SUV Elegance & Electric Brilliance: EV6 and Telluride Top SlashGear’s Best List of 2023

Checking out the latest in auto news here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis can prepare us for each day full of educating consumers about the best vehicle choice for them and their families! When eager test drivers ask us about awards, honors, and accolades, we always feel that there are so many reasons to say, “best of” and back it up with concrete stats. SlashGear has named two Kia vehicles to its “Best Cars of 2023 – 10 of the Top-Rated Picks.” 

The EV6 was recognized as the “Best EV”, and the Telluride as the “Best Family SUV.” These accolades are selected based on criteria such as range, aftercare support, overall performance, pricing and value, cabin technology, and style. Car shoppers can now feel overwhelmed with their choices, and the SlashGear team selected Kia models because of their superior features and segment-leading performance. When today’s driver is tediously sizing up the competition, many longevity and safety issues render gravitating toward a true industry leader a sensible decision. 

There are now more than 40 electric cars on the market, and the SlashGear crew set out to make finding the ideal model a much less daunting task. A large segment of today’s drivers have read a bit of the data themselves and are already convinced that an EV is a sensible choice for them. They are ready to forge forward with just a few endorsements from industry experts and leaders to shed light on the most innovative and promising daily driver or weekend getaway vehicle. 

The 2023 Kia Telluride comes into a very crowded segment with many diligently strong points, including a larger-than-average third row and cargo space, user-friendly technology, and very smart cruise control. Practical and spacious, the 2023 model received a mid-cycle refresh which includes a facelifted exterior, new wheel designs for each trim level, three new paint colors, and some new interior styling for the dash and steering wheel. 

The 12.3-inch and 14-inch display now come standard across all trims, with the SX and SX prestige trims boasting a standard dual infotainment and digital instrument panel housed under some very cool curved glass. The wireless charging pad has been made slightly bigger to accommodate the incoming cellphone models, and each row of seating gets to enjoy USB-C charging ports. The Telluride’s tow rating is now at 5,500, thanks to the addition of an upgraded fan for superior cooling. 

The 2023 Kia EV6 has impressed many experts and everyday drivers alike with its long driving range, extra fun dynamics, and wealth of technology which make it an incredibly solid model for a daily-use EV. It also boasts a clean #1 spot within the electric SUVs category from U.S. News, which claimed that its athletic handling, swift acceleration, and comfortable seating rendered it such a high caliber. All versions of the 2023 EV6 come with a 77.4 kWh battery, with standard rear-wheel drive having one electric motor and cranking out 225 horsepower. 

All-wheel drive versions derive power from two electric motors and make 320 horsepower, with a quality of acceleration that is known for coming on instantly with its chiseled and unique breed of force. The exhilarating 2023 EV6 GT pumps out 576 horsepower and is the most powerful Kia production car to ever sprint off the assembly line! The EV6 has a maximum driving range of 310 miles, with the more powerful EV6 GT claiming a range of around 206 miles. When the true numbers come in, they are reassuring: based on driving 15,000 miles a year, it costs between $600 and $900 per year to charge the Kia EV6. 

9 Kia Models Celebrate Early Spring Excellence in Car and Driver Editor’s Choice Awards

9 Kia models were named to the 2023 Car and Driver Editor’s Choice Awards list this year! The 2023 Kia Sportage, Sorento, Carnival, Niro Hybrid and PHEV, K5, Soul, Rio, EV6, and Telluride were selected from over 400 models that the editors put to the test. The design, craftsmanship, and quality that our customers have come to love here so much at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis shone through strongly with these wins, instilling even more confidence in our world-class line.

This latest honor comes just after the 2023 Kia EV6 and 2023 Kia Telluride were ranked on Car and Driver’s prominent 10Best Trucks and SUVs list. The EV6 also recently enjoyed a premiere accolade as the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the North American Car of the Year jury. The criteria that allowed for final selection included Car and Driver’s instrumented testing, the vehicle’s true purpose and mission, and how they ranked in the segment up against competitors. 

There is simply so much to love about these great models! There is something for drivers with every need, purpose, and demeanor, with just one-third of the winner’s circle we’ll put in a temporary spotlight:

The 2023 EV6 doles out its own characteristic and segment-leading impression with its long driving range, exhilarating driving dynamics, and excellent technology features. Also toting a #1 rating from the U.S. News staff for the EV category, the EV6 offers comfortable seating for five, and stellar safety ratings to boot. Its available dual-motor AWD setup is powered by the 77.4 kWh battery, resulting in a robust 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. Getting up to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, this is also the most powerful Kia ever boasting Drift Mode! The EV6 GT is new for 2023 and cranks out 576 horsepower while excelling greatly in the thrill department. 

