Kia Telluride Deemed By Business Insider as “Absolute Best on the Market”

A sense of Deja Vu occurs when you are in a place you feel you have been before or witnessing an event that you feel you have already seen. This is the sense that Matthew DeBord of Business Insider encountered when he buckled into the brand new Kia Telluride last week. Two years before, he had the good fortune of being able to test drive a brand new Kia Stinger, and immediately told his cohorts he had just driven the “Car of the Year”.

His prediction was true, and just a year later the Stinger did take that honor. After driving our prized Kia Telluride, he said that in an SUV-crazed USA, this is one of the best contenders out there, period. His testing model was loaded up with many technology features, and he enjoyed the opportunity to drive the luxury-rich SX trim. He immediately enjoyed the power of the naturally-aspirated V6 and the smooth shifts that the 8-speed transmission offered up. Matthew goes as far as to say here that not many people buy an SUV for looks, but still has A massive love for the way in which the Telluride immediately presents itself as sharp, and still fits right into the suburban commuter category.

Once you have your hands on the multifunction steering wheel, you gain access to Kia's suite of semi-self-driving function, which stacks autosteer on top of adaptive cruise control and an entire other assortment of driver-assist features. When Matthew put the “smart” cruise control to the test, he deemed it just as good as anything else on the market, including Tesla Autopilot. The Telluride easily glided into curvy segments of the freeway during action and did a great job of relieving some stress on his 5-hour drive at hand.

When a loyal customer is approaching us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis asking which incoming vehicles are most practical for their next purchase, space usually resides at one of the highest slots on their wish list. Maximum cargo capacity within the Telluride is almost 90 cubic feet, and this is one area where Matthew really commends our brand for stepping it up in all ways. He put the Telluride to the test during a drive from suburban New Jersey to Pennsylvania to pay a special visit to the C.F. Matin and Co. guitar factory.

After this journey, he simply lamented: “Kia, I gotta hand it to you: You're killing it, and the Telluride is the latest victory”. It was also held in high regard that the basic trim levels still offer a V6 and All-wheel-drive, deeming anyone capable of handling what Missouri weather doles out. The infotainment system offered up an old-school feel that was welcome, yet still does the job of integrating device-paring, Bluetooth, and navigation. Opting for a crossover instead of a minivan offers plenty of advantages, and this 3-row champion is as clandestine and surprise-prone as the Rocky Mountain township it was named for!

Kia Optima Could Likely Adopt K5 Namesake in the U.S.

Design sketches that previewed the updated Optima's look were spotted all over the web during November and October, but the brand-new Optima won't be officially released until 2020. As all of us here on sales and service staff at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis were surfing the web to find the latest news about new releases, we came across this piece from Motor1.com that poses an interesting question: there may be a chance that it may not be called the Optima after all. Officials from Korea have claimed that the company is dropping the Optima nameplate, as reported in TheKoreanCarblog.

In the Optima's place, Kia may use the K5 nameplate worldwide for this savvy and sensational sedan. It was learned recently that the company filed was granted a trademark for the “K5” term in the United States 7 years ago, and refiled for the same trademark this fall. The U.S. Patent and Tradmark Office granted the company the wordmark in November. Just this past week, the company filed a trademark in Korea for a stylized new logo with red or black text similar to what is found on the Imagine by Kia concept.

What is a bit more solidly known about the upcoming Optima/K5 is that it does officially go on sale in the South Korean market this month, and we would expect early 2020 to be the time to  see it in the States. Engine options should be similar to what is found on the Sonata: Hyundai's product incorporates either the 2.5-liter engine that cranks out 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque or the more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, putting out 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

As we say on our official website regarding this car: “So Much Yes”. It will be a car that fully allows the driver to experience perfect performance levels, and was engineered for prime efficiency from day one. Available heated and ventilated front seats add even more comfort, and the optional two-tone black and red leather interior for the SX adds a vibe of ultra-modern swank while still evoking practicality. The front styling will feature the signature tiger-nose grille, and available LED headlights that deliver a dazzling style as well as futuristic-feeling illumination option.

Don't forget to check out the available gloss-black rear spoiler, mirrors, and sport side sills with black accent trim, plus 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels that cloak the Optima in individuality. Advanced High Strength Steel greatly increases the rigidity of the body,  while hot – stamping of components in 16 key stress points works overtime to boost body structure for a ride with less noise.

