Kia Excels in 2023 World Car Awards, 3 Models Secure Finalist Status

While the beginning of the year is a bit slow in some industries, we couldn’t be busier this February at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis! Three Kia models have already been named as finalists across three categories during this year’s 2023 World Car Awards.

The Kia Niro is the first among the finalists for 2023 World Car of the Year, and its electrified sidekick, the Niro EV, is also a finalist for the 2023 World Electric Vehicle category. With a uniquely aggressive personality and 567 horsepower under its belt, the EV6 GT also made an excellent impression as a finalist in the 2023 World Performance Car category. 

Now celebrating its 19th year, the World Car Awards is an annual event that reports on the findings of 100 international jurors from 32 nations as they test-drive numerous models to find the best of the best. 

The 2023 Kia Niro is a fantastic all-around option for anyone in need of a compact daily driver that displays class-leading efficiency. It is well-known for adequately splitting the difference between SUV and hatchback, and is offered as a traditional hybrid, plug-in, and all-electric model. Each version boasts a brand-new design for 2023, and now sees a larger assortment of tech features, improved interior, and futuristic looks. Also notable is the Sport drive mode, improving accelerator response and adding a heavier element for steering. 

The 2023 Niro EV was undoubtedly a star of the show due to its radical design transformation for 2023. It still drives just like the model it replaced, but now has a very futuristic visual stance. Smartly blurring the lines between an SUV and a wagon, the Niro offers up an elevated steering position while the low stance efficiently minimizes body roll. Inside, the cabin features two 10.3-inch screens that come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The entry-level Wind trim comes still fairly loaded with navigation, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

The 2023 Kia EV6 is capable of more than 300 miles of driving range while still dishing out very brisk acceleration and handling. Scoring high points from the Autoblog crew for being “practical as well as cool”, along with praise for the 60/40 split screen functionality that allows you to see both audio and navigation. Each EV6 model comes standard with a 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack with a maximum charging output of 240 kW, and it has been recognized for its characteristic torque, low center of gravity, one-pedal driving capability, and well-weighted steering. 

Kia Sportage Struts Segment-Leading Clout as “Utility Vehicle of the Year” in 2023 AutoGuide Awards

We are never short of enthusiasm for the Kia lineup here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, especially now as some models are getting the first increments of awards and accolades for the year. The 2023 Kia Sportage has now been named the Utility Vehicle of the Year in the 2023 AutoGuide awards, where editors give digital homage to the best vehicles on the market. Already enjoying its existence as a Kia icon, the Sportage was elevated to prime recognition after its overhaul last year.

Beginning in 2013, the AutoGuide Awards celebrate the best new or recently updated vehicles of the year. 2014 saw the addition of truck and SUV categories, and Family Vehicle as well as Green Vehicle of the year were added to the roster in 2021. This year, as interest and segment representation grew, there were refined categories for Truck, Utility Vehicle, and Electric Vehicle of the year. AutoGuide managing editor Mike Schlee commented on how the team is impressed every time they drive the Sportage, and was enthusiastic about its gas, hybrid, and plug-in options that provide appeal to every demographic.

The Sportage has always stood out with its comfortable ride quality, spacious seating, and more-than-ample rear cargo area. The X-Pro Trim offers more off-road capability, and so many here at Jim Butler Kia have loved the Sportage’s tech-rich package that comes at a very reasonable price. In direct competition with the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4, the Sportage is an eager contender that doesn’t get lost in the shuffle, with its striking looks and class-leading warranty. 

The off-road-focused qualities of the X-Pro trim are helpful for tackling the trail with all-terrain tires, all-wheel drive, and a locking center differential as standard. Another sweet addition to this setup is the Prestige Package, which adds LED headlights and taillights, ventilated front seats, a power front passenger seat, and a larger array of safety technology. At highway speeds, the Sportage cruised with minimal road and wind noise for the Motor Trend team. They also noted that it felt ideally light and perfectly precise during cornering. 

The Sportage also has snagged the honors of Top Safety Pick from IIHS and flexes its protective nature with lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, driver attention alerts, rear backup sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and hands-free adaptive cruise control on every model. X-Pro Prestige models also sport the 360-degree camera view mode, parking collision avoidance, and front and rear parking sensors. Delivery and great execution of its formula allow the Sportage to never fall short of Kia standards, and the Car and Driver testing crew was thrilled with its EPA combined estimate of 43 mpg with front-wheel drive.

Always a grade above what you need for the accessible daily drive, the Sportage’s ultimate tire set comes in the form of BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. Each Sportage model equipped with all-wheel drive also fares well for bouldering and fording with 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Fiercely  growing larger, more capable, and powerful, we have nothing but the highest of recommendations and praise for this valuable member of our lineup and “movement that inspires.”

2023 Kia K5 Resides as Always-Stunning Newcomer of Midsize Sedan Scene

Inquisitive customers coming to see us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis always have an initial decision to make about their next vehicle. Before they get down to business and start with test drives, there is the choice of “size and shape”! Much like looking into DIY home improvement projects for the spring, having a structured blueprint saves time and energy during this process. After looking at the numerous award-winning and very reliable options Kia offers, we’re thrilled to inform you about the great features of our favorite midsize sedan, the charming K5.

