Mudfest Marvel: Kia EV9 Sweeps Awards with Electrifying Performance

Kia has been at the forefront of innovation and excellence over the past decade and constantly strive to provide vehicles that can adapt to any terrain. The EV9 has drawn a lot of attention recently at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as it made huge waves at the 2024 Northwest Automotive Press Association’s Mudfest event. It was able to claim the very rugged and capable honor of “Outdoor Utility Vehicle” along with “Three-Row Family SUV”, as journalists and enthusiasts descended upon The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington.

Spring has left behind quite a challenging arsenal of half-dry and still slushy terrain right here in Missouri, and plenty of showers and thunderstorms have made for difficult conditions. For customers excited to try their hands at off-roading, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist can provide the confidence to know that the hazards of the wild won’t deter your next trail excursion. Hikers and other adventurers can pop up seemingly out of nowhere, and these features allow you to focus on the fun at hand instead of being concerned about any incidents with others who are out enjoying the wild. 

All Kia models are backed by a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, along with a 5-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty. Drivers who enjoy the task of getting muddy will be happy to know that they can keep their Kia running smoothly for many days to come. These recent accolades yielded from the Northwest’s most rigorous testing grounds underscore Kia’s valued position as a current leader in the automotive industry. The esteemed Car and Driver review crew praised this year’s EV9 for being “one of the first true family-friendly EV options, which drives and acts like a slam dunk!”

Its' large size comes with a towing capacity of 5000 lbs, along with its usable 3rd row of seats that should appeal to many growing families. The more time they spent with the EV9 the more they enjoyed it, as they also moved to award it with a spot on their 2024 Editors Choice List. They felt that the midrange Wind trim offered the most value, with the more capable all-wheel-drive powertrain cranking out 379 horsepower. It also is equipped with the second-row captain's chairs, a heat pump for the climate control system, and the heated front seats and steering wheel.

The second-row captain’s chairs offer heating, ventilation, and massaging, and the rear cargo space holds 20 cubic feet. The J.D. Power team’s independent expert had a tremendous time with an EV9 decked out in Ocean Blue paint, the Second Row Relaxation Package, carpeted floor mats, and the carpeted cargo mat. The front seatbacks include embedded USB charge ports and a storage tray along with a bin that slides toward passengers from the back portion of the front console. The second row features an overhead climate control panel, ceiling-mounted air vents, and side window shades spanning the glass. 

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 Niro Displays Satisfaction-Gleaning Domination in J.D. Power Electric Vehicle Ownership Study for 2nd Year Running

Here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis as the spring approaches and all our customers are ready for news regarding new models, the oncoming changes regarding innovations in electrification have provided even more exciting things to report on for the season! Our Kia Niro EV has now taken top honors in the J.D. Power 2022 Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study mass-market category for the second year in a row. J.D. Power surveyed more than 8,000 electric vehicle owners on critical factors that include battery range, cost-of-ownership, service experience, styling and driving enjoyment to gauge satisfaction.

We have always prided ourselves on offering a diverse line of vehicles with convenient services that always provided an A+ ownership experience. We have now enjoyed consecutive wins in the EVX Ownership Study that reinforces our leadership as we now prepare to introduce additional electric passenger vehicles, MPVs, and SUVs across several areas by 2027. The highly-publicized “Plan S” strategy promises to deliver 14 new EVs globally across multiple categories by 2027. The Niro EV will now open many various possibilities for drivers who already love our assortment of popular crossovers, but are also seeking the benefits of electric energy.

Now that the Niro has dominated for two years in a row for highest ownership satisfaction, the stage is set to fully exceed EV owner expectations, and we now know that we will consistently and confidently claim to give EV owners the best experience in current existence. Boasting a look that is so much better than more bland EV box shapes, a strong roster of standard equipment, and an all-electric range of around 239 miles, it also added a 10.3-inch touchscreen to replace the previous 8.0-inch base unit.

