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.

Harvest Moon’s Crossover Magic: Top Features That Make the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid Irresistible

EVs are now wholeheartedly taking over the market here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis, with crossovers and hybrids existing as an excellent means of “enjoying the now” while waiting on the future. The hybrid combo is the current state of affairs’ sweet spot of massive usefulness and merit, and we are so very proud of the additions that our brand has contributed to the mix. The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid begins its charismatic and practical stance with all of the things drivers love about the Sorento, and then upping the ante by combining it with a hybrid setup.

The Topspeed.com review crew claimed after a test drive that the results are “smart, stylish, and countable”, as well as the added benefit of the standard third row. Here are some of its best attributes, and reasons why we think it's an excellent pick for everything from pre-Halloween costume shopping to daily shuttling duties this fall!

Elegance and Head-Turning Sleek Design:

The Sorento consistently shows up at the party with the suavest costume of the bunch, and the presence that dominates nicely rather than blending in with everything ordinary. The front fascia has a bold stance, and has triple beam headlights combined with the signature tapered ‘Tiger Nose’ grill. The rear end features very cool-looking vertical taillamps and the Sorrento name is now ingrained nicely across the trunk lid’s underside.

Eco-Friendly Commutes + Environmental Impact:

As the market continues to shift and consumers’ hands become tightly clasped around their wallets this pre-holiday season, claims of efficiency will carry a model quite far in the very demanding quest for popularity. Among current SUVs that are equipped with the 3rd row, the 2023 Kia Sorento hybrid is at the top of the list for fuel efficiency. The rivaling Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE is the only other alternative out there, but since it's a plug-in, it is not considered a direct competitor of the Sorrento. The official numbers are 39 mpg city, 35 highway, and 37 combined.

Awesome Gadgets + Interior Grandeur:

Once inside, the cabin layout possesses elements on the simpler side of things while boasting a decidedly upscale vibe. This is thanks to faux black leather seats, soft-touch plastic that coats the dash and door panels, and very cool aluminum accents surrounding the climate-control outlets and prominent center console. Many new releases as of late have struggled with a bit of an identity crisis when it comes to looking good inside, and Sorrento snazzily has this department well covered. Even the base S model sports a 10.3-inch touchscreen, along with 8 USB ports. 

Room to Roam: Exploring the Sorento's Spacious Interior

Inside the 2023 Sorento is seating for six, and very comfortable reclining bucket seats as standard. Working with precise battery pack placement has been a challenge during new hybrid and EV construction, and the team did excellent with this by getting the pack to fit underneath the cabin floor. This was accomplished without saying goodbye to the passenger and cargo space that drivers love, while most SUVs in this position had to completely abandon the notion of a third row.

Eco-Empowerment: The Sorento's 220-Horse Hybrid Revelation

The 2023 Kia Sorento hybrid is equipped with a turbocharger 1.6 liter inline 4 hybrid engine, and many drivers who are not in the habit of populating the slow lane will be excited to learn that the horsepower starts above 200. The Sorrento cranks out 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is ideal for around-town errands made easier, and suits the Sorento’s style and DNA to the T. The holiday drives coming up can be spent overtaking others for once, instead of everyone in the back row consistently wanting to know if “we’re there yet.”

Tech with a Twist: Unusual Features That Set the Sorento Hybrid Apart

No current model with such immediately great first impressions can be short on toys, as they are very important bits that capture the attention of all ages. There is a passenger intercom feature that emulates the driver's voice and plays through the rear speakers, as well as a small blind spot camera view that appears in the instrument panel. It provides you with a view down the side of the car which is a spur-of-the-moment whimsical feature that is very useful. Competing rivals have added their own form of savvy features such as this, but experiencing this coming season of change with these quirky extras is bound to be a crisp and “sweater weather approaching soon” blast!

Motor1.com’s 2024 Kia Sorento Spy Shots Signifies Prototype’s Progress

The Motor1.com team has been dutifully on the move since last September when they spied the refreshed Kia Sorento for the first time, and recently posted on their blog about another group of photos they just collected. This time the promising prototype was secretly spotted with Michigan tags and was also covered in full-body camouflage. It was noted that the front fascia bore vertical headlights more clearly than before, with what appeared to be four separate square projector lenses.

There also appeared to be a new grill design and some potential adjustments to the shape of the bumper. As we mulled over the photos online here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis, we remembered just how awesome publications such as Edmunds.com rendered the 2023 model, as its mix of available performance, quality, and practicality has thoroughly impressed drivers and review professionals alike. The current model is available with four powertrains, with the first star of the show gracing the stage as the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine cranking out 191 horsepower. 

