The Results Are In: Kia is Most Awarded Brand in J.D. Power 2022 APEAL Study

There are so many different sources and teams of experts that are poised to put new vehicles to the test, and the team at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis is extremely proud of how well the Kia lineup has performed in every test drive, review or study thrown its way. The J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Awards closely followed Kia’s arsenal of models during this year’s study and recognized three of our brightly shining stars on wheels for their superior performance and appeal.

The brand-new EV6 took the top spot in the Compact SUV segment, while the K5 and Carnival MPV each took first in their respective categories. These three APEAL awards strongly reinforce how our brand has changed to be a prominent leader in not just the automotive industry, but also in mobility and electrification after taking note of the very high marks the EV6 has received since its arrival on the scene. The APEAL study is taken from vehicle owners that are asked to consider 40 various traits separated into 10 different experience groups. 

J.D. Power then analyzes the different responses to generate an overall APEAL score gleaned from a range of a 1,000-point scale. Here are some more fine details this tremendous trio won everyone over with:

The Brand-New EV6 boasts an Electric-Global Modular Platform that underpins the all-new model in RWD or Dual-Motor AWD, and derives power from a state-of-the-art 77.4kWh high-density lithium-ion battery. You’ll thoroughly enjoy an EPA-rated 310-mile range for road trips and excursions, along with ultra-fast DC charging capability from 10-80 percent charge in under 18 minutes. It’s quite luxurious stretching out in 102 cu-ft. of passenger room, also offering 50.2 cu-ft. of space with the second-row seats folded down. Another very awesome feature of the EV6 is its Augmented Reality Head-Up Display system, which projects incredibly realistic 3-D images directly on the windshield! 

The 2022 Kia Carnival MPV offers up dynamic and very practical performance with its new more-powerful 3.5-liter V6, which delivers best-in-class 290 horsepower and 3,500 lbs. of towing capacity. The longer journeys will be very luxurious and just what the “getting away from the cubicle” plan outlined with the side-flex 2nd-row seating and VIP Lounge Seating options. Traveling with all your most loved ones in tow will be amazing courtesy of 12 standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which is the most available of any model in the segment. Disrupting a category that had not been shaken or stirred for decades, the Carnival truly proves in the flesh what is possible when stereotypes and conventional thinking are challenged. 

The Kia K5 features a very lively interior and exterior, and a delightfully quick and sporty 290-hp GT model. It’s classified as a family sedan, but its exciting design succeeds perfectly at the task of rivaling competing crosstown models such as the Honda Accord, with a consumer-friendly price for 2022 and pleasantly edgy manners. Named to the Car and Driver Editor’s Choice list and providing many great safety standard features and infotainment technology, the front-drive LXS now also has rear-seat USB charge ports. Every GT-Line comes equipped with 18-inch wheels, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wireless smartphone charging.

Kia EV6 Deliveries Display “Anticipation of Spring” Spirit as Officially now Running 3 Months Ahead of Schedule

At Jim Butler Kia, we were on the very spring-inspired news end when we received confirmation this week that the deliveries of our highly anticipated Kia EV6 model reported early delivery!

A verified Reddit user reported their celebrated delivery of the brand-new Kia EV6 just two days ago, and another user in the UK got their model and is prepared to tear up the roads in glee! He wrote in the comments of the original post that he had chosen the “GT-Line All-Wheel Drive with the 77.4kWh battery pack”, and that he was elated with it so far. The Car and Driver team had high praise after their test drive of the EV6 for its slim and low front end, well-sculpted fenders, and generous interior space.

There is a well-positioned USB port on the seatbacks for the rear passengers, and the floating center console is where you’ll find the start/stop button, a round gear selector, and the wireless phone charger. This interior does not attempt to be anything near to conventional and immediately conveys that the EV6 is of a refreshingly futuristic and multi-capable category. The EV6 will immediately get up to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and you’ll quickly be able to reach the urban-dweller’s virtually reckless and careening speed of 115 mph.

The 800-volt architecture and 350-kW DC fast-charging capability is under the guise of Kia’s promise that you can add nearly 70 miles in less than five minutes and can also get from 10 to 80 percent in under 18 minutes. Tough terrain can be conquered courtesy of the EV6’s front and multilink rear suspension setup, as well as with the precise steering, capable brakes, and minimal body roll. It has been a refreshing feeling to see that more EV’s now have “real” front ends. Many tried-and-true car experts bask in the fact that it’s normal for an electric car to have a commonplace interior.

