SUV Elegance & Electric Brilliance: EV6 and Telluride Top SlashGear’s Best List of 2023

Checking out the latest in auto news here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis can prepare us for each day full of educating consumers about the best vehicle choice for them and their families! When eager test drivers ask us about awards, honors, and accolades, we always feel that there are so many reasons to say, “best of” and back it up with concrete stats. SlashGear has named two Kia vehicles to its “Best Cars of 2023 – 10 of the Top-Rated Picks.” 

The EV6 was recognized as the “Best EV”, and the Telluride as the “Best Family SUV.” These accolades are selected based on criteria such as range, aftercare support, overall performance, pricing and value, cabin technology, and style. Car shoppers can now feel overwhelmed with their choices, and the SlashGear team selected Kia models because of their superior features and segment-leading performance. When today’s driver is tediously sizing up the competition, many longevity and safety issues render gravitating toward a true industry leader a sensible decision. 

There are now more than 40 electric cars on the market, and the SlashGear crew set out to make finding the ideal model a much less daunting task. A large segment of today’s drivers have read a bit of the data themselves and are already convinced that an EV is a sensible choice for them. They are ready to forge forward with just a few endorsements from industry experts and leaders to shed light on the most innovative and promising daily driver or weekend getaway vehicle. 

The 2023 Kia Telluride comes into a very crowded segment with many diligently strong points, including a larger-than-average third row and cargo space, user-friendly technology, and very smart cruise control. Practical and spacious, the 2023 model received a mid-cycle refresh which includes a facelifted exterior, new wheel designs for each trim level, three new paint colors, and some new interior styling for the dash and steering wheel. 

The 12.3-inch and 14-inch display now come standard across all trims, with the SX and SX prestige trims boasting a standard dual infotainment and digital instrument panel housed under some very cool curved glass. The wireless charging pad has been made slightly bigger to accommodate the incoming cellphone models, and each row of seating gets to enjoy USB-C charging ports. The Telluride’s tow rating is now at 5,500, thanks to the addition of an upgraded fan for superior cooling. 

The 2023 Kia EV6 has impressed many experts and everyday drivers alike with its long driving range, extra fun dynamics, and wealth of technology which make it an incredibly solid model for a daily-use EV. It also boasts a clean #1 spot within the electric SUVs category from U.S. News, which claimed that its athletic handling, swift acceleration, and comfortable seating rendered it such a high caliber. All versions of the 2023 EV6 come with a 77.4 kWh battery, with standard rear-wheel drive having one electric motor and cranking out 225 horsepower. 

All-wheel drive versions derive power from two electric motors and make 320 horsepower, with a quality of acceleration that is known for coming on instantly with its chiseled and unique breed of force. The exhilarating 2023 EV6 GT pumps out 576 horsepower and is the most powerful Kia production car to ever sprint off the assembly line! The EV6 has a maximum driving range of 310 miles, with the more powerful EV6 GT claiming a range of around 206 miles. When the true numbers come in, they are reassuring: based on driving 15,000 miles a year, it costs between $600 and $900 per year to charge the Kia EV6. 

2024 Kia EV9 Secures Federal Tax Approval, Making Eco-Efficient Dreams More Affordable

We had our eyes intently on the New York International Auto Show here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis this spring, where the Kia EV9 SUV made its star-studded and Earth-friendly debut! We are thrilled to announce that the EV9 will be produced at the West Point, Georgia plant, providing a sense of pride and stability for Americans that are the backbone of industry and our durable auto construction. Stateside production is one of the requirements to qualify for the federal tax credit, which also mandates that the vehicle in question costs under $80,000.

The West Point facility already produces the Telluride SUV, Sorento SUV, and very sharp K5 sedan. The EV9 has drawn a very specific segment with seating up to seven and a focus on making the cabin very luxurious. The dual display cockpit up front is equipped to receive very convenient over-the-air updates that provide the latest software. Taking cues from the earlier and slightly more pleasurable days of aviation, each seat inside the EV9 meets executive class standards. 

