Monday, March 11, 2024

Fortified, Efficient, and Fabulous: 2024 Kia Telluride Claims Top Safety Pick+ Accolade


2024 Kia Telluride

Keeping up with all the positive media coverage can be quite the task here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis, as the awards and accolades for excellence continue stacking up quickly during the first quarter! The 2024 Kia Telluride has now achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick+” rating, while the 2024 Sportage follows closely behind winning the IIHS "Top Safety Pick." Both SUVs were praised for “offering the highest level of protection for both vehicle and occupants and vulnerable road users." This winning announcement occurred after the IIHS tightened up their strengthened requirements last year.

This decision was geared towards offering better protection for back-seat passengers and improving pedestrian crash avoidance systems. Under the new terms for criteria, vehicles must nail down a “good” rating in the side protection test and an “acceptable” or “good” rating in a revised version of the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation. Both day and night testing are now included during this evaluation, along with other modifications to the moderate front overlap test. To rigorously test resilient durability, there is now another dummy situated behind the driver’s seat. 

We were very supportive of IIHS’s new measures to enhance road safety and have constantly remained dedicated to making advancements in the name of premium protection every day. The 2024 Telluride SUV continues to win drivers over with its sophisticated appearance, and spacious 3-row cabin that can accommodate up to 8 passengers. The industry’s best technological features are on board to make any long trip more efficient and entertaining, with available upgrades such as dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens. 

The Highway Driving Assist 2.0 feature combines adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lead-vehicle distance technology, and an amazing lane-centering assistance system. This offers the very useful and intuitive Level 2 semi-autonomous driving experience. The Motor Trend review team also had very high praise to offer for the Telluride post test-drive, as they loved its “smart interior packaging, excellent ride and handling, and large screens with responsive UI. Its rugged styling, segment-leading packaging, and abundant technology help it stand out in its segment. 

The Telluride just underwent a major overhaul for the 2023 model year, and review professionals are happy that they aren’t messing with the well-curated formula! The Telluride definitely looks the part of an adventure-ready crossover and has amazing handling characteristics for a vehicle its size. This IIHS-noted pick for 2024 is an excellent value proposition for any shopper in need of a spacious vehicle and doesn’t sacrifice practicality or style in its execution. The 3.8-liter V6 cranks out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and is nicely paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

During testing the Kia Telluride X-Pro accelerated to 60 mph in just 7.0 seconds, while also offering unique 18-inch wheels wrapped in very capable Continental all-terrain tires. The X-Pro offers 500 pounds more of towing capacity, along with unique badging and a sweet 110-volt charger for the cargo area. We also love the added goodies the Telluride X-line offers, with its special badging, bridge-type roof rails, 20-inch wheels, and radiator grille design that changes depending on trim selection. If the trails keep calling you in celebration of the coming of spring, it also sports a 0.4-inch lift for a total of 8.4 inches. 

Five USB-C charging ports come as standard, with six available depending on your selection. The Kia Drive Wise safety suite offers many of the features responsible for this IIHS safety win. Here you enjoy the consistent protection of rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assistance, lane keeping and following assist, safe exit assist, blind spot detection, sensor-assisted rear occupant alert, driver attention warning, and Highway Driving Assist. The 2024 Kia Telluride attained an overall Motor Trend score of 8.7/10 while also snatching up a 9/10 for tech innovation, and a consumer-base-pleasing 8/10 for value.

Monday, March 4, 2024

Resourceful & Rolling Revelry: The 2024 Kia Carnival – Where Capability Meets Class!



We have had many busy families on the go here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis and none of them were used to using the word “attractive” when talking about minivans. That is until they were introduced to the Carnival. The 2024 Kia Carnival has some very attractive qualities, a good deal of standard features, along with industry-leading warranty coverage. It is a class-leading member of the “MPV” crew, displaying multi-purpose and clever styling at every turn!

