Your Guide to the Noteworthy Upgrades in Kia's 2024 Lineup

The holiday season here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis offers an excellent opportunity to take a pause and reflect on how thankful we are for what we have while enjoying the many sights and sounds around us. Customers are eagerly wondering what the future has in store for our lineup, as the excitement of wrapping gifts and New Year's anticipation calls for a sneak peek at the dazzling SUVs coming soon! Here are some of the bough-and-holly rich details about what will be on tap for next year: 

The 2024 Kia Soul embodies a very affordable compact SUV, with the EX trim level gaining an available Designer package that offers 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth and faux-leather-trimmed seats, and the very cool Umber interior color scheme. All models with a Smart Key will now offer a sleep mode that will keep dangerous hackers from finding their way into the key’s frequency. The Motor Trend crew praised the incoming model for its “spacious cabin and very pleasant drive.”

The 2024 Kia Seltos enjoys its annual refresh this year, beginning with a larger grille on the front fascia, and slightly tweaked headlights. There is also the added convenience of an optional power liftgate, along with Fusion Black, Valais Green, and Pluton Blue joining the color lineup. The X-Line trim is primed and prepped to tackle the trail, featuring 18-inch tires, a gunmetal-finish front grille, black roof rack, gloss-black door accents, and unique X-line branding. 

The 2024 Kia Niro underwent a second-generation redesign last year. All trim levels of the Niro EV and standard hybrid except the LZ base model will now offer a standard dual-level cargo floor. This dynamic Kia offering has been praised for its handsome exterior, 3 excellent powertrains, and slightly larger size. The Edmunds.com review staff praised it for its “helpful driving aids, smooth ride quality, and excellent value for the money.”

The 2024 Kia Sportage now features LED projector headlights as standard, along with lifesaving second-row airbags directly integrated into the seats. Drivers are immediately sold on the Sportage’s eye-catching exterior, 3 great powertrains, and well-equipped cabin. Busy families love the spacious second row and the equipment offered with the X-Pro that helps tackle the rougher stuff. The Sportage makes an excellent first impression thanks to its snazzy design, very modern dashboard, and eye-catching demeanor. 

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent plenty of changes for the year with a very rugged and boxy design. The X-Pro trim boasts a 4,000-lb towing capacity, which is the highest in the segment. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is now standard, and the interior was given the holiday gift of updated controls along with new upholstery. Amber LED daytime running lights and new vertical taillights bring a much more striking look, and there are some other awesome elements borrowed from the EV9. New for this year is a machine learning-based adaptive cruise control that effectively adapts to your style of braking and accelerating. 

The 2024 Kia Telluride was just refreshed this year, with 2024’s updates focusing heavily on the exterior. On 2024 X-Pro and off-road trims, black gloss exterior accents are now standard. Drivers immediately notice that the Telluride drives like something much smaller, and it is known for its segment-leading technology features. The Edmunds.com team praised the Telluride for its “extensive standard features, satisfying drive, and very upscale cabin. As many vehicles in the segment are quickly overtaken by newer rivals, the Telluride has remained relevant and trendsetting.

The 2024 Kia EV6 brings back the base Light trim, now offered with either the 58.0-kWh battery or the 77.4-kWh pack with the other models in the lineup. The top-tier GT model is now upgraded to a 218-mile range, and every 2024 EV6 model boasts new charge port lighting and a much more clearly designated charge port door. If you are constantly mesmerized by vehicles from the future, the EV6 is going to strike your fancy immediately! The GT Model cranks out 576 horsepower, and the EV6’s charging speeds and alluring interior have caught the attention of the auto industry’s high-tech-enamored reviewers. 

The 2024 Kia EV9 comes from the same very high-tech vein of the brand we love to provide and support so much. With a DC fast charger, Kia says the EV9 should recover 10 to 80 percent charge in a mere 20 minutes. The EV9 has also stood out with the eco-conscious crowd, as it has employed vegan materials and many forms of recycled plastic to embrace sustainability. Dual 12.3-inch screens along with a 5.0-inch screen for HVAC are on board to aptly keep up with the Joneses, the EV9 promises to be very interesting and engaging at every drive.