Next up is a turbocharged version of that engine producing 281 horsepower, with the two electrified versions expected to carry over into next year's model year with minimal modifications. The 1.6-liter turbo provides 227 and 261 horsepower collectively with plug-in hybrid and hybrid variants. Since the prototype was still cloaked so heavily in camouflage, this team does not expect a full official debut of the revised Sorrento until summer, and a plausible market launch before the end of 2023. 

With an impressive number of standard and optional features along with plentiful second and third-row legroom, the 2023 Kia Sorento available right now at Jim Butler is one of only a handful of small SUVs on the market that offers a third row. Situated right between the smaller 5 passenger Sportage and the larger three-row Telluride, the Sorento can quite easily squeeze in up to seven passengers if needed. This rental comes equipped with an impressive arrangement of standard features, including wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane-keeping assist, and multiple USB charging ports.

The optional turbocharged engine is downright impressive for a smaller-sized SUV, and the sprint up to 60 mph takes just 6.7 seconds. This is nearly three seconds faster than the competing Volkswagen Tiguan, and even a tick faster than the V6-powered Honda Passport. The brand-new HP dual-clutch automatic transmission is capable of very smooth shifts whether you are reluctantly enduring crawling traffic or full-throttle merging. The front seats offer an excellent range of adjustment, heating, and ventilation, with very firm and comfortable captain’s chairs in the second row.

During many expert drive tests, the Sorento was confident, stable, and consistently well-controlled. Passengers will enjoy more legroom in the second row than in competing dedicated two-row SUVs such as the Honda CR-V. The surround-view camera system is one of the best offerings out there to provide help navigating through very tight situations, and no one on board will be lacking device power with eight USB ports along with a wireless charger. With the third row of seating drops, the Sorento offers between 38.5 and 45 cubic feet, depending on how forward the second-row seats are situated. 

The Sorento's towing capacity is 3500 pounds, with the turbocharged engine able to tow around 2,000 lbs. The turbocharged Sorento also does not need premium gasoline and returns an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. This enthralling yet practical driving experience has been compared to “a lighter version of the Telluride” and remains impressive and versatile in a very crowded segment. John Vincent of U.S News’ car reporting team had the greatest praise an auto reviewer can give a vehicle, as he eventually bought one for himself after thoroughly enjoying his experience! 

Three-Row Midsize Pre-Easter’s Melee: 2023 Kia Sorento Takes on the Toyota Highlander

As spring is finally showing its telltale and very sensory signs here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, many families are adamantly on the hunt for their ideal three-row SUV. One of their first questions is if they need a large full-sized model that might not have the greatest fuel economy, which is not always the case. There are several well-built midsize SUVs that are equipped with the third row, unable to quickly get extra players to practice and offer a brand of flexibility that A2 row simply can’t.

The 2023 Kia Sorento offers an excellent family value as it boasts good fuel economy numbers, a lower starting price than many rivals, and safety scores nestled way above average. It is smaller than most three-row SUVs, and easier to handle in tight situations. It can seat six or seven depending on configuration, and its third row does give second-row passengers more legroom than the larger competition in the form of the Toyota Highlander.

People are rightfully concerned with price right now, and the Sorento’s base price is more than $6,000 under that of the Highlander. The Sorento’s base model includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, charging ports in all three rows, heated mirrors, rear a/c vents, and more. Kia’s 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty gives you a decade worry-free of any repair bill instances, which Toyota simply can’t match. We recognize that the Toyota Highlander has a class-leading resale value, a fair array of features, and seating for seven or eight.

Both SUVs derive power from four-cylinder engines, and Kia’s engine beats out the Toyota’s horsepower level in the SX, SX Prestige AWD, and X-Line SX Prestige AWD models. The Sorento also received a four-star rating in crash testing. The Toyota provides a top-notch audio system for the two most expensive trim levels, but the KBB.com auto editing staff preferred the Bose system that takes up residence in the higher-trim Sorento models.

Each of these two models has three rows of seating and are either front or all-wheel drive. Each is also available with a hybrid powertrain, with the Sorento absolutely providing a bit more along the lines of tangible value. The Toyota has a high resale value, fair-base engine, and crash-test scores, but the Sorento can nail all the boxes to check on a priority list with the highest quality. The Motor Trend review team loved the Sorento for its interior build quality, affordable three-row clout, and a great number of standard features.

New for 2023, there is now standard blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring, and an exit warning system for Sorento LX. There is a standard wireless smartphone charger for the Sorento S, along with standard 12.3-inch gauge cluster display, power-folding side mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers for the Sorento SX. Extreme lovers of the best in-tech features will be thrilled with a standard 12.3-inch gauge cluster display, power-folding side mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers for the Sorento SX.

There are also the daily-driving benefits of standard AWD, 115-volt power inverter, Homelink, gloss black exterior accents, retractable rear door shades, and revised bumpers for Sorento SX Prestige. The Drive Wise active safety feature suite includes a lane-keeping system, automatic high beams, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring. Higher trim levels offer up the premiere protective goods such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a 360-degree view camera system.

