2021 Kia Sedona Grand Utility Vehicle Boasts More Room, Revamped Interior, and Premium Relaxation

 

As another school year revs back up with all of its constant errands and activity, many customers we have kept up with here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis have had ample space and efficiency high on their list when it comes to what they would want from a new vehicle. The 2021 Kia Sedona has now been billed as the next-generation “Grand Utility Vehicle”, with an exterior that more closely resembles an SUV, longer hood, and more upright A-pillar offsetting the reduced front overhang.

 

The newer take on the signature Kia “Tiger Nose” grille sees large-pore diagonal mesh

within a chrome band that incorporates LED running lights and slimmed-down headlights. The body of the Sedona has grown in wheelbase by 1.2 inches, in length by 1.6 inches, and width by .4 inches. Lift height has been lowered an inch to make loading easier, and so have the power-sliding doors and power tailgate. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches, and there is a choice of 8 exterior paint colors.

 

Under the now-longer hood, there will be a gasoline direct-injected 3.5-Liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque, or the 2.2-LIter 4-Cylinder diesel making 200 hp and 325 lb-ft. The rotary shifter controls the 8-speed automatic in all trims, and the review staff at Autoblog claimed that handling, ride, and ambiance all improve thanks to a fully independent suspension attached with liquid-filled bushings. There is now a reshaped intake to quiet engine noise, a covered underbody, and more sound-deadening throughout the entire vehicle.

 

The old form of hydraulic steering is no longer on board, and an EPAS unit on the column makes way for more advanced driver systems while quickening the steering ratio. Ample space is definitely a necessity when you are dealing with a growing family, and the Sedona's larger  body creates room inside for people as well as cargo. Kia listened intently to what customers really wanted out of a minivan, and the revamped interior also provides nicer furnishings in every single row. The instrument panel now features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen in an enclosure under glass. You'll also be able to enjoy Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the ability to connect with smartphone via Bluetooth and Kia Live services.

 

Car And Driver Highlights 2022 Kia Stinger's Sharpened Styling and Updated Engines

The Stinger has been a frequent topic of conversation and source of raw excitement since its
release here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, aptly touting its abilities on the track and athletic
style. Car and Driver offered up photos on their blog this week of the updated 2022 model
that should arrive in the States next year, with sharpened styling and a refreshed design. On
the front end are new LED headlights, while the rear now sports a cool new taillight design
that takes up the full width of the decklid. 

The turn signals on the LED elements represent a checkered flag, and new 18 and 19-inch
wheels are also added. The GT model will offer larger exhaust tips and a rear diffuser, and
you'll also have the option of a blacked-out appearance package. Interior materials have seen
an upgrade featuring gloss black trim, metallic finishes, and contrasting stitching. The various
kinds of lighting were such a hit that there are now new colors, and the infotainment system
will upgrade from an 8-inch screen to a wider 10.25-inch unit.

The experts among Stinger fans out there guess that the current 2.0-liter turbo-four and 3.3-
liter turbo V-6 engines will be dropped to be replaced by the newer and more powerful 300-
hp 2.5-liter four and 375-hp 3.5-liter V6 turbo engines currently found in the Genesis G80. The
V8s that take up residence in the G80 and G90 produce 407 and 372 hp, and many car
enthusiasts out there would love to see Kia get in the fully-fledged muscle car mode and
create one based on the Stinger GT. Much like Dodge did with the Challenger and Charger, an
entirely different breed of fans would become righteously excited to see this happen.

While Hyundai seems to be moving away from V8 G80s, Kia may even modify the V8 with a
flat-plane crank, similar to the Voodoo engine found in the Shelby Mustang GT350 and
GT350R. The sooner competitors are built, the sooner hefty and robust engines need to come
about to meet demand. The Stinger fully aligns with Kia's commitment to against the norm
regarding boundaries that have been traditionally affiliated with concepts such as design,
luxury, and performance. On top of the new appearance packages, higher trim levels can also
now be equipped with upgraded, wide-bore, bright silver mufflers and a performance-inspired
rear diffuser that boosts a more muscular appearance.

We are excited about the new Stinger model that is tautly-engineered and ready for action:
you'll find that there is just as much cargo room here as there is in some SUVs. With a
spacious interior and ability to add all-wheel-drive, this model has introduced many to the
industry-leading warranty, safety, and edgy sportiness of the Stinger.

