Kia America's Sales Continue to Climb: Best-Ever Third-Quarter Numbers

There’s never a shortage of good news here during the fall at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis. Last week, Kia announced its best-ever third-quarter sales total of 210,341 units. This thrilling achievement now marks the third time in our company’s history that quarterly sales have exceeded the 210,000-unit mark. 

The month of September saw Kia posting its best-ever sales number of 67,264 units, which marks the 14th month in a row of year-over-year sales increases. Battery-electric vehicles were up 127 percent over the previous record set in September of 2022, and the retail-only performance of 62,661 units showed a 14-percent growth over the same period last year. This news solidly positions Kia as ahead of the curve, and always on point to offer the vehicles that customers are after.

As the battle for market share heats up excessively, we are now confident that our world-class and feature-rich models will keep customers loyal and engaged. The Niro, Carnival, EV6, Rio, Forte, Seltos, K5, Sorento, Telluride, and Soul all were others that saw year-over-year sales increases. The Carnival, EV6, and K5 were three other models that set best-ever September sales records. 

The 2023 Kia Niro has been completely redesigned and remains very competitive and domineering in the rapidly growing hybrid SUV segment. The U.S. News auto review crew was thrilled with its superb fuel economy, great interior design, and two rows of roomy seating. It features a very sleek widescreen infotainment system, ample seating in the front and rear, and excellent cargo room. The Niro’s fuel economy is stellar at more than 50 mpg and is excellent value in a sea of ordinary. 

The 2023 Kia EV6 snagged incredibly high marks for futuristic exterior design, quick recharging capability, and the exhilarating performance of the new GT model. It’s a crossover that wears futuristic styling that doesn’t truly appear like any other model out there, with a space-age cabin and a pleasurably surreal appearance. Very athletic driving dynamics were considered a very high priority for the EV6, and it moves with an excellent sense of precision on twisty roads. Higher-end trims step things up sufficiently with a surround-view camera system and an amazing Meridian premium audio system. 

The 2023 Kia Sorento is a very efficient and appealing 7-seat, all-wheel drive SUV that comes with a choice of powertrains. Just slightly smaller and a bit more affordable than minivan alternatives such as the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, the Sorento’s infotainment tech features and unique style have made it a top pick for consumers from many backgrounds. The AWD models come with the very cool rugged X-Line appearance package and offer excellent all-weather traction and a handy extra inch of ground clearance. Since it has a smaller footprint than bigger 3-row SUVs that share its segment, and many drivers have praised its quite agile sense of handling.

The 2023 Kia K5 rolled onto the scene with what car experts worldwide claimed was a “knockout exterior design”, along with segment-leading feature content. This year’s model added laminated windows, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic moonroof. With its Z-shaped running lights and full-width taillight, the K5 is hard to miss in a sea of very ordinary offerings. It has a very aggressive front end and a sleek roofline, with a cabin that is functional, stylish, and spacious. Standard equipment across all K5 models includes LED headlights and daytime running lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, AM/FM/HD stereo with six speakers, Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-inch touchscreen, cruise control, and 4 USB ports.

Kia's Hat-Trick Triumph: Success in J.D. Power's 2023 APEAL Study with Unmatched Honors

Awards and accolades have filled up our virtual calendars and timelines for many years here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, and this summer we have had the pleasure of many positive reinforcements that solidify our brand’s innovative momentum. Kia America set a record for the highest total number of awards ever earned in a single year by a brand in the J.D. Power 2023 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) study. 

Just last month, Kia also claimed the highest number of possible awards in the J.D. Power 2023 Initial Quality Study. The appealing EV6, family-toting Carnival, and exhilarating midsize K5 took top honors in their respective segments, with four other models ranking number one. The Telluride, Forte, Rio, and Stinger were perched at the absolute top of their categories, providing a solid mile-marker and foundation for solid leadership within the electrification sector. Enjoying the clout of the most awarded brand across both annual recognition benchmarks, we are continuing to educate consumers about our penchant for reliability and sought-after technology. 

