Summer’s Sphere of Excellence: 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid Combines Style, Space, and Savings

The KBB.com staff has been busy filling drivers in on the best auto picks regarding style, space, and savings for decades! We noticed they had excellent things to say about the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid last week, claiming it is the “sweet spot of the wider Sportage lineup that includes gas-only and plug-in hybrid drivetrains.” Things get started with more power than the gas version, excellent affordability, and better fuel economy.

Curious drivers here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis will find that this model allows for 34 miles of travel on electricity alone! The Hybrid boasts plenty of modern tech offerings, and an acceptable amount of thrust to complement its awesome design. This model debuted in 2023 and is another example of the class-leading efforts now being produced. An optional Premium package is offered with the mid-level EX trim, adding a cool way to appreciate the atmosphere with a panoramic sunroof.

The hands-free tailgate operation is another genius addition: after 15 seconds it can be opened with no-touch activation. The KBB.com team’s recommendation for the best value is the mid-level EX trim, which features all-wheel drive as standard. Heated front seats will allow you to weather the chilly Missouri mornings. Blind-spot monitoring allows for safe lane-changing with ultra-modern assistance. With its 227 horsepower, the Sportage Hybrid boasts a slight edge over the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V. Its smooth ride quality and quiet cabin make it an excellent choice for long road trips.

The EX trim accomplishes 38 mpg during combined city/highway driving. Some very ingenious additions that make life easier such as the center console’s cup holder area. It can quickly transform into a storage place for bulkier items. There are dual instrument cluster/infotainment displays for navigation. Those getting ready to embark on a long trip will enjoy the 41.3 inches of rear legroom, and the generous 39.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats. This test drive crew rendered the Sportage’s overall design aesthetic as “so striking that it leaves them with a euphoric buzz!”

The hybrid drivetrain offers the very satisfying feature of “extra thrust” from its electric side. As buyers are demanding more and more screen real estate, manufacturers such as us have wholeheartedly stepped things up! The Sportage’s top-level trims offer 12.3-inch screens, which add to the cabin’s state-of-the-art feel. The SX Prestige offers a very posh Harman Kardon sound system. The 2025 Kia Sportage generation has also been rendered a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The X-Pro model offers 8.3 in. of ground clearance, consistently prepped for conquering the wild. Kia’s unique 360-degree Surround View Monitor uses four exterior-mounted cameras to enhance awareness.

This is especially useful in tight situations or busy neighborhoods full of bicycle commuters and playing children. Some of us remember a 1990s film classic titled “Dude, Where’s My Car?” If you ever find yourself in this situation, the Kia Access app can locate it and get you directions quickly. This handy feature also connects with Amazon Alexa so voice commands for features such as Remote Start make things easier. The touch panel climate controls conveniently convert to media controls when not in use. Visibility is excellent thanks to big windows and body dimensions that can be simply gauged from the driver’s seat.

Meet the 2025 Kia K4: The Affordable Sedan Revolution Begins!

The Motor Trend bloggers have always had a knack for serving up hot news scoops, and they delivered once again last week! They ran a picture of a sleek compact sedan that was not instantly recognizable to us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis. It actually turns out to be the complete reinvention of Kia’s entry-level sedan, sporting an entirely new name and aesthetic. The 2025 Kia K4 enters the market as the successor to the Kia Forte, and also fills in as the most affordable vehicle in our appealing lineup. 

A hatchback version was spotted at the 2024 New York Auto Show, which may not officially come around until a year later. Senior project strategy manager Young Kim claimed that the emphasis was to get the sedan out to the public first. The K4 boasts a bit larger stature than the outgoing Forte and is on track to be the largest kid in the class. It is based on the K3 platform and adds the benefit of multilink suspension to its top three trims. 

There is plenty of headroom, along with an abundance of legroom in the second row. The eye-catching design hinges on a very attractive fastback roofline. Another of its very cool unique visual features is the vertical headlights pushed to the corners. There are five trim levels in the lineup: LX, LXS, GT-Line, GT-Line Turbo, and the EX. The EX’s interior is a unique slate green, with others including a sweet red/black combo, medium gray, and two-tone black and white. The GT-Line Turbo has a particularly wicked glossy black 18-inch wheel option as well.

The base engine is a 20-liter Atkinson 4-cylinder engine paired with a CVT, cranking out 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are estimated at 30 mph in the city and 41 on the highway, for a combined 34 mpg. The upgraded version is the 1.6-liter turbo-four that ups the performance to 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed automatic. Continuing with what has been a driver-pleasing trend in the US, the center infotainment screen has now grown to 12.3 inches. 