Also now coming with built-in navigation, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and SiriusXM satellite radio, the onboard electric motor produces 201 horsepower, which is sent through the front wheels by a one-speed direct-drive transmission. The Niro EV gets to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and can be driven with just one pedal thanks to regenerative braking. There are four different levels of regeneration that can be toggled between using the steering-wheel-mounted paddles. 

The 240-volt connection is said to fully charge the battery in about 9 hours, and the standard DC fast-charge capability can provide an 80 percent charge in just one hour with a 100-kW connection. Upgrading to the EX Premium trim adds on features such as ventilated front seats, a power sunroof, and wireless charging. The Car and Driver staff were able to fit 18 carry-ons behind the front seats, and enjoyed the massive selling point of the 10-year/100,000 – mile powertrain warranty.

KIA Trio Hailed as Segment Winners in 2017 J.D. Power Performance, Execution, and Layout Study

The Niro, Soul, and Kia Cadenza have all been making waves in the marketplace quite heavily: J.D. Power APEAL Awards came out with all them snagging the best in their specific genres. The Niro grabbed accolades in the Small SUV segment, The Soul Dominated the Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle segment, and the Cadenza presided at the top of the list for the Large Car Segment. For the second year in a row, Kia Motors was ranked the absolute highest in the industry, and all 3 Kia APEAL study segment winners were also IQS segment winners.

Here on the lot as every new day presents us with opportunities to link people up with great cars in the St. Louis metro, we recognize that buyers today have more choices than ever before. They are looking for vehicles that offer first-class design, technology, efficiency, and amenities that really shine. More consumers looking for a smooth and safe commute are finding KIA every day, and realizing just how incredibly well these cars are fating against the competition.

The Niro cross over hybrid performed a noticeably large 51 points total aboce other average models within its segment. The Cadenza also dominated highly within its own segment, surpassing the average model's score by 27 points. The Soul has always been a hefty favorite with consumers who march to a slightly different beat, and this year it nailed down its fifth APEAL Award. This solidifies its position as the vehicle with the most APEAL awards in Kia's entire lineup of cars, and it is the only care with a spot in the Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle category to score above its segment average.

The J.D. Powers APEAL study measure new-vehicle owners' overall running level of satisfaction with their vehicles during the first 3 months of ownership. This is such a crucial time when you really think about it: this is when the owner gets the most drastic first impression, that determines or not they would have recommend the car to a friend. It also determines whether or not they would choose to purchase the car again themselves, which we understand so much of our business at Jim Butler derives from.

Hailed by Car and Driver as "The fully realized execution that could elevate the hybrid crossover to widespread adoption", the Niro is rated at 50 MPG. Most likely causing many consumers heads to turn immediately, it is the true face-to-face contender of the supposedly savvy and dapper Toyota Prius. CNBC calls the Cadenza a "Spacious boat of a car with great value", with a true difference in identify. Motor Trend calls the Soul "Stylish and Surprisingly practical": make sure you take some xtra time over the coming month to see us at Jim Butler, and find out how a new Kia car will add a deliberate sense of direction to your fall driving itinerary.

J.D. Power's Initial Quality Nameplate Rankings Boasts Kia at the top for Year #2

Claiming the most vehicles of any Nameplate on the J.D. Power Study is quite an achievement: it makes complete sense that one of the most important ways to rank vehicles for consumers is in regards to how many documented problems they have. It excites us greatly that last year, Kia ranked highest in the entire industry, and improved 11 whole points. Owners reported having fewer issues with their Kia vehicles within the first 3 months of ownership than any other brand, an important trait in any car ranking. The Soul, Forte, Cadenza, Niro, and Sorento all were at the top of their respective categories, and the Cadenza nabbed the startling achievement of having the lowest average number of problems among every single model ranked in the study.

The jump in improvement to just 72 problems per 100 vehicles is the best nameplace performance for any brand within the last two decades of the study, which is driven by five unique awards. When Kia beat out the entire other list of competitors in last year's Quality Study, many wondered if our brand would come back swinging so strong for a second year. The craftmanship the team members instill into every single car is a symbol of the pride and top-notch skills that it takes to give Kia cars the predominant – ranking prowess they always deliver.

