From Dashboard to Dunks: Kia's In-Car NBA Display Themes Elevate Playoff Excitement

The excitement of the NBA is contagious, riveting, and always engaging with fervor! A-list teams such as Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York will be making their spirited way down the courts in this year’s end-of-season spectacle. The Pelicans-Thunder nightcap was surely the game to take note of over the past weekend, and Kia EV9 owners will now be able to personalize their vehicle’s cockpit with their favorite team’s logos and colors. 

This exciting form of self-expression is offered through the Digital Services and Features platform, with the fever-pitch and precise pivoting action of the NBA in mind. The over-the-air updates for Display Themes to EV9 began on April 9, with the driver-facing 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the AVN screen as the prime real estate for personalization. In the future, other Kia vehicles equipped with the Ultramodern Connected Car Concept infotainment system with Digital Features and Services OTA capability are expected to also be able to display these themes. 

Hues such as the iconic red, black, and white of the Chicago Bulls are available with a personalized instrument cluster and infotainment screen, along with the very cool welcome and goodbye videos for select EV9 trims. As the brand we love to provide and service so much here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis has long been committed to offering exciting themes and collaborations, the EV9 has been the first model to officially offer the NBA themes before the other models enjoy this currently court-crazed feature. 

The Kia Connect Stores Digital Features and Services are accessed via the owner’s app or Kia Owner Portal and will feature each team’s emblem and colors for $39.99. Other themes will soon be available, providing owners of great Kia models the chance to display their appreciation for America’s well-performing superstars on the court. Pivoting loudly and determinedly on the court has always been aspirational and nostalgic, as the classic 1986 film “Hoosiers” depicted an Indiana high school team beating the odds and going for the midwestern glory of the state championship. 

Even though the NBA now has a distinctive flair and has undergone a few quite modern advances, many Kia drivers possess the wholehearted admiration of ball players to render these offerings a tech-lover's triumph. Car and Driver claimed that the 2024 EV9 reigns supreme as “one of the first family-friendly EV options” and is thoroughly looking and performing like a slam dunk. It enjoyed a strong showing as an especially amazing driving vehicle in this size category, and an easy choice for their 2024 10 Best Trucks and SUVs. 

The mid-range Wind trim offers a huge value, stepping things up with the all-wheel drive powertrain which cranks out 379 horsepower. There’s an available Boost Mode that pumps up the volume on the peak torque output and provides quicker acceleration. A performance-oriented GT model will be added to the 2025 lineup while offering as much as 576 horsepower. The EV9’s second-row chairs offer the added comfort of heating, ventilation, and massaging. The EV9 also offers a pair of 12.3-inch screens: one for the gauge cluster and a second for infotainment. 

The Edmunds.com auto crew claimed after their test drive that the EV9 delivers “a luxuriously quiet drive and high-quality features that elevate every commute or jaunt alike.” Spacious, with plenty of features, and boasting a quick charge capacity, the 2024 Kia EV9 has proved its ability to have a sweeping and incredibly mesmerizing presence.

Offroading With “SUV-perior confidence:” A First Drive Experience With the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro

The dreadful and boredom-inducing lockdowns are thankfully far behind us here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, and this was when many of our customers curated their appetite for thriving off-road! The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro joins our illustrious lineup with the upgrades to tackle the trail properly. The Motor Trend group tested this model to see if its upgrades were merely cosmetic, or if they were fit for the demands of deep ruts and loose sand. 

Introduced formally for 2021, the Sorento is built for those who have use for a third row but may feel that the Telluride is just a touch too large for their taste. This year’s model offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, in addition to a 281-horsepower, 311-lb-ft turbocharged 2.5-liter I-4 gas engine which resides in the Sorento X-Pro and higher. First on the list of upgrades is a larger and more upright grille, along with nicely-accented LED lights. The cabin now features reshaped air vents and a modernized HVAC control panel, which first made its appearance in the all-electric EV6. 

Most trims roar heartily off the pavement with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that runs the brand’s new ccNC user interface. This provides the very convenient option of over-the-air updates along with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sorento X-Line trim brings about more rugged-looking bumpers, faux skid plates, and 20-inch Continental CrossContact all-season tires. The all-terrain tires that the X-Pro package starts things off with have a tread pattern that is inspired by BF Goodrich’s K02 off-road offerings. 

