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 Telluride Graces Car and Driver’s Exclusive 10Best List for the Third Year in a row

The Telluride has received recognition as one of Car and Driver’s 10Best for the third consecutive year! Kia’s largest-ever SUV has taken the honors based on its high-quality ride, premium interior, and amazing design. 

The Telluride’s handling and overall value were some of the categories that earned the selection. The 2022 model received design enhancements, brand-new Kia badging, and more convenience and safety features across trim levels. With its roomy, high-quality cabin along with ample passenger and cargo space, it also boasts a 10.25-inch infotainment system and highway driving assist. Also ranked #1 on the USNews.com cars section blog, the Telluride won many over with its cabin full of high-quality materials and user-friendly features. The standard V6 engine is a capable and reliable powertrain option, and it’s one of the reasons that the Telluride is worth considering as a family vehicle that offers a high level of versatility.

Everyone wants to get their hands on the vehicle Motor Trend claimed had “upended the new car status quo to perfection.” Delivering abundant space, excellent ride quality, and class-leading resale value, the Telluride is a prime example of premium quality being easily attainable. 

The Telluride in FWD gets 20/26 mpg city/highway and the AWD version gets 19/24 mpg rating from the EPA. Also receiving five-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA, every Telluride begins the journey equipped with automatic headlights, push-button start, remote start with key FOB, and a dual-zone climate control system with second and third-row vents. The top-of-the-line SX trim now boasts LED headlights, a comfy 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, a 7.0-inch instrument cluster display, and a premium 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

2019 Kia Soul Awarded Class Favorite for Car And Driver's Annual Crossover SUV Ranking

The staff of Car and Driver have been heartily cranking out the current events and all other goods car-related from Ann Arbor Michigan for many years now, giving those who are heavily into horsepower and torque their monthly dose. Originally founded as Sports Cars Illustrated in 1955, they at that time were primarily focusing on the imported sports car variety. Instead of electing a car of the year, they now choose to focus on their annual top ten picks, publishing their highly anticipated Car and Driver 10Best list.

It's no surprise that there is now one of these lists dedicated to Crossover SUVs, which as they admitted has lately gone from “nowhere to white-hot” in terms of popularity. The 2019 Kia Soul was chosen as their 1^st class favorite, and pricing that starts well below $20,000. Millennials have flocked to the snappy looks and packaging, and test drives from many separate blogs have rendered the Soul one of the most absolute fun-to-handle vehicles on the market. A 130-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder is the engine standard, with available 161-hp 2.0-liter and 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter on deck for more gusto.

The highly experienced staff at KBB.com claimed after a few drives in the current Soul that its “roomy and versatile interior shines bright,” and that it is one of the absolute most confident drivers in its segment. One of the things that people compliment us about time and time again here at Jim Butler Kia is the warranties that they receive with their new purchase: the Kia Soul proudly offers a 10-year/100,000 -mile powertrain warranty. The peace of mind that is obtained from knowing you won't incur an extra charge if something standard goes wrong early in the game is massive, and helps young entrepreneurs and families have a better pathway to obtaining their dreams.

We love to tout the Soul as our brandished-and-best secret weapon to battle the likes of the Honda HR-V, Nissan Kicks, and Toyota Corolla Hatchback in sales and overall market share. Also snagging great reviews for its resale value, the Soul has had many frequent customers on KBB.com praise it for its reliability, with many having no mechanical problems whatsoever during the first four years of ownership. One buyer right here in St Louis said he was thrilled that at his 6' 2” height, the Soul still provided a very comfortable and capable daily driver for him that he looked forward to riding in every single commute.

Another very satisfied customer claimed that after driving 100 miles every single day to work and back, she has had not one single issue, and will probably trade it in on a new one. We hope to help you chase away the late-winter's blues with our friendly advice and assistance from our sales and service staff here at Jim Butler: The Soul and many other great choices are here waiting for you to discover their awesome tech features, unbelievable safety offerings, and robust reliability!