The Car and Driver experts are used to sharing test drive results for supercars, high horsepower levels, and aggressive rides with top-notch handling. However, they were incredibly enthusiastic about the Carnival, heralding its “unobtrusive powertrain, nicely tuned ride and handling, and handsome styling.” They declared it ideal for the times when an SUV just “isn’t handy enough”. The Carnival’s comfortable and value-packed space even wears a crossover-inspired look that assists a commanding first impression.

The first area where the Carnival excels over the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey is space: with its low-load floor and tall roof, there is more than enough for any active family’s daily needs. If you opt for the second-row VIP seats, the van is quickly transformed into luxury transit that can make even the longest trips with restless young ones much easier. Each model also comes loaded with the latest infotainment options, along with watch-dog grade driver-assistance features. Everything included aligns so well with a busy family’s summer escape that the Carnival enjoyed a Car and Driver “2024 Editor’s Choice” honor.

The trim levels range from the value-focused LX to the upper-end SX Prestige. The EX proved here that it represents the true “sweet spot” that boasts extras such as a power operated lift gate, in-cabin intercom, and a very handy voice control system that allows rear-seat passengers more control. Power is sourced from a pleasantly overachieving 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out a robust 290 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed automatic. The well-balanced ride and handling stole the show, along with the ample acceleration abilities of the V6.

When tested on the 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the Carnival yielded 28 mpg highway, with the EPA’s official ratings residing at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The large-center console offers numerous places for small-item storage, accommodating the many USB drives, lost or found fingerlings, and random chargers along for the trip. The SX Prestige trim comes with high-end leather upholstery and can be spec’d with very comfy second-row seats with pop-up footrests. Another great option for maximizing the Carnival’s vacation appeal is the panoramic sunroof, allowing for awesome visuals and fresh air for second-row occupants. 

During testing, the Car and Driver crew were able to squeeze 14 suitcases behind the third row, and 48 in total after folding all the seats down. The infotainment screens that come with any new vehicle are one of the most crucial selling points in the current market. Much like powertrain specs on cars are more athletic, screen size allows the driver and passengers to know they'll be properly entertained for the whole journey. The Carnival comes with a single 8-inch infotainment screen standard, along with two optional 12.3-inch displays on the front dashboard. Another of the SX Prestige trim’s upper-end features is a crisp 12-speaker Bose stereo, along with the SX’s optional rear-seat entertainment system.

Monday, February 26, 2024

Athletic, Sporty, and Appropriately Large-Screen-Obsessed: A Close Look at the 2025 Kia K5

2025 Kia K5

As winter finally turns to spring here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, there will be even more appealing excuses to sneak away and enjoy a twisty two-lane adventure! The Kia K5 has been an incredibly eye-catching car since it was reworked for the 2021 model year, quickly gaining a name for itself when it stormed the scene to replace the Kia Optima. There was then a more powerful engine placed in the Kia K5 GT, and for 2025 the Car and Driver crew took a close look at the sporty sedan’s thorough refresh. 

One of the coolest new additions is the “Star Map” LED front daytime running lights, a brand-new front fascia, and flared fins that angle up nicely to define the new honeycomb lower grille. In the back, the tail lights turn down prominently at the corners and glow below the truck lid. There’s also an integrated spoiler and 16-inch wheels on the base-level LX trim. There are 18-inch models on the EX and GT-Line and the GT also boasts 19-inch Pirelli P-Zeros. 

Screen-obsessed is a way of life (and signature rolling off the line trait!) for many of today’s cars. It seems like they steadily keep growing each year, and it’s easy to see why: once drivers got a taste of the way a larger-sized infotainment center improves the drive, manufacturers went straight to work cranking out updates! Inside the 2025 Kia K5 there’s a 12-inch instrument cluster and 12.3-inch center touchscreen. It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and all models also feature Kia’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit. 

This efficient cockpit system offers lightning-fast data processing and over-the-air-update capability. The first thing the crew noticed on their test drive was conveniently larger cup holders, the sweet wireless charging pad, and USB-C ports. The entry-level 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder has now edged out of the picture, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder in its place boasting an extra 11 horses for a total of 191. This powertrain is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes in the LXS, EX, and GT-Line trims.