Motor Trend Provides Holiday Close-up on Kia Seltos and Sportage Traits

The 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show was the scene of many surprises and visually stunning treats, and our 2021 Kia Seltos enjoyed its premiere there looking rugged and ready to roll anywhere! Sitting just below the Sportage the Seltos is targeted to buyers who are looking for a vehicle that meets the needs of an urban dweller, or busy recent graduate. As many customers are coming in to see here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis which would be the ultimate holiday surprise, they are known to ask us about the very specific differences between the two, and so we wanted to lay out a few features that stand out on each to help those making a purchase as the Motor Trend Staff did on their blog.

 Appearances are Everything: These two vehicles have pretty large differences in exterior styling: The Sportage has a bit of a polarizing presence, with high-mounted headlights and rounded stature. The smaller Seltos may seem a bit boxier at first like the 3-row Telluride, and the Seltos has a more muscular stature compared to the Sportage's smooth, rounder lines.

Interior Space: One would think at first look that the Kia Sportage would have more interior space after seeing its large appearance. The Seltos actually offers more maximum cargo capacity than the Sportage and has 62.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. The Seltos also boasts more headroom both in front and second row.

Power Potential: The Kia Sportage offers more power when it comes to engine options: The available 2.0-liter turbo-four in the Sportage cranks out up to 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the more powerful compact SUVs on the market. The most powerful option for the Seltos is an optional 1.6-liter turbo-four with 175 hp and 195 lb-ft.

All-Weather Drivability: The 2021 Seltos will offer all-wheel drive standard on every trim besides the S, which sees front-wheel only. On the larger 2020 Kia Sportage, all-wheel-drive is an extra even on the more powerful turbocharged version. If you plan to be driving in an area that happens to see its fair share of winter, the Seltos may be your practical choice.

Rear Suspension Options: The Kia Seltos offers two suspension setups depending on the allotted drivetrain. If you have front-wheel drive, the option is a torsion beam rear suspension. Models equipped with all-wheel drive feature a more complex independent multilink layout. In comparison, every 2020 Kia Sportage gets independent rear suspension regardless of which drivetrain is present.

Tech Talk: The 2021 Kia Seltos receives the latest version of Kia's multimedia system, sporting a 10.25-inch touchscreen. It also gets the quickest version of the interface to date, and now features a split-screen function for more specific customization. The Sportage uses a slightly older version with a smaller 8.0-inch touchscreen, without as much opportunity to modify. If technology is one of the largest deciding factors regarding your purchase, the Seltos would be ideal for your purchase! 

Forbes Covers Kia Soul EV Makeover: Now Flaunts Double the Power

Peter Lyon of Forbes Magazine stated in his latest article that his first drive of the Kia Soul EV delivers “considerable punch and poise” for its price and that he was still heavily impressed after he sampled some of the latest and greatest. The Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model 3, and Porsche Taycan had already filled slots in his busy itinerary for the month, and one of his first sources of excitement was the fact that the new Soul EV now boasts twice the power output of the outgoing electric version, up from 109 hp to 201 hp while torque rises from 210 to 290 lb-ft.

The electric powertrain is taken from the inverter, motor, and batteries from the Niro EV, and placed into a more stylish and economical package. Now seeing its third generation a full decade after the original, It's more visually appealing with softened edges and a silhoutte that is a bit more gradual visually. A better sense of style is also accomplished with slim wraparound LED front lights providing 16 combinations of color and a sense that more close attention has been paid to design as the model is now increasing in importance and current relevance.

What all of us on sales and service staff at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis believe is that the largest highlight of the now improved Soul is its heightened range. The model is now slated to cover up to 280 miles on a single charge, and if you can find a 100kW quick charger, you can charge a battery around 40% in just 40 minutes. The key component to these extra miles is the newly fitted 64kWh liquid-cooled battery pack. These extras alone take the 0 – 60 mph times down from 9.7 to 7.2 seconds, and improve freeway driving stance drastically.

The Forbes testing team claims that the EV really excels on the road, with a firm and comfortable ride and “effortless” direction changing. Very responsive and grippy braking and an aggressive acceleration with Sport mode add a few extra layers of fun to the daily drive. Infotainment arrives through a 10.3-inch touchscreen which is very user-friendly, and the dash  provides a range indicator and other data such as outside temperature. When you finally get some downtime and are able to valiantly escape the cubicle with a few friends, we'd recommend the sound mood lighting system: the extra pulsing lights around the cabin really up the ante for a fun night out. We will keep you posted here on the blog as to what other publications and experts have to say about the Soul, and we fully endorse it as the perfect kilowatt-driven Christmas gift! 

