2021 Kia Sorento Richly-Equipped With Advanced-Driver Systems,Upscale Interior, Eye-Catching Stance

The Kia Sorento has proudly flexed its capability and performance potential for 2021, seeing vast improvements in many of its superior qualities! The new X-line trim features a more advanced form of AWD with snow-mode, tougher roof rack, a 1.0-inch higher ground clearance, and improved approach/departure angles. This model has consistently become more powerful every year while benefiting from recent advances in technology, and boasts the best in fuel economy for a 3-row SUV while situated at a 37 MPG combined EPA rating. 

We are excited here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, to keep track of the development and progress behind the upcoming line of Kias. As such, we have watched the Sorento rapidly become a customer favorite due to its style, utility, and high level of comfort. The 2021 Sorento will feature five trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige, and is available with either FWD or AWD. If you are searching for an experience that offers the best technology features out there, the X-Line Prestige and AWD trim include a bridge-type roof rack, unique 20-inch alloy wheels and a 1.0-increase over standard ride height. 

The exterior of any car is the eye-catching essence of the entire vehicle, and the Sorento fully delivers with segment-leading style and presence. Standard LED headlamps and optional signature LED forward-lighting includes daytime running lights, and there are now six different alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 20 inches. 

Interior designers went to work in great detail to assure that the cabin was striking, yet inviting. The 2021 Sorento is built on a brand-new 3^rd generation “N3” platform that boasts lighter weight, stronger frame, and more flexible design than previous models. The wheelbase has been increased by nearly 1.4 inches resulting in more space for the interior, and the overall weight has seen a reduction of 3.1%. 

Driving dynamics is another area that has seen drastic improvement, with punchier acceleration, ride and handling, and much less noise vibration. This new model benefits from the distribution of kinetic energy forces throughout the body structure. Hybrid and plug-in drivetrains that will become available next year are accommodated by the current model's platform. 

Elements such as the 12.3-inch full digital meter cluster makes the daily drive much easier and safer. The Surround View Monitor puts four cameras to work to offer up a 360-degree perspective around the vehicle allowing you to be more secure in tight spots. Blind View Monitor gives you a live video stream of adjacent lanes, and now is activated in conjunction with the turn signal. Connected Routing uses the UVO cloud to produce the best possible travel route with real-time maps, accumulated traffic data, and AI to provide insight into many different drivers' preferred routes. 

Kia Telluride's Eye-Catching Composure Highlighted With Luxury Token Traits

Customers here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis have been vastly won over by the traits that set the Telluride so very far ahead of its competition! Some of the first items that stand out inside are uniquely soft leather and ample room to spread out and keep comfortable. The creative staff on duty at Business Insider recently conveyed to readers that this is a fantastic example of a luxurious three-row SUV without the large price tag that usually comes attached. 

Their article intuitively laid out for buyers why the Telluride's popularity is undeniable, and why they were drawn to the interior as the best-in-class for the price. There is a game-changing infotainment screen on hand as well as separate buttons for management of the climate control. The screen is sleek and wide, with the layout possessing a clean and organized characteristic that doesn't scream too loudly how modern and savvy its contents are. 

You can monitor footage from the Telluride's 360-degree cameras via the available 10.25-inch touchscreen, and also have the option of upgrading to the fantastic 630-watt Harmon Kardon sound system coming armed and audibly dangerous with 10 speakers. The brushed metal and matte-finished wood are technically simulated, but the trim appears a high step above what many current crossovers have to offer. 

The Nappa leather seat trim add-on drastically changes the appearance and feel of the most important component of the car during a long drive: comfort. The second row is available with bench seats or with captain's chars, which are massively more comfortable and accommodating than any chairs from SUVs a mere decade ago. Another one of the qualities that make the Telluride ideal for long journeys is that both front and second-row seats see the option to be ventilated and heated.

One of the biggest pet peeves encountered during any length of a trip is bright sunlight, coming on quickly and unexpectedly. The privacy shades featured for the second row can cut down drastically on direct UV light, plus there is already plenty of head and legroom for added comfort. Even with passengers in the third row, the trunk still has lots of room, and the entire row can fold flat if needed. The feel of the cabin pairs well with the analog gauges, and right in between them are lane-change assists that come on when you activate the turn signal.

Plenty of power, comfort in all three rows, and a very solid value are reasons to set your sights on the Kia Telluride for purchase in your near future. Branded as an immediate "hit on our hands" by Cars.com, few competitors offer anywhere near as much technology and luxury touches for this reasonable price! 

Kia Rumored to be Planning Heavy-Hitting, Go-Anywhere 4WD SUV

One of the latest trends in SUV culture is heaping on more additives to assure a dominating off-road ride, and the worldwide contest to be on top just keeps heating up! We've received word here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis that plans are in motion to create an extra-large and rugged SUV to take on the likes of the Toyota Prado, boasting a sizable mass on par with the other competition in the form of the LandCruiser. This gigantic new 4WD from Kia as of now does not have an exact release date, but 2023 is thought to be the general timeline for its expected reveal. 

We haven't heard exactly what the name for the new rock-crawler may be, but it would likely brandish dual-range transmission, locking differentials, and ample ground clearance for proper off-road engagement. This would no doubt create an option for buyers that are craving even more in the means of rugged ability than is offered by the wildly popular Sorento, still a fantastic choice representing a slightly smaller segment. Kia has a huge interest in the successful completion of an upper-large off-road SUV and we have been looking in-depth into the development of a vehicle that could compete with the Nissan Patrol as well. 

