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Recently, I visited a Kia dealership with a junior colleague who enjoys camping, where we checked out the Kia Ray.
Typically, when we think of camping vehicles, we picture large cars that can handle off-road adventures.
However, my colleague primarily visits outdoor campsites near Seoul, so they don’t consider off-road capabilities.
Instead, they chose the Kia Ray to take advantage of various benefits for compact cars.
The 2025 Kia Ray offers a 50% discount on highway tolls due to its compact car benefits.
So, if you frequently visit campsites, the savings on highway tolls can add up significantly.
You can also enjoy the same 50% discount at public campgrounds and auto campsites in national parks.
My colleague doesn’t own a car yet, so they have used SoCar to go camping a few times.
However, after paying for highway tolls, parking fees, and vehicle rental costs,
they thought it would be better to just buy a car.
Among models eligible for compact car benefits, they chose a boxy car that allows for camping not only at campsites but also in downtown Seoul.
The 2025 Ray has a height of 67 inches, which is taller than most SUVs.
As a result, many people purchase it to enjoy camping with friends or partners at parking lots along the Han River by folding down the second row of seats.
My spouse and I also enjoyed camping while test-driving the Kia Ray.
The high roof provided a pleasant open atmosphere, allowing us to savor a cup of coffee.
I noticed a Ray owner nearby enjoying chicken and beer while camping.
Due to its height, the Ray is often classified as a compact car specialized for camping.
Dog owners visit scenic camping spots with their pets and enjoy walks together.
By placing a pet-specific mat, dogs can sit comfortably during travel.
You should create wonderful memories in nature away from home.
The 2025 Ray also exempts owners from congestion tolls in Seoul due to its compact car benefits.
My colleague lives near Myeongdong and has to pay 2,000 KRW (approximately $1.50) each time they pass the Namsan toll gate when commuting to work in Gangnam.
They sometimes avoid paying the toll by taking a longer route around Namsan.
However, this can waste time and increase fuel costs.
Additionally, when traveling overseas, the Ray offers a 50% exemption on highway tolls to Yeongjong Island and a 50% discount on airport parking fees.
Most importantly, when purchasing a car, owners do not have to pay acquisition tax or registration fees, so they only pay the vehicle's price.
The prices for the 2025 Ray vary by trim as follows:
Trendy: 14 million KRW (approximately $10,500)
Prestige: 16.75 million KRW (approximately $12,500)
Signature: 18.33 million KRW (approximately $13,700)
Gravity: 19.28 million KRW (approximately $14,400)
As previously mentioned, acquisition and registration taxes are waived, so the estimated price information is the same as the vehicle price.
My colleague, who is considering purchasing the Signature trim, will pay a real purchase price of 18.33 million KRW (approximately $13,700).
If they opt for recommended options like the Drive Wise II safety assistance system, which includes blind-spot collision avoidance and safe exit warnings (300,000 KRW or approximately $225),
and the 8-inch navigation system with Kia Connect and phone projection features (500,000 KRW or approximately $375),
the total purchase price rises to 19.17 million KRW (approximately $14,400).
Depending on the intended use, they can also purchase accessories.
If they plan to travel with a dog, purchasing an air mattress like the one in the photo would be a great idea.
What do current 2025 Ray owners think?
First, they advise not to have high expectations regarding driving performance.
They recommend avoiding steep hills like the ones in Itaewon and not taking the car out during heavy snow in winter.
Some owners have noted that the vehicle's height can lead to decreased stability at high speeds.
However, they report that driving at around 62 mph on well-paved highways is comfortable enough.
Due to its height, many friends suggested camping in the Ray, and as a result, they frequently visited the Han River during the summer.
While the compact car benefits may not be significant, some owners found the experience exceeded their expectations when they kept a vehicle log.
Most 2025 Kia Ray owners are young mothers who purchased the car for their first job or for picking up their children from after-school programs.
These owners prioritize economic aspects over luxury, and if they frequently benefit from the compact car advantages mentioned earlier, it becomes an attractive choice.
Due to its compact size, the Ray is easy to park in designated compact car spaces and narrow streets, making it ideal for those who enjoy food and cafe tours in downtown Seoul.
However, for recent graduates with limited savings, the burden of a large upfront expense can be significant.
For those individuals, I recommend the KS Auto Plan's long-term rental service, which allows you to use a vehicle without a deposit.
For special models, you can often find lower prices than well-known companies like S or L, making it worth checking out this award-winning agency recognized for its competitive brand power in Asia.
This post was sponsored by KS.