Kia Telluride and Sorento Both Rank in Top Four of Car and Driver's “Best Mid-Size SUV” Roundup

Three-row crossovers may not be the vehicles out there that have the planet's ultimate environmental salvation or frequent off-road trips up their sleeve, but they are the ideal solution for buyers with large families and a fair amount of stuff. Here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis and other dealerships nationwide, these are useful haulers that can carry around at least 8 passengers, a fair amount of sporting and recreational equipment, and still deliver superior fuel economy than their close relatives in the form of full-size SUVs. 

The Car and Driver staff puts together some of the most useful top-lists in the industry, as a new buyer can quickly scan one over and get an idea of a vehicle that could be best suited for their needs. For the past year's offerings, they provided a down-to-earth ranking of mid-size SUVs ranked from worst to best, and we were thrilled to see that the Kia Sorento and Telluride were both present in the top 4, with the Telluride perched triumphantly at #1. 

The 2021 Kia Sorento enjoyed a complete redesign this year and has exciting changes to offer both inside and outside. Engine options are the base and step-up turbo four-cylinder variants, as well as a brand-new hybrid version. An 8.0-inch touchscreen comes as standard, with the step up to a 13-inch model as an option on higher trims. The upscale materials used in the cabin have helped make it a natural home-run with consumers and reviewers alike, and the second-row bench seats can also be switched over to the captain's chairs to provide easy access for the third row. 

The standard navigation system on SX models will now include an integrated model that allows for vehicle function controls to be handled remotely and notify you quickly if any passengers are left behind. There is the choice of Normal, Eco, and Sport modes to provide intense adjustment for steering effort, throttle response, and transmission fluidity. 

The 2021 Telluride won such distinguishable and high honors for boasting top-tier luxury while possessing a price point in the middle of the segment. Also snagging a spot on the 10Best List that Car and Driver dole out annually, outperforming the competition every time in the most crucial categories. For 2021 there is the addition of the Nightfall appearance package, offering blacked-out accents and a perfectly sinister look. 

The EX trim acquires LED headlights when included in the Premium package, and Sangria along with Black Copper are awesome new paint options for select models. One great way to enhance this spectacular and award-winning vehicle is with the SX Prestige package, which adds a head-up display, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and nappa leather upholstery. Thinking of escaping suburbia for some action on jet skis or the pontoon? The tow package's hitch and self-leveling rear suspension take things up a notch to prepare for an adventurous departure!

Blind-Corner Battalion Leader: Kia Stinger GT Dominates the Demands of Nurburgring

“The Foxhole” is a widely unsettling and demanding stretch of racetrack that lies on one of the most intimidating raceways in the world. The high-speed sections of the Nurburgring Nordschleife are built to handle supreme steel beings like the Stinger GT at speeds of 90 MPH +, and Wired Transportation writer Joe Resnick took Kia's front-running sports sedan on a spin through this esteemed track section. The twin-turbo, 365-horsepower 2018 Kia Stinger GT fared quite well during this tremendous test, and everyone knows that this is the location where brands go to prove that their latest sports car is the best-handling and attractive option out there.

The Stinger GT is actually a bit longer then models from the BMW 3-club, and some out there wonder if this could affect its performance on a demanding and curve-laden section of track such as this. When you first climb into the Stinger GT, you'll notice that the front seats are positioned very low, which helps greatly with the center of gravity and sense of stability. There are three levels of engine selection to choose from: the base 252-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo 4 cylinder, the 365-horsepower 3.3-liter twin turbo V6, and a mid-range 2.2-liter turbo diesel 4-cylinder available in European and Korean markets only.

When Joe and his tech-savvy troupe from Wired got out on the track to prove themselves, the track's longest straight section had them reaching speeds of 135 to 140 MPH, and they enjoyed the overall performance of the rear-wheel drive Stinger the most. Hyundai's own patented 8-speed automatic is the medium for shifting sensibly in the Stinger GT, and many who have test driven it loved it right away. An overall stiff ride in a class that is similar to BMW's 3 and 4 series is another extreme highlight, and the Stinger GT handles bumps with a solid form that deserves high recognition.

This is admittedly a bit of new territory for Kia to pursue: going head to head with the sports-car coupe crowd may seem a bit of a lofty accomplishment. Motor Trend billed the Stinger as “confident and composed, while making the best use of the grip it affords”. When you are able to drive off the lot with a brand new Stinger, you are also getting behind the wheel of a vehicle that has the best power steering Kia has ever produced, which you notice at the go point right away.