2020 Kia Telluride Billed by Car and Driver as “Ridiculously Good, Brand-Elevating”

The staff of Car and Driver have undoubtedly seen many things in their years: massive home-runs, failures, all-out broken promises from manufacturers, and EPA rating scandals. When they got their hands on the 2020 Kia Telluride, they immediately claimed that it was “ridiculously good”, and admitted that they rarely make statements that serious. Writer Tony Quiroga states in detail that the arrival of the Telluride reminded him of when greats such as the Lexus LS400 were introduced, and that while a minivan may offer a bit more space, the Telluride has a luxurious and refined side that no minivan can rival.

You see the addition of luxurious elements like acoustic windshield glass, a head-up display, heated and ventilated seats in the first AND second rows, and intuitive widescreen infotainment system. Car and Driver even make the claim here that at 70 mph, it's quieter than  a Land Rover Range Rover, and goes down the road with the refined style of SUVs that cost tens of thousands more. By aiming very high, it is stated here that Kia has created a premium product at nonpremium prices, and compares the overall look and feel to a Volvo or Land Rover.

Paint finish and quality, lighting elements, and space in all three rows are qualities that make this seem like an SUV from a high premium brand, and every last detail such as even the quality of the carpet has been taken into account. In what they deem as a “significant LS400 moment”, the Car and Driver staff went as far as to say that you should “Get one before Kia realizes what it's done and raises the price”. The Cars.com staff ranked the verdict on the Telluride as “Big, Comfy, Classy – and impressively loaded with technology and luxury touches; a true triumph”.

Touting even more passenger room than the Chevy Tahoe SUV, you'll recognize it coming right away: the characteristic big tiger grille is flanked by LED running lights, and the clean body sides have a downward swoop to the taillights. The available engine is a direct-injection Atkinson-cycle 3.8-liter V-6 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, cranking out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Using Sport Mode gets a little more spring into the Telluride's step, by holding lower gears a bit longer, and downshifting more readily.

Test drivers have reported doing 40 mph on a rock-strewn dirt road, and it was not upsetting

the chassis or steering – quite an off-roader's ideal vehicle when you take into consideration it can also tow a 5,000 – pound trailer. A family of four could have in tow all of their necessary luggage and a camper without any worries. Make sure you check out the SX trim level here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis: this is where you get genuine Nappa leather for the seats and the upper sense of true high-end enjoyment from a vehicle that is already creating such a well-earned stir in the automotive realm!

L.A. Auto Show Attendees Will Witness Surprise Kia Vehicle Debut

Chris Bruce of Motor1.com reported on the blog last week that the brand we love to represent so much every day here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis has a secret vehicle debut slated for the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. From Nov. 22 – Dec. 1^st, attendees get to enjoy vehicles on display, vehicle debuts, VIP guided tours, free test drives, and many other events and appearances. Unfortunately for the masses of curious and excited Kia fans, this release is pretty much under wraps and kept a complete secret. Assuming that the vehicle pictured here is a production model and not a concept, the most likely one to be presented is the next-gen Kia Sorento.

Judging by those photos, if  this is the crossover in question it possesses a bit more chiseled styling like the larger Telluride. Since rumors do suggest that the Sorento will go on sale for the 2021 model year, this could coincide with the timing of the LA Auto Show unveiling. Others have been wondering if a new Optima is in the works, as some photos floating around the web show the K5 as a South Korean version. This is the vehicle that we think would excite many: even though it seems it's always crossover SUVs winning the popularity contest, a new sedan certainly always turns heads at a star-studded auto show.

Some wonder if the Seltos is going to be the secret contender at the LA Auto Show, but it does  seem a bit less likely. After debuting in India this summer, there has been speculation that a North American version is possible. The current model touts a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 147 hp, or turbodiesel 1.6 – liter with 134 hp. For a truly epic surprise, many attendees would love nothing more than to check out Kia's pickup concept, but that is allegedly not going to be out for another year.

It would also be startling to see a living and breathing Imagine EV: the concept shown here is a coupe-inspired crossover that could soon be our brand's range-topping electric vehicle. The 21 high-resolution screens inside are one of the production elements that could be a bit difficult to pull off on short notice, but as many “dare to dream”, would be an impressive sight to see. The production-spec Imagine was slated to ride on Hyundai and Kia's upcoming dedicated electrical platform, but many specifics have not yet been made public. Even though some dedicated fans on various Kia blogs thought it was a bit strange on the inside, this is one amazingly handsome concept, and from a side glance looks like everything futuristic cars were meant to dazzle us with.