The K5 replaced the Optima in 2021 and is an always-attractive staple of our lot here at Jim Butler with its practical and very budget-friendly 4-door charm. It comes with an outstanding warranty, which gives any busy driver the ultimate peace of mind. It is securely backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, beating out the crosstown competition in the form of the Nissan Altima. 

The K5 GT is a different version of a sport sedan, with an engine upgrade that situates you with a turbocharged 4-cylinder that cranks out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. You’ll also be taking on every corner you encounter with a sport-tuned suspension and the perfectly piping note of the quad-tip dual exhaust. For 2023 the GT-Line model gets a Panoramic Roof Package with LED cabin lighting, plus the all-season appeal of a standard heating steering wheel. An 8-inch touchscreen and dual-zone climate control now both come as standard. 

The Cars.com review team praised the K5’s strong case of appeal thanks to its sleek styling and very value-conscious offering. With plenty of available scoot for any daily drive, many have found that the GT line offers up all of the bells and whistles for those with luxury tastes. The configuration software on board is more like what you’ll find in the Stinger than the Sorento, and these experts gave the K5 5/5 stars for comfort, interior design, performance, and exterior styling. 

Other personal reviews have claimed that after driving the K5 for a year, many feel that it is easily comparable to a BMW/Lexus/MB for thousands of dollars less. Also nailing down 37 mph in eco mode is a huge bonus, as the K5 proves its worth in every category. The climate control system also impressed many new buyers after their first long trip, as it features a unique 3-mode auto setting that improves ventilation and limits the fan speed.

There’s also an available wireless charging pad that features a cooling fan and a smart spring-loaded section to efficiently keep your phone in place, and the Edmunds.com team’s testing model boasted 4 USB ports. What optional feature would we wholeheartedly recommend to improve the driving experience? Smart Cruise Control is ranked as one of the best systems in the segment, aptly slowing down the K5 when there’s a curve up ahead. The K5’s exterior styling is a true standout in a class with offerings on the dull side and dials up the aggression factor to offer countless drives that are anything but ordinary!

Five Kia Models Secure Spot on Cars.com 2023 Best Value New Cars Report

Five Kia models were named to this year’s Cars.com 2023 Best Value New Cars Report, further solidifying the brand’s leadership position to provide top-caliber vehicles at an astonishingly attractive price. The 2023 Rio S, 2023 Forte LXS, 2023 Seltos S, 2023 Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX, and 2023 Sportage Plug-in Hybrid X-Line all made the report, which assists car shoppers with their next purchase. 

The 2023 Best Value New Cars Report sets itself aside from others by clearly identifying the most affordable new-car models in four respective categories: PHEVS, small pickup trucks, cars, small SUVs, and EVs. 

The 2023 Rio S was selected as this industry leader for its reasonable pricing, excellent warranty, and class-leading gas mileage. It comes available as a subcompact sedan or hatchback and is perfect for handling the day’s demands without much effort or high cost. Some of the most attractive extras included in the Technology Package are 15-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, automatic high beams, push-button start, and satellite radio.

The 2023 Forte LXS is a small sedan that is all grown up, and provides top-class value and segment-leading amount of utility. Drivers are loving its comfortable quiet interior and amazing driving dynamics. It has an abundance of features with a lower starting price than existing competition, and a very simple-to-navigate infotainment system. The GT Trim now gets adaptive cruise control, and the Forte consistently feels adequately punchy and very well-polished. 

The 2023 Seltos S has families and busy individuals satisfied with its impressive interior and cargo-handling superpowers for the size. The cabin has an upscale look and feel, and buyers are loving its practical yet premium appearance. Last year saw the debut of the Nightfall Edition, adding lane keep assist, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and more. The dashboard has a suave and futuristic appearance, and you can opt for an 8 or 10.2-inch touchscreen. 

The Niro Plug-in Hybrid EX makes the most of current advances in batteries, electric motor, and fuel efficiency to offer up a comfortable and cost-effective daily driver. It’s a perfect choice for buyers looking to add a bit of electric mobility to their regiment without the solid long-term commitment of a fully-electric model. For 2023 there is completely revised styling inside and out, and it now firmly identifies as a small SUV instead of a hatchback. The sloping dash and door panels draw positive visual attention to the streamlined and forward-thinking design.

The 2023 Sportage Plug-in X-Line snagged the “Best Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle of 2023” from the KBB.Com experts and has turned heads with its style, efficiency, and functional practicality. This new PHEV has an all-electric range of 34 miles, allowing you to use just electric power and switch over to gasoline for the longer hauls. The 6-speed automatic transmission has selectable drive modes, as well as the resourceful and ingenious Downhill Brake Control. If you opt for the PHEV AWD trim level, you'll score the twin screen setup and attractive high-end leather seating surfaces.