This annual report analyzes responses from 77,415 respondents, and encompasses 243 different vehicle models across 26 segments. The vehicles evaluated were done so based on driving experience, performance of engine and transmission, and a large range of problem symptoms reported by the numerous owners of vehicles. This year's findings revealed that audio/communication/entertainment issues continue to be the most common for owners of brand-new vehicles. On the bright side, it has also improved drastically within the last year. Cruise control and collision-avoidance / alert systems are some of the areas where new vehicles struggle, and have difficulty keeping free and clear of reported issues.

In many circumstances, multiple features are worth the hassle, but the more complicated a vehicle is, the more potential it has for problems. We will tell anyone that walks in the dealership here that it's going to be a pleasure to navigate the St. Louis Metro with a vehicle you can rely on, and one that is ranking on the front lines and known for minimal hassle. The eight problem categories that are asked about are designed to provide manufacturers with information that helps identify problems quickly, and propel quickly the ultimate drive of the product's long-term improvement.

The last thing we want to have happen to you as you are getting ready to enjoy an event-filled St. Louis summer is for you to obtain a vehicle that doesn't cut it for you during your first time increment of ownership. We understand that having a technical issue within the first 90 days is not going to make you feel confident about your future, and provide a hassle for your schedule. Choosing a Kia secures your future of ownership with the best in the business, and we are happy to provide the most resilient and well-built auto out there. Consistently ranking above par off the starting line is a necessary trait for a repeat purchase, and we can't wait to show you just how accessible and A-list champion your next Kia purchase will be.

Kia Motors America Impresses With August Sales

Yesterday, Kia Motors America announced their August sales performance and it did not disappoint. Led by the Soul and Optima, the company sold a total of 54,248 units. Additionally, the Sedona experienced doubled sales when compared to the same period last year and the Forte family reached their best August sales yet.

Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA stated, “Despite the signs that the industry-wide sales may have peaked in 2015, Kia is up nearly four percent through August on the the strength of double digit year-over-year increases for Rio, Forte, Sportage and Sedona.”

The year-to-date sales is up 3.8% for Kia Motors, which also happens to be the highest scoring nameplate in the industry, according to J.D. Power. To get in the Kia action yourself, be sure to stop by Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO to check out the 2016 and 2017 Kia vehicle lineup!
 

The All-New 2017 KIA Forte Is Coming Soon

The Forte family of compact cars has been hugely successful within the last couple of years, with the 2016 model being a top-rated small car in the J.D. Power IQS, and KIA plans to continue on that path with the all-new 2017 model. In 2015, the vehicle experienced best-ever sales and after a few refinements, the company is confident they’ll be seeing that all over again.

In addition to an updated exterior style, the Forte has also been given a new 2.0-liter Atkinson I-4 base engine, making it even more fuel-efficient and improving its performance. Advanced driver-assistance features have also been added- leading to an overall convenient driving experience for those behind the wheel.

To elaborate on the exterior updates, the Forte sports a new front bumper and “tiger-nose” grille. This grille connects to new headlights, which also have the option for Xenon HID lights. Now with a sleeker appearance, the Forte will be available in two designs- one focusing more on its sophisticated personality and the other bringing out a sporty and aggressive side of the vehicle. Redesigned taillights pull the entire look together.

The 2017 model is available in three trims- an entry-level LX, the new sporty S trim, and the EX, which is the top-trim option. The interior cloth upholstery of the LX has been upgraded and the S features an exclusive black cloth with white stitching. Heated front seats and leather upholstery comes standard with the new EX model, in addition to rear vents and push-button start with Smart Key.

As for the driver-assistance features, the Forte will include Autonomous Emergency Braking, a Forward Collision and Lane Departure warnings, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot detection. Depending on the trim, this vehicle will also house Kia’s navigation and Drive Mode System.

