5 Best Kia SUVs for Your San Diego Beach Day

With so many beaches along the San Diego coastline to choose from, choosing the right car will ensure that you make the most of your next beach day. That's why we've put together a list of our favorite picks for the best Kia SUVs that'll take you to the beach safely and stylishly. This guide will help you discover the top models, showcasing their features and how they stand out for different needs.

The Nitty Gritty

• San Diego’s beaches offer numerous activities, making a capable SUV essential for fun and convenience.

• The Kia Sportage, Sorento, Telluride, Niro, and Soul each provide unique features perfect for beach outings, from fuel efficiency to spacious interiors.

• Buying new versus used Kia SUVs has its pros and cons; used models often provide better value due to lower depreciation and insurance costs.

A City of Sands and Shores

With its near-perfect weather and 70-mile coastline, there's a good reason San Diego stands tall as California's premier beach city. From the iconic La Jolla Cove to the never-ending horizon of Mission Beach, the City in Motion offers plenty of opportunities for basking in the sun, catching some waves, or marveling at the vibrant marine life.

All that said, it definitely ain't a walker's city. A solid personal vehicle is a must if you're living in the San Diego area, and especially if you're come into town for a beach day. The city's numerous freeways provide easy access to various beaches, and popular spots like the aforementioned La Jolla Shores and Fiesta Island allow for convenient beachside parking and driving. What could be more SoCal than cruising down the coast with the ocean breeze in your hair?

Nobody understands this better than Kia, which is why we offer a range of new SUVs for you to enjoy this experience in style and comfort. If the ocean is calling your name, you're gonna need a reliable ride to chase that horizon in, and Chula Vista Kia has got you covered. Below are our top picks for the best Kia SUVs for your next beach day.

Kia Sportage: The All-Rounder

For a versatile and reliable car, the safe bet is always going to be the Kia Sportage, perfect for any beach day outing. Its sleek design has earned prestigious awards like the Good Design Award and the iF Design Award, making it a head-turner wherever you go. Plus, its alloy wheels are available up to 19 inches, ensuring a smooth ride whether you're getting ready to surf or set up a beachside picnic.

Under the hood, the Kia Sportage packs a punch with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 187 horsepower, offering a blend of power and efficiency. With strong crash test performances and comprehensive safety features, the Sportage is an excellent choice for families seeking a reliable vehicle for beach trips.

Inside, the Sportage excels in comfort and versatility. Advanced connectivity options, like the 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keep you connected and entertained. Additionally, the Sportage delivers a combined 43 MPG, allowing for extended beach days without frequent fuel stops. We don't consider it an all-rounder for nothing - the Kia Sportage truly is the best bang for your buck.

Kia Sorento: Comfort and Versatility

Of course, a beach day is best shared with friends and family, and if you're looking for the ideal SUV for large groups, we recommend the Kia Sorento. Blending comfort and versatility, the Kia Sorento is the right SUV for an ideal family, with its stylish design and high-quality materials. The Smart Power Tailgate, which opens automatically when the key is nearby, adds practicality for loading and unloading beach gear.

Specially designed for group trips, the Sorento offers three rows of seating, including a second row, for up to seven passengers. It features heating and cooling seats to ensure that everyone's got the maximum level of comfort on those long drives to and along the coast, as well as tri-zone automatic climate control to allow each passenger to set their preferred temperature, making the transition from seat to sea as seamless as possible.

The Kia Sorento boasts a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG, making it suitable for extended road trips along San Diego’s coastline. Whether heading to Oceanside or Carlsbad, the Sorento’s fuel economy and storage capacity ensure you can pack all your beach day essentials without compromising comfort or efficiency.

Kia Telluride: Award-Winning Luxury

If you're looking to add a touch of luxury to your beach day, we recommend the Kia Telluride. Our customers love its upscale interior and spaciousness, and the high-quality materials and user-friendly infotainment system it offers guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable journey to the shore.

The Kia Telluride has received numerous awards for design and safety, including the ‘Best Mid-Size SUV’ title and the Top Safety Pick+ award. These accolades highlight its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle for transporting family and friends to San Diego’s beaches.

Luxury comes at a cost, with the Telluride’s fuel efficiency rated at 22 MPG combined, typical for larger SUVs. However, if comfort and advanced safety features are your priority, the Telluride’s driver-assistance systems and spacious interior are worth it. For stylish and safe travel, the Kia Telluride is the ultimate beach day companion.

Kia Niro: Eco-Friendly Choice

Enjoying the natural beauty of the San Diego coast might drive you to consider your own environmental contributions. If that's the case, the Niro, Kia's hybrid or electric offering, is an appealing choice. Its impressive fuel economy and low emissions make it a great option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying a day at the beach.

The Niro’s advanced technology optimizes fuel efficiency, allowing you to go further on less. The 2024 model achieves the highest fuel economy among Kia SUVs, with a combined rating of 53 MPG, meaning fewer gas stops and more time enjoying the beach.

Inside, the Niro provides a spacious interior with ample room for passengers and cargo, making it practical for beach outings. Whether packing surfboards, beach chairs, or a picnic basket, the Niro can accommodate all your beach day essentials. For those who prioritize sustainability and efficiency, the Kia Niro is an ideal eco-friendly beach day vehicle.

Kia Soul: Unique Design and Functionality

The Kia Soul's unique design makes it ideal for squeezing into crowded beach parking or heading down to the Gaslamp Quarter at the end of the day. Its boxy silhouette also enhances interior space and headroom, giving it a distinctive look.

Standout features like deep-set headlights, a large windshield, and a high driving position enhance the Soul’s charm and functionality. Inside, customizable ambient lighting adds a personal touch to your driving experience.

But the Kia Soul isn't just stylish, it's also practical and reliable. As previously noted, its compact size makes parking in crowded beach areas easy, and the spacious interior allows you to carry all your beach essentials without compromising comfort. For a fun, functional, and unique vehicle for beach days, the Kia Soul is an excellent choice.

Value for Money: New vs. Used Kia SUVs

When picking out a Kia SUV for your beach adventures, it's worth weighing the perks of going new versus used. While our sales team is always on hand to help you figure out the best financing plan for a new model, opting for a used Kia SUV can be easier on the wallet since the initial depreciation has already happened. Plus, you'll likely score lower insurance rates, which adds up to more savings.

The used inventory here at Chula Vista Kia has a broader range of models and options, letting you snag specific features without breaking the bank. You might even find a used reliable Kia SUV decked out with premium features that aren't typically available in budget-friendly new models, giving you great value for your money.

Whether you're leaning towards new or used, think about the overall bang for your buck—consider the upfront cost, insurance, and the features you get. Both new and used Kia SUVs have fantastic options for beach lovers, so you're sure to find the perfect ride that fits your needs and budget.

Find a Beach-Ready Ride Today at Chula Vista Kia

In short, Chula Vista Kia offers the very best in Kia SUVs perfectly designed to get you to and from the beach in style. The Kia Sportage is always a standout choice for versatility and reliability, while the Sorento is perfect for bringing along family and friends.

If you're looking to show out a little bit, the Telluride's award-winning features and luxe looks are right up your alley, and our more urban, eco-conscious customers might also enjoy trendy models such as the Niro and the Soul.

Choosing the right Kia SUV depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, luxury, or practicality, there’s a Kia SUV that’s perfect for you. Reach out to our sales team today and get beach-day ready today!