First and second-row passengers have the option of spreading out lavishly and being treated to “Relaxation Mode”. This offers high-powered USB-C outlets throughout the cabin, and power-operated leg rests to take a load off while the miles glide by. The EV9’s extended range model offers 300 miles of range via the 99.8kWh battery, which can charge from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes with a public fast charger. This is the second model based on the E-GMP platform, and the West Point, GA facility will be reaping the benefits of a new over $200 million investment to make necessary preparations for assembly. 

The editors on staff at the Electrek.com blog are always in the know about everything regarding clean-sourced powered cars, and they claim that the EV9 will “hit the sweet spot of the market with its three-row electric SUV.”  The EV9 RWD Standard does 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds, and the EV9 will also come with Vehicle-to-Load functionality through its Integrated Charging Control Unit. This will enable up to 3.68 KW of power outbound to assist users with charging laptops, tailgate party components, or camping equipment. 

One of the premier technology highlights for the EV9 is the Highway Driving Pilot system, which will enable conditional Level 3 autonomous driving in selected markets. 15 very high-tech sensors are consistently on alert to detect objects in a full 360-degree field of view, providing excellent assistance in accident prevention. The EV9 also introduces the Kia Connect Store, which enables customers to easily upgrade their digital features and various services immediately on demand. There is the very awesome ability to upgrade The Digital Pattern Lighting Grille by snagging up the “Lighting Pattern” feature, bringing an exciting nightclub and a very chill or alluring vibe to the drive.

The EV9 boasts an aerodynamic coefficient of .28, which was achieved through the implementation of a 3D sculpted under-body cover, aerodynamic wheels, and air curtains that are expertly situated into the front bumper. The GT-line trim features sporty styling adjustments to the wheels and roof rack, bumpers, along with the addition of a more dynamic choice of colors. In keeping with the laurels of Kia’s “Opposites United” design strategy, the interior of the EV9 uses important cues from nature, wise use of materials, and balance between humans and the environment. 

U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best SUV Brands Highlights Kia as Industry Leader

We have long known here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis that a key factor setting our brand apart from competition is its exceptional value, along with a desirable combination of features. U.S. News & World Report has officially named Kia among the “Best SUV Brands” for 2023. This yearly list informs consumers about manufacturers that have the highest overall scores in safety, features, and predicted reliability ratings. 

While we have witnessed the SUV segment grow so very rapidly in quality, Kia’s longstanding commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Our SUV line has enjoyed numerous accolades and industry awards, with high praise for design, quality, and safety proving to be a sensible and high-quality purchase that makes a winning long-term investment. The 2023 Kia Telluride was named “Best 3-row SUV for Families” for the fourth consecutive year, and the 2023 Kia EV6 scored high sibling points with the honor of “Best Electric Vehicle for Families” for 2023. 

Three years after bursting onto the scene as one of the most sought-after three-row 8-passenger SUVs in the nation, the Telluride is as prepared as ever for all forms of adventure. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist is now on board to alert drivers of upcoming speed signs, and limit your speed, if you enable it to. Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control adjusts the navigation system to lower the vehicle’s speed proactively before approaching sudden curves in the road. 

The 2023 Kia EV6 GT was a very welcoming and exhilarating addition to the EV segment, and the first milestone as a finished product for Kia’s Plan S strategy to have an amazing and very futuristic presence. Its chassis allows it to provide some of the best steering feedback that drive aficionados have ever gotten out of a modern car. Those in pursuit of a bit of extraordinary delight in the form of pure speed will love having 576 horsepower always available, with no waiting to rev, just available thrust without hesitation.

While using an ultrafast 800v DC fast charger, the EV6 can get from 10 percent to 80 percent juiced in under 20 minutes; driving this car will have you re-thinking both how you approach the daily drive, and your expectations from an exhilarating performance car. The EV6 is the result of a very thorough recruiting effort, as Kia sought brilliant minds from BMW, Audi, and other brands to instill modern excellence in the EV6 at every square inch. 