The 2017 KIA Forte should be available at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO within the next few weeks...we’ll be sure to keep you updated! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to stop in or call us for any questions you may have!

KIA Motors Experiencing Even More Growth After 2016 J.D. Power IQS

 

Last month, KIA Motors was recognized by J.D. Power as the highest scoring nameplate of all 33 makes in the U.S in the 2016 Initial Quality Study. Following this feat, the company has experienced a 15.6 percent rise in sales in June in comparison to the same time period last year, hitting a total of 62,572 sold vehicles. This is the best quarter and half-year performances KIA Motors America (KMA) has seen in its history.

Chief operating officer and EVP of KIA Motors America stated “No auto brand experienced greater growth over the last 20 years than KIA, and J.D. Power’s IQS announcement boosted our momentum with huge increases in online and showroom traffic. By every measure, the ‘New KIA’ is an elite automaker and one of the industry’s greatest success stories.”

The vehicles that contributed to the 328,327 of year-to-date sales for KIA include:

• The Sportage compact CUV, "Highest Ranked Small SUV in Initial Quality"- which also experienced a 76.3 percent year-over-year increase in sales
• Forte compact family- which hit its all-time high of 10,406 units sold in just March
• The KIA Soul, "Highest Ranked Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle in Initial Quality, two years in a row"- still increasing in sales for the seventh year in a row

To check out any of these vehicles for yourself, visit us at Jim Butler KIA located in St. Louis, MO!



KIA Tops Rankings in 2016 J.D. Power Study

KIA Motors was recently recognized by J.D Power as the highest scoring nameplate in its annual Initial Quality Study (IQS). All 33 makes in the U.S. are evaluated in this study, so needless to say, it was a huge feat for KIA. This marks the first time in 27 years that a non-premium brand has topped the rankings. 

These IQS rankings are determined by the owners of vehicles, who evaluate the driving experience, engine and transmission performance, and a range of quality-related problems that may occur within the first 90 days of ownership.

Contributing to KIA’s success is the segment-leading performances from the Sportage and Soul. Additionally, the Forte, Rio, and Sorento all ranked in the top three of their respective categories. KIA’s sales in the U.S. have grown consistently over the last four years, as have their performance in the J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study. In 2013, they made it to the the overall top 10, placing second in the industry and led all non-premium makes in IQS in 2015.

Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KIA Motors America states, “Ranking number one in the entire industry for initial quality is the result of Kia’s decade-long focus on craftsmanship and continuous improvement, and reflects the voice of our customers, which is the ultimate affirmation. As the highest ranked brand in the industry, there is no doubt Kia is a world-class automaker.” 
 
Visit us at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis, Missouri to test out the KIA Sportage, Soul, Forte, Rio, or Sorento for yourself!

Source: KIA Media

Sedona Ranks Highest in Minivan Segment for J.D. Power APEAL Award

Industry recognition latest for KIA minivans amid its record-setting sales year

The 2015 KIA Sedona is living up to its billing as a minivan that does and offers more.

J.D. Power awarded the Sedona minivan with its Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award for the minivan segment. Sedona bested rivals such as Honda, Nissan and Chrysler to take home the hardware.

The J.D. Power APEAL study measures new-vehicle owners’ overall satisfaction with their vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership. The results are divided into 10 categories and weighted accordingly: exterior, interior, storage, audio, seats, heating and ventilation, driving dynamics, powertrain, visibility, and fuel economy.

“The redesign of Sedona ... is an extraordinary success story for the Kia brand,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning for Kia Motors America, said. “Sedona’s superior combination of a strong, confident design, advanced safety features, and premium amenities, is revolutionizing the minivan segment.”



A new Sedona presents so much more than a minivan for St. Louis families. A standard 3.3-liter V6 engine can certainly excite drivers, and the first-class “lounge seating” and CUV-like appearance means a minivan that breaks the mold.