Entry-level models used to be equipped with smaller 7 or 8-inch screens, which saw buyers anxiously craving an improvement! This very crucial piece of automotive real estate has now become a very competitive battleground, and manufacturers have recognized how important it is among the younger crowd. Another first for Kia is the exciting introduction of an AI voice assistant. This feature uses natural language queries instead of sourcing keywords. Its smart integration allows it to “remember” context and the owner’s manual is included for quick reference.

Rotating cupholders are one of Kia’s genius additions that was made for busy drivers on the go! You can use them to hold a 32-ounce beverage or retract for carry-ons such as a bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos! Providing numerous features and value for the price are the laurels that Kia design has long stood by. We hope to see you during the sizzling months of summer here at Jim Butler, where we offer the best in financing and service for all of our models. Drivers are still enthusiastic about connecting with the road in a thrilling sedan such as this, and we can’t wait to deliver more news about the inspiring future!

 

Fashion-Forward and Fuel-Smart: The 2024 Kia Sorento Turns Heads + Corners

The 2024 Sorento hits the lot here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis with a bold new look, a powerful turbocharged engine, and a revamped interior sure to impress. Plus, the all-new X-Pro trim is ready for adventure, whether you’re heading to the mountains or just barely making the start time for soccer practice! Positioned just below the flagship Telluride, the Sorento is perfect for families that can benefit from a convenient third row. 

The 2024 Sorento takes after its inspiring relative, the Telluride, with a strong, boxy design that demands attention. Embracing Kia's "Bold For Nature" theme, the Sorento features an upright hood, squared-off sides, and a rectangular front grille reminiscent of the upcoming EV9 electric SUV. Adding to its Telluride-inspired look, it boasts vertically stacked headlamps, unique Star Map driving lights, and vertical taillights. With all types of interior choices now available, today’s drivers tend to prefer a very modern touch. To rise up to the challenge and meet this demand, the 2024 Sorento is equipped with a 12.3-inch dual instrument cluster and infotainment screen.

The Sorento’s standard powertrain is the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder which cranks out 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic with standard front-wheel drive or an optional all-wheel drivetrain. Upper trim levels quench any urban dweller’s need for speed with the more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, cranking out 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Kia’s active on-demand all-wheel drive system draws on “all the feels” from a center locking differential. This is the hard-working additive that can automatically split power equally between the front and rear wheels.

Traction and stability are both high on wish lists here at Jim Butler during Missouri winters, and the Sorento’s leveraged torque vectoring improves both. X-Line models add more visual flair with a center-locking differential, and very cool front and rear bumpers with a molded-in skid plate garnish. There’s also a unique gloss-black front grille, and 20-inch gloss-black wheels, along with signature X-line logos sprucing things up inside and out. X-Pro models claim the “high style” perch courtesy of 17-inch wheels, BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, and a max towing capacity of 4,500 lbs.

These higher trim levels offer eye-catching Sage and Olive brown interior color hues, along with high-end open-pore wood garnish. The 2021 Rebelle Rally marked the thrilling sixth edition of an all-women’s road contest. The 2022 Sorento PHEV began this endurance test at the legendary Hoover Dam, inspiring the Roadrider Brown hue during the process. The 2024 Sorento is Kia’s second production vehicle featuring the amazing Connected Car Navigation cockpit operating system.

The driving aids of the future are now hinging on advancements that amaze even the most tech-savvy! Smart Cruise Control-Machine Learning will adapt to your braking patterns and driving style, tailoring a fine-tuned daily drive experience. Highway Driving Assist 2 with automatic lange changing is another new game-changing addition that ushers the convenience of tomorrow into the confines of today. The Edmunds.com review team praised the 2024 Sorento for its “abundance of standard features, ample second-row legroom, sharp-looking infotainment system, and incredibly quiet cabin.”

Wheels of Wonder: The Award-Winning Design Behind the Kia EV9's Unique Look

The Kia EV9 is a brand-new three-row electric SUV that has already earned praise from critics and customers alike! We were paying close attention here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis when it snatched up the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award. Constantly sought-after and sensational, it also claimed the 2024 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year Supreme Winner. A vehicle can’t secure any of these major awards unless it delivers a truly exceptional driving experience.

The EV9’s amazing electric propulsion system, class-leading design, and gorgeous interior all are elements that have established it as one of the most desirable vehicles in its segment. Kia had personally invited the CarBuzz review team to the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show, where they had the chance to speak with Teck-Koun Kim, who is in charge of Kia Next Design Group. He and his team have spent many productive hours constructing the entire EV fleet, and conceptualizing Kia’s influential design language. They began by solidifying just how striking the EV9 was meant to be, as a vehicle that catches attention immediately. 

