The EV6's Marvelous Heart-Stealing Effect: Fast-Charging & Family-Approved

Making a quick pit stop with an EV is a task we've become accustomed to here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis! A speedy retail errand or run to return the goods from the library can offer a chance to acquire a much-needed boost. The InsideEvs.com review staff were on duty last week test-driving the Kia EV6, and the writer's wife made a ten-minute pit stop inside a Walmart. In just ten minutes, a 350 kW Electrify America station boosted the vehicle from 39 to 80%!

After many years of riding with her husband while he tested many vehicles for their fast-charging capabilities, she was quite taken aback. The couple loved it so much that they had actually purchased one for themselves, and they had recently taken advantage of a great summer leasing deal. The two had been testing EVs almost exclusively over the past few years, knowing that 2024 was when they wanted the best of today's current offerings permanently in their garage.

He then said that the current leasing deals were simply too good to pass up, and they finally settled on an EV6 Wind AWD. They embarked on a 330-mile road trip from Rochester, NY back to their family home. Range, performance, technology, and design were always the couple's predominant judgment criteria. The EV6 has been on sale since 2021, and a comprehensive facelift is coming soon. Theirs was equipped with a 77.4-kWh battery pack with an EPA-rated 282 miles of range. Its aerodynamic shape makes it easily nudged ahead of the Hyundai Ioniq's 260-mile range.

Offering a robust and combined 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, the dual-motor EV6 was the most powerful car they had owned! It quite eagerly comes in at under 5 seconds for the 0 to 60 time. The Sport mode will even veer off into the territory which can cost you your license. The EV6 GT can even face off with supercars, but this pair's EV education led them to seek out the best they could find range-wise. On most days, they average around 3.2 miles per kWh but have even seen efficiency numbers rise after driving conservatively.

The duo now owns a solar-powered ChargePoint Level 2 plug in their garage but were thrilled outright with DC fast charging's speed. This is one of the currently available EVs with a true 800-volt architecture, which allows for the very admirable juicing capability. Going from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes can allow for the type of day that wins big in the productivity category! All the errands, after-school activities, or fall outings can be accessed that much quicker, without having to wait impatiently. The InsideEVs staff believes firmly that the nation needs more public Level 2 charging everywhere, as it is useful for so much more than just a quick “boost.”

It would allow the general public a chance to see that EVs can bring about the change needed for a cleaner environment and provide an amazing driving experience in the process. The 2024 Kia EV6 will “warn” you that you may not quite have the juice to get to your final destination, while quickly rerouting you to another option. Another very happy EV6 owner on an internet forum claimed that her EV6 “was the hands-down best vehicle she'd ever had”, with the 360 camera views sealing the deal during tight parking-lot retail runs of her own.

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's Award-Winning 2021 Niro Hybrid and PHEV Coast Into New Year with Charming Customer Convenience

The Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid crossovers are going to coast triumphantly into the new year here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis with an enhanced and confident sense of customer convenience! The Niro Hybrid LX arrives into the new model year with its 50-mph EPA rating as well as a gigantic amount of savings in fuel costs for five years compared to an average vehicle. The 2021 PHEV is eligible for a substantial federal tax credit, offering assistance during a year when many drivers need it most.

Standard Rear Occupant Alert is a new addition, and 8-inch display-equipped vehicles now come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment. Smart Key-equipped vehicles now feature the very useful Remote Engine Start, a fitting way to assure you get out on time when the telltale too-busy morning strikes! The Niro also expanded its DriveWise Advanced Driver Assistance System to now feature Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control and Curve on all vehicles that currently have Smart Cruise Control and Navigation. DriveWise features Forward Collision-Avoidance at the Pedestrian level, with a camera to aid in detection.

Any buyer searching for something a little different than a Toyota Prius should consider the Kia Niro hatchback, with its fuel-efficient sense of practicality and cheerful demeanor. Even with a slightly-smaller size, there is a good amount of space for rear passengers and helping of cargo room when the rear seats are folded. It does not possess an incredibly sporty personality and may not boast the same capabilities as an off-road-ready contender such as the Telluride, but it is one of the best models out there for anyone looking to get to their daily destinations with economic and environmental sensibility.

Making the ride much more enjoyable on the audio end of things is the option for an upgrade to a Harmon Kardon 8-speaker sound system, and many reviewers such as those on duty at The Car Connection claim that the Niro is the superior choice when pitted against the competitor in the form of the Nissan Leaf Plus. Every single benefit of going electric is flaunted directly from the driver's seat, and the electric motor cranks out 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. Getting up to 60 mph in 7 seconds is adequate for any hasty city sprint or impromptu errands, and the perky and quiet performance fares as excellent all the way on up to highway speed.

