Last updated: 2026-10-10
Infiniti vs Kia: Reliability Compared
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Kia
13 models tracked
Infiniti edges KIA on reliability, thanks to milder complaints and lighter recall impact. KIA costs less to repair, though. Infiniti is represented by one model, the QX60, while KIA offers thirteen, so the right pick depends on whether you want that SUV or a wider field.
Is Infiniti More Reliable Than Kia?
| Metric | Infiniti | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 13 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 13 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 182 | 595 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $639/yr | $487/yr |
Infiniti vs Kia: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Infiniti. Its owner complaints are less severe, and its recall impact is lighter. Complaints per 1,000 sold are close, 0.8 against 0.9. KIA wins on repair costs, at about $487 a year against $639. Problems are spread about evenly across systems for both brands.
One caution: Infiniti's standing rests on a single model, the QX60, whose CVT can shudder or hesitate and does not always respond to repair. KIA's standing covers thirteen models, and some are much stronger than others.
Where Infiniti and Kia Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Infiniti | Kia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 64/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 78/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
Infiniti's advantage in recall impact (+6 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Infiniti vs Kia: Strengths and Weaknesses
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Kia
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($487/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 12 of 13 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 164 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Infiniti or Kia?
Based on independent repair cost data, Kia is cheaper to maintain at an average of $487/year compared to $639/year for Infiniti. That's a difference of $152/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Kia Repair Cost Range
$437 – $573/yr
Average: $487/yr
Infiniti vs Kia Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Infiniti | Kia | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 9 models) | 75/100 | 71/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Infiniti vs Kia
| Component | Infiniti | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 13%18 | 21%1,480 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%27 | 18%1,275 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%24 | 15%1,065 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%32 | 14%965 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2%3 | 5%335 |
| STRUCTURE | — | 4%307 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | — | 4%271 |
| STEERING | 1%2 | 3%229 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%11 | 2%166 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%4 | 1%67 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Infiniti vs Kia Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Kia
352
Crash reports
164
Fire reports
351
Injury reports
Every Infiniti and Kia Model Ranked
Infiniti Models
Kia Models
Infiniti vs Kia Reliability Trend by Year
Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Kia's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100.
Interestingly, both Infiniti and Kia show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Infiniti | Kia | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(1) | 78/100(6) | Infiniti |
| 2025 | 76/100(1) | 78/100(10) | Kia |
| 2024 | 73/100(1) | 74/100(10) | Kia |
| 2023 | 72/100(1) | 70/100(9) | Infiniti |
| 2022 | 73/100(1) | 70/100(9) | Infiniti |
| 2021 | 81/100(1) | 71/100(8) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 74/100(1) | 71/100(7) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 71/100(1) | 72/100(6) | Kia |
| 2018 | 72/100(1) | 71/100(6) | Infiniti |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Infiniti vs Kia?
If you want a midsize SUV and care most about low complaint severity, the QX60 is the Infiniti to shop. Target the 2021 model year. Look hard at 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. On any test drive, watch for shuddering or hesitation from the CVT, since repairs do not always fix it.
If repair cost matters most, or you need a body style other than an SUV, KIA gives you more room to choose. The Carnival minivan rates excellent, and the 2023 model year is the one to buy. Check the power sliding doors and liftgate before you sign. The Niro also rates excellent. For a sedan, the K5, Forte and Optima all rate good. Skip the 2022 EV6. It is tied to sudden loss of drive power from a failed charge control unit, and the 2024 is the better pick.
The Bottom Line: Infiniti or Kia?
Choose Infiniti if the QX60 fits your needs and you can find a 2021. Choose KIA if you want lower running costs or more body styles. The Carnival is the strongest single model across both lineups. KIA's repair costs run about $152 a year lower, which adds up to roughly $760 over five years.
Infiniti vs Kia: Common Questions
Is Infiniti more reliable than KIA?
Which brand has more recalls, Infiniti or KIA?
Which is cheaper to repair, Infiniti or KIA?
What problems do Infiniti and KIA owners report most?
Which KIA models are the most reliable?
Comparing Infiniti vs Kia? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How we score Infiniti and Kia models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.