The 2023 U.S. APEAL Study is based on responses from 84,555 owners of brand-new 2023 model-year vehicles who were surveyed in detail after the very crucial first 3 months of ownership. The study data provides very useful insight into experiences with performance, design, safety, comfort, and perception of quality. Various awards from this very respected entity provide the highest-performing companies with an opportunity to let consumers know that being a winning and desirable brand is their top priority.

The 2023 Kia Forte is a very grown-up small sedan that is an excellent value with a very comfortable and accessible utility factor. It’s loaded with features at a price point much lower than key competitors, and drivers love its high fuel economy. The GT trim offers very compelling performance and feels perfectly punchy during everyday driving. The seats are nicely contoured for long-distance comfort, and any road noise encountered is amply quieted. The Forte’s suspension has a very individual yet stiff feel, which urban commuters have given high marks for when navigating cityscapes on the tighter end.

The 2023 Kia K5 arrived on the scene here at Jim Butler evoking a sense of modern class, while offering what we consider one of the smoothest sedan rides on the market! It also snagged up the U.S News and World Report’s “Best Midsize Car for the Money” award AND their 2023 Best New Car for Teens honor. It boasts very supportive seats, a spacious cabin, along with all-wheel drive. Few infotainment setups are as easy to navigate as Kia’s UVO, which offers a well-organized menu layout, an intuitive interface, and quick response times. 

The 2023 Kia Stinger has raked in the high marks for being “disarmingly handsome, hugely spacious, loaded with charisma, and full of rear-wheel drive bravado.” The Stinger’s point is to make you notice it, and as a well-proportioned fastback saloon, it is entertaining, engaging, and full of very well-engineered bursts of sheer automotive wizardry. While only  a small number see the Stinger as a bit of a Co2 menace, it displays a very raw breed of character and is guaranteed to make anyone who drives on a twisty road grin ear to ear. The Stinger’s injection of extra flavor is genuine, thrilling, smooth, and it will be missed greatly after this year. 

2023 KIA K5 Claims On-Campus Clout as “Best Car for Teens” by U.S. News & World Report

As selfies and weekend get-togethers for the tragically hip can understandably be a bit more appealing than cracking the books, popular automobiles today must possess a certain charm to be favored among teenagers. U.S News & World Report has officially awarded the 2023 Kia K5 with the “Best Car for Teens $25k to $35k”, recognizing the vehicle’s dependability, long-term reliability, safety features, and available technology.

This can be a difficult age group to find the ideal vehicle for here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, and details such as modern styling and affordable price are frequently on parents’ and teens’ wish lists alike. The K5 is available in five trim levels and comes equipped as standard with some of today’s best safety features. You’ll be happy to hand over the keys before homeroom knowing that Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Lane Departure Warning will assure that each trip pass it's some form of sensible boundaries.

This segment of drivers has a few tendencies that may allow you to want other forms of a watchful eye, and you'll appreciate Geofence Alert, Curfew Alert and Speed Alert, which are all available with the Kia Connect telematics system. After being put to the test against other models in the same segment, the K5 enjoyed so many of the features that render it an excellent midsize car to also boost its new driver appeal. With consistently high scores in reliability and a segment-leading powertrain warranty, this is a stellar car for those who are still fine-tuning their behind-the-wheel performance.

Exclusively available with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive options, the K5 is always suited for battle up against the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and its running mate the Hyundai Sonata. The GT-Line is now offered with a Panoramic Roof package, and includes a heated steering wheel for extra comfort and dexterity during arctic temps. The Motor Trend team reflected after their test drive that “this is a model that makes perfect sense for those who are tired of forgettable SUV designs.” 

The K5 has a striking visual profile that is hard to miss, while competitors such as the Subaru Legacy have much less in the visually alluring department. Standard variants are powered by a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder that cranks out 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Those on the hunt for more power can look toward the K5 GT, which comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 cylinder that is good for 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. 

The more powerful engine will propel you rapidly on up to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, rendering it one of the fastest in its segment. All K5 Trims are equipped with a 10.3-inch infotainment system, in every variant also receives integrated navigation along with rear USB charge ports. The GT-Line was the front-running choice of this testing team, with the added features of LXS-LED foglights and taillights, a power driver seat, the larger 10.3-inch infotainment system, and one-touch up/down front windows. 