The 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro comes aggressively swinging at inclement terrain with 8.2 inches of ground clearance, along with a notable towing capacity of 4,500 lbs. This beats out any other Sorento model by 1,000 pounds and is all made possible with upgraded cooling-system hardware. The Motor Trend team embarked on a beautiful and snowy I-70 west to the Rocky Mountains from Denver, where the Sorento fared excellently on roads heavily populated with potholes. The new Trail Terrain tires bit into soggy dirt better than all seasons could, while also providing a good deal of ride comfort while navigating “the normie route” on the pavement. 

The steering response was consistently crisp, and acceleration was peppy even when tried from leftover standing mud. The brake-pedal travel felt adequate while traversing up and down steep inclines, with a superior and consistent buildup of stopping force during your stroke. Once the 8-speed transmission is fully engaged and underway, it takes advantage of the engine’s torque to dole out acceleration that is excellent when held up to any other 3-row family SUV on the market. The driver-assistance features performed flawlessly, and there are useful USB-C ports all over the cabin. 

The interior upholstery is finished in a very nice two-tone leather upholstery, along with a very cool microsuede headliner surrounding the huge moonroof. To properly take on chilly St. Louis winters, the heated steering wheel can comfortably emit two grades of warmth. Concluding that this finished package offers more than just a “meek people mover”, the Motor Trend gang was thrilled with the Sorento’s performance geared to those needing something a bit tougher. The Edmunds.com auto review crew praised the Sorento post-test-drive for its “mix of quality, performance, and practicality, as an enticing option with above-average versatility.”

Heatwave Havoc: Kia EV9 Puts Performance to the Test at Legendary Davis Dam

So many of the world's deserts are intensely barren landscapes, but there are more thriving creatures living here than initially meets the eye. What seems like a very hot and sweltering environment can still see many thriving entities taking up residence, but it is still a habitat that can be quite punishing for any EV. California’s legendary Death Valley can reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing chefs of all skill levels to fry eggs on the hoods of their favorite car models! 

Before a vehicle can effectively make it to market, it undergoes extreme testing to make sure that any of a slew of technical malfunctions won't take place. Solid powertrain performance and consistent battery power are two of the most important functions to keep an eye on when you notice a few strange mirages around you in the mix! For customers here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis who love every square inch of their exterior appeal, it also means making sure that the paint job will stand up to the inevitable test of time. 

The Newsweek.com auto review team agreed that guaranteeing on-point handling dynamics and adjusting the ride softness are two important boxes to check while making a vehicle appealing for North American drivers. Managing the way a vehicle performs during heavy load towing is also crucial to a vehicle’s hard-earned credibility badge for extreme temperatures and environments. The group effectively “doubled down” from the city of slots and sleight-of-hand, where the desolate desert sands meet the glitz and glamor of the Las Vegas Strip. 

The Kia EV9 was then towed to Bullhead City, Arizona, where the quite notable Davis Dam presides in the sun as one of the world’s most effective trailering test sites. As the review team cooled off, they let the EV9 soak in heat that was much more than 100 degrees! This ensured that all the electronics, high-tech driving aids, and suspension needed to perform under conditions gnarly enough to make people think twice about their model’s durability. It was now time to simulate a common yet very telling scenario in the very dry and consistent heat. 

As the battery had to crank out the juice in the type of climate that is fit for coyotes, desert sidewinders, and desert cottontails, it was now time to assess whether the climate control could effectively keep occupants comfortable. The Edmunds.com review team praised the 2024 Kia EV9 for being, “An excellent choice for families who are ready to transition into the electric realm, without having to compromise on anything.” Fast charging stations will get the battery from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes, which means you can spend much more time driving and less time waiting on long family trips. 

The GT-Line blasted up to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, an incredible stat for an EV this large. For the small children along for the ride, the EV9 has LATCH anchors and a rear tether top for each seat. Build quality, amenities, and quality of materials render the EV9 a commendable value when stacked up against other vehicles in its segment. Any new vehicle owner will also enjoy free fast charging to the tune of up to 1,000 kilowatt-hours on the Electrify America network. One verified reviewer who had just driven her new EV9 from San Diego to the mountains for a snow weekend claimed it was, “Amazing on every level, with an interior quality that made for an ideal and comfortable experience.”