Inside the EV6 are two permanent-magnet AC motors, first cranking out 215 horses up front, and 362 horses in the rear. The Eco mode limits output to 288 horses, but you still feel all the precisely engineered greatness that U.S News had ranked the entire segment so highly for. Normal and Sport modes unleash 460 horsepower, and once the yellow-highlighted GT button is pressed, you have every last one ready to hit the ground running with a very high-tech fervor. 

Accolades such as this new one from U.S News are no surprise, as an abundance of positive traction really started to build when Kia received the most reliable brand award from JD Power in 2016. The 2022 arrival of the Telluride was ranked first in KBB’s list of “Best Midsize SUVs”, and top-notch reliability is absolutely a factor. We pride ourselves on providing a lot of car for the money, and our long-term powertrain warranty as well: we hope to see you this summer here at Jim Butler, where we are thrilled to show you our award-winning and high-achieving SUV line! 

2023 EV6 GT Rendered by Forbes as “Satisfying, Silent, and Ideally Laced W/ Electric Angst”

As we have been closely keeping track of the different qualities that today's drivers are after, the 2023 EV6 is an accessible blend of everything unique and powerful in today’s market! We were waiting intently here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis for the Forbes team to tell the world what they thought of the EV6 after time spent behind the wheel, and they immediately remarked that it was “one of the most ferocious rides of the year.” 

What could be mistaken for a slightly above average and “nerdy” SUV, the EV6 GT model comes loaded and ready for the ride with 575 hungry, but silent horsepower on duty, and 545 lb-ft of torque. If you’re after just a relaxing cruise you can achieve that under any circumstances, but once you figure out that the EV6 does zero to 60 in 3.4 seconds, it is constantly tempting to run through this exhilarating exercise repeatedly. Set to battle with the competition fiercely and confidently, the EV6 faces off against the Chevy Bolt EUV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Audi Q4 e-tron, and the Tesla Model Y. 

The Forbes drive testing expert reflected that it's simple to roll in a sensible fashion or with the family around town, and on a typical run or doing errands you don't feel like you must impatiently gun the throttle. But if you hit a pleasantly open stretch or suddenly find yourself outside the city, you can decidedly dial in the “OMG” factor, thanks to the variety of performance types packed into the driving modes. You can select from Eco, Normal, Snow, and Sport, with the GT model also offering Drift, GT, and My Drive modes for extra fun. 

Each trim level derives its power from a 77.4-kWh battery pack with various drive configurations and power outputs to keep things optimally juiced and performing at top capacity. The GT’s gleeful and quite inspirational Drift Mode hands over the keys to unlock increased rear wheel drive torque distribution and drifting performance, along with properly administering the 15-inch front larger-diameter disc brakes with quad-piston front calipers. The chassis stiffens up in this mode, and the steering is adjusted for a quicker ratio.

To describe what the drive was generally like, writer Josh Max claims that his first impression was “hasty, silent, and thrilling off the line.” When you accelerate suddenly you are given as much passing ability on the road as you could ever need, and you can excitedly feel as if you may collide with an object or median when you aren’t even close. Even though that’s sheer gravity and momentum doing the talking, we guarantee it’s an enthralling bundle of fun! The controls have a very tight and grippy characteristic, and taking corners allows for a sedan-like feel without much body roll.

The virtual display offers a quick view of how much power is left at any given time, and the glow of the ambient lighting in the center console, door panels, and dashboard evokes everything exciting about interiors that we knew the future of cars would soon be ripe with. With a top speed of 161 mph, a few more of the performance upgrades that make a serious difference are a dedicated sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers and unique front suspension performance components. 

The electronic limited-slip differential works overtime by constantly directing torque to the wheels with the most grip. Fun, consistently satisfying, and just a bit edgy, the EV6 is perfect for a longtime fan of Hellcat-powered devices that are solidly sold on Kia’s excellent warranty and track record. This is the powerful and riotous new model with a personality we have eagerly been waiting for: Edmunds.com claimed that the 2023 EV6 is “your pick through and through if your tastes trend toward thrills.”