Monday, March 17, 2025

More Smooth Moves, Strong Grooves: The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid Hits the Road Right

2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid
Kia’s 2025 Carnival Hybrid is a prime example of how a family vehicle can blend comfort, style, and versatility without compromising on performance. Although it is billed a "multi-purpose vehicle" (MPV) instead of a minivan, one thing is clear: it’s designed to effortlessly move people and cargo, all while offering modern tech and great fuel efficiency here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis.

For 2025, Kia has significantly revamped the Carnival, making it more dynamic than ever before. From a fresh, SUV-inspired exterior to an upgraded, tech-heavy interior, the new Carnival impresses at every turn. The addition of a hybrid option, new exterior styling, and updated features for both the driver and passengers elevate the overall experience.

2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid: Smart, Stylish, and Spacious

One of the most striking updates to the 2025 Carnival is its bold, SUV-like exterior. Gone are the days of the traditional minivan look—this model features sharp angles, darkened accents, and sleek lighting, giving it a modern, rugged feel. When compared to the Sorento, the Carnival’s exterior design feels cohesive and sophisticated, helping it stand out in the crowded minivan market.

Inside, the Carnival continues to impress with its spacious and user-friendly design. The second-row seats, with a versatile 40/20/40 split, allow for easy reconfiguration depending on your needs. Whether you need to seat three people comfortably or create extra legroom for one lucky passenger, the Carnival accommodates all with its sliding seat system. The third-row seating is incredibly comfortable and folds flat when not in use, maximizing cargo space.

Speaking of space, the Carnival offers up to 40 cubic feet behind the third row—impressive by SUV standards. Fold the seats down, and you get a cavernous 87 cubic feet, perfect for hauling everything from luggage to furniture. Whether you're headed out on a family vacation or need to transport larger items, the Carnival delivers.

A Family-Friendly Interior Packed with Tech

Kia has also updated the interior with the latest tech and comfort features. The cabin now boasts a cleaner dash design, making controls easier to find and use. The infotainment system is faster and more responsive, offering seamless integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Plus, the dual sunroof option enhances the overall experience by flooding the cabin with natural light, making long trips more enjoyable.

Families will appreciate the Carnival’s comfort and convenience. The seats are cushy and spacious, especially in the second row, which is ideal for long drives. Kia has also reduced the use of piano-black plastic, addressing previous concerns and creating a more refined, smudge-resistant cabin. Although there are some minor design quirks, such as the climate control system's layout, the Carnival’s interior is still one of the most family-friendly in the segment.

Driving the Carnival Hybrid: Smooth, Efficient, and Fun

Behind the wheel, the 2025 Carnival Hybrid offers an exceptionally smooth and responsive driving experience. Powered by a new 1.6-liter hybrid engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 242 horsepower—plenty of power to handle all your family adventures with ease. Despite the more efficient hybrid engine, the Carnival remains impressively agile, offering precise steering and minimal body roll. 

Whether you're maneuvering through city streets or cruising effortlessly on the highway, the Carnival Hybrid makes every drive a surprisingly fun and enjoyable experience. 

One of the standout features of the hybrid version is its impressive efficiency. Kia estimates up to 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, making the Carnival Hybrid an excellent choice for those seeking great fuel economy. Its efficiency is particularly remarkable given its size and versatility, offering an outstanding balance of performance and economy. 

The Verdict

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is a triumph in its segment, offering an unbeatable combination of style, functionality, and advanced features. Whether you’re looking for a family vehicle that can handle the daily grind or a road-trip companion that offers both comfort and efficiency, the Carnival checks all the boxes. With its sleek new design, spacious interior, and hybrid powertrain, the 2025 Carnival Hybrid is a top choice for families seeking a versatile, tech-forward ride.

Versatility Meets Efficiency – Test Drive the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid at Jim Butler Kia! Whether it’s family road trips or daily errands, the Carnival Hybrid is ready to impress. Visit us today for a hands-on experience you won’t want to miss!


Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Smarter, Safer, Stronger: 8 New Perks in the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid

2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid

Kia has taken the impressive Sportage Hybrid to the next level with exciting updates for the 2026 model year. Packed with new features and enhancements, the latest Sportage Hybrid is designed to deliver improved performance, enhanced comfort, and greater convenience. Here are eight standout additions that Jim Butler Kia of St Louis buyers are sure to appreciate:

1. New Sportage Hybrid S & X-Line Trims

Kia is expanding the Sportage Hybrid lineup with two new trims: the sleek S and the rugged X-Line. The S trim brings a bold look with dark alloy wheels, gloss black accents, and essential comfort features like heated front seats and a power driver’s seat. 

