Smart, Sleek, and Sensational: The 2026 Kia EV3 is the EV You’ve Been Waiting For

The 2026 Kia EV3 will stand out here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis with a feature that might usually fly under the radar: its innovative headrests. Unlike standard headrests, the EV3’s are hollow, cushioned cradles wrapped in breathable mesh, designed to support your head effortlessly whether you're on the move or parked. This accommodating touch delivers an unparalleled level of comfort.

The EV3 also boasts a premium interior experience inspired by the larger Kia EV9. This electric SUV combines smart engineering with a sleek design, offering a well-rounded package of essential safety features and modern technology. Far from a budget compromise, the EV3 is poised to become a key player in the electric vehicle market.

The affordable end of this market has mostly been occupied by either stripped-down versions of high-end models or budget EVs with limited range. What’s been missing is a well-balanced electric vehicle that provides practical value without sacrificing the driver’s connection to the road. Enter the 2026 Kia EV3, which fills this gap perfectly!

Our recent design evolution has garnered much praise, with the EV3 being a prime example. While Kia and Hyundai have made significant strides in design, Kia's bold approach is particularly evident with the EV3. It takes the standout features of the larger EV9—such as its robust lines and compact shape—and adapts them for a more streamlined, eye-catching appearance. The result is a clean, distinctive look enhanced by smart aerodynamic features, including underbody panels and redesigned wheel arches that reduce drag to an impressive 0.26Cd.

Built on Hyundai's flexible E-GMP platform, the EV3 features an 81.4-kWh liquid-cooled battery embedded in the floor. To keep the vehicle affordable, Kia has opted for a 400-volt architecture, which means slightly longer charging times compared to high-end models. This means a 10% to 80% charge in about 31 minutes with a peak DC fast-charging rate of 130 kW. The EV3 comes with CCS charging ports, and while it's not yet confirmed whether it will adopt Tesla’s NACS standard and Supercharger access, it remains a strong possibility.

Inside, the EV3's cabin impresses with its spacious and comfortable design. Front seats are notably cozy, and the use of stylish recycled materials adds a touch of luxury. Kia has redesigned the HVAC system to streamline the dashboard and increase footwell space. Rear legroom is generous, though the slightly elevated floor may give a feeling of sitting higher up, similar to older Subaru models.

The EV3 is equipped with features that make daily driving simple. It includes a crystal-clear heads-up display, front seats with heating and ventilation, and rear seats with heating and HVAC vents. V2L charging capability allows you to power devices like a blender or camping gear. A notable touch is the ambient lighting strip across the dashboard, which turns red if you exceed the speed limit, and the feature can be turned off.

The EV3 opts for a floating armrest with an extendable “table” rather than a traditional center console storage bin. This open bin on the floor for cupholders contributes to a spacious feel in the front row but could lead to visible clutter.

For the ultimate commuter’s vehicle, the 2026 Kia EV3 excels in handling daily traffic with ease and comfort. Even while taking on Seoul’s notorious traffic jams, the EV3’s lane-keeping assist and adaptive stop-and-go cruise control ensured a smooth and stress-free ride.

2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Kia Sorento: Which SUV Comes Out On Top?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are like two standout siblings, each excelling in their own ways. Here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, many drivers have fallen for the Sorento’s blend of practicality and charm. Think of these SUVs as top chefs, each offering a unique recipe for success. But if you’re choosing just one for your driveway, which one is the better pick? The experts at Edmunds have explored the key differences to help you decide.

Hyundai and Kia are corporate cousins, sharing much of the same technology and engineering. The Santa Fe and Sorento both feature similar drivetrains and tech features. However, the 2024 Santa Fe now offers a third-row seat, matching the Sorento’s long-standing feature. This upgrade makes comparing these midsize SUVs more intriguing than ever.

Need to tow some weekend gear? Both SUVs can handle the task. The Santa Fe, when properly equipped, can tow up to 3,500 pounds—perfect for a small camper or water toys. The rugged XRT trim can pull up to 4,500 pounds. The 2025 Sorento matches this capability with a 3,500-pound tow rating for the turbocharged engine and 4,500 pounds with the off-road-focused X-Pro Prestige trim. Whether for off-road adventures or lake days, the Sorento is ready for the challenge.