2023 Kia Sorento 3-Row SUV Brings Charm, Eco-Conscious Sensibility

The 2022 holiday season here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis has brought about opportunities to share time with loved ones and take in amazing displays such as the 10th year of Garden Glow and the lights at Anheuser-Busch. As the crossover SUV continues its dominance of the American auto market, the mid-size Sorento was well deserving of the spotlight from the Topspeed.com blog this past week. The 2024 model comes loaded to the gills with holiday goodies such as its turbo engine combined with a sensible hybrid system.

The standard engine is the 1.6-liter turbocharged model with a full hybrid system, which cranks out 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the pairing with a conventional CVT transmission that makes the overall driving experience a bit elastic and unpredictable, the Sorento sets you up with a conventional 6-speed model. The Car and Driver auto testing team was able to get the new model up to 60 MPH in just 7.6 seconds, with the momentum not wearing thin as speed builds. 

The addition of the turbo is a massive help with acceleration, as the 6-speed automatic delivers a stepped-up and well-chiseled shifting process. The 2023 Sorento’s performance feels optimized like a traditional gas-powered car, and not a hybrid. As the industry begins the shift to electric power, this type of sensation will be even further behind, even as the advent of clean-sourced juice provides a unique breed of application. FWD comes standard on the X model and all-wheel drive is optional, with the all-wheel drive system using the well-honed torque vectoring setup.

The inclusion of Torque Vectoring allows for all the wheels to grip the road much better for handling and launch and is one of the extras that puts all Kia vehicles in a class of their own whether your drive is across town or across the country. Inside, satin aluminum and chrome accents add a nice modern touch to the interior. One of the options that we would have to recommend is a panoramic moonroof, allowing you to enjoy the sights outside to their fullest no matter the season.

The Sorento comfortably seats 6, and there are enough USB ports and drink holders to leave everyone feeling adequately situated for the drive. The second-row seats also slide and adjust to offer a greater amount of utility, and third-row passengers get to enjoy comfy recliners and USB ports as well. The NHTSA ranked the Sorento as a 4/5 for crashworthiness, and last year's model earned itself an IIHS top safety pick. The final verdict from the Top Speed crew was that the Sorento offers an ideal balance for any driver, along with class-leading warranty coverage and signature holiday stance!

2023 Kia Sorento Dazzles Critics and Daily Drive Buyers Alike with Improved Packaging, Generous Standard Features

The 2023 Sorento takes the stage this new model year with improved packaging across all trims, and various additions to its generous array of standard features. Beginning with the base LX trim, the list of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems is now improved to include Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance, and Safe Exit Assist. 

The S trim now gets the addition of a wireless smartphone charger, and the EX gets an 8-way power front passenger seat and frameless rear-view mirror. Hailed frequently for providing the best in technology features and segment-leading safety, the entire Kia line has something for everyone that loves to stay connected on board. The SX trim is improved with the 12.3-inch color digital instrument panel, power-folding exterior mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. 

The SX Prestige is the step-up to luxury that so many who have been loyal to Kia for years have enjoyed stepping up to for the ultimate in refined comfort, and it now comes with standard AWD, with the sweet added touch of gloss black exterior accents and revised bumpers. There’s also a 115-volt power inverter that can be used to keep the laptop and other handy carry-ons fully juiced, retractable door shades, and Homelink. 

As more drivers have taken to pushing the limits and exploring further and further off the highway, the X-Line Package adds a rugged look to the Sorento with unique exterior details, very capable 20-inch alloy wheels, and a roof rack to allow for more toys on the journey. The Edmunds.com auto review staff were impressed immediately with the 2023 Sorento’s impressive number of standard features, second and third-row legroom, and easy-to-use infotainment layout. They exclaimed post test-drive that “This is the right-sized and utility-rich option that can squeeze in up to 7 passengers in a pinch.”

The Sorento with the optional turbocharged engine resides on the amazingly fast end for a small SUV, and the power just keeps building when you eagerly push its limits on the open road. For a bit of holiday-themed and jolly comparison, this Sorento is nearly 3 seconds faster than the Volkswagen Tiguan, and even a smidge faster on the 60 MPH sprint than the V6-Powered Honda Passport. All three rows of seating provide much better-than-expected comfort for a smaller-sized SUV, and up front, you’ll get the outside elements-taming benefit of heating, ventilation, and a very adjustable range. 

When equipped with the optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the Sorento offers up an abundance of fun and is remarkably smooth while building up speed. One of the most ideal trims for overall value along with awesome features is the S trim, which provides some superior upgrades over the base LX such as a larger touchscreen and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. You’ll also be equipped with black exterior trim, roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, simulated leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control.