Meanwhile, the adventure-ready X-Line trim adds a more aggressive aesthetic with gloss black grille, bumper, and badging, plus a smart power liftgate and 19-inch black alloy wheels. These new trims provide more choices for drivers seeking style or off-road capability.

2. Enhanced Turbo Hybrid Powertrain

The 2026 Sportage Hybrid gets a slight power boost thanks to an improved 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor. Together, they produce 231 horsepower—a modest increase that enhances acceleration and responsiveness without compromising fuel efficiency.

3. Upgraded Digital & Connectivity Features

The 2026 Sportage Hybrid now includes Kia's advanced Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system, featuring a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, making phone connectivity simpler than ever. In higher trims like the SX-Prestige, added features such as Wi-Fi, voice recognition, and over-the-air (OTA) updates further improve the user experience.

4. Head-Up Display (HUD)

For added convenience and safety, a 10-inch Head-Up Display is now available, projecting vital driving information like navigation prompts and speed directly onto the windshield. This feature allows drivers to stay informed without taking their eyes off the road.

5. New Terrain Mode for AWD Models

All AWD-equipped trims now include a versatile Terrain Mode, offering Snow, Mud, and Sand settings to enhance traction and stability in challenging conditions. Whether you're navigating icy roads or muddy trails, this system optimizes the Sportage Hybrid's performance.

6. Digital Key Technology

Select trims, like the SX-Prestige, now feature Kia's Digital Key, allowing drivers to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle using a compatible smartphone or smartwatch. This convenient addition makes carrying a physical key optional and simplifies access when hands are full.

7. Improved Interior Comfort

The 2026 Sportage Hybrid introduces thoughtful updates to its interior, including tread pattern stitching and exclusive synthetic leather seats in the X-Line trim. Features like power-folding mirrors with a memory function and heated rear seats add even more comfort, especially for those chilly winter mornings.

8. Advanced Safety Features

The 2026 Sportage Hybrid includes upgraded Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Direct Oncoming Detection for added protection. The new Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) system now features lane change assist, and parking is easier with the available Front/Side/Rear Parking Distance Warning system. These additions improve safety and boost driver confidence, particularly in urban and high-traffic settings.

More Comfort, More Capability: Kia’s Hybrid SUV Levels Up

With these exciting upgrades, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is more versatile, powerful, and tech-savvy than ever. From new trims and off-road capability to enhance comfort and safety features, Kia has refined the Sportage Hybrid to meet the needs of modern drivers. With its combination of practicality, efficiency, and innovation, the 2026 Sportage Hybrid is sure to turn heads when it arrives in showrooms.

Don’t just take our word for it — experience the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid for yourself. With its enhanced power, upgraded tech, and adventure-ready features, this SUV is built to impress. Stop by for a test drive and see firsthand how the Sportage Hybrid can elevate your daily drives and weekend getaways alike. The road is calling — are you ready to answer? 


Tuesday, March 4, 2025

The 2026 Kia EV4: Bold Style, Big Range, and Everyday Practicality

2026 Kia EV4

If you're on the hunt for a sleek, high-tech electric sedan, Kia's got something exciting in store. Meet the all-new 2026 Kia EV4, a stylish and forward-thinking EV that's set to shake up the compact sedan segment. Even better? It's arriving soon at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, where you'll have the chance to check out its cutting-edge features, impressive range, and standout design in person!

A Perfect Balance of Size and Space

Built on Kia’s advanced E-GMP platform, the EV4 is designed to offer the best of both worlds—compact enough for city driving yet spacious enough for everyday practicality. At 186.2 inches long, it's slightly bigger than a Honda Civic sedan but features a 111.0-inch wheelbase, putting it on par with larger models like the Accord. 

That means plenty of legroom in the back and a generous 17-cubic-foot trunk for all your cargo needs. While a hatchback version will be available in Europe, the U.S. market will focus on the sleek and stylish sedan.

High-Tech Interior with a Modern Touch

Step inside, and you're greeted by a futuristic, driver-focused cabin that takes cues from Kia’s EV3. A massive 30-inch digital display stretches across the dashboard, combining a 12.3-inch driver display, a 5.3-inch climate control panel, and another 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment and settings. The premium fabric finishes add a touch of sophistication, while the available GT-Line package brings extra flair with 19-inch wheels and aggressive front and rear accents.

Fast Charging, Smart Tech, and Built for Adventure

The EV4’s 400-volt electrical system ensures quick and efficient charging. Plug into a Level 2 charger, and you’ll get a steady 11 kW charging rate. Need a faster top-up? DC fast charging can juice up the 81.4-kWh battery from 10 to 80% in just 31 minutes. Even the smaller 58.3-kWh battery charges up nearly as fast, hitting the same mark in about 29 minutes. And thanks to Kia’s vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, the EV4 can power everything from camping gear to household appliances—perfect for road trips or unexpected power outages.