The coming year is the perfect time for us to put Toyota's strong showing of SUVs to the true test, and it may be where our muscular new 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder could see itself manifest into the useful form of development. Developed by Genesis, the straight-six will see its debut in the upcoming GV80 large SUV and cranks out 274 horsepower along with 434 lb-ft of torque. It is more than enough strength to dwarf the competition that shows up to the rumble with 2.8-liter 4-cylinder engines, and also would provide massive towing capacity. 

We still are beaming about the multiple doses of praise and national awards we received for the Telluride SUV over the past year, but it is built on a car-like monocoque platform and being underpinned by a ladder-frame chassis offers more potential in the precarious and highly-protected underneath off-road game. Since we feel that our brand is already enjoying very solid ground in the SUV segment, we know wholeheartedly that it is now time to up the ante and hone in on off-road prowess. 

Together with Hyundai, there was a substantial co-investment with Kia earlier this year that could very well result in brand-new vehicle construction such as this one. At first glance of the concept photos, the shiny elements make it look like it may not possess the grunt and grit to really get down and dirty, but the front skid plate and ground clearance are the first two instrumental components that allow it more freedom than any other predominantly urban SUV. We will offer updates and more details as they come to us!

High Hopes For Stateside Release: Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid's Power and Ingenuity

Earlier this year Kia had teased the notion of a Sorento PHEV when they made the announcement that revealed specifically which powertrains would be available for the redesigned crossover. Last week even more honed-in details made their way into the public eye regarding the plug-in hybrid variant. Everyone here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis was waiting intently for more news, but this particular event lacked any revealing information about the United States Market. Details have come to the surface about the Sorento PHEV for Europe, but there was no word on the States being graced with the reception of this innovative taste of the future.

What are some of the reasons we can't wait to see confirmation of the Sorento PHEV's arrival? For starters, it boasts more than satisfactory numbers in the power department: it uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and single electric motor, cranking out 260 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque combined. It uses Hyundai's brand-new CVVD technology for ultimately boosting power and efficiency, and the motor has seen improvements, using a two-stage lamination process to cut down on vibration and noise.

A six-speed transmission mans the shifting, and underneath it all lies a 13.8 kWH lithium-ion battery pack. Precise range estimates have not yet been made official, but Kia claims that this "all-electric range will be sufficient enough to enable drivers to complete most short drives on electric power alone." It is safe to assume that the EPA rating will be around 25 MPG, and exciting new battery technology will be introduced with this model as well. This Sorento Plug-in Hybrid will be the first Kia to use an independent battery pack water-cooling system, seeing to it that optimal heat management and battery pack efficiency are at peak levels.

As far as being able to drive the Sorento PHEV for yourself in the States, we would think that there would be no greater time than the present to introduce such a model. As many locations worldwide that are so vital to our ecosystem have undergone more damage to their climate this year alone, wearing Kia's eco plug-in badge will give any growing family or business a sense of conscious pride in their choice. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster now can key you into important engine information, and the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system will include the very useful charge port finder.

Brandishing a compact engine bay structure, shorter overhands and a longer wheelbase, this car will have a very stylish design and on-road manners, as well as comfortable ride and precision-sharp handling traits. Since for now we have incredibly high hopes that the PHEV will make its way here, we look forward to offering every new customer the benefit of a first-rate Kia warranty. A-year or 100,000-mile coverage blanket for the continued longevity of the car will preside, and we'll keep you posted here on the blog regarding arrival dates and various features! 

2021 Kia Sorento PHEV Boasts Plenty of Power, Electric Motor Tech, and Same Stellar Looks

The all-new Kia Sorento PHEV will soon be running alongside the Sorento hybrid, transforming Kia's well-equipped and eco-friendly midsize SUV into one of the most efficient of its kind! Offering plenty of power and ample utility, the Sorento PHEV should definitely be well-received and immensely popular. The turbo-hybrid powertrain derives the juice from a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine paired to a 66.9 kW electric motor, generating 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

This SUV also includes a 6-speed automatic transmission and AWD, and is fed by a water-cooled 13.8 kWh battery pack that is supposed to provide a range "sufficient to enable drivers to complete most short drives on electric power alone". Seeing as how far you can drive on a charge is a huge selling point, the actual range is being saved for disclosure this time for the launch date. The new platform that the Sorento is assembled on was designed specifically to accommodate the PHEV powertrain, and the battery's presence doesn't have an effect on the storage space.

This Sorento is still offered as a 5 or 7-seater, and the 1.6-liter engine onboard incorporates Hyundai's new CVVD technology to see gains in power and efficiency. The motor also benefits from a two-stage lamination process that helps minimize vibration levels and reduce noise. The plug-in hybrid was the first Kia to use an independent battery pack water-cooling system and saw success based on its practicality, low running costs, and high power. The incoming PHEV will be the lowest-emitting Sorento, carrying the torch properly with the generous cabin and luggage space along with the versatility today's savvy crossover customer demands.

There have been so many revolutionary advancements over just the last few years as far as engine technology is concerned, and this engine features Kia's latest "Smartstream" innovations, including Continuously Variable Valve Duration Technology. This smart feature regulates the duration that the intake valves open and close, allowing the engine to operate on different combustion cycles, boosting fuel efficiency and engine performance. The 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster has been redesigned, with dials providing drivers an indication of the powertrain's status as well as new graphics. 

It also offers Kia's innovative UVO Connect telematics system, which connects drivers by providing weather forecasts, points of interest, and nearby vehicle charging stations. A powerful 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system is also available, along with a cabin mood lighting system with up to 64 colors for users to choose from. Everyone here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis is proud of all the exciting "firsts" that the last few years have offered in design: the new Sorento also implements the first Multi-Collision Brake system, applying life-saving vehicle brakes after airbags have been deployed.