering great value in other ways.
If you’re more interested in Kia’s fastest models, check out our Top 5 Fastest Kia Cars Ever Produced to see the other side of the spectrum!
1. 2012 Kia Rio 1.2L – The Sluggish Subcompact
The 2012 Kia Rio with its 1.2L naturally aspirated engine was never meant to be a speed demon. With just 84 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 13.5 seconds, this car focused on fuel economy rather than acceleration. However, it was an excellent choice for city driving, offering great fuel efficiency and an easy-to-maneuver size.
| Vehicle | 0-100 km/h | Horsepower | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Rio 1.2L | 13.5 sec | 84 hp | 170 km/h |
| Toyota Yaris (2012) | 12.6 sec | 106 hp | 175 km/h |
| Hyundai Accent (2012) | 12.3 sec | 110 hp | 180 km/h |
2. 2008 Kia Spectra – The Modest Performer
The Kia Spectra was designed for comfort rather than speed. Equipped with a 2.0L inline-4 engine producing 138 horsepower, it had a 0-100 km/h time of around 11.0 seconds. While not the fastest in its class, it provided a smooth ride, a spacious interior, and reliable performance, making it a great everyday car.
| Vehicle | 0-100 km/h | Horsepower | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Kia Spectra | 11.0 sec | 138 hp | 190 km/h |
| Honda Civic (2008) | 9.5 sec | 140 hp | 195 km/h |
| Mazda3 (2008) | 9.2 sec | 148 hp | 200 km/h |
3. 2010 Kia Soul 1.6L – The Funky Cruiser
The 2010 Kia Soul 1.6L was more about style and comfort than speed. With 122 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of 10.8 seconds, it was best suited for city driving rather than racing down highways. However, it stood out with its unique boxy design, spacious cabin, and high seating position, which made it a favorite among urban drivers.
| Vehicle | 0-100 km/h | Horsepower | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Kia Soul 1.6L | 10.8 sec | 122 hp | 180 km/h |
| Nissan Cube (2010) | 10.2 sec | 122 hp | 175 km/h |
| Scion xB (2010) | 9.8 sec | 158 hp | 190 km/h |
4. 2014 Kia Forte 1.8L – The Underwhelming Compact
The 2014 Kia Forte 1.8L offered solid reliability but was far from quick. With 148 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of 10.5 seconds, it fell behind many competitors in its class. However, it made up for its lack of speed with a comfortable ride, user-friendly tech features, and a reputation for durability.
| Vehicle | 0-100 km/h | Horsepower | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Kia Forte 1.8L | 10.5 sec | 148 hp | 195 km/h |
| Ford Focus (2014) | 9.8 sec | 160 hp | 200 km/h |
| Chevy Cruze (2014) | 9.5 sec | 153 hp | 205 km/h |
5. 2006 Kia Optima 2.4L – The Laid-Back Sedan
The 2006 Kia Optima with its 2.4L inline-4 engine was a comfortable ride but took 10.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h. While it was not dangerously slow, it was among the slower sedans of its time. That said, it delivered a smooth and quiet ride, making it an excellent option for long road trips and daily commuting.
| Vehicle | 0-100 km/h | Horsepower | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Kia Optima 2.4L | 10.2 sec | 161 hp | 200 km/h |
| Toyota Camry (2006) | 9.4 sec | 167 hp | 205 km/h |
| Honda Accord (2006) | 9.0 sec | 170 hp | 210 km/h |
Conclusion – Speed Isn’t Everything
While these Kia models may not win any drag races, they served their purpose well, offering affordability, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Not every car needs to be a performance beast, and for many drivers, these slower Kias provided an excellent balance of practicality and comfort.
If you’re more interested in Kia’s fastest models, check out our Top 5 Fastest Kia Cars Ever Produced to see the other side of the spectrum!