KIA Sets Niro Reveal for Chicago Auto Show in February

All-new hybrid utility vehicle showcases sporty, versatile design with dedicated hybrid powertrain

On the heels of the Telluride concept in Detroit in mid-January, KIA has yet to close the books on its new concepts and potential vehicles. KIA looks to add a fresh take on the CUV market once again with the Niro hybrid utility vehicle (HUV).

Though a few teaser images have been divulged, the true worldwide reveal of the KIA Niro will be at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show the week of Feb. 13 to 21. Designers from both the U.S. and Korea worked together on the sleek and aerodynamic body.

Even with an athletic stance, the Niro HUV looks graceful, and the high LED taillights seem to hint at a uncluttered rear end.

But let’s address the elephant in the room — H-U-V, a hybrid utility vehicle. This all-new offering from KIA will be the first vehicle based on KIA’s new dedicated eco-car platform. KIA estimates the Niro will achieve a sub-90g/km carbon dioxide emissions rating. This is in part due to the downsized gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

The Niro will be the next step in KIA’s mission to offer car buyers around the world comfortable and fun-to-drive vehicles that aim for low emissions. Other than the teaser photos and that it will be revealed at the Chicago Auto, not much else has been disclosed about the Niro. Be sure to check back regularly at Jim Butler KIA’s St. Louis KIA blog, our inventory and follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information on the KIA Niro, Telluride and other new KIAs!

To learn more about new KIAs near St. Louis, contact Jim Butler KIA online or give us a call at 636-256-9600!

Shop 2016 KIAs for sale near St. Louis

KIA Telluride Concept May Foreshadow new KIA Full-size SUV

Hybrid SUV concept based off current generation Sorento one of brand’s showcases at Detroit Auto Show

After a few teaser photos, KIA finally revealed its full-size, three-row SUV concept, the Telluride. Built with a dark green exterior paint color, the KIA concept at the Detroit Auto Show showed what could be one of the next KIA offerings.

No guarantees are being made by KIA as this is just a concept, but KIA has a history of turning its serious concepts into eventual vehicles. What may be even more impressive is that the concept was a hybrid. The Telluride combined a 270-horsepower gas engine with a 130-horsepower electric motor.

The underpinnings are based on the KIA Sorento, but the concept is nearly 10 inches longer overall and nearly five inches wider than a 2016 Sorento like the ones at Jim Butler KIA. While no official word on whether or not the Telluride (or whatever name sticks) will be a real KIA offering, KIA does have all the main components available on its current lineup of vehicles to produce the Telluride.

“The KIA Telluride makes an aesthetic statement for the KIA brand as a bold, all-new luxury SUV with an abundance of advanced technology, focusing particular attention on the experience and comfort of second-row occupants,” Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America (KDCA), said. “... Telluride allows us to envision what a full-size seven-passenger SUV from Kia could look like.”

The interior has some interesting points to note, specifically the second row seating. These two captain seats have footrests similar to a reclining chair that can be folded down when not in use. People won’t start calling “shotgun” if these SUV concept from KIA is made as the second-row seats also have a swipe-controlled media panel behind the front seats. The media from these seats can be selected and scrolled through with a simple swipe of the hand according to KIA.

Behind the tiger nose grille sits a 3.6-liter V6 with the aforementioned 270 horsepower. This engine is paired with a 130-horsepower electric motor to make the Telluride concept hybrid. If the Telluride goes into production, KIA said it will aim for up to 30 mpg highway for all-wheel drive trims.

Are you ready for a full-size hybrid SUV from KIA? If it goes into production, you’ll be able to find it at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley! Stay tuned your St. Louis KIA dealer’s blog, inventory and social media for more information on the KIA Telluride. Contact Jim Butler KIA online or give us a call at 636-256-9600 to test drive a KIA near St. Louis.

Shop our new KIA inventory!