Always generating excitement and guaranteed to be a hit with even the moodiest of high schoolers, the Kia K5 is outright sensational, and loaded with college-bound potential!

2023 Kia K5 Resides as Always-Stunning Newcomer of Midsize Sedan Scene

Inquisitive customers coming to see us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis always have an initial decision to make about their next vehicle. Before they get down to business and start with test drives, there is the choice of “size and shape”! Much like looking into DIY home improvement projects for the spring, having a structured blueprint saves time and energy during this process. After looking at the numerous award-winning and very reliable options Kia offers, we’re thrilled to inform you about the great features of our favorite midsize sedan, the charming K5.

The K5 replaced the Optima in 2021 and is an always-attractive staple of our lot here at Jim Butler with its practical and very budget-friendly 4-door charm. It comes with an outstanding warranty, which gives any busy driver the ultimate peace of mind. It is securely backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, beating out the crosstown competition in the form of the Nissan Altima. 

The K5 GT is a different version of a sport sedan, with an engine upgrade that situates you with a turbocharged 4-cylinder that cranks out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. You’ll also be taking on every corner you encounter with a sport-tuned suspension and the perfectly piping note of the quad-tip dual exhaust. For 2023 the GT-Line model gets a Panoramic Roof Package with LED cabin lighting, plus the all-season appeal of a standard heating steering wheel. An 8-inch touchscreen and dual-zone climate control now both come as standard. 

The Cars.com review team praised the K5’s strong case of appeal thanks to its sleek styling and very value-conscious offering. With plenty of available scoot for any daily drive, many have found that the GT line offers up all of the bells and whistles for those with luxury tastes. The configuration software on board is more like what you’ll find in the Stinger than the Sorento, and these experts gave the K5 5/5 stars for comfort, interior design, performance, and exterior styling. 

Other personal reviews have claimed that after driving the K5 for a year, many feel that it is easily comparable to a BMW/Lexus/MB for thousands of dollars less. Also nailing down 37 mph in eco mode is a huge bonus, as the K5 proves its worth in every category. The climate control system also impressed many new buyers after their first long trip, as it features a unique 3-mode auto setting that improves ventilation and limits the fan speed.

There’s also an available wireless charging pad that features a cooling fan and a smart spring-loaded section to efficiently keep your phone in place, and the Edmunds.com team’s testing model boasted 4 USB ports. What optional feature would we wholeheartedly recommend to improve the driving experience? Smart Cruise Control is ranked as one of the best systems in the segment, aptly slowing down the K5 when there’s a curve up ahead. The K5’s exterior styling is a true standout in a class with offerings on the dull side and dials up the aggression factor to offer countless drives that are anything but ordinary!

U.S. News and World Report Smartly Selects 3 Kia Models as 2023 “Best Cars for the Money”

This year has been off to a phenomenal start here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as we are getting to fully enjoy showing customers the models that provide exciting and energy-saving hybrid benefits. 3 of these Kia models have been recognized as winners of the annual 2023 Best Cars for the Money awards from U.S. News, with the 2023 Kia Sportage taking top honors as the Best Hybrid SUV for the Money. 

The Kia K5 smartly snagged up the Best Midsize car for the Money spot, and the Kia Rio claimed the title of Best Subcompact car for the Money. Spanning 12 relevant automotive categories, these awards showcase cars and crossovers that best represent long-term value and a first-rate track record during ownership. We are excited to see these 3 models represent the longstanding value and significance of the entire lineup, effectively delivering on promises for performance, technology, and appealing design. 

Overall quality is determined by each vehicle’s performance as the best cars see an official ranking, and value is measured by a combination of costs to own over 5 years along with transaction prices. These prominent awards are set in motion and made public to identify the vehicles that offer up a very strong long-term value, and thoroughly segment-leading ownership experience. This trio of vehicles has been triumphantly released to keep overall ownership costs low, and be top picks for buyers who are seeking resounding quality. 