The 2023 Kia Telluride easily situates itself above the competition thanks to its generous standard features and a top trim level that provides an experience effectively rivaling SUVS twice the price. Its excellent V6, quiet cabin, and very confident handling give the Telluride a refined drive that is suitable to be on weekend duty for hauling camping or lake toys. The 2023 model received a refreshed grille, a new front bumper, and completely redesigned headlamps. The X-Line and X-Pro trims both are instrumental in offering up the Telluride’s hefty 5500-lb towing capacity.

The 2023 Kia Carnival is the ideal minivan for the drivers who are on the hunt for something logical, and starts out the hard bargaining for your family’s next trip by earning its Top Safety Pick accolade from the IIHS for coming out with top-scoring marks in every crashworthiness test. The 3.5-liter provides the ultimate inspiration and power source for the times when you “really need to get away”, and the LX and SX Prestige models can accommodate 7 passengers comfortably. The SX Prestige also adds the benefit of second-row VIP lounge seats, that can recline and slide along with leg extensions, a new “relaxation mode” for when it's needed most.

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!

2023 Kia Telluride Continues Car and Driver “10Best” Tradition With X-Pro Trim Additives, Class-Defining Midsize Domination

Being the best at anything will absolutely command a size-able bullseye on your back, and here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, the Telluride has righteously earned the bragging rights of receiving 3 straight 10Best awards since its arrival in 2020. It has effortlessly left various numbers of the competition in the dust such as the Mazda CX9, Toyota Highlander, and even its relative in the form of a Hyundai Palisade. 

Instead of cozying up in our slippers and getting comfortable being at the top, Kia has continued to make changes to the Telluride for the 2023 model, enhancing its equipment and adding more features with much-desired strength. The 291-horsepower V6 8-speed automatic and other mechanical bits are unchanged, but the reshaped grille adds a visually 3-dimensional aesthetic. The front bumper has a bit more square-off design, and its revised LED headlights have a pretty cool dual vertical presence. The X-Line and X-line Pro trims are new to the mix, and both provide the game-changing extras to properly conquer the challenges of the trail.

Both outdoor-ready trim upgrades sport standard all-wheel drive, greater approach and departure angles, and in extra boost in the all-important ground clearance department. They also come with standard roof rails which make it easier to haul along the toys that will make the adventure that much more epic. You’ll also be busting through the challenges of the fire trail you’ve been scoping out for some times that much easier with 18-inch wheels and Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires and revised traction-control software for added assistance. 

There’s also an additional cooling fan that boosts towing capacity by 500 pounds, and the Car and Driver experts were thoroughly impressed with the SUV’s pinpoint-accurate steering, compliant ride, and firm-as-ever body control. The SX-Prestige model flared up to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds, rendering it just a bit quicker than the previous Telluride models the crew had tried out. To experience all the best elements of the X-Pro trim, the gang took the drive route outside of San Antonio to a uniquely challenging off-road course to defiantly kick up some dust. 

Here they got to see the electronically blocking center differential in full-on action, which aided in the task of crawling over a challenging rock bed and a few straight drainage ditches. The very cool feature of Hill descent control is new and standard on all 2023 tellurides, and it was the perfect tool for managing speed on nearly terrifying downgrades. EPA fuel ratings see the front and all-wheel drive models both coming in at 23 and 21 mpg combined, after tested on a 75-mph highway route. 

Inside the color options are abundant with the sweet varieties of Navy, Sage Green, and Terracotta topping our personal list. There is a completely redesigned dashboard, with restyled trim and HVAC vents that lead to a new interface. Here you’ll be easily accessing two 12.3-inch displays for the gauge cluster and center touchscreen situated in a single unit, and an updated infotainment system that makes way for more screen space to operate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sales of this model raised 60% last year alone, distinct proof that Kia has fared well during the task of edging generously ahead of the competition!

Kia Telluride X-Pro Displays Elevated Styling and Technology During 74th Emmy Awards

The Telluride SUV has enjoyed its clout as our brand’s most awarded vehicle ever here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis. Its reign of popularity continues with it as the brightly shining star of a new creative campaign that made its debut last week! During the exciting live broadcast of the 74th Emmy Awards on NBC, it was made official that the 2023 Telluride will now include a brand-new X-Pro Model, built specifically for conquering demanding adventures far off the beaten path. 