This stacked wheel set will stay firmly planted no matter what type of speed or lunge is thrown at them, and the intense trail braking needed at Nurburgring is absolutely a ferocious proving ground. The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tires are designed specifically for the fast and furious Stinger GT, and showed hardly any wear after a day of instructors trying to one-up their past records handed down abuse. For any model, the current time is the right time to spring a dusting of upper-level performance and speed, and the Stinger holds its own exceptionally well on the most legendary of locations.

2016 Kia Sorento Says 'Bonjour!' to Paris

The 2016 Kia Sorento made its European premiere in Paris recently, with its style, practicality and technology making everyone say "Ooh, la, la!"

The third-generation SUV has a sophisticated new design that offers a premium look and feel in addition to more space and plenty of innovative features. Luxury permeates the entire vehicle, with the interior of the new Sorento featuring soft-touch materials and leather. Drivers and passengers enjoy ample headroom and legroom, plus there are advanced tech features such as multiple cameras for easier maneuvering and a tailgate that opens automatically when the vehicle senses that the key is nearby. The 2016 Kia Sorento also has a new, strengthened bodyshell that helps quiet noise and vibration, creating a serene ride. 

Three engines are available on the new Sorento, including a gasoline direct-injection unit and two turbo-diesel engines. Body control motion is improved with larger shock absorbers mounted vertically behind the axle line, and an all-new electric motor-driven power steering system mounted directly onto the steering rack provides greater steering feel and quicker response than ever before.

Can you picture yourself driving the 2016 Kia Sorento down the Champs-Elysees in Paris? Where else in Europe would you want to take the SUV out for a spin? Drop by Jim Butler Kia and let us know!

The Diary of a Kia Soul Enthusiast

We were cleaning the Jim Butler Kia office recently and came across someone’s diary. We tried not to read it, honest! But we caved and found the sweetest love note to the Kia Soul. We’re letting you sneak a peek, but don’t tell anybody, OK?

Dear Diary,

I think I’ve fallen in love! No, not with Chris -- that’s old news. No, the one that’s captured my heart is the Kia Soul! That modern design, those fun colors, and all that space for my friends -- it’s a dreamboat.

But here’s the thing, Diary -- word on the street is that the Soul’s got a new family member, and this one’s going to be even better! Oh, I can hardly wait to get my hands on the new Soul! The grapevine tells me that this one will get a turbocharged 1.6 liter I-4 from its cousin, the Kia Forte. The new Soul will have so much punch, especially with that engine that makes 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque in the Forte.

Some people even are saying that this new Soul might have all-wheel drive. That’s still just a rumor, though. But wouldn’t it be rad?

I want a new Soul so much! I love the current Kia Soul, but there’s just something about a fresh body, you know?

‘Til next time!

Whew! Ok, friends, don’t tell everyone that you read that here! But we have to admit that we’re excited about the upcoming Kia Soul, too. What do you think it will be like? Drop by Jim Butler Kia and let us know!

Five Things You’ll Love About the 2015 Kia Sedona

Change can be scary, but not when it comes to the Kia Sedona. The 2015 model continues Kia’s commitment to quality and style, unveiling a vehicle everyone will love.

“The all-new Sedona is the final model to undergo Kia’s design-led transformation under the direction of chief design officer Peter Schreyer,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America.

We at Jim Butler Kia are excited about the 2015 Kia Sedona, and we think you will be, too. Here are five reasons why the new Sedona will rock your world:

1. It just looks cool.

The 2015 Kia Sedona resembles a modern CUV with its wide stance, confident cab and standard roof spoiler. But it also has classic Kia features like an integrated Kia grille and headlamps with LED positioning lights.

2. It’s roomy as heck.

The actual height and width are virtually unchanged, but the all-new Sedona provides more front shoulder room, greater leg room in the front, second and third rows, as well as a slightly higher hip-point, improving outward visibility for the driver.

3. Flexibility, baby.

Do you have four passengers or eight? Doesn’t matter, because the 2015 Kia Sedona proportions provide flexible seating in both seven- and eight-passenger configurations. And if you’ve got cargo, second row Slide-N-Stow tracked seating slides and folds upright to allow for “on-the-go” hauling.

4. It doesn’t sweat the mess.

The all-new Sedona is the only vehicle in the segment outfitted with standard YES Essentials™ fabric technology, providing anti-microbial protection from spills and extra-magical stain-repelling and stain-releasing fabric characteristics.

