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Kia Ray: The Budget-Friendly Car That’s Perfect for Urban Adventures!
Double Viewing Couples Review Channel
2025-05-05 23:41:36

Hello, I’m Double Look, an automotive influencer.

Last weekend, I visited a Kia dealership in Apgujeong with a friend who is looking to buy a 2025 Ray.

We got to see the car in person and even took it for a test drive.

Today, I’ll share my impressions from the test drive of the Kia Ray, including its price, sales figures, and delivery wait times.

Let’s dive into the various information I gathered.

The 2025 Ray recorded sales of 3,774 units in February alone, ranking 11th among domestic cars and taking the top spot in the subcompact category.

It enjoys immense popularity among the MZ generation due to its boxcar style, which allows for car camping, and its affordable price contributes to its steady sales.

Given its popularity, the delivery wait times are relatively long.

The Gravity trim requires a wait of 7 months, while other trims have a wait time of about 4.5 months.

The Ray features a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers a maximum output of 76 horsepower and a peak torque of 9.7 kg·m.

While it may not showcase outstanding athletic performance, it provides a comfortably satisfying driving experience in urban settings.

With a combined fuel economy of 30.4 miles per gallon, it also minimizes economic burdens.

The Ray comes in four trims: Trendy, Prestige, Signature, and Gravity, with the following prices:

Trendy: 1,400,000 KRW (approximately 1,050 USD)

Prestige: 1,675,000 KRW (approximately 1,250 USD)

Signature: 1,833,000 KRW (approximately 1,375 USD)

Gravity: 1,928,000 KRW (approximately 1,450 USD)

My friend chose the Trendy trim despite its limited convenience features because it’s their first car and they don’t have much savings.
They plan to use it mainly for short urban trips between home, work, and the grocery store, so I recommended against opting for a higher trim or additional paid options.

The Ray is a compact car that offers ample space for use as a boxcar! It’s also great for car camping!

The biggest advantage of the 2025 Kia Ray is its high roof height, which provides ample headroom for adults.

With a height of 67 inches, the boxcar model allows for an open feel while driving and lets you fold down the second-row seats to enjoy car camping.

Considering that the Sorento has a height of 66.7 inches, we can say that the Ray's height is comparable to that of a mid-size SUV.

Last August, I went to the Han River Jamsil area to enjoy the night view while car camping, and I remember seeing the Ray the most among the long lines of cars.

While most of the car campers belong to the MZ generation, the Ray enjoys popularity for its spacious interior, which allows you to sit comfortably without having to duck your head when folding down the second-row seats.

When purchasing automotive accessories, you can utilize them for various purposes.

For dog owners, buying products that keep your pets safe and comfortable in a moving vehicle allows you to venture into the great outdoors together.

My friend’s child recently started elementary school, and they plan to use the Ray for school and academy pickups.

Are you ready to enjoy the various benefits of the 2025 Kia Ray?

The Ray qualifies as a subcompact car, which means it offers economic benefits.
When purchasing the vehicle, you won’t incur acquisition tax, reducing your economic burden.
You can also receive discounts on public parking and highway tolls.
For example, if you enter the city via the Namsan Tunnel, you usually pay a toll of 2,000 KRW (approximately 1.50 USD), but you can be exempt from this fee when driving a subcompact car.

Compact cars are small and nimble, so they can navigate narrow alleyways without any hassle, making parking easy.

Additionally, the front and side visibility is quite good, making it a great choice for less experienced drivers.
Due to its relatively short length and width, the Ray has a high roof, so it’s best to avoid sharp turns, rapid acceleration, and high-speed driving for safety.

If you choose the 'Trendy' trim, also known as the bare-bones trim, you can purchase the 2025 Kia Ray for around 1,050 USD.

If you enjoy subcompact car benefits over the next 3 to 4 years, you could see economic advantages that exceed the cost of the vehicle itself.

Moreover, with its versatility for car camping or grocery shopping, I expect it to maintain sales of around 3,000 to 4,000 units.

I highly recommend it as a top choice for those who, like my friend, may not be confident drivers but need a car.

My friend took a short test drive around Apgujeong and felt satisfied with the Ray’s appealing driving performance in the city.

In urban areas, a compact car like the Ray is more efficient than a larger vehicle, easily navigating narrow streets and parking.

Although it was a brief test drive, my friend experienced more enjoyable driving dynamics than expected, and I suspect they will make a purchase after some consideration.

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