2020 Kia Telluride Billed by Outsideonline.com As “Most Impressive Kia Yet”

Kia sold its very first car in the United States in 1994: The tiny-engined Sephia, which generated just 88 horsepower and did not even have a radio. An article in the L.A. Times proclaimed that even with its setbacks, it was absolutely not the worst car out there, and that there was still absolute value embedded deep in its small frame. Now 25 years later, the game has changed drastically for all of us proudly promoting Kia's vehicles. The new 2020 Telluride was just highlighted here on the Outsideonline.com blog, and it begins by stating that it is every bit as good as any single other example you'll find in the same segment.

It also has one very key feature that sets it far apart from the competition: full-time four-wheel-drive. Just like much of its competition, the Telluride does come standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive available as an option. With the ability on the customer's behalf to add features such as nice leather, a glass roof, LED headlamps, and other luxuries, it is the most costly Kia ever. Writer Wes Siler here proclaims that he would definitely pick the Telluride over the Subaru Ascent, as our beloved model is “way better looking”.

If you happen to encounter slippery conditions, the Telluride's AWD system will respond by distributing a keen extra boost of power to the rear wheels, but as the testing team on duty for this piece claims, “once you push the diff-lock button nestled in the middle of the selectable drive modes, something very special happens”. Much like a Land Rover, the Kia roars to live from all-wheel drive to four-wheel drive. It was also decided by the astute-and-able team here that the Kia will definitely be better able to make use of the tire traction it has than any of its competition, including the brunt of sworn rival Subaru.

Kia claims that this lock is software-based instead of mechanical, and it will automatically deactivate at 25 miles per hour. At any speeds greater than this, the AWD functions in a manner the same as its competitors. Getting out onto a sandy beach or climbing a snowy hill will be two of the Telluride's definitive strengths, and it possesses a grunty capability that is more in line to larger, heavier three-row family SUVS like the Chevy Tahoe.

One thing that we pride ourselves on greatly here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis is the stellar warranty Kia has: 10 years or 100,000 miles, all-inclusive. It really is an added dose of tranquility at bay to know that if anything happens to your engine or other elements, you are automatically covered by the best and most detailed professionals in the business!

Car and Driver Explores Drift Mode + Other Tremendous Traits of 2020 Kia Stinger GTS

Our sensationally sporty and one-of-a-kind Kia Stinger is getting a new special edition called the GTS, with a few appearance tweaks, and an optional all-wheel-drive system with a brand-new “Drift Mode”. The GTS as reported on from the folks at Car and Driver this week will be offered only on a new special-edition model, which basically amounts to an appearance package for the V-6 Stinger, and also available in a rear-wheel-drive model. At first glance, the D-AWD doesn't seem to be too different from the Stinger's already rear-biased optional AWD system, but its key unique trait is that it has three selectable modes on tap that control how much torque from the 3.3-liter V6 is fired to the rear wheels.

Using Comfort mode puts the split at 60 percent rear, Sport mode sends 80 percent, and Drift mode sends 100 percent to the rear. Stinger models without this system are only capable of sending 80 percent rearward. GTS D-AWD Stingers also receive a standard limited-slip differential, previously available only on the RWD Stinger, and Kia says that it has now made changes to the entire mapping for the transmission, stability control, and steering to perform right with this new system.

The notion of a drift-oriented all-wheel-drive system might sound strange given that the standard rear-wheel-drive Stinger does possess the ability to drift on its own. But it also makes perfect sense that those who want AWD traction won't have to miss out on any fast-and-furious acts of lightning-fast speed bursts with the tail all out! The package is offered up with a special orange exterior color, different badging on the rear with a GTS emblem and a “Stinger” script taking the place of the traditional Kia logo, carbon-fiber bits of trim for the mirrors, grille, and side vents; and faux-suede pieces for the steering wheel, center console, as well as headliner.

This specially-designed trim is situated in between the GT and GT1 trims, and is also equipped with a sunroof and massively-pleasing Harman/Kardon audio system. Motor Authority also ran a story found here about this GTS package that will absolutely pack enough punch to “challenge super sedans from across the globe”. They also claimed that they were definitely blown away with the Stinger's potent turbocharged engine, and capable chassis that was partly developed and tested thoroughly at the Nurburgring Nodrschleife.

The drive control software on board has been updated for generous slip angles, and also incorporates counter-steer detection. We are beyond excited here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis to see more stories about this aggro and appealing sedan as next year's model creeps closer: for more from the New York Auto show, go here and marvel at the oncoming and tech-laden cars of the future!

Forbes Describes 2019 Kia K900 As “Luxury-end Confident, Leaving Little Left to Want”

Kia has long been a brand that has been known for cars packed with value, and features that have a more clever and funky flavor than the competition. Christopher Teague of the very prominent and front-running Forbes Magazine recently spent a week with it, and immediately claimed that there is very “little to differentiate this car from many of its European counterparts”. Beginning by stating that it is an amazingly solid entry into the executive sedan segment, but buyers will also be laughing all of the ways to the bank with the money they save.

Christopher admitted that the overall design doesn't necessarily take heavy risks, but the function-over-form shape conveys the brand's confidence in their full-size sedan. The trademark “Clenched teeth” grille was dialed back a bit for this car, and he is right in stating that the buttoned-up profile works quite well. Once inside, the steering wheel is covered in leather and wood, and feels prominently high-dollar. It is also fairly noted that there are many times a big difference between a car's specs on paper, and how it actually feels when you put your foot down, and the verdict here was firmly attested that the K900 does not disappoint from either standpoint.