2021 Kia Optima Official Renderings Featured on Motor1.com News

When spy shots begin their gradual circulation through the many avenues of the web, there are instances wherein they may not portray the exact car in question down to the very last detail, and that's ok! The reason why all of us on staff here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis are ok with that is because the sense of excitement that future photos generate questions that we are here on hand to answer regarding present and coming cars! Adriann Padeanu of Motor1.com had a few cautionary words regarding the renderings of the new 2021 Kia Optima this past week and claimed that they may be too good to be true.

Spy shots from August revealed the next generation is going to stick to the midsize sedan frame, so these renderings were most definitely not 100% accurate. Hyundai did a great job of upping their styling game in this segment shared with the lovely-looking Sonata, and so Kia will be working similar visual wonders with its sister model. We love the way the headlights appear to have LED daytime running lights, as well as the slim taillights stretching across the fastback-like rear end.

The 2021 Optima is expected to sport some traits that will make its profile more exciting, and many auto journalists and fans out there think that it could even make sense to see the Stinger lose its rear doors. We don't believe that this will be the case but do know that there will be some changes inside the cabin that will ultimately see the digital instrument cluster merge with a wider infotainment system. The lower center console will lose the now bulky gear lever for a much smaller rotary shifter, while some of the buttons will be taken away after their functions are included in the touchscreen display.

Autoweek Proclaims Kia Telluride “Rugged, Confidence-Inspiring, and Athletic”

The staff at Autoweek have long been experts at describing the good, bad, and the ugly regarding any vehicle that is rolling off onto lots for success or scrutiny. All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis were excited this past week to see that they were providing an up-close look at the Telluride and that they were not only satisfied after driving it, but lamented that its ruggedness is so true that it is “confidence inspiring”. They immediately took note of how fantastic the electronic all-wheel-drive system is, as well as its other large array of smart technology.

With electronic all-wheel-drive, a very advanced electro-hydraulic coupling sends the power of the big V6 to the front wheels and provides more traction when it is needed most. If there is any sudden loss of grip, sensors will instantly channel up to half of the available power to the rear. It's so revolutionary because it can keep shuffling the power between the front and rear axles as gripping changes. One tap of the center console drive mode control takes you into “AWD Lock”, where the central clutch in the system locks in the power evenly between the front and rear axles.

The Telluride also boasts the very intuitive traction control system: it grabs the brake rotor on any wheel that is suddenly slipping, instantly sending the torque to the side with the traction. It is game-changing in inclement weather conditions and imitates the action of more complex front and rear locking differentials. We saw our fair share of snow right here in St Louis last year, and the Telluride has another feature to help when the powder begins to stick in the form of “Snow” mode. Snow mode directs 80 percent of the engine's power straight to the front wheels, and 20 percent to the rear to deliver optimum traction for these conditions. Also a big help in loose sand or gravel, it actually works to soften the throttle action of a heavy foot to avoid drastic grip loss.

Added to all this is nearly 8 inches of clearance, and this becomes an SUV that can keep going over many challenging surfaces that competitors like the new Chevy Blazer could not even fathom. The V6 on duty here inside the Telluride is a 3.8-liter GDI unit, with Atkinson cycle technology, and direct fuel injection. It cranks out 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which provides for aggressive off-the-line acceleration, strong mid-range response, and very relaxed high-speed cruising.

The four drive modes are Smart, Eco, Comfort, and Sport, and as expected the Autoweek team enjoyed the amped-up responsiveness and steering in Sport mode. It's large, proud, and designed right here in America: make sure to check out the Telluride's massive capabilities and tech features this fall, and take note of just how much you'll be able to conquer when you give in to the call of the wild!

AutoGuide.com Shares 5 Amazing Stats About the Kia Stinger

Every week we are gleaning the web thoroughly to find reviews and news about everything Kia-related, and lately we found this awesome feature from AutoGuide.com!  Host Andrew Park is perched at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, excitedly preparing to tell us 5 awesome reasons to love the Kia Stinger. His first area of intense infatuation was in the acceleration department, as the video shows the Stinger blasting off without a car in the world on the slightly damp track. 

Prime Acceleration Power: Here the stat is presented with ultimate bragging rights that the car goes from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The base model provides a 3.3-liter V6 paired to a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission and is by far one of the best values out there in the enthusiast-minded sports sedan segment. 

Beyond Imaginable Braking Capacity: With all of the engine power at the Stinger's disposal, you need solid stopping power to meet you safely on the reverse end. Here is where the Brembo 13.8-inch front brake rotors, and four-piston calipers, poised and on deck to slow down the 19-inch wheels boasting summer tires really shine. 

An Abundance of Cargo Space: Aggressively breaking through the notion that sports sedans are not that practical for the daily drive, the Stinger rallies moxie by offering up 40.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear seats are split 60-40, doing away with the need to compromise heavily between practicality and raw performance. With the liftgate and moon roof, you get a few added touches of luxury that seem to “take you into German territory” as far as comparisons between foreign rival models go. 