Decoding Sleek-Spec Distinction: 2025 Kia K4 vs. K5 – Which Sedan Steals the Show?

In 2021, here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, the Kia Optima was replaced by the very sleek and stylish K5! The Motor Trend group was trilled with the K5's 2025 refresh and went straight to work on the blog with an informative and long-form comparison between it and the K4. The new Kia K4 is arriving on deck to smartly replace the Forte, which will be available in both hatchback and sedan variants. 

Price point, performance, interior quality, and tech features were all considered during this detailed look at the pair. For size consideration and spec-driven starters, the K4 is smaller than the K5. The K4’s compact persona somewhat resembles the Honda Civic, while the K5 is in the same size category as competitors such as the Honda Accord. The K4 measures 185.4 inches overall in length, with the K5 coming in formidably at 193.1 inches long. The K4 appeals to many based on its best-in-class second-row headroom and legroom, while the two models vary slightly on truck space as well. 

The Kia K4 is working with 14.6 cubic feet of trunk space, with the K5 arriving and ready to go with 15.6 cubic feet of space. Since the K4 will be offered as a five-door hatchback, this option would present more cargo capacity than either of the pair. The K4 has more legroom than the outgoing Forte, but slightly less trunk space and headroom. While some drivers see performance as a predominant concern, some are understandably after every extra inch they can acquire for the journey. 

The K4’s powertrains are essentially identical to those in the Forte, equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four that cranks out 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This juice is sent to the front wheels by a CVT automatic, with AWD not currently available as an option. Fuel economy is expected to reside at 23-26/33-37 mpg, which will ultimately depend on configuration type. Both the K5 and K4 offer the option of a turbocharged upgrade, with the K4 GT-Line’s number being the 1.6-liter inline-four that cranks out 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. 

This is the same powertrain used in the Forte GT, existing with just slightly lowered stats from its previous 201 horsepower. The K5 GT is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbo inline 4 which cranks out 290 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque using an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. During the Motor Trend team’s official testing, the K5 blasted from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. In higher-end trim levels, both models are appealing to the currently very screen-crazed public with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster.

The brand-new ccNC user interface made its debut in the EV9 and is much more responsive and user-friendly than the outgoing system. Entry-level versions of both models will get 4.2-inch digital displays, and all versions will feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Stepping up to the premium-level tech features on the K4 and K5 will set the driver up nicely with a 360-degree camera, premium speakers, and phone-as-key capability.

The final thoughts for anyone interested in either of these two conclude that the K4 may cost a bit less and boast a bit more legroom while offering the convenience of a hatchback’s stance. The Kia K5 exists as more of a competent-and-clean midsize sedan, with more cargo space and undoubtedly more powerful engines. We hope you stop by to visit us this spring here at Jim Butler Kia, where this progressive and polished pair will soon be available for spirited test drives! Our experienced sales and service professionals are standing by to introduce you to the thrill and benefits of Kia ownership. 

A Footprint Fit for Formidable Escape: Get to Know the Enhanced 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro!

Here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, we are always commandeering a front-row seat to emerging trends, and we’d all have to agree that “rugged is in!” Pretty much every automaker out there is coming out with new trims that are attempting to toughen up their trail-ready image, and our 2024 Sorento X-Pro now enjoys this treatment directly after the Sportage and Telluride. The trim line is a highlight of this year’s mid-cycle refresh for the Sorento, which starts the awesome new look off with completely redesigned front and rear ends. 

Base Sorento models are equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder which cranks out 191 horsepower, with upper trim levels boasting the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder churning out 281 ponies. There are two very efficient hybrids paired with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor good for 227 horsepower in the standard hybrid. 

The plug-in hybrid cranks out 261 horsepower, and the X-Pro is available as an option on the SX-Prestige trim. Towing capacity is a very important stat for anyone looking to bring power toys along for the next lake excursion, which the X-Pro’s new radiator fan helps boost up to 4500 lbs. Ride height is also boosted from 6.9 to 8.2 inches, along with the standard 20-inch alloy tires being traded up for 17-inch wheels. 

