A Footprint Fit for Formidable Escape: Get to Know the Enhanced 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro!

Here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, we are always commandeering a front-row seat to emerging trends, and we’d all have to agree that “rugged is in!” Pretty much every automaker out there is coming out with new trims that are attempting to toughen up their trail-ready image, and our 2024 Sorento X-Pro now enjoys this treatment directly after the Sportage and Telluride. The trim line is a highlight of this year’s mid-cycle refresh for the Sorento, which starts the awesome new look off with completely redesigned front and rear ends. 

Base Sorento models are equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder which cranks out 191 horsepower, with upper trim levels boasting the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder churning out 281 ponies. There are two very efficient hybrids paired with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor good for 227 horsepower in the standard hybrid. 

The plug-in hybrid cranks out 261 horsepower, and the X-Pro is available as an option on the SX-Prestige trim. Towing capacity is a very important stat for anyone looking to bring power toys along for the next lake excursion, which the X-Pro’s new radiator fan helps boost up to 4500 lbs. Ride height is also boosted from 6.9 to 8.2 inches, along with the standard 20-inch alloy tires being traded up for 17-inch wheels. 

These are neatly wrapped in BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A all-terrain tires, which the crew deemed were “perfectly suited for eating up highway miles on a family road trip or jogging around town completing errands.” As soon as the group abandoned the pavement and sampled some tried-and-true Rocky Mountain terrain, the X-Pro really proved its worth in the snow and slush. Snow mode immediately distributes more power to the rear wheels, while Sorento's overall steering performance was rendered way above par.

Switching the dial mode to “Sport” preps things for aggressive driving, allowing for spirited enjoyment of every turn! The Olive Brown leather package and faux wood on the dash stepped up the aesthetics a notch, and EX trims and above replaced the second-row bench seat with extra-comfy captain’s chairs. 

The entire Sorento lineup now comes with twin 12.3-inch display screens, with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay coming standard to stay connected and fully musically inclined on all trims. The Edmunds.com review staff praised the Sorento for its abundance of standard and optional features, awesome amounts of legroom, and sharp infotainment system. Here it was noted that the Sorento is nearly 3 seconds faster than the VW Tiguan and the Honda Passport when it comes down to 0-60 mph time.

The visibility inside is excellent, thanks to excellent sightlines and large windows. The Edmunds team was able to nail down 24 mpg combined during testing, and a 25.2 mpg average during their mixed-evaluation drive route. Thoughtful detailing and premium touches allow the Sorento to look on point when it comes to value for the money, along with impressive power that is addictive. The experts on staff at Autoblog were adamant about the 2024 Kia Sorento having “the best technology suite around”, and we guarantee that the fallen roots on a trail near you are beckoning to come and instigate exciting exploration!

The Evolution of Elegance: Discover the Bold and Brilliant 2025 Kia K4

Questions regarding the future of our lineup are frequently brought up here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, where we have welcomed many awards and accolades over the past year! One decision that has been recently finalized was highlighted by the bloggers hard at work serving up the scoop at MotorTrend, as Kia has now officially revealed a preview of the new K4. This is a “next-generation sedan” whose emergence finalizes our suspicions that the current model Forte is being replaced. 

The current Kia Forte is a versatile and groundbreaking model for Kia, moving over 100,000 units last year alone. It also flaunts the brand’s current lowest entry price and arrives on our lot with a capable 1.6-liter turbo engine cranking out more than 200 horsepower. EPA ratings are a trait that many drivers are looking at closely, as prices at the pump have not quite loosened their grip on the nation. The current-model Forte is rated at 41 mpg on the highway and rounds off the entire package as a very practical, efficient, and exciting affordable compact.

The images that Motor Trend published didn’t reveal too much beyond a design that has a funkier persona then the current very traditional shape. The exterior footprint seems to be a bit larger, with a sloping roofline and rear-end treatment that makes a bit louder initial statement. The new design has very clean bodywork, and much attention to detail was given to the process of revamping an already-attractive favorite. There are a few similarities to the existing Kia K3 sedan, which was officially introduced in Asia last year.

The fender lines and greenhouse designs are where there are initial similarities, but the sheetmetal patterns are not quite alike. The Kia K4 Forte replacement will probably see a boost in material quality inside too, with a list of new technologies and luxury touches to be available. It’s not quite clear yet if the same five trim options will carry over, along with two powertrains. Many questions will likely be answered at the New York International Auto Show on March 27, with a fully-fledged online preview on March 21. 

The images on the Kia website portray a class-leading blend of advanced technology, along with future-forward aesthetics and appealing contours. The manual-equipped Kia Forte GT now packs a 1.6-liter turbocharged I4 under the hood that cranks out 200 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Car and Driver reporting crew showed the teaser photos, where one can still make out a fastback roofline much like the Stinger Sport sedan’s. This incoming and potentially hybrid setup will offer competition up against the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta. 

The rear door handles are no longer situated close to the beltline, as they are integrated into the C-Pillar. There are also two noticeable kinks in the roof line and a D-pillar that is shaped a bit like a fin. Some industry experts are betting that the key four will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission as well, and the Cars.com review team also couldn't resist getting in on the predictive action. After getting their glimpse of the teaser photos, they said that the roof’s corner’s approach to the rear doors was like “Adam and God stretching toward one another, or E.T. healing Elliot’s finger!”

Fortified, Efficient, and Fabulous: 2024 Kia Telluride Claims Top Safety Pick+ Accolade

Keeping up with all the positive media coverage can be quite the task here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis, as the awards and accolades for excellence continue stacking up quickly during the first quarter! The 2024 Kia Telluride has now achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick+” rating, while the 2024 Sportage follows closely behind winning the IIHS "Top Safety Pick." Both SUVs were praised for “offering the highest level of protection for both vehicle and occupants and vulnerable road users." This winning announcement occurred after the IIHS tightened up their strengthened requirements last year.