While the Santa Fe delivers more power right out of the gate, the Sorento offers a plug-in hybrid option that the Santa Fe lacks. Both SUVs feature hybrid engines with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. However, the Sorento’s plug-in hybrid model adds around 32 miles of all-electric range before switching to hybrid mode, where it still achieves an impressive 34 mpg. If eco-friendly driving with a substantial electric range is your priority, the Sorento has you covered.

When it comes to style, personal preference reigns supreme. The Santa Fe’s boxy, angular design recalls the rugged look of classic models like the Jeep Cherokee or Land Rover Defender. The XRT trim enhances this with raised ground clearance, distinctive wheels, and all-terrain tires. On the flip side, the Sorento sports a sleeker, more refined design with smooth curves, tapered windows, and a bold front end. For 2025, the Sorento features a new front grille, revised taillights, updated wheel designs, and new X-Line and X-Pro trims for a more rugged appearance.

The 2025 Sorento’s infotainment system boasts a dual-screen setup that curves across the dashboard. Standard models include a 4.3-inch digital gauge display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Higher trims upgrade to a fully reconfigurable 12.3-inch digital display, offering a more customizable and immersive experience. It’s a blend of advanced technology and style, putting everything right at your fingertips.

The Edmunds.com review team praised the 2025 Kia Sorento for its “abundance of standard and optional features, sharp-looking and easy-to-use infotainment system, and quiet cabin on the highway.” The X-Pro model provides more capability for dirt roads, along with extra might for trailering. After living with the Sorento as a daily driver for a year, this group of journalists was most happy about its spacious interior and impressive suite of available in-car tech.

Kia K4: Sleek, Stylish, and Ready to Turn Heads

As fall settles in at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, it's a time of exciting change. With cooler temperatures, it's a perfect opportunity to explore some of the beautiful hiking trails St. Louis has to offer. Just under 30 miles away, you can find gems like Klondike Park, where you can enjoy the stunning scenery along the Lewis and Clark trail. This season also brings the arrival of new models, including the all-new Kia K4, which is set to replace the Forte sedan.

Every K4 model comes standard with an Intelligent Variable Transmission, while the GT-Line Turbo gets a traditional 8-speed automatic. We're still waiting to see if the hatchback version will debut with the first model, or if it will be available in 2025. The trim levels start with the LX, LXS, and EX, and top off with the impressive GT-Line. The GT-Line stands out with its rear multi-link and sport-tuned suspension, replacing the standard K4's torsion beam rear axle.

Under the hood, the GT-Line Turbo is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, which replaces the 2.0-liter engine found in the lower trims. Despite its smaller size, it delivers 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a top speed of 130 mph.

The entry-level 2025 K4 LX is estimated to achieve 30 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and 34 mpg combined. The GT-Line Turbo is expected to have similar fuel efficiency. The K4 faces competition from the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Toyota Corolla, but Motor Trend noted that the K4’s styling, both inside and out, is more impressive than its rivals. Most K4 trims will arrive in September, with the GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo expected in November and early 2025, respectively.

Car and Driver praised the GT model, calling it “distinctively good-looking, well-equipped, and rowdy fun.” They highlighted the K4 as a great family buy, with the GT trim offering an extra dose of excitement. Consumer Reports also praised the K4’s technology, from its optional large screen array to its extensive list of safety features. The K4 continues Kia's tradition of offering premium features that exceed expectations for its class.

The Kia K4 is about 2 inches longer and wider than the Forte, and slightly larger than the Honda Civic. Its new vertical LED headlight design, inspired by the EV9 SUV, adds a striking visual touch at night. The GT-Line models feature stylish black accents, 18-inch wheels, and satin chrome garnish. Other available upgrades include a Harman Kardon premium audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a sunroof. The optional Highway Driving Assist can make long journeys more comfortable by helping with lane changes and reacting to merging traffic.