These are neatly wrapped in BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A all-terrain tires, which the crew deemed were “perfectly suited for eating up highway miles on a family road trip or jogging around town completing errands.” As soon as the group abandoned the pavement and sampled some tried-and-true Rocky Mountain terrain, the X-Pro really proved its worth in the snow and slush. Snow mode immediately distributes more power to the rear wheels, while Sorento's overall steering performance was rendered way above par.

Switching the dial mode to “Sport” preps things for aggressive driving, allowing for spirited enjoyment of every turn! The Olive Brown leather package and faux wood on the dash stepped up the aesthetics a notch, and EX trims and above replaced the second-row bench seat with extra-comfy captain’s chairs. 

The entire Sorento lineup now comes with twin 12.3-inch display screens, with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay coming standard to stay connected and fully musically inclined on all trims. The Edmunds.com review staff praised the Sorento for its abundance of standard and optional features, awesome amounts of legroom, and sharp infotainment system. Here it was noted that the Sorento is nearly 3 seconds faster than the VW Tiguan and the Honda Passport when it comes down to 0-60 mph time.

The visibility inside is excellent, thanks to excellent sightlines and large windows. The Edmunds team was able to nail down 24 mpg combined during testing, and a 25.2 mpg average during their mixed-evaluation drive route. Thoughtful detailing and premium touches allow the Sorento to look on point when it comes to value for the money, along with impressive power that is addictive. The experts on staff at Autoblog were adamant about the 2024 Kia Sorento having “the best technology suite around”, and we guarantee that the fallen roots on a trail near you are beckoning to come and instigate exciting exploration!

The Evolution of Elegance: Discover the Bold and Brilliant 2025 Kia K4

Questions regarding the future of our lineup are frequently brought up here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, where we have welcomed many awards and accolades over the past year! One decision that has been recently finalized was highlighted by the bloggers hard at work serving up the scoop at MotorTrend, as Kia has now officially revealed a preview of the new K4. This is a “next-generation sedan” whose emergence finalizes our suspicions that the current model Forte is being replaced. 

The current Kia Forte is a versatile and groundbreaking model for Kia, moving over 100,000 units last year alone. It also flaunts the brand’s current lowest entry price and arrives on our lot with a capable 1.6-liter turbo engine cranking out more than 200 horsepower. EPA ratings are a trait that many drivers are looking at closely, as prices at the pump have not quite loosened their grip on the nation. The current-model Forte is rated at 41 mpg on the highway and rounds off the entire package as a very practical, efficient, and exciting affordable compact.

The images that Motor Trend published didn’t reveal too much beyond a design that has a funkier persona then the current very traditional shape. The exterior footprint seems to be a bit larger, with a sloping roofline and rear-end treatment that makes a bit louder initial statement. The new design has very clean bodywork, and much attention to detail was given to the process of revamping an already-attractive favorite. There are a few similarities to the existing Kia K3 sedan, which was officially introduced in Asia last year.

The fender lines and greenhouse designs are where there are initial similarities, but the sheetmetal patterns are not quite alike. The Kia K4 Forte replacement will probably see a boost in material quality inside too, with a list of new technologies and luxury touches to be available. It’s not quite clear yet if the same five trim options will carry over, along with two powertrains. Many questions will likely be answered at the New York International Auto Show on March 27, with a fully-fledged online preview on March 21. 

The images on the Kia website portray a class-leading blend of advanced technology, along with future-forward aesthetics and appealing contours. The manual-equipped Kia Forte GT now packs a 1.6-liter turbocharged I4 under the hood that cranks out 200 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Car and Driver reporting crew showed the teaser photos, where one can still make out a fastback roofline much like the Stinger Sport sedan’s. This incoming and potentially hybrid setup will offer competition up against the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta. 

The rear door handles are no longer situated close to the beltline, as they are integrated into the C-Pillar. There are also two noticeable kinks in the roof line and a D-pillar that is shaped a bit like a fin. Some industry experts are betting that the key four will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission as well, and the Cars.com review team also couldn't resist getting in on the predictive action. After getting their glimpse of the teaser photos, they said that the roof’s corner’s approach to the rear doors was like “Adam and God stretching toward one another, or E.T. healing Elliot’s finger!”

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

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.