Benefits of Dynamics Stability Damping Control Suspension: The Standard Stability Damping Control Suspension is always working overtime to ultimately give you more control of the driving experience. Custom, Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Smart all the modes that are included within, and immediate adjustment to the suspension among other elements make a notable difference during the drive. Sport mode allows for the rawest and exciting form of enjoyment for the track, and will leave you giddy and tingling after every single run. 

Kia's 5 Year/ 100,000 km Comprehensive and Powertrain Warranty: One of the traits of every car we provide for our loyal customers here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis that remains so satisfactory is the warranty. On top of the comprehensive and Powertrain categories, best-in-class roadside is included as well. Don't forget to ask us about the GTS version of our luxurious sports sedan: limited to only 600 units, the 2020 GTS features the brand-new Kia D-AWD system, control logic, 720-watt Harmon Kardon premium audio system, and Clari-FI signal enhancing technology. 

Latest K900 Praised by Automobile For Having “Beautiful and Plush Crafting, Primed Sense for Indulgence”

When the first-generation K900 hit showrooms 5 years ago, it was powered by a 32-valve V8, but despite its stature and purpose, at times lacked the promise that is needed for a true automotive home run. Arthur St. Antoine of Automobile mag now revisits the K900 in full effect, and claims out of the gate that it “offers enough goodness that budget-conscious luxe-sedan shoppers would be doing themselves a disservice if they didn't check it out”.

Based on very similar mechanics as Hyundai's slightly larger, ritzier Genesis G90, the second version of the K900 is a step up in space. It has grown 2.3 inches in wheelbase, boasts much greater legroom, and has a very extravagant vibe. When you are here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis for a test drive, don't forget to check out the benefits of the VIP Package: here you see the flip-down center rear armrest that includes controls for the power seats, audio system, and climate control, wireless phone charger and rear-seat ventilation, offering a limousine-style sense of luxury for everyone on board.

The new engine is the twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 that can be found in the sporty Stinger GT. Sporting 365 horsepower, it is not quite as powerful and potent as the old 420-horsepower V8, but the 376 lb-ft max torque number remains the same, and the engine pairs perfectly with the Stinger's 8-speed automatic and paddle shifters. When Arthur put it to the test he deemed it very quiet and smooth, with acceleration being impressive for a frame that is nearly 5,000 pounds. The turbo-six can power the K900 to 60 mph in just over five seconds, and EPA fuel economy is now up from 15/23 mpg city/highway to 18/25.

As far as the selectable driving modes, Sport mode firms up the steering and the ride, and also allows a bit more of the glorious engine noise to flow on inside. Smart mode uses technology to predict the desired responses based on what the driver is doing at the wheel, and Comfort is where the sedan usually provides its best all-around ride. Compared to the track-ready and salacious Stinger, this is a car that provides a refined and gentle ride, and a stylish outing to the symphony or holiday ball would seem like a perfect jaunt.

The Automobile mag gang ranked overall visibility as “superb”, and appreciated the simplicity and practicality of the infotainment interface. The display in the K900 is much larger than what you encounter in the Telluride, and the rigid structure speaks for itself at every turn. Elegance has many faces in today's car landscape, and picking the K900 as your upper-level crowd (and family) pleaser makes entirely a heaping amount of shrewd sense!

Forbes Magazine Claims Kia Niro EV “A Win For Electric Mainstream”

Dale Buss of Forbes Magazine is correct in saying that the push towards electrification in the auto realm is more firm now than ever before. All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis and other dealers nationwide have stepped up and banded together to provide the best warranty coverage and customer service of any brand out there. Now we have managed to produce an all-electric model that the American mainstream can feel very comfortable in, and Forbes featured it this past week as an example of the very exciting future to come.

The platform is a cross between a large sedan and an SUV, dashed with a bit of hatchback flavor. It is loaded up well with features that give it a very high score when it comes to value, and it now really becomes the solid anchor for the line that one just provided a PHEV and hybrid. When a Niro gives you the range you've got left for a drive, we claim to be the most accurate on the market, and we will not keep the driver guessing as to how much remains.

Another much-appreciated element is the placement of the plug for the electric cord in the front fascia, as many EVs and PHEVS do. The difference with just those few feet can ease many frustrations when it comes to charging in a typical suburban garage. The Forbes crew also took note that many Kia models rank heartily at the very top of the yearly J.D. Powers and Associates rankings.