The 2015 KIA Sedona’s accolade follows up the brand’s previous award from J.D. Power. In June, KIA was ranked as the best non-luxury brand in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. The same models available at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley beat out juggernauts such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Buick.

To learn more about the 2015 KIA Sedona or to schedule a test drive, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our KIAs in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your new vehicle purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

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KIA Emerges with Best Finish Ever in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for 2015

KIA earns spot as best non-premium brand in study as each KIA vehicle improves

As KIA continues to offer quality vehicles to consumers, every current KIA model at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley saw an improvement in the 2015 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). To top it off, KIA placed second overall and was the highest ranked non-premium make for 2015.

In fact, two vehicles cracked the Top 10 which are the Cadenza and Soul. Other KIA vehicles placing third or better in their respective segments were the Rio, Optima, Sportage, Sedona and Sorento.

In regards to the Sedona, it’s been a habit of redesigned vehicles to take a hit in their first year of redesign in the J.D. Power study — this wasn’t the case with KIA’s minivan.

J.D. Power’s IQS consists of data and surveys from more than 85,000 owners of new 2015 vehicles throughout the first 90 days of purchase. A 233-question study and survey gives manufacturers the critical information they need to improve their vehicles.

KIA “getting it right”

KIA’s sales have more than doubled this decade, and that’s thanks in part to the improving quality and technology of KIA’s vehicles. The labor and passion put into each new KIA, from the versatile Soul to the popular and stylish Optima, is recognized with this latest accolade.

“One of the biggest areas they improved was the audio, communication, entertainment and [navigation], which everyone is struggling with,” Renee Stephens, J.D. Power’s vice president of U.S. Automotive quality, said. “They’re getting it right.”

The ranking is determined by number of problems per 100 vehicles, and KIA found itself placed firmly above such brands as Hyundai, BMW, Lexus, Buick and Mercedes-Benz.

We could go on for days about the Cadenza’s luxurious feel, the Sedona’s top-shelf offerings or the Sorento’s capability, but the best way to learn about the quality of KIA vehicles is to stop by for a test drive and experience first-hand what everyone else is loving about KIA.

To learn more about the quality KIA vehicles, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our KIAs in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your new vehicle purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

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Sportages at Jim Butler Kia are best dependable small SUVs

J.D. Power ranks Sportage as lead small SUV in 2015 Vehicle Dependability Study

In a survey of vehicle dependability, the Kia Sportage came out on top in the small SUV category according to J.D. Power’s 2015 Vehicle Dependability Study (DVS). Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield Valley is your home for a new Kia Sportage available in AWD and 2WD!
The VDS is industry-wide and studies problems experienced during the past year by original owners of three-year old vehicles (2012 model year). VDS measures the long-term quality of vehicles, including new technologies and features currently available to buyers.

Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) — the lower the score, the higher long-term quality level.  The Sportage’s score of 129 propelled it to the top of seven small SUVs. This latest recognition for Sportage follows the model’s two consecutive J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS) awards in 2013 and 2014.

“We believe the results of the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study demonstrate Kia’s on-going commitment to quality and obsession with craftsmanship in building our world-class products,” John Crowe, vice president, service and aftersale operations, Kia Motors America, said.

The 2015 Sportage, available at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, has a wide variety of features across three trim levels. stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, turn signals on the outside mirrors, a rear camera display and backup warning system, roof rails, a rear spoiler, fog lamps and chrome body trim and door handles along with dual exhaust and LED accent lighting give some authority to the Sportage. The top-of-the-line Sportage SX adds a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine producing 260-horsepower under the hood. Combine this with the dependability of the Sportage, and Jim Butler Kia can provide you with a reliable, fun family vehicle.

To learn more about the 2015 Sportage, call us today at 888-392-6606. As your St. Louis Kia dealer, we invite you to check out a new Sportage in person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler Kia, you can make your Sorento, K900 and Soul purchases with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, Mo., and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights Kia dealer.

Check out our new Sportage inventory!