Much sleeker and sharper than the boxy and retro Kia Soul, the finished concept and well-engineered idea of the coupe SUV leaves plenty of room for both battery packs. The EV6 can cut notable numbers on a twisty road, with 300-plus mile range, fast-charging capability, and stylish appearance all suitably aligned with our goal of being fully carbon-neutral by 2045. We are very excited to see electric cars on the come up in 2022. We can’t wait for everyone at Jim Butler Kia to experience the new, innovative amenities with electric vehicles that we know will change the automotive game forever! 

EPA Officially Certifies Class-Leading 310-Mile Range For 2022 Kia EV6

When electrification first became a vital component of auto construction and not just a far-off and futuristic dream here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, many of the inquiries from customers were regarding “how far can you go” on a charge. The all-electric range for the entire EV6 lineup has just been officially announced, and the EPA has certified an AER of 310 miles for the 2022 Kia EV6 when equipped with a 77.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive. The all-electric range for the entire EV6 lineup was announced just before the EV6 officially went on sale during the first quarter of 2022.

This rating applies when configured with a 77.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive, including EV6 GT-Line RWD and EV6 EX+RWD. It also represents an overall efficiency of 4.0 miles/kWh, and EV6 models fitted with all-wheel drive bear an EPA-certified AER of 274 miles. These figures are an official testament to the efficiency of EV6 in motor performance and aerodynamics. It’s also a generous form of appeal for anyone who has an all-American and average commute of around 16 miles each way per day. 

A brand-new fast-charging system supports 400v and 800v DC duties which works on DC chargers possessing speeds from 50kW to 350kW. The EV6 offers up class-leading performance, available AWD capability, ultra-fast DC charging, and an essential flat-floor interior that puts to use sustainable-friendly materials inside the entire cabin. Among many other achievements, this news officially makes the EV6 more efficient than its twin in the form of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 as the automotive press eagerly awaits mileage status results from the Nissan Ariya. 

What do we think that new buyers are going to absolutely love most about the EV6? The fact that you can nail down up to 210 miles of driving range within 18 minutes with the 800v DC fast charger! When EVs and EUVs first hit the scene, many urban and suburban commuters felt as if their only option was to let things charge overnight. They still were thrilled to do so while paying attention to the needs of the planet and full-on ditching pricey trips to the gas pump. 

“Statically” having 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, the EV6 boasts a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and hits the 0-60 mph mark in just 5.2 seconds. You’ll be fully confident and kept safely in tow with Kia’s fantastic 10-year battery warranty. Other features include a 14-speaker Meridian premium sound system, surround-view monitor, blind-spot monitor, augmented reality head-up display, ultra-wide sunroof, vegan leather interior, and heated steering wheel. 

EV6 Earns “Crossover of the Year” During Annual TopGear.com Awards

The fully-electric EV6 has earned “Crossover of the Year” in the 2021 TopGear.com Awards. Its unique style, dynamic performance, long electric range, and 800-volt ultra-fast charging all convinced the judges to name the EV6 the winner.

New owners will love its spacious, well-equipped and well-built stature. The EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated electric car, and represents the thrilling potential of the brand-new E-GMP Electric-Global Modular Platform. You’ll have the choice of long-range and standard-range battery packs, with the newly flexed EV6 GT model featuring the long-range variant only. 

The EV6 also features another first: it is our first electric vehicle offering the choice of two-wheel or all-wheel drive options, proving capable in even the most demanding of conditions. Electric power will develop more and more attractive packages that can breathe life into an experience that was once perceived as too rigid and limiting. Sport mode provides much faster throttle response and decidedly heavy steering characteristics.

The EV6 includes advanced driver assist systems and a large head-up display that lies over a large portion of the driver’s view, as well as a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the interior information portal, with a haptic bar on deck to tweak various temperature control elements. The driver with a heavy to-do list will love the space, quiet drive, and capability equipped with the powerful 800-volt bones that maximize the potential of any public charging station you can locate. 

Well-rounded and attractive, the EV6 is poised to win many more awards! Raising the bar for every EV in the future, the EV6 sends a strong message that simply being good enough will never be the best!

Kia EV6 Sizzles on All-New Platform With Modern Appearance That Is Sure to Turn Heads

As electrification becomes the norm throughout the auto industry, the EV6 has played a crucial role in re-inventing the brand and offering technology that will help to keep the entire planet vibrant and healthy for years to come.