This decision was geared towards offering better protection for back-seat passengers and improving pedestrian crash avoidance systems. Under the new terms for criteria, vehicles must nail down a “good” rating in the side protection test and an “acceptable” or “good” rating in a revised version of the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation. Both day and night testing are now included during this evaluation, along with other modifications to the moderate front overlap test. To rigorously test resilient durability, there is now another dummy situated behind the driver’s seat. 

We were very supportive of IIHS’s new measures to enhance road safety and have constantly remained dedicated to making advancements in the name of premium protection every day. The 2024 Telluride SUV continues to win drivers over with its sophisticated appearance, and spacious 3-row cabin that can accommodate up to 8 passengers. The industry’s best technological features are on board to make any long trip more efficient and entertaining, with available upgrades such as dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens. 

The Highway Driving Assist 2.0 feature combines adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lead-vehicle distance technology, and an amazing lane-centering assistance system. This offers the very useful and intuitive Level 2 semi-autonomous driving experience. The Motor Trend review team also had very high praise to offer for the Telluride post test-drive, as they loved its “smart interior packaging, excellent ride and handling, and large screens with responsive UI. Its rugged styling, segment-leading packaging, and abundant technology help it stand out in its segment. 

The Telluride just underwent a major overhaul for the 2023 model year, and review professionals are happy that they aren’t messing with the well-curated formula! The Telluride definitely looks the part of an adventure-ready crossover and has amazing handling characteristics for a vehicle its size. This IIHS-noted pick for 2024 is an excellent value proposition for any shopper in need of a spacious vehicle and doesn’t sacrifice practicality or style in its execution. The 3.8-liter V6 cranks out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and is nicely paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

During testing the Kia Telluride X-Pro accelerated to 60 mph in just 7.0 seconds, while also offering unique 18-inch wheels wrapped in very capable Continental all-terrain tires. The X-Pro offers 500 pounds more of towing capacity, along with unique badging and a sweet 110-volt charger for the cargo area. We also love the added goodies the Telluride X-line offers, with its special badging, bridge-type roof rails, 20-inch wheels, and radiator grille design that changes depending on trim selection. If the trails keep calling you in celebration of the coming of spring, it also sports a 0.4-inch lift for a total of 8.4 inches. 

Five USB-C charging ports come as standard, with six available depending on your selection. The Kia Drive Wise safety suite offers many of the features responsible for this IIHS safety win. Here you enjoy the consistent protection of rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assistance, lane keeping and following assist, safe exit assist, blind spot detection, sensor-assisted rear occupant alert, driver attention warning, and Highway Driving Assist. The 2024 Kia Telluride attained an overall Motor Trend score of 8.7/10 while also snatching up a 9/10 for tech innovation, and a consumer-base-pleasing 8/10 for value.

Resourceful & Rolling Revelry: The 2024 Kia Carnival – Where Capability Meets Class!

We have had many busy families on the go here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis and none of them were used to using the word “attractive” when talking about minivans. That is until they were introduced to the Carnival. The 2024 Kia Carnival has some very attractive qualities, a good deal of standard features, along with industry-leading warranty coverage. It is a class-leading member of the “MPV” crew, displaying multi-purpose and clever styling at every turn!

The Car and Driver experts are used to sharing test drive results for supercars, high horsepower levels, and aggressive rides with top-notch handling. However, they were incredibly enthusiastic about the Carnival, heralding its “unobtrusive powertrain, nicely tuned ride and handling, and handsome styling.” They declared it ideal for the times when an SUV just “isn’t handy enough”. The Carnival’s comfortable and value-packed space even wears a crossover-inspired look that assists a commanding first impression.

The first area where the Carnival excels over the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey is space: with its low-load floor and tall roof, there is more than enough for any active family’s daily needs. If you opt for the second-row VIP seats, the van is quickly transformed into luxury transit that can make even the longest trips with restless young ones much easier. Each model also comes loaded with the latest infotainment options, along with watch-dog grade driver-assistance features. Everything included aligns so well with a busy family’s summer escape that the Carnival enjoyed a Car and Driver “2024 Editor’s Choice” honor.

The trim levels range from the value-focused LX to the upper-end SX Prestige. The EX proved here that it represents the true “sweet spot” that boasts extras such as a power operated lift gate, in-cabin intercom, and a very handy voice control system that allows rear-seat passengers more control. Power is sourced from a pleasantly overachieving 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out a robust 290 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed automatic. The well-balanced ride and handling stole the show, along with the ample acceleration abilities of the V6.

When tested on the 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the Carnival yielded 28 mpg highway, with the EPA’s official ratings residing at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The large-center console offers numerous places for small-item storage, accommodating the many USB drives, lost or found fingerlings, and random chargers along for the trip. The SX Prestige trim comes with high-end leather upholstery and can be spec’d with very comfy second-row seats with pop-up footrests. Another great option for maximizing the Carnival’s vacation appeal is the panoramic sunroof, allowing for awesome visuals and fresh air for second-row occupants. 

During testing, the Car and Driver crew were able to squeeze 14 suitcases behind the third row, and 48 in total after folding all the seats down. The infotainment screens that come with any new vehicle are one of the most crucial selling points in the current market. Much like powertrain specs on cars are more athletic, screen size allows the driver and passengers to know they'll be properly entertained for the whole journey. The Carnival comes with a single 8-inch infotainment screen standard, along with two optional 12.3-inch displays on the front dashboard. Another of the SX Prestige trim’s upper-end features is a crisp 12-speaker Bose stereo, along with the SX’s optional rear-seat entertainment system.