2023 Sorento PHEV Provides Exceptional Efficiency, IIHS Top-Safety Ranked 3-Row Reliability

There have been so many Earth-friendly and constantly improved vehicles to choose from this year at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, and we were excited to check out the newest press release highlighting the 2023 Sorento PHEV. It will now just offer the range-topping SX-P trim, which had already made its mark on the scene last year with an upscale interior, new technology features, standard AWD, and a large assortment of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. This model features a high-class aesthetic with standard 19-inch wheels, satin chrome trim, and an available panoramic moonroof. 

It also will now feature retractable rear door sunshades, a 115-volt inverter that is ideal for recharging a laptop or tablet, and standard Homelink. Boasting 32 miles of all-electric range, the Sorento PHEV’s battery can be fully charged in about 3.5 hours with a Level 2 charger. Space for passengers to comfortably sprawl out on the journey has been one of the top things on new buyers’ checklists as they search for their ideal vehicle, and the new Sorento PHEV offers the most passenger room and second-row legroom in its segment. 

The Homelink control system is a convenient means of managing garage doors, gates, and home lighting, and power will be derived from the 1.6-liter T-GDI turbo-four with a 66.9 kW electric motor, with a combined output of 261 horsepower. The electric motor is mounted between the engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, and the AWD system functions with a center locking differential and selectable drive modes. The electric motor of the Kia Sorento PHEV draws power from a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, situated between the cabin floor and the underfloor and directly over the propshaft. 

Some of the most common questions we are asked before and after test drives here at Jim Butler are range-related as fuel and commodity prices have recently risen, and with a full gas tank and charged battery pack, the total range is 460 miles. Along with a combined EPA fuel rating of 79 MPG, these render the Sorento PHEV more economical than the stiff competition from the Hyundai Santa Fe. The KBB review staff praised the 2023 model for its lack of range anxiety and the excellent pairing regarding drive quality with the gas engine and two electric motors. 

This is a very hassle-free and engaging hybrid to drive, and those new to the game love the paddle on the steering wheel for regenerative braking: here you can adjust the energy from the brakes that get fed back into the battery. The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid comes standard with 3-row seating for up to 6 people, with second-row passengers enjoying the luxury of very comfortable captain’s chairs. Every mile during the drive will provide you the chance to thoroughly enjoy well-appointed extras such as genuine leather upholstery, and the 10.25-inch infotainment system with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and premium navigation features. 

Kia Telluride X-Pro Displays Elevated Styling and Technology During 74th Emmy Awards

The Telluride SUV has enjoyed its clout as our brand’s most awarded vehicle ever here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis. Its reign of popularity continues with it as the brightly shining star of a new creative campaign that made its debut last week! During the exciting live broadcast of the 74th Emmy Awards on NBC, it was made official that the 2023 Telluride will now include a brand-new X-Pro Model, built specifically for conquering demanding adventures far off the beaten path. 

The Telluride was Kia’s excellent opportunity to take the brand to a very exciting and successful new status and show everyone just how durable and capable the X-Pro will be. Boasting the valuable ability to adapt to a wide variety of terrain situations, the Telluride will provide an amazing drive quality for all genres of driver lifestyle, and adaptability to a variety of demanding situations. We were proud to make a return as the official sponsor of the Television Academy and the 74th EMMY Awards for the third consecutive year, eagerly standing by with several video spots that depict the versatility of this incoming SUV.

These spots were ingeniously created by David And Goliath, Kia’s award-winning creative agency at the fitting location near Imogen Pass at Telluride, Colorado. Performing at peak capacity while braving an elevation of 13,114 feet, the spot follows an excited couple as they embark with the X-Pro up a winding path on the side of a treacherous mountain. As they come up on a clearing, they come to a stop where painters are working on a rendition of the actual sky itself, then lament to each other that the Telluride is so capable that they mistakenly “went too high”. 

In addition to this entertaining spot, the Telluride X-Pro is going to be featured as part of a quirky new in-show installment that will highlight the effectiveness of using one scenario with different actors engaging in completely different approaches to the topic. New for the 2023 model is updated front and rear bumpers, an updated grille, redesigned vertical LED headlights, and new wheel designs for each trim level. You’ll be boosting your drive-time productivity and location scouting with the 12.3-inch curved navigation, gauge-cluster displays, and a larger head-up display. 

The Motor Trend team claimed that the current-year Telluride is “through and through a premium product, providing high levels of quality, style, features, and refinement minus the premium price tag”. The 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 is still on deck for the 2023 model, cranking out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while paired to the 8-speed automatic. The 2022 Telluride was awarded the five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and you’ll also be enjoying the convenience of the available hands-free liftgate. You can also pick from the dazzling new paint choices in the form of Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Wood Green.