Electric Elegance: Kia's Plug-in Pioneers Showcase Next-Level Tech at LA Auto Show

The arrival of electrification here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis is as timely and thrilling as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade itself, as we are looking to tomorrow to embrace the automotive offerings of today. Kia America introduced the all-electric EV3 and EV4 concept models at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show this past week, as attendees were treated to firsthand views of Kia’s cutting-edge EV platform developments. As the state of California is a very accurate gauge of EV success, the nation’s savviest EV consumers were a good choice to gauge this pair of stylish new offerings. 

When the striking and innovative EV9 was revealed in March, Kia introduced 10 must-have items that would be used for models such as the EV3 and Concept EV4. As biomass sources were closely examined to find ideal replacements, corn extract, sawdust, sugarcane, and vegetable oils were selected. The concept EV3 was built on the visual and very robust foundation of a dynamic silhouette, which results in a unique and memorable impression. Inside, the Concept EV3 evokes a practical sense and design and has been tailored to promote a sense of well-being. 

On a mission to make sure that cars’ interiors are a less stressful place to be, Kia has rethought design treatment in a major way. The Concept EV3 has an impeccable sense of ambiance and design, with ergonomic seating that employs natural fiber structures to provide a slimmed-down seating experience. 3D Knit technology is used for the seat covers, and these materials also partner up with unique tables that can slide forward and backward. These two vehicles may officially be concepts but it’s important to keep in mind that the same was said about the EV9, which was shown at the LA auto show in 2021. 

The EV4 concept doubles down on a sportier approach, with a very low nose, long tail, and very small rear spoiler. The very wide and low stance contributes to the look, and there’s a slide-out touchscreen with a very cool and appealing user interface for climate controls. The center console between the driver and the front passenger is built from one of the most unusual yet effective material sources: the use of Mycelium is a bio-fabric still in its early stages. Customizability is one of its real advantages, as it adjusts hydrophobicity and creates efficient hybrid materials. 

While there were no official statements from Kia about the expected range, the current-model EV6 can travel up to 310 miles on a charge. The timing could not be better to broaden the appeal for drivers with lower budgets, while still offering the excellent warranty coverage and safety features Kia owners benefit from each day on the road. There is also mention of fancy “mind modes” that adjust the lighting, ventilation patterns, and information on the display to jazz things up a visceral and futuristic notch. 

Intended to “redefine the sedan”, the four-door EV4 is slightly longer than the current Tesla Model 3 but arrives furiously out of the gate with a large serving of game-changing styling. It also features vertical LED headlamps at the very outer edge of the bumper that gradually blend into the signature Starmap lighting. These cabins are going to be minimal, to bring people closer together and offer a chance to declutter the over-occupied mind. This approach of “shy tech” for interiors stemmed from an increasingly overburdened landscape and the need for a relaxing place to truly decompress.

2024 Kia EV6: The Futuristic & Immersive Face of Modern Mobility

The 2024 Kia EV6 is three years old now and is still hailed as one of the most advanced and high-tech EVs on the market. That’s an amazing testament to how fantastic the design and everything under the skin was when it first made its grand entrance for the 2022 model year. From the rear-drive Wind to the very thrilling GT, the EV6 has a heaping serving of goodness for any EV fan. Ample range, very fast charging, and numerous configurations make the 2024 EV6 one of the most well-rounded EVs of today.

We were in awe from the beginning here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis regarding the EV6’s packaging, which leaves the driver with a ton of places to store valuables. The Light Long Range RWD and Light e-AWD models are new for 2024, which introduce the big 77.4 kWh pack and stronger motors with entry-level trims. The high-performance EV6 GT gets a 12-mile range boost and can now travel 218 miles on a full charge. From the very colorful lighting and unique trim on the center console to the very cool dual displays, there’s nothing out there that looks quite like this! 

All of us here at Jim Butler would agree that the EV6 looks very futuristic, but is still user-friendly for those that have gotten used to the way cars all operate now. The climate controls add a very clean touch to the overall aesthetic, and the 60/40 split screen functionality allows you to check out both navigation and auto at the same time. The wireless phone charger is right by your elbow in the center console, with the GT-Line and GT featuring an augmented reality head-up display that projects very clear enhanced info directly out into the road. 