The Telluride was Kia’s excellent opportunity to take the brand to a very exciting and successful new status and show everyone just how durable and capable the X-Pro will be. Boasting the valuable ability to adapt to a wide variety of terrain situations, the Telluride will provide an amazing drive quality for all genres of driver lifestyle, and adaptability to a variety of demanding situations. We were proud to make a return as the official sponsor of the Television Academy and the 74th EMMY Awards for the third consecutive year, eagerly standing by with several video spots that depict the versatility of this incoming SUV.

These spots were ingeniously created by David And Goliath, Kia’s award-winning creative agency at the fitting location near Imogen Pass at Telluride, Colorado. Performing at peak capacity while braving an elevation of 13,114 feet, the spot follows an excited couple as they embark with the X-Pro up a winding path on the side of a treacherous mountain. As they come up on a clearing, they come to a stop where painters are working on a rendition of the actual sky itself, then lament to each other that the Telluride is so capable that they mistakenly “went too high”. 

In addition to this entertaining spot, the Telluride X-Pro is going to be featured as part of a quirky new in-show installment that will highlight the effectiveness of using one scenario with different actors engaging in completely different approaches to the topic. New for the 2023 model is updated front and rear bumpers, an updated grille, redesigned vertical LED headlights, and new wheel designs for each trim level. You’ll be boosting your drive-time productivity and location scouting with the 12.3-inch curved navigation, gauge-cluster displays, and a larger head-up display. 

The Motor Trend team claimed that the current-year Telluride is “through and through a premium product, providing high levels of quality, style, features, and refinement minus the premium price tag”. The 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 is still on deck for the 2023 model, cranking out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while paired to the 8-speed automatic. The 2022 Telluride was awarded the five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and you’ll also be enjoying the convenience of the available hands-free liftgate. You can also pick from the dazzling new paint choices in the form of Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Wood Green.

Numerous Kia Models Enjoy Top Honors in Motor Trend’s “Ultimate Car Rankings”

When all the various awards of the season begin to triumphantly roll out, we get excited here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis as we know that many of our models can have what it takes to nail down top honors! Nine Kia models were recognized during Motor Trend’s “Ultimate Car Rankings” for the second half of 2022, with more than half of the podium winners now being electrified vehicles. The 2022 EV6 took the top spot In the “Electric SUV” category, as electrified vehicles are receiving an enormous vote of confidence for the brand. 

The 2023 Telluride, 2022 Rio Sedan, and Rio Hatchback all came in first place in the 3-row SUV, compact sedan, and subcompact hatchback segments. The 2022 Niro and Sorento Hybrid both took second place in the Compat Hybrid Hatch and Compact Hybrid SUV categories, all rankings that provide very positive reinforcement for the current state of advancements in electrification. As our Plan S strategy continues to make progress, we expect other various forms of recognition for stellar design and fine-honed leadership potential. 

Motor Trend’s “Ultimate Car Rankings” were set in place in 2020 to provide help with the average car buyer’s task of gaining a deeper understanding when it comes to their options. Using some of the fundamentals established in their long-standing Car, Truck, and SUV of the Year merit programs, the current ranking system evaluates how a car drives, long-term value, safety, driving range, efficiency, technology, and other traits for customer satisfaction. This process that deemed Kia such a dominating yearly success was steadily evolving for decades, and on a 10-point scale, scores most vehicles at around a 7 average. 

The Driving Performance is the solid foundation of the Performance of Intended Function in rankings after testing cars on a track they are evaluated at their limits as well as what they're like on the daily drive. Armed with the mantra that a well-engineered car will give you the best confidence in nearly any driving situation, there is also a fair amount of data captured on how much space the vehicle has for the occupants and their belongings. Motor Trend has always also done well in the technology category for ranking cars because they understand that it’s not always about how huge an infotainment screen is, but how well it can perform in different demanding situations. 

Knowing that drivers will be making payments for some time after the brand-new luster wears off of the car, the Motor Trend experts also put a very detailed amount of analysis into the five-year cost-of-ownership data points such as overall depreciation, repair costs, insurance, financing, and the all-important cost at the pump. The system at use here that ultimately celebrated the Kia brand wholeheartedly had a well-balanced blend of subjective and objective data, and the finalizing algorithm considered the needs of many different varieties of buyers.