Marketwatch Ranks 2023 Kia Sportage “Stellar” for Beautiful New Design, Luxury Touches of SX Prestige

The all-new Kia Sportage is front and center within the “pre-winter flurry” of activity here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as we have had a stellar year full of achievements, satisfied customers, and new releases to celebrate. The 2023 Sportage has seen a complete rework, with a size 7.1 inches longer than the outgoing model, with a wheelbase that has been extended another 3.4 inches. This provides a nice barrier of defining difference between the Sportage and its close relative in the form of the Seltos, also gaining new followers by the day with its 39.6 cubic feet of cargo room in the back.

The available engine is the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that puts out 187 horsepower to all 4 wheels and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both the Sportage Hybrid and plug-in Hybrid derive power from the same engines situated in the Tucson Hybrid and the PHEV, which is a 1.6-liter gas engine paired up with an electric motor. The Hybrid boasts 226 horsepower, while the Sportage PHEV cranks out 261 horsepower and provides an all-electric range of more than 30 miles. 

The new Sportage is the ideal vehicle for a busy student, as it’s a 5-seater with plenty of room for your cohorts after prepping to go out on the town or the busy new Realtor who spends lots of time in this awesome mobile office. The dash features an integrated multi-function touchscreen controller, and the system is simple to use. Switching to Sport Mode provides an increased response on the throttle, a higher transmission shift point, and tightened steering. 

Once you begin to enjoy the thrill of really picking up speed, Sport mode increases control and helps with handling, and is the perfect fun extra kick when you are after power instead of eco-friendly chops. The Marketwatch team thought that the quality that really stood out about driving the new Sportage was how quiet it was, with an inside so peaceful that it ranks up there with some of the world’s priciest luxury brands. Handling provides a great quality of stability around corners, and the Drive Wise features in the Sportage function well without being too jumpy and interruptive. 

The design for the interior was inspired by the vibe of high-end outdoor equipment, with a very curvy display and a large color 12.3-inch touchscreen. The location of the center console puts buttons and controls within reasonably easy reach, and no lovable friends that we share the planet with were hurt in the process of sourcing, as animal-free leather materials are used. There’s also an extra 3 inches of rear legroom than in the outgoing model, and a dual-level cargo floor for help with hauling after the obligatory holiday airport pickup!

The Sportage’s previous model was already one of the nicest-looking SUVs out there, and there are now a few more modern touches and a black grille graphic that adds a neatly sinister visual. We have repeatedly heard many customers tell us how much they enjoy the signature Tiger Nose grille on Kia SUVs, and this one also adds slightly lower-mounted headlights and u-shaped daytime running lights. We have been watching excitedly as more customers have enjoyed the challenges of going offroad lately and the X-pro and X-Pro Prestige models provide an extra 1.5 inches of extra ground clearance along with a multi-terrain all-wheel drive system to valiantly conquer the dirt!

2023 Kia Niro PHEV “Trending for the Times” With 33-Mile Electric Range, Prestige of SX Touring Trim

As we constantly are on the hunt for specs and statistics here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, we all turn to our tablets and catch up with current events to stay informed. Over the past year the entire industry has been very focused on energy and the many technologies available to conserve and make the best use of it. The 2023 Kia Niro now allows the driving public to enjoy the second generation of this savvy and eye-catching crossover, arriving just in time for its eco-friendly prime. 

It comes available as hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full EV powertrains, with the incoming model currently arriving at dealers nationwide. Both trims share the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder as the power source, turning out 104 horsepower and 106.3 lb-ft of torque. The battery technology that has been present in current and upcoming vehicles is nothing short of amazing, as this particular number is an 11.1 kwh, lithium-ion polymer pack. You’ll be “transforming your own form of kinetic energy” up to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds, and 9.8 seconds on the upper-level SX trim. 

The 2023 Niro Plug-in Hybrid is thriftier with gas power than its close relatives, as this model should be capable of nailing down 33 mpg. For the quick metro area commute or weekend big box retail run, the greatest bulk of the mileage can be taken care of with the battery power. The PHEV is a very integral and “testing of the waters” choice for those looking to get a taste of the future that aren’t fully ready to abandon gas power altogether. The new Niro’s appearance is a bit like a high-riding hatchback, but it still has the properties that everyone loves about driving the popular crossover SUVs of today. 

The available additional boost from the electric motor is always useful from a complete standstill, and here you are working with 41 more horsepower than the outgoing model. The 6-speed automatic transmission is another terrific trait for anyone who needs their ride to get up and go immediately, and not two blocks later. One area the 6-speed excels in is not lagging off the line for an extra split second, as Continuously Variable Transmissions sometimes do. The 2023 Niro boasts the greatest interior space of Kia’s subcompact category, along with a larger luggage area than the outgoing unit. 

The design and tech features that are the main allure for some drivers today are an ample grade way above par here, with a dual-screen display set into the dashboard that adds a very luxurious visual touch. Ground clearance remains the same at 6.3 inches, and another touch we love is the futuristic headlights that are a fitting stance for this genre. With spot-on delivery for mobility simply accessible for everyone, the second-generation Niro was designed from the ground up for striking and sensational daily driving with a conscience!