Reasonable and well-proportioned, the Niro's front-wheel-drive is adequate for all-weather capability and remains quick as well as impressive. One of the technologies that have proven to be the most useful and game-changing is the Niro's regenerative braking: the vehicle's momentum is used to “recover” energy that would otherwise be lost to the brake discs in the form of wasteful heat.

Kia Carnival to Provide Superhuman Strength For Busy Families Nationwide Via The 3.5-Liter V6

The latest generation of Kia's minivan is scheduled soon to make its landing in the States and at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis. Providing energetic assistance in the form of superhuman strength for parents everywhere juggling soccer practice with the last few items forgot from the store, the 2022 Kia Carnival will be assisting with your to-do list as the first Kia in the nation to bear the brand-new emblem. The Carnival now offers a stylish look, a greater amount of power, additional cargo space, and exciting new features. 

A longer hood and chunky C-pillar give it an appearance a bit more like an SUV, and a slightly boxier body inside allows for a few extra cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats removed and third row of seats folded. There is room for 8 passengers as standard, and the second-row bench can fold to become a table ideal for snacking and laptops after sliding closer to the front seats. If you know you're going to be spending lots of time in here on short or long-distance trips, the SX-Prestige trim level will suit you well: there is a unique setup with power-adjustable recliner-style captains chairs with a comfortable ottoman and headrests designed to rejuvenate the weary passenger. 

The power is derived from the 3.5-liter V6 engine that cranks out 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and the front-wheel-drive setup can capably tow up to 3500 pounds. The interior offers more along the lines of comfort and luxury than the outgoing Sedona, and the available brown leather upholstery and larger 12.3-inch touchscreen provide a slice of the good life that fulfills the demand increasing every day to up the bar for cabin refinement. 

Passengers in the rear will enjoy dual entertainment screens with smartphone mirroring capabilities, and you can request that everyone simmer down or get ready for the next pit stop with a vehicle-wide intercom system. A power tailgate, power sliding doors, and camera that offers a rear view of passengers as well as numerous rear-seat USB ports and power outlets also will assure everyone is kept entertained and adequately charged-up for the road. Kia listened to customers nationwide's requests when they voiced a desire for more driver-assistance features as standard equipment, and blind-spot cameras, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera are all available as current options. 

Offerings like this provide many reasons for drivers to choose the fully-loaded and luxurious minivan over the many crossover options out there. This was the way that America originally packed everyone in and saw the country, and the added perks of the current variety Kia is bringing to the table with the Carnival should encourage many to fulfill that Grand Canyon, Yosemite, or far-away beach trip once and for all! 

2021 Kia Rio Stakes Claim To Class-Leading Victory With Vincentric Best Value in America

Over the last two decades here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, our entire lineup has changed in numerous ways, and the Rio is one model that has maintained its reputation and image based on its generous and timely value. Available in sedan and hatchback versions, the 2021 Rio now has another great thing to boast about: the Vincentric automotive research organization in Michigan has deemed it the proud recipient of the 2021 Best Value in America. 

While stepping up with versatile and practical benefits such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Rio has not added an exorbitant amount of dollar signs to its final price! The Vincentric Best Value in America award factors the current market price of a vehicle and then looks at its cost of ownership over its lifespan. New for this year, the Rio boasts a newly designed front end, a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, wireless smartphone integration, and the technology package that adds safety items such as automatic front braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic climate control, and automatic high-beam headlights. 

Power is sourced from the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 120 horsepower and continuously variable automatic transmission. One of the best variants to check out is the Rio S trim level: you get the added benefits of cruise control, remote keyless entry and trunk opener, 60:40 split-folding rear seat, and a center console armrest and storage bin. Another reason that excellent vehicles such as the Rio are at the top of many awards and honors lists is other bonus traits such as our emergency roadside assistance, providing a trusted and experienced network of over 17,000 trusted roadside assistance providers on call all over the nation and accessible 24 hours a day. 

Vehicles such as the 2021 Rio show our commitment to progress through innovation during each crucial stage of design and development, from the future of alternative fuel vehicles to the most useful safety advancements on the market. On-board UVO is one way to fully tap into the future of the ultimately-connected driver and integrates all of the necessary elements smartly into one interface to keep your Kia model running up to its full potential. You can enjoy hands-free texting and calling, or manage your music selections by using simple voice commands, as well as setting the climate controls for optimum comfort. 

The very stylish and comfortable cabin is packaged with plush seating, a manually-adjustable driver's seat, and the bigger-and-better 8.0-inch touchscreen display as standard. Crossover SUVs that are constructed with an affordable price in mind are exponentially better when they boast a sleek and dynamic profile such as this, with an aggressive stance and poised-for-excitement 15-inch alloy wheels. Reinforced with 30% more advanced high-strength steel, the 2021 Rio is constructed to continuously provide the best in strength, thoroughly protecting you in rapidly-changing driving conditions.