Kia Telluride and Sorento Both Rank in Top Four of Car and Driver's “Best Mid-Size SUV” Roundup

Three-row crossovers may not be the vehicles out there that have the planet's ultimate environmental salvation or frequent off-road trips up their sleeve, but they are the ideal solution for buyers with large families and a fair amount of stuff. Here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis and other dealerships nationwide, these are useful haulers that can carry around at least 8 passengers, a fair amount of sporting and recreational equipment, and still deliver superior fuel economy than their close relatives in the form of full-size SUVs. 

The Car and Driver staff puts together some of the most useful top-lists in the industry, as a new buyer can quickly scan one over and get an idea of a vehicle that could be best suited for their needs. For the past year's offerings, they provided a down-to-earth ranking of mid-size SUVs ranked from worst to best, and we were thrilled to see that the Kia Sorento and Telluride were both present in the top 4, with the Telluride perched triumphantly at #1. 

The 2021 Kia Sorento enjoyed a complete redesign this year and has exciting changes to offer both inside and outside. Engine options are the base and step-up turbo four-cylinder variants, as well as a brand-new hybrid version. An 8.0-inch touchscreen comes as standard, with the step up to a 13-inch model as an option on higher trims. The upscale materials used in the cabin have helped make it a natural home-run with consumers and reviewers alike, and the second-row bench seats can also be switched over to the captain's chairs to provide easy access for the third row. 

The standard navigation system on SX models will now include an integrated model that allows for vehicle function controls to be handled remotely and notify you quickly if any passengers are left behind. There is the choice of Normal, Eco, and Sport modes to provide intense adjustment for steering effort, throttle response, and transmission fluidity. 

The 2021 Telluride won such distinguishable and high honors for boasting top-tier luxury while possessing a price point in the middle of the segment. Also snagging a spot on the 10Best List that Car and Driver dole out annually, outperforming the competition every time in the most crucial categories. For 2021 there is the addition of the Nightfall appearance package, offering blacked-out accents and a perfectly sinister look. 

The EX trim acquires LED headlights when included in the Premium package, and Sangria along with Black Copper are awesome new paint options for select models. One great way to enhance this spectacular and award-winning vehicle is with the SX Prestige package, which adds a head-up display, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and nappa leather upholstery. Thinking of escaping suburbia for some action on jet skis or the pontoon? The tow package's hitch and self-leveling rear suspension take things up a notch to prepare for an adventurous departure!

2022 Kia Stinger Provides “Abundant Driving Verve”, Thrills From 3.3-Liter V6

The sports sedan segment is one that is always rich with excitement, as these are the cars that enable the driver to experience a very pure and heart-racing connection to the road. The Car and Driver team posted a blog last week taking a close-up look at the 2022 Kia Stinger and were impressed off the bat with an all-wheel-drive option as well as the power derived from the twin-turbo V6. New for the 2022 model year is the mid-level 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, updated exterior lighting elements, new wheel designs, and larger exhaust tips. 

Inside there are new metallic trim pieces, adjustable mood lighting, and the available add-on that is moving up higher and higher on wish lists: the 10.3-inch infotainment display. The 8-speed automatic that comes in every Stinger offers up quick shifts and sharp response from the driver-controlled paddles. During this team's track testing the Stinger had the straight-line speed nailed, and was the most fun when pushed heartily to the limit. The Brembo brakes offered on the GT line were impressive, and both rear and all-wheel drive models outperformed their EPA ratings when put to the real-world test. 

It was also noted here just how comfortable the rear seat was compared to other cars in this class, and the UVO infotainment system comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a six-speaker stereo. Wireless smartphone charging and in-dash navigation are available as other upgrades, as well as the benefits of premium audio with the 15-speaker Harmon/Kardon stereo system. You're going to be tempted to drive faster than average straight off the line in a car this sleek, and while no one will blame you for doing so, it's good to know that the Stinger has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

After just one drive in this car you can see that it is so defining and natural that it helps redline everything the Kia brand stands for, and the note of the new variable exhaust system will wow even those who have experience with well-equipped German and Italian competitors. Also on board for the 2022 model is a safe-exit warning system that quickly alerts passengers of any approaching traffic and the very useful blind-spot monitor that provides a feed of exactly what is approaching in the zone that is always difficult to keep one's eye on. Up front, a curve now replaces the angles at the left and right edge, which adds a touch of visual width and a bit of angling on the headlamps. 

The bumper's new lower edge now gives it an appearance a bit like a seasoned rear diffuser, and with larger exhaust tips it comes out of the gate with more of a Le Mans stature and feel. We'd also recommend the upgrade to Nappa leather, which provides a unique soft luxury addition that is nice to have. Staff on duty at TheNewsMarket said that we should also look for remote start as a feature as we anticipate new arrivals here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, and are anxious to continue offering this sporty and engaging sedan!