Strategic Vision Puts Kia on Top of 2022 Total Quality Impact Awards

First-rate awards and achievements always make for a great start to the season as notable milestones for us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, and our esteemed car line has lately been stacking both up for stellar consumer appeal! Strategic Vision’s 2022 Total Quality Impact Awards were the scene of another major victory over the past week, as four Kia models were winners in each of their respective segments. The Kia K5, Seltos, Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, and Carnival were at the top of the list for having the fewest problems in the TQI report, where each individual model surpassed all benchmarks for upper-end quality during the drive.

This is another exciting benchmark of our forward-thinking progress and longevity, as the brand we enjoy provision and service for so much is succeeding at our mission of continuing a very stylish, high-quality, and always memorable car line. The K5 was given a healthy dose of extra praise for its class-leading finish and interior quality, with its TQI score showing a very strong presence as the best for each luxury and mass-market car. We are incredibly proud of this achievement, and eager to see just how many more accolades and amazing new models the future will bring.

The 2022 K5 possesses a very genuine and competitive substance that sets it apart from many others in the mid-size sedan category, along with excellent suspension that makes it an above-and-beyond choice for the long holiday family drives coming soon. The K5 is hailed for providing the best in technology features and always undercutting the competition while doing so, along with the unforgettably strong turbocharged engine in the GT trim level. It is also one of Edmunds.com’s favorite cars on the road today, praised highly for its sharp styling and excellent interior. 

The 2022 Kia Seltos has won over many drivers with its abundance of cargo space, spacious seating, and easy-to-use infotainment features. With its generous passenger space and impressive gas mileage, the Seltos was a finalist for the KBB Best Subcompact SUV, and for 2022 saw the added features of forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a driver attention monitor as standard. Surpassing the competing Toyota C-HR in every way, the Seltos offers more room, a better engine option, and better gas mileage as well as all-wheel drive.

The 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid remains strong as ever and a very appealing offering for a crowded segment. It boasts a very impressive number of optional and standard features, plenty of second-row legroom for the class, and 32 miles of electric driving range along with 34 mpg in combined driving. It has also been given a more powerful 66.8-kW electric motor, and a bigger 13.9 kWh battery pack, along with an amazing torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system as standard. This results in 34 more horsepower than you get in the Sorento Hybrid, along with the useful feature of steady and reliable braking. 

The 2022 Kia Carnival keeps everyone onboard well-occupied with its rear entertainment system and enters the market with 5 trim levels replacing the Sedona. Power is derived from a 290-hp V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic, and the Carnival has a few other incredibly practical tricks up its sleeves when it comes to the task of getting your family around. Acceleration is brisk, and the power never felt lacking for Cars.com team even as they were loaded up to the brim with five passengers in tow. EPA fuel ratings reside at 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined, and the SX Model’s child-safety seat setup provides three easy-access lower Latch anchors and plenty of room to install 3 car seats.

2023 Kia Sportage Receives IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

 As we are now raking leaves and enjoying a fully booked activity calendar of fall recreation activities here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, we have taken note of just how important safety is to families who are looking for their ideal next vehicle. The 2023 Sportage and Sportage Hybrid have been awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick” award, making the Sportage the ninth Kia vehicle to bring home the meaningful win for either a 2022 TSP or Top Safety Pick selection.

The Sportage is situated on Kia’s brand-new third generation N3 platform, and offers numerous standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including Forward Collision Avoidance with Cyclist detection capability: this is one of the most practical and ingenious lifesaving applications for anyone navigating busy city streets. 

You’ll also benefit from Rear Occupant Alert and Lane Keeping Assist, assuring that every mile driven is 100% protected from any mishaps. The Kia Telluride, Seltos, and Carnival built after March 2021 along with the Sportage, Sportage Hybrid and Soul also received TSP awards for 2022 earlier this year, with the sporty and aggressive K5 and Stinger sedans qualified as TSP+ winners. 

To qualify for a TSP rating, the vehicle needs to prove itself by achieving “Good” ratings in six crashworthiness tests. Here it displays prowess in driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. These vehicles also must have at least one available headlight system that finishes with a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating. 

The 2023 Kia Sportage stands out against the competition with its very comfortable ride quality, spacious seating, and above-average rear cargo area. Boasting a stylish and high-tech interior, it also has roomy seating and a huge cargo area, and the benefit of dirt-kicking and boulder-conquering off-road capability courtesy of the X-Pro trim. The 2023 redesign now has more passenger room and cargo space and provides an ideal reason to celebrate by marking the beginning of the fifth Sportage generation.

The Sportage sees you thoroughly covered if comfort is a priority, with excellent cushioning and support in all the most vital spots. The Kbb auto review team praised the Sportage for its top-notch job of always keeping unwanted noise out of the cabin, leaving the interior completely free of rattling and audible vibration.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid boasts a very sweet new powertrain behind all the delightfully wild styling and the benefit of Kia’s latest driver-assistance technology. It is 7.1 inches longer than the outgoing model, with a wheelbase of 108.5 inches. The new look evokes a much more mature vibe, with a good balance of proportions, and head-turning design accents that attract positive attention no matter where you show up! 

The current year’s hybrid model now boasts more legroom than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and the SX Prestige trim visually rounds out things perfectly with satin chrome accents for the grille, and wicked glossy black trim for the wheel arches and body. Assuring that the ride will offer the utmost in protection for each passenger on board, Kia has become a dominating industry leader when it comes to arriving safely at your destination as a thoroughly developed priority number one.