Numerous Kia Models Enjoy Top Honors in Motor Trend’s “Ultimate Car Rankings”

When all the various awards of the season begin to triumphantly roll out, we get excited here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis as we know that many of our models can have what it takes to nail down top honors! Nine Kia models were recognized during Motor Trend’s “Ultimate Car Rankings” for the second half of 2022, with more than half of the podium winners now being electrified vehicles. The 2022 EV6 took the top spot In the “Electric SUV” category, as electrified vehicles are receiving an enormous vote of confidence for the brand. 

The 2023 Telluride, 2022 Rio Sedan, and Rio Hatchback all came in first place in the 3-row SUV, compact sedan, and subcompact hatchback segments. The 2022 Niro and Sorento Hybrid both took second place in the Compat Hybrid Hatch and Compact Hybrid SUV categories, all rankings that provide very positive reinforcement for the current state of advancements in electrification. As our Plan S strategy continues to make progress, we expect other various forms of recognition for stellar design and fine-honed leadership potential. 

Motor Trend’s “Ultimate Car Rankings” were set in place in 2020 to provide help with the average car buyer’s task of gaining a deeper understanding when it comes to their options. Using some of the fundamentals established in their long-standing Car, Truck, and SUV of the Year merit programs, the current ranking system evaluates how a car drives, long-term value, safety, driving range, efficiency, technology, and other traits for customer satisfaction. This process that deemed Kia such a dominating yearly success was steadily evolving for decades, and on a 10-point scale, scores most vehicles at around a 7 average. 

The Driving Performance is the solid foundation of the Performance of Intended Function in rankings after testing cars on a track they are evaluated at their limits as well as what they're like on the daily drive. Armed with the mantra that a well-engineered car will give you the best confidence in nearly any driving situation, there is also a fair amount of data captured on how much space the vehicle has for the occupants and their belongings. Motor Trend has always also done well in the technology category for ranking cars because they understand that it’s not always about how huge an infotainment screen is, but how well it can perform in different demanding situations. 

Knowing that drivers will be making payments for some time after the brand-new luster wears off of the car, the Motor Trend experts also put a very detailed amount of analysis into the five-year cost-of-ownership data points such as overall depreciation, repair costs, insurance, financing, and the all-important cost at the pump. The system at use here that ultimately celebrated the Kia brand wholeheartedly had a well-balanced blend of subjective and objective data, and the finalizing algorithm considered the needs of many different varieties of buyers.

5 Things That Make the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Your Fall Driving Choice

The Motorbiscuit car review team recently got to spend a week with the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, which has tons of great new features to enjoy and has already undergone a major refresh. This is a well-rounded and sporty SUV with true prestige, and it gets great gas mileage to boot. Everyone here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis has long been keen on the many choices we have for you here for brand-new vehicles, and this one stands out several ways!

1. The Much-Needed Fun Factor is All in:

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is available with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to make its sporty stance even more user-friendly and responsive. The 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine is mated to a 44 kWh motor to jointly crank out 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. You’ll zip on up to 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds, making it one of the fastest selections in a competitive segment! The steering is very responsive, and Sport Mode provides a snappy and immediate throttle response.

2. All Eyes on Efficiency:

The 2023 Kia Sportage officially gets an EPA estimated 42 miles per gallon in the city, and up to a generous 44 miles per gallon when highway-bound. The Sportage doesn’t require a plug-in to recharge the batteries, as the onboard regenerative system offers the means to do so on the go, and it is visible in front of you on the digital gauge cluster. 

3. Loaded With Capability: 

Kia has now successfully developed model variants that are ready for off-roading, and the Kia Sportage hybrid is rooted and capable. The EX-trim comes ready for the trail with all-wheel drive, downhill brake control, and a Missouri winter ready Snow Mode. Upgrading to the X pro model gives you 8.3 more inches of ground clearance, along with 17-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. When you are tackling the steep and demanding areas far off the highway, you will need gear such as this to be fully prepped.

4. Don’t Settle for Less Then Class-Leading Comfort:

The mid-level EX trim provided a very high level of comfort for this testing crew, who felt that the upgrade to the SX Prestige trim was not needed if you just are after the entry-level firm and supportive seats for longer journeys. The simulated leather upholstery is the ideal touch that provides a high-end feel while still within a reasonable budget, and the highway and wind noise is nearly muted nicely for a peaceful drive. 

5. An Interior That “Defies Drab and Boring” in a Major Way:

The new Sportage Hybrid is loaded up with luxurious goodies such as faux-leather upholstery, and you get to enjoy the view with the massive sunroof. This is a very spacious layout with well-blending touches of tan, blue, and red, and everything you need. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen thoroughly quenches the ongoing thirst current buyers have for “supersizing” the visual goods to see all the details about the trip, or settle in and enjoy some trusty tunes!