Kia Sedona Name-Change Imminent After NHTSA Filing Details Discovered

The Kia Sedona minivan has enjoyed a fair amount of consumer popularity due to its great looks, smooth V6, and extreme value. Handsomely styled and an ideal choice for a busy family, it has proven to be a solid-performing rival for the competition in the forms of the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. The base model offers a good amount of standard convenience features, and the top-of-the-line SX provides an upscale and very comfortable driving experience.

It has now been reported that in the States, the Sedona minivan will undergo a name change to Carnival, which is already used in other markets. The many ways that the vast internet provides answers for filings and patents has aided in brands being able to discover a model's future, and a VIN decoder filing with the NHTSA has clued us in here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis regarding the coming name change. On the SedonaForum.com it was officially confirmed over the last month that the Sedona name would not continue use in the US, and the 2022 model's arrival will be known going forward as the Carnival. 

Now also dubbed as “The Grand Utility Vehicle”, styling on the incoming version is a bit more similar to what is found on an SUV. Checking out the current-model Sedona for a test drive will allow you to find the best value for your needs, which the Car and Driver staff decided was found for them in the middle-of-the-road EX. It adds roof rails, keyless entry, push-button start, 18-inch aluminum wheels, heated front seats, rear-window sunshades, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and leather upholstery. It also sees front and rear parking sensor, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert as standard safety equipment.

The soon-to-be-Carnival's V6 is well-matched to its duties of moving people and goods from A to B, and you won't notice much of a harsh ride finding its way into the confines of the cabin. The heft of the steering wheel is ideal for the types of driving anyone will encounter during the daily drive, and it is rated by the EPA at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The SX trim provides reclining captain's chairs where the second-row bench is situated on lower levels, and all models come with a two-tone color theme and above-average small-item storage. 

For the journey's infotainment needs, a 7.0-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, with the upgrade to the SX providing an 8-inch screen and an update to real-time traffic and weather. All models come with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and you can upgrade the trip's appeal with the optional rear-seat entertainment system, which mounts two 10-inch touchscreens behind the front-seat headrests to keep passengers occupied with their choice of digital distractions. The current-model Sedona earned top marks from the National Traffic Safety Administration during crash testing, and some of the key safety features include automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. 

2021 Kia K5 And Sorento Both Enjoy Abundant Winter's Recognition Via 2020 Good Design Awards

Awards and achievements are auto-industry accolades that we love to inform our customers about here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as they provide a great benchmark and means of performance measurement for the vehicle best ready to suit you! The third-generation K5 sedan and fourth-generation Kia Sorento SUV recently claimed two very notable design prizes for its latest models, as they teamed up to claim a hard-earned victory in the transportation category of the yearly Good Design Awards. 

The Kia Telluride and Soul have also been named as the top honors pics for these awards previously, as stunning attention to detail and class-leading appeal have inspired drivers to pay attention. This year marked a milestone for these prestigious awards as they blew out 70 bright candles on a virtual cake, remaining strong as one of the oldest design competitions still in existence worldwide. Every year they set to the task of finding the hottest and most innovative manufacturing greats, and hone in on those who are consistently pushing the outer limits of automotive excellence. 

The Third-Generation K5 comes in strong to snag even more prestigious awards this winter as one of our brand's most powerful mid-size sedans ever, offering drivers a fresh and modern alternative to rivals that are beginning to show their age. It's not just the characteristic “tiger-nose” you can spot coming from quite a distance: the perfect touches from the future and 12-inch digital instrument cluster make this family sedan one that is going to also be destined for plentiful no-lag solo runs. This vehicle that Car and Driver also deemed “quite the legitimate head-turner” simply rocks, especially when equipped with the all-wheel-drive system. With a very straightforward and sophisticated layout, you can also opt for the 12-speaker Bose system for a premium step-up in audio experience. 

The New Kia Sorento boasts an appealing and comfortable cabin, brand-new design, and perfect handling abilities for anyone looking for an SUV on the slightly smaller side of things. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was ranked after a few test drives by the Edmunds review staff as “precisely responsive and amazingly fast”, allowing for an optimally athletic and modern stance during the daily drive. Comfortable and controlled, noise from the road and wind does not have nearly the impact as it does from competition such as the Honda CR-V. 

With six useful charging ports even on the entry-level LX, you'll have plenty of means to keep the tablets in tip-top charging status, with 8 on-board on the SX Prestige level. Towing rating is 3,500 lobs when equipped with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and the towing package, and every single powertrain in the Sorento lineup is able to tow 2,000 pounds.