The GT trim is where things get avidly more exciting, with the 2.5-turbocharged 4-cylinder that cranks out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The GT Model also receives a standard set of bright green brake calipers to accompany the seat stitching. The 2025 K5 was officially revealed at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 8th, with new technology, more standard features, and the new base-model engine. 

The current K5 remains athletic and attractive, with its recent refresh allowing it to stand out on the road. With competition such as the Honda Accord consistently in the mix to rival its chops, the Edmunds.com review team deemed the Kia K5 as “intuitively laid out with thoughtful spaces for odds and ends and offering a comfortable space for both drivers and passengers.” Don’t forget to check out the added benefits of the EX trim, which now comes standard with a heated steering wheel, Bose premium audio system, and useful phone-as-key function! 

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Oh my! New Leaks Illuminate Kia EV8, Stinger's Electrifying Heir.

2023 Kia Stinger

It has been such an eventful 1st quarter for us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis: Just for starters, our prized EV6 won “2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year”! The flavorful and aggressive stance of the Stinger has made such an amazing contribution to the brand since 2017 and took center stage last year with a rousing farewell edition. It started things off with the GT specification and featured the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, which cranks out 368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. 

The Autoblog team lamented just how the Stinger was under-appreciated, and that it was one of the last affordable rear-wheel drive internal-combustion sedans out there. In some ways, we agree that it was absolutely “too pure and exhilarating for this world”, with its well-built penchant for luring drivers to take on exhilarating two-lane adventures. A new report out of Korea claimed that the Stinger’s unofficial successor is now in the works and that it will be electric. 

The car is code-named GT1 and will be constructed on the next-generation EV platform. Assembly is scheduled to take place out of Kia’s Hwaseong Plant 3 in 2026, with the project name tentatively being billed as “The EV8.” The EV8’s specific platform is called eM, which it will have in common with the full-sized Genesis GV90 SUV. The Korean Car Blog also reports that the EV8 will use a 113.2 kWh battery pack and have a range of approximately 435 to 500 miles. For a reference against current contenders, that’s more capacity than the prominent Lucid Air Grand Touring’s 112 kWh.

Dual motors on the top trim will crank out 335 horsepower to the front wheels, along with 268 horsepower to the rear wheels. Entry-level trims will have a single 215-horse motor driving the rear wheels, with AWD models using a second 215-horsepower unit to drive the front wheels as well. The Genesis GV90 and EV8 will share the sentiment of another very exciting milestone, as they will be the first eM platform cars. With this new information heartily on deck and sent out to the digital masses, The Gear Patrol blog also put in its two cents last week.

They claimed that the Stinger GT was “arguably a Porsche Panamera for half the price”. It also made waves by coming in as a close finalist for North American Car of the Year, where vehicles are judged for their safety features, handling, driver satisfaction, user experience, and innovation. Anticipate commenters on EV threads worldwide sharing their thoughts on this news regarding an exciting successor for the Stinger. One Kia fan in New Hampshire claimed: “I love my EV6 GT and would absolutely upgrade to another Kia EV after being so impressed with this quality, performance, reliability, and long-lasting comfort it has offered me”.

She was also thrilled that she had put on 23K miles in 10 months and had not needed a single dealer visit. Ahead of the EV8, we are also excited for the launch of the EV3 and EV4, which share pivotal stakes in our “EVs for all” vision. The InsideEVs.com staff publicly shared their excitement about the EV8 project, which they enthusiastically have their eyes on as the “Stinger’s spiritual successor.” Looking even more promising than the Stinger in the power department has also piqued the interest of everyone from diehard “volt cultists” to petrol purists who recently have transitioned to all-out enjoying the drive benefits of electrification.

Monday, February 12, 2024

A Thrilling Transition to Tomorrow: Exploring the 2024 Kia EV9's Trailblazing + Compelling Design

The experts on staff at Car and Driver remarked in one of their blogs last week that car designers these days must not be excited to design 3-row SUVs. Some have reflected that there is only so much to be done with a two-box shape, and that the segment is competitive enough to just play it safe. Kia had excitedly proved that sentiment wrong three years ago with the Telluride, and we now have another modern masterpiece on our hands with the all-electric EV9.

