There are so many different sources and teams of experts that are poised to put new vehicles to the test, and the team at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis is extremely proud of how well the Kia lineup has performed in every test drive, review or study thrown its way. The J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Awards closely followed Kia’s arsenal of models during this year’s study and recognized three of our brightly shining stars on wheels for their superior performance and appeal.
The brand-new EV6 took the top spot in the Compact SUV segment, while the K5 and Carnival MPV each took first in their respective categories. These three APEAL awards strongly reinforce how our brand has changed to be a prominent leader in not just the automotive industry, but also in mobility and electrification after taking note of the very high marks the EV6 has received since its arrival on the scene. The APEAL study is taken from vehicle owners that are asked to consider 40 various traits separated into 10 different experience groups.
J.D. Power then analyzes the different responses to generate an overall APEAL score gleaned from a range of a 1,000-point scale. Here are some more fine details this tremendous trio won everyone over with:
The Brand-New EV6 boasts an Electric-Global Modular Platform that underpins the all-new model in RWD or Dual-Motor AWD, and derives power from a state-of-the-art 77.4kWh high-density lithium-ion battery. You’ll thoroughly enjoy an EPA-rated 310-mile range for road trips and excursions, along with ultra-fast DC charging capability from 10-80 percent charge in under 18 minutes. It’s quite luxurious stretching out in 102 cu-ft. of passenger room, also offering 50.2 cu-ft. of space with the second-row seats folded down. Another very awesome feature of the EV6 is its Augmented Reality Head-Up Display system, which projects incredibly realistic 3-D images directly on the windshield!
The 2022 Kia Carnival MPV offers up dynamic and very practical performance with its new more-powerful 3.5-liter V6, which delivers best-in-class 290 horsepower and 3,500 lbs. of towing capacity. The longer journeys will be very luxurious and just what the “getting away from the cubicle” plan outlined with the side-flex 2nd-row seating and VIP Lounge Seating options. Traveling with all your most loved ones in tow will be amazing courtesy of 12 standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which is the most available of any model in the segment. Disrupting a category that had not been shaken or stirred for decades, the Carnival truly proves in the flesh what is possible when stereotypes and conventional thinking are challenged.
The Kia K5 features a very lively interior and exterior, and a delightfully quick and sporty 290-hp GT model. It’s classified as a family sedan, but its exciting design succeeds perfectly at the task of rivaling competing crosstown models such as the Honda Accord, with a consumer-friendly price for 2022 and pleasantly edgy manners. Named to the Car and Driver Editor’s Choice list and providing many great safety standard features and infotainment technology, the front-drive LXS now also has rear-seat USB charge ports. Every GT-Line comes equipped with 18-inch wheels, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wireless smartphone charging.