Sporting a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, you wonder just how the K900 will behave when you really bury your foot into it. Chris definitely reflected that “it's a very short leap into varying levels of irresponsible speed, and the car maintains its composure the whole time”. Even though breakneck speed is not ultimately the core value of the K900, it's nice to know the power is there when you want it. The treacherous potholes of the already cracked roads in New England couldn't come close to foiling the K900's AWD, electronically-controlled suspension, and torque vectoring.

Kia's UVO infotainment system is widely-known throughout the auto industry as being one of the absolute best, and the apps in use are segmented in a way that makes it easy to see elements such as music and navigation collectively in one place. Chris also makes the claim that if someone blindfolded you and sat you down in the K900, it would be hard to not believe you were sitting in a classic German luxury sedan. Very deep front seats that are well-padded and 20-way power adjustable seat on the driver's side make even the longer of journeys conquered with ease, and truly evoke the sense of stepping out for a formal celebration. With brands such as Ford and GM easing up on their luxury sedan production, Kia strives to fill a gap that some who are going crazy over crossover SUV's have simply stopped giving the appropriate attention.

PR Newswire Provides Details on Kia's Top Position for 2019 IIHS Safety Awards

The good people that have the privilege of calling St. Louis as well as the state of Missouri home have multiple things to look forward to when spring hits: the excitement of thrill rides at first-rate amusement parks such as Six Flags, abundant art walks and social gatherings, and seeing the Cardinals are on many to-do lists as temperatures warm up. During the process of selecting the Kia car that is best for you, we guarantee that you have given safety features a fairly high priority: the peace of mind that the highest levels of technology available protecting you while on the road offers is very reassuring.

Kia is now proud to announce that a total of 8 of our models were included in the 2019 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Awards, deeming us one of the top three brands to stake this claim following tougher requirements for this year. The all-new 2019 Forte is one of the five overall models that earned a Top Safety Pick Plus Award, which is the absolute highest designation possible. These awards are highly regarded by the consumers of today, and they reflect our brand's dedication to customers, as well as continuing effort to build vehicles rank as safe under any circumstances.

After the changes in criteria, vehicles now must require a “Good” rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test, when just a year ago they could be accepted with an “acceptable” OR “Good” rating. The more thorough testing requirements now also need vehicles to earn “good” ratings in every single other crashworthiness test, and “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for crash prevention as well as a “Good” rating for the all-important headlight testing. During the rains of spring, headlights are one of the most vital elements of the car, as heavy precipitation can block vision for quick lane changes and hindering rear-ending accidents.

The Sorento is one of the models that earned high marks in this year's IIHS stackup, and it offers a huge value within the lower trim levels that include a third-row seat, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Car and Driver gave it a hefty round of applause for the great control layout, attractive dashboard, and soft leather upholstery in the SXL trim. It's a vehicle that is quiet, refined, and comfy, and now boasts an 8-speed automatic transmission. This review from Motortrend about the IIHS-award-winning 2019 Optima claims under the guise of testing director Kim Reynolds that “This is a well-composed chassis with a lot of tire feedback that tells you what's going on with absolutely good brake feel, and definitely a lot of fun”.

The new Optima has safety features including forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and Driver Attention Warning as standard present across the entire lineup. Pitted properly within the heavy battle against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, just one more thing to love about the Optima is its warranty: the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/ 60,000- mile basic warranty ultimately tally up more points for longevity and loyalty than what the competition can offer. Safety is always a number one priority for our customers, and these recently-gleaned high marks will solidify Kia's stance in ranking where it counts most: making sure that everyone on board has ultimate faith in every single vehicle's consistent level of defense and protection. 

Amazon and Kia's Partnership For At-home Electric Charging Stations Featured on Autoblog.com

It's definitely no secret that Amazon desires in a major way to be the one-and-only destination people go to worldwide to get their online shopping done, and they are now expanding a bit further into the car world with their latest partnership. All of us here at Jim Butler are very proud to announce that Kia is teaming up with Amazon to make Level 2 chargers available for your home! To purchase the chargers up front on offer, you just need to lease or own an electric Kia or have one securely on order.

Included are the Niro EV, Soul EV, Niro PHEV, and Optima PHEV, and is a bold-and-boisterous attempt at making, buying, and installing these kinds of chargers less difficult. Many consumers out there already know and understand the navigation and process of Amazon well, so buying everything you may need to get your new electric car charger up and running from them could provide a smooth process that entices many to get on board.

Amazon really is planning to handle the transaction thoroughly here, by calling out an electrician to inspect your house to see if any changes need to be made to properly support it, then take on the task of fully installing the charger. Bosh, ChargePoint, and JuiceBox are the three brands stepping up to the plate for the summer to provide level 2 car chargers. The 2020 Soul EV and the 2019 Niro EV both get to a full charge in a little more than nine hours on a Level 2 plug, versus a nearly 60-hour wait from a Level 1 charger. Juice at the fastest rate is what benefits electric car owners during the night's rest, and the convenience of portals such as Amazon will no doubt provide a strong interest in the time-saving service.

This other great feature from Autoblog covers the unveiling of the Niro hybrid at the Geneva Motor show, as well as many new options such as 18-inch wheels. New projector headlights adopt what is now known as the “ice cube” design above a brand-new bumper, and paddle shifters for the six-speed double-clutch have been grafted onto the steering wheel. You get to enjoy the 8-inch screen for infotainment options, with an upgraded spec providing a 10.25-inch TFT infotainment window, with the capability to run Uvo Connect. We are excited for this powerful partnership to provide offerings to many who are eager to capture the quickest available charge for the EV and take any unnecessary worry out of the ordering process.