The all-new Kia EV9 certainly makes a bold impression; the engineers and designers met and exceeded the challenge of designing a large battery-powered SUV that is so appealing to many American consumers nationwide. The EV9 is built on Hyundai Motor group’s excellent electric global modular platform (E-GMP) and starts things off with proportions that are slightly different from the Telluride’s.

The wheelbase is 122 inches long, which is nearly 8 inches longer than the Telluride, with the wheels pushed further off into the corners. The headlights offer a bit of a sci-fi vibe, with the vertical orientation of the taillights appearing quite the same way. Even though the EV9 doesn’t claim to be a luxury SUV, the design and materials selected smartly prove otherwise. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen is large enough to satisfy current trends, and there’s also a very cool climate-control center directly behind the wheel. 

The 2nd row captain’s chairs are heated and ventilated, with an excellent amount of power adjustability and extendable footrests. With the Hyundai Ionic 5 proudly claiming an esteemed spot on Car and Driver’s “10Best” list, mini car experts are thrilled with the EV9’s shared E-GMP platform potential. This crew tested the top-of-the-line dual motor, all-wheel drive model, cranking out 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The power source is the 99.8-kWh battery pack which boasts a greater capacity than seen from any other E-GMP models to date.

This large and lucent lithium-ion pack weighs over 1200 pounds, while the EV9’s final weight is an immense 5839 lbs. The EV9’s motors crank out more power and torque than the Telluride’s 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, with their considerable acceleration abilities easily making up for the extra weight. The dual-motor EV9 blasts up to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and nails the quarter-mile trot in 13.3 seconds at a formidable 101 mph. These are very fast numbers for ANY segment, and the EV9’s amazingly fast accelerator response can render the Telluride on the slightly slower end.

With the EV9 situated in the first wave of three-row electric SUVs to first hit the mainstream market, it will have to live up to some sizable expectations. This team immediately loved the 285-mm Hankook Ion Evo AS SUV all-season tires, and the primo stopping power courtesy of much larger brake rotors. The EV9 was quite well gripped around the skid pad and made the stop from 70 mph in just 184 feet. The steering quality offered up excellent weighting, and directional changes yielded an eager response. At 70 mph, the EV9 “kicks out the quiet jams” with a hushed 67 decibels and offers an EPA-estimated range of 270 miles,

Monday, February 5, 2024

Savvy Moves for Smart Minds: Kia EV4's Early 2025 Debut Sparks Anticipation

Kia EV4

Many digital news flashes scroll rapidly through our feeds here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, and January is full of seasonal updates along with glimpses of things coming soon! The Insideevs.com blog claimed this past week that “compact sedans aren’t dead yet, they’re just evolving.” The EV4 concept shown last year had authentically doubled down on a classic 4-door, 3-box design. A few elements resemble traits you can find in typical crossover SUVs of today, such as the ride height and sweet black cladding surrounding the wheel arches.

The official announcement has dropped regarding this concept’s series-production status, which is just slightly later than originally expected. The Korean Car Blog recently claimed that this savvy new all-electric sedan will go into production at the beginning of 2025. Electric vehicles are now the biggest influence on Kia’s sales and profits, and the brand has remained very flexible while responding to a constantly evolving market. When it finally debuts in production form, this electric sedan will be in direct competition with the Tesla Model 3.

With our focus switching back to all the exciting news currently happening, the Kia EV9 enjoyed glowing reviews from the KBB team and was praised for its “luxuriously quiet drive and high-quality features that elevate every commute or jaunt.” It has made an amazingly successful transition into the electric realm, without having to compromise on the features that have evolved to make Kia a front-running and successful industry icon. There’s plenty of space inside, even in the third row, and its fast-charging capability makes long road trips easier. 