Performance That Keeps You Moving

Under the hood, the EV4’s 201-horsepower front-mounted motor delivers a smooth and responsive ride. The larger battery variant is estimated to go from 0 to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds, while the smaller battery model shaves it down to 7.4 seconds. If you’ve driven the Kia Niro EV, expect a similar experience—it hits 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, so the EV4 should feel just as quick and lively.

Long-Range Confidence

Range anxiety? Not here. The larger battery version is estimated to deliver around 330 miles of range based on adjusted EPA calculations, making it a great pick for road trips or long commutes. The smaller battery still packs a punch with an estimated 225-mile range, ensuring plenty of efficiency for everyday driving.

Designed for the Road Ahead

Beyond just numbers, the EV4 is built to offer a smooth, fun, and engaging drive. Its responsive handling and aerodynamic design help maximize efficiency while keeping the ride comfortable, whether you're cruising through city streets or hitting the highway for a weekend getaway. Kia’s E-GMP platform ensures a balanced and confident driving experience, so you can enjoy every mile behind the wheel.

Arriving Soon!

Production for the U.S.-spec EV4 is already underway in South Korea, with first deliveries expected by the end of the year. With bold styling, innovative tech, and impressive efficiency, the 2026 Kia EV4 is set to make a big impact in the EV market. The future of driving is almost here—get ready to experience the EV4 at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis


Tuesday, February 25, 2025

2025 Kia K5: Elegant, Innovative, and Ultra-Comfortable

2025 Kia K5

The 2025 Kia K5 is back and better than ever, offering a striking design, an upgraded interior, and an exhilarating driving experience. This midsize sedan continues to set the standard for style, comfort, and technology, making it a standout choice for drivers looking for sophistication and performance here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis.

Bold Design That Turns Heads 

The refreshed Kia K5 features a sleek, modern look with an eye-catching light signature that enhances its aggressive stance. A distinctive daytime running light design gives the front end a unique personality, while the stylish rear light bar adds a premium touch. 

With its sculpted lines, sporty profile, and refined details, the K5 is designed to impress from every angle. Available 19-inch alloy wheels and a gloss-black grille further enhance its bold and sporty appearance, ensuring it stands out in any setting.

Performance That Excites Under the hood:

The 2025 Kia K5 offers an upgraded 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that delivers a responsive and dynamic drive. The available GT model takes performance to the next level with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing an impressive 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GT model ensures quick, smooth shifts for an exhilarating driving experience.

For those who prefer added confidence on the road, the K5 GT-Line offers available all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions. Additionally, refined suspension tuning and precise steering response provide a balance of comfort and agility, making the K5 enjoyable whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway.

A High-Tech, Comfortable Interior

Step inside the 2025 K5, and you'll be greeted by a modern, driver-focused cabin packed with advanced technology. The highlight is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen, now standard across all trims, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity. An available 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster adds a high-tech touch, while the newly redesigned center console provides more convenience with larger cupholders, a wireless charging pad, and USB-C ports for front and rear passengers.

Designed with comfort in mind, the K5 offers supportive front seats and a spacious rear seating area, making it perfect for long drives or daily commutes. Premium materials, available ventilated front seats, and ambient interior lighting create an upscale atmosphere that enhances every journey. The generous trunk space provides plenty of room for cargo, ensuring practicality meets style.

Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance:

Kia has equipped the 2025 K5 with a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features to enhance peace of mind on the road. Standard features include:

  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality

  • Blind-spot monitoring

  • Lane-keeping assist

  • Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking

In addition, available features such as a surround-view camera, rear cross-traffic alert, and highway driving assist provide extra layers of safety and convenience, making the K5 one of the most well-equipped sedans in its class.

Elevate Your Drive with the 2025 Kia K5:

With its bold design, thrilling performance options, and cutting-edge technology, the 2025 Kia K5 continues to be a top contender in the midsize sedan category. Whether you’re looking for a stylish commuter, a tech-savvy family car, or a sporty ride with impressive power, the K5 delivers on all fronts.

The 2025 Kia K5 isn’t just another midsize sedan—it’s a bold expression of style, innovation, and pure driving excitement. From its sleek, head-turning design to its tech-savvy, ultra-comfortable cabin, every detail is crafted to elevate your time on the road. But reading about it is one thing—experiencing it is another. Feel the power, embrace the comfort, and discover the thrill for yourself with a test drive at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis

Slide into the driver’s seat, take control, and see why the K5 is setting a new standard for what a sedan should be. Your perfect drive is waiting—let’s make it happen today!