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid now joins our high-achieving family as an Earth-friendly electrified version, and it is going to be one to keep close tabs on as our Plan S Strategy for the future unfolds. This was a model that saw high praise for its punchy 4-cylinder engine, spacious cabin, and abundance of the best technology features. Where it really sets itself apart from competing crossovers is its extroverted styling, sporting one of the industry’s most distinct grille designs and bodywork. This is a fantastic choice for those who are searching for a family-friendly compact SUV with abundant cargo room and standard features. 

The 2023 Kia K5 has wowed many of the marketplace’s choosiest customers with its top-tier GT trim, coming standard with a sportier body kit, 18-inch wheels, a 10-way power driver’s seat, wireless smartphone charging, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Premium Package adds adaptive cruise control, advanced forward-collision warning, and full LED headlights. This exciting and aggressive take on a model that is already light years beyond ordinary in its range-topping form offers a unique suspension tune, bigger brakes, and wider tires on 19-inch rims.  

The 2023 Kia Rio has a solid spot on many consumers’ New Year’s wish list due to its very confident driving stance, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and excellent gas mileage. Available as either A 4-door sedan or five-door hatchback, it offers a simplified daily driver while also doubling down on impressive efficiency. Power is derived from a 120-horsepower inline 4-cylinder that is solely connected to a continuously variable automatic. 

The Rio does not see too many intense changes for 2023 but also is one of the most appealing and cost-efficient vehicles on the market today. The S Model provides upper-end extras in the form of cruise control, a center armrest, a rear USB outlet, and a split folding rear seat with adjustable headrests. 

Kia Heralds the “Most Wonderful Time of Year” with Highest-Achieving Statues in J.D. Power ALG Residual Value Awards

As the year draws to a close here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, we reflect on how much we love helping people find their ideal car. This year we are also offered many opportunities to acknowledge our vehicle line’s solid achievements! Last week during the JD Power 2023 US ALG residual value awards, Kia was the brand that took home the highest number of awards. The Telluride, Sportage, K5, Soul, and Rio all allow us to celebrate the best year-over-year improvement that any mass market brand has ever achieved during this yearly evaluation.

The marketplace is now strongly acknowledging that Kia flaunts an incredibly diverse product lineup, along with longstanding residual value, making it a force to be reckoned with during the fierce competition of the current market. Value retention is a very key variable when it comes to the cost charged for a lease and is a very accurate measurement of a final product’s output for quality and design. 

The 2023 Kia Telluride won many buyers over due to its appealing features and much greater capability, while Car and Driver deemed it the “continual leader of the mid-size SUV segment.” It has received 3 straight 10 Best awards and has easily defeated competition from the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, and Hyundai Palisade. The X-Line and X-Pro trims both feature all-wheel drive, a greater approach and departure angle for off-road mastery, and an extra .4 inches of ground clearance to boot. 

The 2023 Kia Sportage has compellingly proven that it has what it takes to compete with others in its segment, and always does so with characteristic flair. It boasts a very attractive and tech-rich layout, and the mid-range EX hybrid offers extra value with awesome features such as the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone charging, and heated front seats. In the spirit of the holidays and celebrating those you love, the Premium Package adds a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, and LED interior lighting. 

The 2023 Kia K5 has been well-appreciated for its fastback looks, excellent content for the price, and top-tier GT trim laying the claim to 290 horsepower. The K5 has won over many true car connoisseurs with its distinct design that allows it to stand out in a segment populated with mediocre models, by pulling out the stops and stoking the excitement needed to be undeniably memorable. Hitting 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, this is a very potent number that also now includes a panoramic roof with LED interior lighting and gloss-black body molding. 

The 2023 Kia Soul has the kind of quirky charm that can only come from a smaller-sized and very high-tech variation on the crossover theme. The midsize EX trim is the one highly recommended by Edmunds.com, as it provides more comfort with premium cloth upholstery and heated seats to make things higher-end inside. You’ll also be enjoying 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded cloth seats, heated front seats and mirrors, and a sunroof. The Soul is the quintessential definition of a value-packed crossover, with all the basics and enough extra to make a compelling and practical statement!