5. Geek is chic.

The 2015 Kia Sedona is the first Kia to offer four new eServices features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. Plus the Kia App Store connects you with content from Pandora, iHeartRadio, Yelp and more.

Visit Jim Butler Kia today to find your own five reasons for falling in love with the new 2015 Kia Sedona!

Why buy from Jim Butler KIA

         · We are the fastest growing KIA franchise in the STL area

         · We have the highest ratings on Google, Dealer Rater and Better Business Bureau

         · We are the 2014-2015 Women’s Choice Award

         · We have over 17 different finance and Lease options to ensure that your payments and 
terms match your needs

         · We never have confusing or unproven claims or addendums on our vehicles

         · We have the largest and best selection of inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles at 
the lowest price

         · We offer Saturday Service

         · We have the Executive Loaners in the area to provide shuttle service or rental cars for 
your warranty and service needs

         · We have our own Quick Service Team and processes in place to make certain your 
simple maintenance project are quick and efficient for your vehicle.

         · We have a beautiful facility that offers all necessary comfort features (Internet Access, 
Coffee, bottled water, big screen TV’s, XBOX and Children’s room.

         · We lead the business world in STL for our charitable and purpose driven projects. They 
include the Greater Saint Louis Boys and Girls Club (over $2M raised), Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, www.stlsafedriver.com , Ronald McDonald Eye Care Center and numerous other projects that give back to your community

         · We sponsor local events including Summer Concert Series and the Chesterfield Athletic Field complex

         · Our Team! We understand how busy your world is and what an important decision buying a vehicle for your family can be. We want to be your partner and help you make the right decision, service your needs and make you and your family a lifetime customer. 

Details About the Hot New 2015 Kia Forte Models

The 2015 model year will be another great one for the Kia Forte.

Three models of the award-winning Forte will carry over for 2015: the Forte Sedan, the Forte Koup and the Forte5. With European-inspired design and an abundance of quality features, the 2015 Forte will continue to be a hit.

The 2015 Forte Sedan will be available in LX and EX models and offers a choice of an efficient 1.8-liter engine or a more powerful 2.0-liter engine. Fans will enjoy many standard and optional features, including standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, SiriusXM, power windows, keyless entry, 16-inch alloy wheels, UVO eServices Telematics, heated front and rear seats and a rear camera display and many more options -- many of which are not typically seen in the compact sedan segment.



The 2015 Forte Koup will be a sporty, fun-to-drive car with impressive features. The EX comes equipped with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, and the SX comes standard with a powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Both models come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission with an available 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. 16-inch alloy wheels, SiriusXM, power windows, heated seats, heated steering wheel, push-button start and more all are available to fans on both versions of the Koup.

Like its Forte siblings, the 2015 Forte5 continues to deliver value and fun. The hatchback comes in two trim levels, with the EX’s 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine and the SX’s powerful 1.6-liter GDI turbocharged four-cylinder engine available. The SX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an available 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Forte5's amenities are impressive; available options include heated seats, power windows, SiriusXM, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons, rear camera display, leather-trimmed seating surfaces and so many more. The Forte5's body commands attention and continues Kia’s tradition as a design leader in the industry.

Head to Jim Butler Kia, the best St. Louis Kia dealer, for more information about the 2015 Kia Forte.

2015 Kia K900: An Emerging Luxury Sedan

Tastemakers around the country are getting to know the all-new Kia K900 in the best way possible -- by experiencing it themselves.

Through a series of well-known, large-scale art and food events, people are falling in love with the 2015 Kia K900, Kia's first-ever rear-drive luxury sedan. The sedan, already noted by the automotive industry for its "elegant yet dynamic exterior styling," is available for test drives at some of the nation's most notable cultural events such as the Newport Beach Jazz Festival, the San Diego Food & Wine Festival and the Malibu Arts Festival.

In addition, Kia has partnered with OpenTable to offer influencers special test drives along with an intimate dining experience where they can interact with world-class chefs, including Graham Elliot.

The 2015 Kia K900 already has been making a splash in showrooms across the country, including at Jim Butler Auto Group locations. With its "dizzying array of luxury features" and a recent certification by AMCI Testing revealing that the Kia K900 V8 is quieter, smoother and better riding overall than the Audi A8 4.0T, the BMW 750i and the Lexus LS460, the newest luxury member of the Kia family is something to celebrate.

Searchfor the 2014 Kia K900 at your St. Louis Kia dealer.