2024 Kia Ray Review: A Recommended High-Roof Box Car for Camping Enthusiasts!
Hello, I'm DoubleView, an automotive influencer.
Recently, I've noticed an increasing number of people asking about cars suitable for camping.
Not long ago, a colleague mentioned his dream of camping along the Han River after work.
He asked me which of the three models he was considering I would recommend.
While I took various factors like driving conditions and distance into account before making a recommendation,
I believe there's no SUV as appealing for camping as the 2024 Kia Ray.
The Kia Ray is affordable and allows you to enjoy various benefits associated with small cars, easing the financial burden.
In fact, a friend of mine commutes from Bupyeong to Incheon Airport, benefiting from the low highway tolls, and he purchased a Kia Ray.
He reported that the benefits he received from owning the Ray, such as tax exemptions and discounts for public parking, exceeded his expectations.
The Ray owners I know generally give positive feedback,
and since it has a low financial burden, it likely receives high marks for its cost-effectiveness.
The 2024 Kia Ray has a height of 1,700 mm, providing ample headroom for adult men.
Thanks to its high roof, you can enjoy a variety of cooking and drinks inside.
Did you know that the Ray's height exceeds that of Kia's compact SUV, the Seltos (1,600 mm), the mid-size Sportage (1,665 mm), and the Sorento (1,695 mm)?
Although it's a small-sized car, its boxy style allows for excellent interior space utilization, making it feel specialized for camping.
While you can't expect a panoramic sunroof from a small car,
the high roof provides a sense of openness.
The model captured during this shoot features an aqua mint exterior design and beige & black seats, a color combination that enjoys high popularity among female owners.
This model is also popular as the first car for young professionals.
It seems perfect for those who are entering the workforce and looking to establish financial stability.
Thanks to Ray owners in my circle, I've had the chance to ride along several times,
and if you don't have luggage to load in the trunk, the space is incredibly appealing.
My spouse and I often enjoy rounds of golf, so we haven't considered purchasing the 2024 Ray.
Among the singles in our circle who enjoy golf, they fold down the front passenger seat and the right rear seat,
and slide their golf bags in vertically, comfortably heading to the golf course.
Although the trunk space is somewhat limited,
the ability to fold seats based on the number of passengers enhances space utilization.
In the first half of 2024, Kia sold 25,284 units of the Ray, averaging over 4,000 units per month.
Among small cars, it stands out with no direct competitors,
and as the only box car from Hyundai-Kia, it has maintained consistent popularity over the years.
Although the model features a gear lever, it is conveniently placed just below the front display,
which optimizes space between the driver and passenger seats.
The interior design strongly reflects an analog aesthetic, but many women choose bright seat colors and add various accessories like air fresheners and smartphone holders,
creating a stylish atmosphere inside the vehicle.
Now, let’s take a look at the specifications and estimated pricing for the 2024 Kia Ray Signature trim.
Length: 141.7 inches / Width: 62.8 inches / Height: 66.9 inches
Wheelbase: 99.2 inches
Engine: Inline 3-cylinder 1.0L
Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive / Transmission: 4-speed Automatic
Max Power: 76 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max Torque: 9.7 kg.m @ 3,750 rpm
Tire Size: 175/50R 15
Curb Weight: 2,303 lbs
Combined Fuel Economy: 29.9 mpg (City 28.0 / Highway 32.2)
Estimated pricing for the 2024 Kia Ray Signature trim is as follows:Vehicle Price: 1,770,000 KRW (approximately $1,330 USD)
Acquisition Tax: 0 KRW (Exempt for small cars)
Bond Discount: 0 KRW (Exempt for small cars)
=> Estimated Actual Purchase Price: 1,774,000 KRW (approximately $1,335 USD, including additional costs)
As mentioned earlier, the 2024 Ray is exempt from acquisition tax due to small car benefits,
so the vehicle price reflects the actual purchase cost.
Moreover, while using the vehicle, you can enjoy even more benefits,
allowing you to save money while enjoying economic advantages.
Of course, it's better for young professionals to save money without a car, but
if you want to relieve stress through camping, choosing a small car like the Ray would be a great option.
The 2024 Kia Ray is gaining popularity as the first car for young professionals.
However, the Signature trim can go up to the 20 million KRW range with optional selections,
which could be a significant financial burden for young professionals with limited savings.
For those individuals, I recommend the KS Auto Plan's long-term rental option, which allows you to use a vehicle without a down payment.
KS Auto Plan specializes in long-term rentals of new cars and collaborates with over 20 financial institutions,
allowing us to compare and present the most affordable rental fees tailored to our customers' needs.
Since young professionals typically have limited driving experience, their insurance premiums tend to be high.
However, by opting for long-term rentals, the rental company’s insurance rates apply, making it relatively affordable.
Additionally, using a long-term rental car means that if an accident occurs due to inexperienced driving,
the rental company's insurance will cover it, so your personal insurance won't be affected.
Renting a new car long-term during your desired period and then purchasing a new car after the contract ends is also a great option.
You can easily apply for a quote on their website,
and it’s a good idea to check the lowest price comparison estimates before making a final decision.
Today, I introduced the top car I would recommend for those dreaming of camping!
This is the 2024 Kia Ray, and since I have driven this model several times, feel free to ask any additional questions in the comments.
This post received content creation support from KS.