Autoblog Reflects After Kia K5 Test Drive: “Cool, Comfy, and a Must-see”

 Autoblog Reflects After Kia K5 Test Drive: “Cool, Comfy, and a Must-see”

The sedan segment of the automotive market is one of the most fiercely contested, and the top engineers in the world are always making it difficult to stand out in the crowd. The 2021 Kia K5 that we have all shared so much anticipation for here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis aims to do just that! After doing away with the long-standing Optima nameplate for the model's initial Korean market segment, the sedan then was treated with the most dramatic styling Kia has ever incorporated.  

The model is then graced with a high-quality interior, and driving experience that the Autoblog staff rendered as “exceedingly comfortable.” It shares the engine option with close relative Hyundai Sonata, the 1.6-Liter turbocharged 4-cylinder generating 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and fuel economy comes in at 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. All-wheel drive will be an option with this engine, and coming later in the year the more powerful K5 GT will boast a 290-hp turbocharged 2-Liter engine. 

Kia is claiming that the 0-60 time will be just 5.8 seconds, which would be amazingly fast for a family sedan. When the Autoblog crew tested both the EX and GT-line models, they found the standard engine had plenty of torque to haul you around quickly, and the transmission provided smooth shifts during turns on winding roads. What was stressed here greatly was the comfort factor: the suspension allowed for easing along broken pavement without the sense of being disconnected, and the quiet cabin rendered it perfect for a long-distance cruiser. The upgrade to the GT line provides more aggressive grille mesh, a more distinct diffuser, quad exhaust tips and a spoiler.

Inside, each part of the dual-level dash is split by either some textured plastic or faux wood trim, and the air vents give off a modern aluminum vibe. The K5's seats offer very soft and thick cushions to provide extra comfort, and a generous amount of bolstering that results in more support for longer trips. An 8-inch infotainment screen is standard, with the opportunity available to upgrade to a 10.25-inch available. 

Some of the highlighted standard features included on the base K5 are 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, driver inattention warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Delivering in areas that midsize buyers care about, possessing muscular good looks and a classy interior, and engaging and fun drive on the road are the attributes that will no doubt have many customers rushing in to experience a test drive of this awesome new sedan for themselves! 

Motor1.com Spots Kia EV Spied Running in the Wild Sporting “Imagine” Concept Traits

As we have closely watched the auto industry as a whole here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, the last few years have been a “narrower tunnel” of sorts as the future of electrification becomes much closer to reality. Many brands have pledged to have multiple electric models within just a few years, and engineers all over the world have been hard at work testing the best builds and components to do their part in the quest for clean energy.

 

The staff at Motor1.com ran a feature on their blog this week featuring spy shots of Kia's upcoming electric vehicle, caught in action testing alongside the Tesla Model 3. These shots offer up a few clues as to the benchmarks that will be set for the new EV, even while under heavy camouflage and an array of blocky pieces that hide the body's shape and wrap pattern. In front, the nose arches downward and we can make out oval headlights, with A-pillars that have a steep rake and a mostly flat roof. It is difficult to make out the taillights underneath the camo, but they can be seen in the corners just below the window.

 

When this electric model is finally able to be seen in full, it is expected to appear much like the Kia Imagine concept gallery seen at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The changes regarding the exterior appear to include more conventional headlights as well as a B-pillar to provide support for the door hinges. The shape of the hatchback seems much sharper, and when Kia first introduced the Imagine concept, it was said that it was intended to properly “blur the lines between segments.”

 

While it may bear similarity with the Imagine concept on the inside, it is sure to have many differences outside. The concept model had 21 impressive high-resolution screens across the dashboard, and the displays on the passenger side appeared to be canted on angles a bit unconventional. No one is quite certain about the powertrain for the production version of the EV, but it is said to be able to reach 60 miles per hour in less than 3 seconds, and the driving range should be around 300 miles. Set to debut in 2021, eager observers should look for it to be on sale for the 2022 model year.

 

We are going to begin to see more and more developments in the arena of vehicles that are a productive means of transportation minus the trip to the pump, and the timing could not be better for their arrival. It was exciting to see this model as a work in progress running up alongside one of the future industry standards for electric prowess, and we are looking forward to watching the entire fleet develop into a sound means of driving that is beneficial to the environment!