Inside EVs featured the brand-new EV6, detailing just how fun and fast it is. Driving in Sport mode makes for an agile ride with a firm suspension. One of the elements that drivers say they will miss about the outgoing gas-powered models is the noise of the engine, and the Kia EV6 has taken that into full consideration during the design process, as Sport mode still gives an old-school roar.

Experienced EV reviewer Jack Scarlett had great things to say about the acceleration. Scarlett said off the line and during highway passing, the power is surprising for what some would have thought for a battery-powered vehicle. Getting 314 miles of range at a full charge, the Kia EV6 is more than efficient enough for the average commuter’s weekly demands.

An 800-volt architecture allows for ultra-fast charging. Another amazing feat is the fast-charging ability of the 250-kw unit, which can take you from a 10% charge to an 80% charge in just 17 minutes. The Kia EV6 rides on the Hyundai Motor Company’s Electric Global Modular Platform, which makes way for both rear and all-wheel-drive variants. 

The regenerative braking system onboard the EV6 has six different modes that are operated from the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Going beyond great technology, anyone who has an appreciation for a car with stellar looks and above-average styling will love the low-mounted headlights, muscular fenders, floating roofline, and taillights that run across the entire width of the body. Inside you’ll find a driver-friendly dashboard that includes two 12.0-inch displays, and the high-class touch of vegan leather on higher-end trims. 

All-Electric EV6 Star of The Show During 73rd Emmy Awards Commercial

Kia’s first all-electric model paints a clear picture of what the future has in store for the brand we love to provide and support every day at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis. Not only is it destined to be a star on the street, it was also featured on TV during the Emmys and America’s Got Talent. These programs both highlighted some of the most dynamic and versatile talent in the nation today and allowed Kia to reach an audience that is primed for a sustainable EV future. 

The EV6 was featured in a spot titled “Writer” that closely followed a screenwriter through their brainstorming process. After several bouts of intense writer’s block, the writer gets in her EV6 to push the reset button and relocate her creative inspiration. Characters dressed as elaborate figures from the past appear as vivid hallucinations as she continues to drive, and driving the  eco-conscious sedan provided her with the creative juice she needed. 

The brand-new EV6’s lineup boasts configurations from 176 horsepower to 576 horsepower. The base model has a single electric motor that powers the rear wheels and a 58.0-kWh battery pack. Customers can also choose a rear-wheel-drive EV6 with the larger 77.4-kWh battery pack that will offer the longest range of any of the models. The front and rear electric motors together provide a total of 313 horsepower, and it gets up to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. 

The highest-powered EV6 model is the GT. This model sports the 77.4-kWh battery pack and totals 576 horsepower while reaching 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds. DC fast-charging ability will give the car up to 70 miles of range in just five minute and will also increase battery life from 10 to 80 percent charge in 18 minutes. The color combinations on the First Edition model are white with a green interior, yellow with a black interior, and matte gray with a black interior. The special edition includes All-Wheel-Drive and the larger battery standard and comes with other options such as a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, and a premium audio system.

Many drivers are excited about the EV6’s stylish looks. Not only is this bound to be an efficient and groundbreaking SUV, it has a talented team of designers and engineers crafting the design during development. Kia’s future is ripe with innovation, change, and urban-commuting practicality!

Kia EV6 Makes History As First Korean Car To Achieve Carbon Footprint Certification

Kia’s EV6 has proven that our company’s bright future will be one that keeps the well-being of the planet at the forefront of design and implementation strategy. The EV6 has received carbon footprint certification and the “Carbon Measured” label from the esteemed Carbon Trust consultancy. Providing so much more than just zero-emissions mobility, Kia has kept a sharply-honed focus on the materials used, means of transportation for parts, and the way the vehicle is recycled when its lifespan is complete.

One of the reasons the EV6 attained this certification is its E-GMP. It is the first model to be constructed on this all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform and boasts one of the highest all-electric ranges on the market. Also touting revolutionary 800V1 ultra-fast charging along with an interior space that also leads its segment on the market, the EV6 includes PET recycled plastics, floor mats, and seat coverings, with every single model being the equivalent of 107 500ml PET bottles. 

The Carbon Trust helps show entities their opportunities for a low-carbon and sustainable world while officially certifying the environmental footprint of organizations, supply chains, and various products worldwide. PAS2050 Standards calculated the statistic of greenhouse gas emissions for the EV6 as part of the Carbon Trust’s means of assessing products. Established in 2001, the Carbon Trust has been an integral example and positive force that defines efficiency strategies and is focused on a healthier and cleaner vision for the world.