So many cars on the market now are built “just to blend in”, and don’t have the captivating allure that renders them instantly memorable. The reinvigorated Kia lineup began with a smaller-than-average EV. Things moved forward subtly from that point on, and Kias now almost looks as if they are from a completely separate brand! The vehicles of today have arrived with a bit of a design disparity. The driving factor for this is the pace at which new vehicles are launched and existing models are updated. 

The vehicles that will be delivered very shortly are necessary to move from gas to electric. It has been important to consider the character that was needed to rise up as an industry favorite. The Telluride is now one of the most successful SUVs in the nation. This was achieved by an introspective look at how drivers perceive Kia based on first impressions. One of the visually striking features that has won many over is the Star Map lighting. This is a very personalized way of making the EV9 stand out from other models. 

The K8 was launched with its own form of lighting called the Star Cloud, which was inspired by the unique beauty of the night sky. As people go about their necessary tasks, they love to draw inspiration from nature. These small yet impactful touches embrace a technical appeal that allows one to enjoy an organic connection while on the road. Even the EV9’s wheel designs were very carefully selected. EV wheels are consistently challenged by aerodynamics. The more closed the final build is, the better it performs during the task at hand. 

The wheels were eventually designed with geometric states that were visually appealing and efficient. The EV9’s interior has also won many over with its very open and airy interior. The lack of an engine allows automakers to approach a completely different layout formula. Head designer Kim’s favorite element of the EV9 is the side view. The overall SUV has an upright character, while the hood offers a very gentle surface. The very front end can remind some of what the Niro appears like, with a few distinct accents that allow it to not be overly boxy.

The 2024 Kia Seltos: Upscale Interior, Affordable Excellence, Turbocharged Excitement

The 2024 Seltos has been one of the hottest vehicles to keep a watch on here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis! Eagerly earning awards such as “The Affordable Car Challenge” in 2023 from Cars.com, its excellent available features and amenities at an affordable price have kept it quite popular. Not much has changed for the 2025 model year, but one notable mention is that each model receives improved interior materials for a more upscale feel. 

The S trim level now rolls on standard two-tone 17-inch wheels and features a 4.3-inch screen in the gauge cluster. The SX and EX trims now receive rear parking sensors as standard equipment. The all-wheel-drive EX and SX now get power liftgates, while the standard powertrain remains the normally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It cranks out 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque and is mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The “EPA-rated goodness” that any model cranks out is one of its largest draws in today’s market, and the Seltos is now situated at 28/34/31 mpg. 

Stepping things up to the X-line or Seltos SX trim spruces things up in the power department with the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. This engine cranks out 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic. The X-Line and SX are rated at 24/27/25 mpg. Today’s buyer can be rightfully concerned with the features included on entry-level trim levels, and here the LX shines brightly against the competition. Here you get to enjoy various goodies such as standard AWD, keyless entry, a six-speaker sound system, and an 8-inch touchscreen with AppleCarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition. 

The S trim foregoes standard AWD but also adds LED daytime running lights and taillights, bright exterior trim, available two-tone paint and push-button start. Just one attractive trim level up the line here features very alluring synthetic-leather seat trim, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and satellite radio. The EX trim also upgrades the seating with full synthetic-leather upholstery, heated front seats, and very convenient power adjustment for the driver. 

This trim also boasts the larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while the X-Line trim includes dark exterior trim and 18-inch wheels. The top trims of today have been pleasing buyers here at Jim Butler with their added luxury touches, and high-end approach to everyday driving. The SX trim now features Highway Driving Assist, forward collision avoidance, and speed limit assist. There’s also the very cool auto-dimming rearview mirror, top-tier 8-speaker Bose sound system, and optional ventilated front seats. 

The Edmunds.com auto review team loved the Seltos’ “stylish, roomy, and tech-rich” persona. The turbocharged engine was most definitely the favored test drive pick, while the SUV remained consistently fun to drive. They also loved the spacious interior, as it was “like Mary Poppins’ bag, seeming to swallow items that simply shouldn’t fit.” They tested the top-of-the-line SX trim and also commended it for its responsive steering and taut suspension. They also recommended stepping up to the X-LIne for its more powerful engine, rugged styling, and upper-end comfort such as heated seats. Other tip-top touches are black roof rails and accents, the 10.25-inch display, and abundant safety features.