The Niro that Dale took for a drive was the EX Premium, which cranks out 201 horsepower, provides quick-charging capability for its front port of you've got a fast charger, boasts 17-inch allow wheels in the EX Premium trim version, and puts down EPA-rated fuel economy of 122 MPG in the city and 102 MPGe on the highway. He categorized the overall driving of the Niro as pleasantly sharp, and that luxury levels are quite high for a daily driver.

Where the Niro shined above and beyond for this group was the cockpit technology. UVO systems are a consumer's widely-chosen favorite and Apple CarPlay and Android come standard. One thing that we think you're going to love about the Niro most is that you can take the presence of cars like the early Prius and throw them out the window at high speed: it doesn't LOOK like an electric car. This is the type of vehicle that will ease the public's fear of the unknown and help provide a valuable stepping stone into what will be commonplace within 4 years: all-electric and Eco-conscious fleets!

Kia Telluride SX V6 Reviewed By Automobile Mag as “Friendly as a Golden Retriever, and Astoundingly Good”

Arthur Antoine of Automobile mag got his chance to test drive the 2020 Kia Telluride last week and admitted wholeheartedly that he was very excited when the fully-loaded SX model arrived on his doorstep. His colleague Jamie Kitman just the week before had said that the SUV was “astoundingly good”, and he was eager to see if the vehicle would live up to its promise and prestige. He began the ride in Comfort mode and noticed right away that the glide was similar to that one would experience in a Range Rover.

Once on the highway, he also claimed that the engine barely made its presence known, and thanks to the gearing of the standard 8-speed automatic, the 3.8-liter twin-cam V6 that cranks out 291 horsepower hums along pleasantly while cruising at highway speeds. When Arthur made the switch to Sport mode, the quicker throttle and steering response were noticed right away. During cornering the brake-based torque-vectoring system helps to rotate the chassis, and ultimately make you feel as if the Telluride is not as big as it is.

Everyone on staff here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis does pay homage to the ways how other SUV makers flaunt the go-anywhere capabilities of massively-rigged components and very advanced off-road systems. With the Telluride, our engineering team focused heavily on what we fell the majority of SUV owners who don't take flight from paved roads often want. An 8-passenger version with a second-row bench is available, and the second-row twin's captain chairs that come standard on the SX were ranked by this testing crew as incredibly comfy. The Telluride's towing rating is 5,000 lbs, and the driver's seat is leather-trimmed, ventilated, heated, power-operated, and within proximity to all pertinent controls.

Safety and convenience features have been knocking it out of the park as far as Kia is concerned: The Telluride SX sports smart cruise with stop and to go rear cross-traffic alerts, forward-collision alert, park-distance warning, lane-keep assist, and much more. The onboard blind-spot view monitor allows for the driver to access a live camera view to see if oncoming cars are right next to you or one lane over. The blind-spot monitor that appears on the head-up display provides you with a useful icon that lights up if any other vehicle is in your blind spot.

You don't even have to move your head to make it useful, and it is great for highway incidents where someone flies past your left. The final verdict for this test drive was that the SX is a value-rich vehicle with solid moves, and a character as friendly as a Golden retriever: Come to visit us this fall and see for yourself how punchy yet practical this SUV is, and go for a thorough spin!

Spy Video from Motor1.com Shows 2020 Kia Sorento Caught Flexing at Nurburgring

Just about a month after the last time a prototype of the next-generation Kia Sorento was caught via spy shots, the bounty of the internet gleaned us a few more, this time at the famed Nurburging. In these videos we received most recently, it is caught wearing its usual production body and headlights, minus any fake body panels, which finally offers up a good view at its final shape. The taillamps seen were not what you'd usually find among a production cluster, but just temporary test units. This particular testing model seems to be the same one that was sent digitally to our desks here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis earlier this year.

Since this is the third time it has been spotted by numerous media outlets and photographers, this could mean that hefty endurance tests are being carried out at this world-famous track. Even though it was decided that the Sorento did not seem like it was in its natural habitat, it's important to consider that this is a large SUV, and even with a bit of body roll in the corners, the suspension will be geared towards comfort instead of aggressive performance.

At this time there are not many details about the engine selection that will reside in the new generation of the Sorento, but it's probably a safe bet that various electrification plans are imminent. The current 3.3-liter V6 and 2.4-liter inline-four are expected to carry over, cranking out 290 and 185 horsepower respectively. Most of the other reports we are seeing claim that this three-row SUV should arrive at some point during the first half of next year, but a precise unveiling date is not yet known.