The EV6 is an amazing electric SUV that puts driving excitement at the top of its itinerary and has been hailed for its well-balanced handling. It’s got quick acceleration, sporty handling, and sleek styling, with not as much sheer bulk as a common SUV. When the EV6 debuted in 2022, it confidently announced to the world that we could assemble an incredible and world-class EV. The 2024 EV6 can go more than 300 miles of driving range on a fully charged battery, with the GT allowing you to trade range for fierce performance. The top-shelf 576-horsepower EV6 GT will accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

One amazing claim for the GT-line firmly faces down one of the stiff elements of competition as this time is even quicker than the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Drivers will enjoy the central touch panel that easily selects between radio and climate functions. The infotainment system is ideally responsive, supports USB-connected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is simple to use even during the demands of a daily drive. The Wind trim level comes with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and provides 282 miles of range. 

Last year the Gear Patrol crew outlined how excited they were about the fast-charging options that Kia has for vehicles such as the EV6, which can charge from 10-80% on a fast charger in just 18 minutes. The Niro was new for 2023, offering styling cues from the HabaNiro concept and proudly playing its cards face-up with 201 horsepower. Are you ready to embrace the exciting future of electrification? Contact us here today at Jim Butler Kia to learn more about the many exciting features of our electric vehicle lineup! All the industry’s major variations will be covered in some form by 2027, including an addition to an entry-level model in the A-segment. 

Monday, January 29, 2024

2024 Kia EV6 GT Offers “Scorching, Spacious, and Eco-Friendly-Sourced” Thrills

The Nasdaq experts officially published a stat last week that had our eyes peeled here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as exhilarating vehicles such as the 2024 Kia EV6 have been winning over customers left and right! Through 2028, the EV market is expected to grow at an annual rate of about 10%, seeing it retain its status as one of the fastest-growing technology areas. The Car and Driver crew claimed that the EV6 makes things much less of a “scientific experiment” as far as being reliable for a pleasant ride, and great daily performance.

The style is current and savvy enough to be outright distracting, and many dedicated engineering hours were spent attempting to create something truly special and unique. The GT performance version makes good on 576 horsepower, and a peak DC-fast charging rate of about 225 kW offers segment-leading efficiency. With this quick recharging ability long distances are not an issue, while holding onto bragging rights to boasting an excellent advantage over the competition. For EV buyers who prioritize driving range over athletic speed, the Wind trim’s dual motors generate a combined 320 horsepower.

The EV6 is available with a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle for rear-wheel drive or with electric motors on both front and rear enabling all-wheel drive. For good old-fashioned (via NEW means) straight-line performance, the 576-horsepower GT rushes to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, proudly sitting at the top of the lineup. Enhancements such as firmer chassis tuning, an adaptive suspension, more powerful brakes, and an electronic limited slip differential offer the raw yet refined driving characteristics that breathe a healthy amount of memorable life into this compelling EV.

The 2023 EV6 GT was included in an exclusive 0-150 speed test last year as well, where its stopping time also created positive waves among review staff: it returned to a stop from 150 in just 31.2 seconds, which was just a tenth slower than a Toyota Supra. Another very important claim was also confirmed by these automotive experts, as the EV6’s 350-kW fast charger adds 70 miles in less than 5 minutes. A godsend for any harried commuter, these stats provide a promising look at our esteemed brand’s future. 

There are 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 54 cubes total with the rear seats folded flat. The infotainment system works its magic on a 12.0-inch touchscreen that’s an extension of the EV6’s modern 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster. Every drive in the EV6 is guaranteed to be spirited and adventurous, and the upgrade to a 14-speaker Meridian unit renders the audible bits even more engrossing. The U.S News & World Report team praised the EV6 for “standing out from the pack with sleep styling, excellent efficiency, sharp handling, and abundant standard features.”

Satisfied owners here at Jim Butler have told us that the EV6’s impressive driving range, confidence-inspiring handling, and excellent fuel efficiency allow it to stand out in a crowded segment. Its robust selection of both punchy and efficient powertrains offer a large variety for everyone looking to enjoy the benefits of modern EV ownership. For 2024, the Light trim was reintroduced after a one-year hiatus, and the EV6’s infotainment arrangement is now “more intuitive than the Tesla’s.” A few other of our favorite other available features are a sunroof, universal garage door opener, and ambient LED lighting.