The EV6’s electric powertrain architecture allows it to have a cab-forward design that's a bit more extreme than others and a pretty massive wheelbase. This makes for excellent backseat legroom for a vehicle that is situated directly in between the Sorento and Sportage in length. Cargo space turns out to be much better than Kia’s officially quoted stat of 24.4 cubic feet directly behind the back seat. The Light trim level has a 58-kilowatt-hour battery pack with a 180-kW maximum charging speed and rear-wheel drive powered by its single electric motor. 

Every other version of the EV6 comes with a 77.4 kWh battery pack that offers different ranges depending on what powertrain is featured. The EV6’s maximum charging output is 240 kW, which is phenomenal for this price point. You’ll be enjoying an 18-minute charge time to get from 10 to 80% if you are on a fast-charging setup. The Light, Wind and GT-Line trim levels come standard with a single motor handling the rear wheels that cranks out 225 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the GT-Line AWD model offers 20-inch wheels as standard, and a satisfying output of 576 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque. 

One of the high points here is the EV6’s low center of gravity, along with a useful one-pedal driving capacity. For anyone craving the type of power that leaves you wanting to dish out ANY excuse to go for a drive, the GT offers lightning-fast launches and an excellent disposal of all-weather assurance. The 258 lb-ft of instantly available torque is ready in a quick instant once you are moving, but not to the pin-you-back and breakneck level. No model at this price point can touch the E-GMP platform when it comes to charging speeds, and this is more solid proof that both the vehicle build and network quality are rapidly improving!

Kia America Earns 8 Honors in 2023 Newsweek Auto Awards

As the Thanksgiving table centerpieces are being prepared during the seasonal flurry of events, it’s a very special and activity-packed time of year for us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis! Just as the thrill and family fun of one holiday is over, the next one comes in rapid succession, and it’s a great time to know that you’ll arrive at these gatherings safely and efficiently courtesy of Kia. The holiday stars shone even brighter upon us this week, as Kia America earned 8 honors in the 2023 Newsweek Auto Awards.

The Kia Carnival took home “Best Minivan” for the lineup for the third year in a row, while the brand itself was recognized as the “most innovative vehicle brand.” The Kia Seltos took home “Best Small SUV”, while the Kia Sportage laid down a pre-turkey day’s claim to “Best two-row SUV.” The long-awaited Kia EV9 was rewarded with “Best Premium SUV”, along with “Best SUV Interior.” All these accolades firmly reinforce our ongoing commitment to master design excellence, while providing a diverse product lineup with something amazing for every driver.

The EV9 has eagerly delivered on so many very high-tech features, efficiently packaged into one downright amazing EV. With rich and appealing interior appointments, generous space for cargo, towing capability, excellent exterior design, and leading vehicle dynamics, the EV9 is guaranteed to keep things exciting during each day of ownership. Kia has gone from admittedly existing as a budget choice to a front-runner capable of competing fiercely with the best, and the EV9 has doubled down on a very determined plan to do everything with fantastic flair.

The EV9’s front end still boasts Kia’s signature “tiger nose” graphic, and a very clever optical feature that adds to a powerful sense of width. The interior feels quite modern and spacious, and all the necessary driving-related technology is smartly centered around the brand-new steering wheel design. Future Kia models are committed to cutting back on featuring leather, with natural oils in the seat foam, and recycled interior plastics from materials like the fishing nets that are rapidly polluting our seas. 

We are thrilled that these esteemed media outlets are recognizing our new take on what luxury means, and firmly non-traditional approach. These brand lineup awards were based on Newsweek Editor’s opinions after testing for style, comfort, materials quality, layout, and seamlessness of technology display. Front-running vehicles such as the 2023 Seltos also received a high amount of praise from Edmunds.com over the past quarter. This editing team deemed it fantastic for being “stylish, roomy, and available with plenty of the latest technology and safety features. 

The Sportage made quite a large splash with its crisp, aggressive styling that will likely dictate the look and feel of Kia’s coming future vehicles. a very intuitive infotainment system, a wide array of standard safety features, and a stellar warranty make it even more appealing. The Motor Trend auto review crew praised the 2023 Seltos for its spacious interior, impressive tech, and segment-leading hybrid model. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard on almost every trim, along with a great amount of efficiency with an engaging drive making for a sure-fire home run. 

We invite you to come check out any of these award-winning models this fall here at Jim Butler, where we are proud to host this fleet of earth-friendly and high-achieving vehicles of the future!