Jeff Perez of Motor1.com enjoyed a test drive of the 2019 model near Crested Butte, Colorado last year, and immediately claimed that it offered up a great sense of comfort as well as capability. This year's model offered brand-new 19-inch wheels, a new diffuser, and plenty of chrome accents. For 2020, all trim levels for the Sorento offered seven-passenger seating, and it proved to be 100% responsive on some of the trickiest roads the Rocky Mountain State had to offer. Snowbanks, dirt roads, and even black ice were no problem at all while lurching through these Colorado roads equipped with the V6.

If you opt for the EX trim and higher, the Sorento now comes standard with a forward-collision warning system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and a surround-view monitoring system. If your business or family happen to be experiencing the blessing of rapid growth, the tech offerings, hauling capability, and 5,000 – lb tow rating will all be enormous assets to the daily productivity of your hard-earned bounty!

2020 Kia Sportage Fine Details and Specs Courtesy of Carsguide.com

As the colors on the trees will be changing any day now, many St Louis area families are going to be piling in the car and enjoying the abundance of great outdoor space here in the metro area. It's easy to forget that right in our own backyard is Forest Park: just west of downtown, there are more than 1,200 acres of green space, a startling 500 acres larger than New York City's Central Park itself! The mid-size SUV is one of the best to load up the family and friends in to enjoy everything fall has to offer, and the team on staff at Carsguide.com took an up close look at the 2020 Kia Sportage this past week.

The Sportage comes available with a 2.4-Liter 4-cylinder with 181 horsepower, or the option of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a class-leading 240 horsepower. Both engines are paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive in base form and all-wheel-drive available as an option. Within the standard entry-level S trim, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLS with halogen headlights, auto rain-sensing windscreen wipers, leather steering wheel, a 7.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with AppleCarplay and Android Auto connectivity, and dual-zone climate controls are all included.

Automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, and high-beam assist are all included as standard active safety features within the S trim level. Formerly known as the Si Premium, the SX trim level features 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with DAB and digital radio support, built in sat-nav and a premium 8-speaker JBL audio system. Here you also see the addition of front parking sensors on automatic models only. The SX Plus grade is where true upper-end comfort sees its lavish touch inside: it adds leather seat trim, upgraded chrome and gloss exterior highlights, privacy glass for the rear windows, push-start, keyless entry, an electronic parking brake, and the addition of a first for Kia: an automatic powered tailgate.

When you are checking out the Sportage at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis this fall, make sure you see how feature-rich and luxurious the top-spec GT Line is. This is where you gain the more powerful 2.4-liter engine, 19-inch alloy wheels, an automatic parking suite, full LED auto-leveling headlights, LED fog lights, satin silver design touches, a panoramic sunroof, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, and a wireless phone charging bay. The active safety suite is also upgraded to include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and active cruise control. We always stand behind our warranty and are proud as it is one of the best in existence: the Sportage features a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, with an incredibly generous amount of standard and available equipment!

Autoguide.com Ranks 2020 Kia Forte GT as “King of The Sport Compact Sedan Segment”

Staff Writer of Autoguide.com Evan Williams began his blog feature this week by remembering the first time he encountered the Forte at the 2018 SEMA show. It sported a black lip spoiler and GT badges on the seatbacks, and there was no official announcement as to the car's origin or future until the later part of the day. Now that Evan has had a much closer look at the incoming Forte GT model, he first claimed that after a few lengthy spins he truly felt that there was “no detail left untouched”.

In place of the 2.0-Liter 147 hp 4-cylinder and CVT is a 1.6-Liter Turbo mill. This one is a favorite in the Kia and Hyundai family, delivering 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. That finishes as 37 percent more power and 48 percent more torque than the 2.0, and miraculously for a compact, it gets the job done with regular gas. Instead of the CVT from the Forte, the GT now comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch box, and while in manual mode the car automatically switches the drive mode to sport. You can use the paddles without pulling the shifter over, and you still maintain manual control but the drive mode stays the same.

The testing team here on duty also reflected that there's more to the GT than just its robust engine and gearbox and that Kia has taken this all very seriously by replacing the twist-beam rear end with a multi-link independent rear. The tuning for the damper and spring have been revised as well, and makes for a pleasantly stiff ride. The brakes have also been upgraded, with 12-inch front rotors a full inch larger than the ones found on lower trim levels. 18-inch multi-spoke alloys with lower-profile rubber are also on deck to round out the noticeable performance changes.

Getting out onto the road with an engine that only had 300 miles on it, one of the first things the gang noticed on the GT package is a louder exhaust, especially with the windows down. It was a pleasant surprise that seemed to get a bit louder as the day went on, in unison with a distinct whistle from the turbo from about 2,000 to 3,000 rpm. As far as steering, the group ranked the Forte GT as “well-damped and solid”, and did a fine job of embracing the natural rhythm of the roadway.