The EV6 will offer rear or all-wheel drive, two different batteries, and the ability to get from zero to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds with the range-topping EV6 GT model. The battery options are a 58.0-kWh and a 77.4-kWh pack, and anyone who is pressed for time will appreciate the fact that you can charge from 10 percent up to 80 percent in under 18 minutes when plugged into the ultra-fast 350-kW fast charger. This setup can also add 70 miles in less than five minutes.

Some of the touches that stand out are the two-tone, two-spoke steering wheel, the cool gold accents placed throughout the cockpit, and the unique button on the center console. You’ll be able to use 54 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat, and there is also more disposable space under the front trunk. Once you are outfitted and cruising away in this awesome and fully electrified machine, consider the available Meridian upgrade which includes 14 pristine and clear speakers!

Kia EV6 Provides a Look Into Future For Electric Cars

Futuristic cars have long been featured in sci-fi films and action movies. The EV6 will have all of the sci-fi-inspired bits that count, but still fit in on an everyday run down the street. 

Based on Kia's E-GMP platform, the EV6 will be available in either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive, and will come equipped with a 114.2-inch wheelbase that is as long as the Kia Telluride SUV. The 576-horsepower GT version will enjoy Kia's increased charging speeds.

On an ultra-fast 350-kilowatt charger, the EV6 can charge its 77.4 kWh battery pack from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, gaining nearly 210 miles. The maximum range target for the EV6 is 300 miles. The interior of the EV6 is bathed in uniquely-colored lighting and two large screens, with the center command console positioned between the two front seats at the perfect angle. 

The available safety features on the EV6 include blind spot avoidance assist, which can detect vehicles in the next lane. Automatic emergency braking brake in an attempt to avoid a crash.

Rear-facing radar makes sure other vehicles aren't coming up on the EV6 from behind when it is parked. It can also lock the doors and prevent kids or parents from opening the rear doors when another vehicle is passing on that side. Dressed like a spaceship made for the pavement, the EV6 is bringing an out-of-this-world driving experience!

Kia EV6 Crossover Delivers Sports-Car Inspiration and Innovative Design Features

As many changes in the automotive world have occurred over the last decade, the incoming addition of electrified models is one of our most intense and long-awaited events here at Jim Butler KIA of St Louis. The all-new 2022 Kia EV6 crossover arrives as our very first dedicated battery electric vehicle, marking the beginning of Kia's “Plan S” strategy is implemented to provide 11 new all-electrified models within the next four years. 

The E-GMP modular platform this vehicle will ride on is designed for maximum development efficiency and now enables the KIA brand to include sedans, CUVs, and SUVs as we expand our all-electric offerings. Classic sports-car inspiration enjoys a vivid and functional balance with modern CUV accents here, as well as the shared 114.2-inch wheelbase as the Kia Telluride. The design team hard at work on the EV6 were focused on the usefulness and value of very quick charging times, as this is one of the statistics that will rise every year as technology advances. 

An estimated 300 miles of all-electric range offers up a capability that is more than needed for the average urban commuter during a busy week. Expected to go on sale early next year, the highly-anticipated arrival of the GT should take place in late 2022. Limited to just 1,500 units, the EV6 First Edition possesses the standard design's styling, with added touches like black wheel arches, the Augmented Reality Heads-Up Display, Remote Smart Parking Assist, wide sunroof, 20-inch wheels, premium 14-speaker Meridian audio system, and a two-year subscription to Sirius XM. 

The E-GMP technology at the forefront of the EV6 boasts a revolutionary first in the auto world: this is the first mass-produced integrated drive axle to enhance ride comfort and handling which sees the drive shaft combined with wheel bearings to cut down on unnecessary weight. The placement of the battery is an all-important element that was one of the very first hurdles encountered when electrification began to become a reality, and the EV6  sees battery placement directly under the floor, which promotes a lower center of gravity that promotes a very stable ride. 

It's not just the power source that the battery provides: it offers other features such as the world's very first multi-charging system. This provides support for 400v and 800v DC charging, working on DC chargers compatible with 50kW on up to 350kW. What amazes us here at Jim Butler the most about the new EV6? The 800v DC charging option from a 350 kW charger allows for nearly 70 miles of charge added in less than 5 minutes, a startling accomplishment compared to what was available just two years ago. Boasting 100% vegan leather surfaces on some trims and extensive use of recycled plastic inside, individuals most concerned with the planet's health and longevity will want to double down on this savvy and feature-rich new EV!