This is by all means not the Stinger, and deep-seeded value plays a tremendous role here in the appeal. For the lower price, you are still getting to enjoy most of the usual driver aids such as forward collision warning and avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and lane departure warning. The Forte GT is our favorite here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis in regards to “no compromise” engineering: you get all the oomph and extra sport you desire, without any trade-offs when it comes to ride and comfort!

2020 Kia Forte Deemed By Kelley Blue Book as a “Feature-Filled Value for the Money”

It was during 2009 that Kia introduced the compact Forte to the U.S. Market, and since then it has been our third-most-popular vehicle, falling behind only the Kia Soul and Kia Optima. The experts on staff at Kelley Blue Book are always great at depicting what features and form a new car model possesses without being too personal or opinionated, and they still claimed right away that it is “an extreme value for the money when compared to the Honda Civic Si, Mazda 3, and Subaru Impreza”.

The 2020 model year brings a few trim changes for the Kia Forte, plus the addition of a new turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that is only available on the GT. Last year was when the larger overhaul took place, yet the EX Special Edition trim now sees the 2-tone interior, upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, voice command navigation, power sunroof, and wireless charging. The GT-Line and GT with the new turbocharged engine are the two sport lines added to the lineup: the GT receives the same engine as the base FE 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder that cranks out 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque with upgraded trim bits on the interior and exterior.

The 2020 Kia Forte GT-Line boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black accents, LED daytime running lights and taillights, blind-spot warning with lane changing assistant and rear cross-traffic collision warning. Fans of manual transmissions won't be disappointed: the 2002 model can be equipped with the manual 6-speed as standard in the base FE and as optional in the top-of-the-line GT. All other Fortes come standard with the same continuously variable transmission that carries over from the 2019 year.

Don't forget to ask us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis about the benefits of the available GT2 package: it adds 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and cooled leather-like front seats, blind-spot warning, forward collision warning, parking sensors, wireless charging, and optional Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires. Now standard across the entire Forte line is the Drive Wise safety suite: this equips you with forward collision avoidance and warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning.

Once you move up the line to the GT, you can equip yourself with lane changing assist, blind-spot warning, rear-cross traffic warning, smart cruise control, and parking sensors. The 2020 Forte will also come with our heralded 10-year / 100,000-mile warranty, one we deem the absolute best to protect your automotive investment in the business!

Automobile Deems Kia Telluride “So Rich In Style The Other Car Companies Shouldn't Bother”

Jamie Kitman of Automobile mag made it perfectly clear to her readers that SUVS and crossovers are not “her usual jam”, and that recent models from some brands seem more like generic people movers than ever before. When she got her hands on the new Kia Telluride, she exclaimed that it impressed her so deeply that she was “compelled to sing its praises”, and that she had finally found what she was after that was ideal for NYC traffic. She was getting about 26 mpg during around 300 miles of driving, and it felt like she was driving a smaller, nimbler vehicle.

Her cautious and slightly negative preconceptions of the vehicle were “instantly freeze-dried”, and she was only this greatly surprised after a test drive at one other time in her career. Smooth to drive with capable handling and body control that puts other brands to shame was the first reflections she had about the Telluride she took for a test drive, and she thought that some of the interior materials left even some high-end Europeans in the dust. For the most part based on the Sorento, it possesses the boxy, angular silhouette that has come to be the trademark of our brand, and usefully large proportions.

Under the hood is a 3.8-liter V-6 that makes 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, with an 8-speed transmission. It gets the Telluride from zero to 60 mph in around 7 seconds, with optional all-wheel drive and self-leveling rear air suspension. If you are planning to jump offroad and enjoy the trails and tests of the wilderness on a whim, the Telluride sports 8.0 inches of ground clearance for just these situations. There is room for eight with a second-row bench seat or room for seven using the optional captain's chairs.

You can add a 10.3-inch touchscreen as well as quilted Nappa leather seats, and many of our repeat customers here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis tell us frequently how thoroughly satisfied they are with first-class driver-assistance features that include blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. We honestly don't see too many flashy characteristics in the competition such as a Honda Pilot or Volkswagen Atlas, and the handsome and very distinct looks of the Telluride boost its appeal, as well as it carrying the latest in practical tech. When you are here to test drive this super-sized and stunning new model, make sure to inquire about the SX Prestige package: it offers up Nappa leather on all three rows and the steering wheel, a premium suede-like headliner, and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats.