Kia’s Compact Contender Levels Up—2026 Sportage Gets Edgy and Elite

Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis drivers, get ready—the 2026 Kia Sportage is here, and it's more dynamic than ever. After making a bold impression at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, this refreshed compact SUV is heading to our lot at Jim Butler Kia with a host of new features, rugged styling updates, and cutting-edge technology.

Sharper Exterior. Stronger Road Presence.

From the outside, the 2026 Sportage turns heads with a bold front redesign that includes a wider grille and eye-catching vertical LED headlights. The sculpted rear bumper and sleeker taillights enhance its athletic stance, while the newly designed wheels—ranging from 17 to 19 inches—add a personalized touch for every trim level. Whether you're cruising through downtown St. Louis or venturing into Missouri’s backroads, this SUV makes a statement wherever it goes.

A Smarter, Sleeker Cabin Experience

Inside, the updates are just as impressive. A floating panoramic display featuring dual 12.3-inch screens dominates the dashboard, merging infotainment and driver information into one sleek digital interface. The new two-spoke steering wheel adds a modern flair, and overall cabin materials have been refreshed for a more upscale look and feel.

Base trims offer comfort and practicality with soft-touch cloth seats, air conditioning, and intuitive controls. Key driver-assist features now come standard, including Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Rear Occupant Alert—making your daily drive safer and smarter.

Luxury, Tech, and All-Terrain Readiness

Step up to the more refined trims, and you’ll enjoy power-adjustable front seats with heat and ventilation, SynTex premium seating surfaces, a dual-zone automatic climate system, and a panoramic sunroof. Audiophiles will love the available Harman Kardon audio system, while tech lovers will appreciate features like wireless phone charging and seamless smartphone connectivity.

For Missouri families or outdoor enthusiasts craving more adventure, the Sportage X-Line AWD and X-Pro Prestige trims offer off-road-ready capability. These variants feature unique exterior styling, matte black 17-inch wheels with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, roof rails, and rugged bumpers—perfect for weekend camping trips, muddy trails, or unpredictable weather.

Power and Performance for the Real World

All gas-powered 2026 Sportage models come with a capable 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offers smooth shifts and confident acceleration. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available on most trims and included with the X-Line and X-Pro models for those wanting extra traction on slippery or rough roads.

Hybrid versions are on the horizon as well, and we're expecting exciting announcements soon regarding their efficiency and performance upgrades. With available features like a hands-free smart power liftgate, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and a dual-level cargo floor, the Sportage brings convenience to every drive. 

Kia’s attention to detail ensures that the cabin stays quiet and composed, even on rough Missouri roads, while thoughtfully placed storage compartments and USB-C ports in both rows keep everyone connected and organized. Whether you're seeking style, comfort, capability—or all three—the 2026 Sportage delivers a well-rounded experience that goes far beyond the typical compact SUV.

Experience the 2026 Kia Sportage First at Jim Butler Kia

Whether you're commuting through the city, navigating backroads near Lake of the Ozarks, or tackling snowy Missouri winters, the 2026 Kia Sportage offers versatility, comfort, and a bold new personality. Visit Jim Butler Kia to be one of the first to explore this standout SUV. The future of compact driving is here—and it’s smarter, sleeker, and more connected than ever. Ready to drive what’s next?

Electric Elegance: Kia's Plug-in Pioneers Showcase Next-Level Tech at LA Auto Show

The arrival of electrification here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis is as timely and thrilling as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade itself, as we are looking to tomorrow to embrace the automotive offerings of today. Kia America introduced the all-electric EV3 and EV4 concept models at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show this past week, as attendees were treated to firsthand views of Kia’s cutting-edge EV platform developments. As the state of California is a very accurate gauge of EV success, the nation’s savviest EV consumers were a good choice to gauge this pair of stylish new offerings. 

When the striking and innovative EV9 was revealed in March, Kia introduced 10 must-have items that would be used for models such as the EV3 and Concept EV4. As biomass sources were closely examined to find ideal replacements, corn extract, sawdust, sugarcane, and vegetable oils were selected. The concept EV3 was built on the visual and very robust foundation of a dynamic silhouette, which results in a unique and memorable impression. Inside, the Concept EV3 evokes a practical sense and design and has been tailored to promote a sense of well-being. 

On a mission to make sure that cars’ interiors are a less stressful place to be, Kia has rethought design treatment in a major way. The Concept EV3 has an impeccable sense of ambiance and design, with ergonomic seating that employs natural fiber structures to provide a slimmed-down seating experience. 3D Knit technology is used for the seat covers, and these materials also partner up with unique tables that can slide forward and backward. These two vehicles may officially be concepts but it’s important to keep in mind that the same was said about the EV9, which was shown at the LA auto show in 2021. 

The EV4 concept doubles down on a sportier approach, with a very low nose, long tail, and very small rear spoiler. The very wide and low stance contributes to the look, and there’s a slide-out touchscreen with a very cool and appealing user interface for climate controls. The center console between the driver and the front passenger is built from one of the most unusual yet effective material sources: the use of Mycelium is a bio-fabric still in its early stages. Customizability is one of its real advantages, as it adjusts hydrophobicity and creates efficient hybrid materials. 

While there were no official statements from Kia about the expected range, the current-model EV6 can travel up to 310 miles on a charge. The timing could not be better to broaden the appeal for drivers with lower budgets, while still offering the excellent warranty coverage and safety features Kia owners benefit from each day on the road. There is also mention of fancy “mind modes” that adjust the lighting, ventilation patterns, and information on the display to jazz things up a visceral and futuristic notch. 

Intended to “redefine the sedan”, the four-door EV4 is slightly longer than the current Tesla Model 3 but arrives furiously out of the gate with a large serving of game-changing styling. It also features vertical LED headlamps at the very outer edge of the bumper that gradually blend into the signature Starmap lighting. These cabins are going to be minimal, to bring people closer together and offer a chance to declutter the over-occupied mind. This approach of “shy tech” for interiors stemmed from an increasingly overburdened landscape and the need for a relaxing place to truly decompress.

Kia Remains Victory-Prone and Valuable as Most-Awarded Brand in 2023 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Awards

Repeat customers at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis now have even more reason to be excited as they scope out the model of their choice for 2023, as Consumer Guide Automotive ranked Kia as their most-awarded brand. The Soul, Seltos, Sportage, Sorento, and EV6 were all claiming champion recipients of the very prestigious Best Buy Awards. This is the ninth consecutive year that the Soul has fared as champion of the subcompact crossover category, and third year in a row for the Seltos at the top of the stack in the same segment. 

Consumers have shifted their “leaning towards spending gaze” at fully electric models, as prices at the pump and general economic uncertainty have drawn attention to petrol-free energy sources. From off-road ready SUVs to crossovers and forward-thinking EVs, Kia’s comprehensive lineup now delivers the excellent design, top-notch quality, and desired technology features that today’s savvy buyers are looking for. 

Now thriving as the most awarded brand in Consumer Guide’s 2023 Best Buy Awards marks another pivotal moment for us as we are constantly finding new ways to increase mobility and a personable, while desirable, appeal. Since 1967, Consumer Guide Automotive’s experienced editorial staff has used an in-depth evaluation process to single out the vehicles that are worth the time for serious consideration by discerning consumers. The traits examined to find the dominating models are features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reputation for reliability, and resale value.

Our growth as an identifiable innovator has been thrilling to be a part of, with the array of our lineup including something for everyone from the busy family on the go to the new student full of vigor and a diverse lifestyle! Every function from a sense of reasonable value to luxury driving is represented enthusiastically by Kia, as well as breathtaking examples in the corner-conquering sporty category. 

The 2023 EV6 came very efficiently roaring onto the scene with its very sleek look inside and out, offering a drive on the thrillingly invigorating side of things. Consumer Reports claimed that this is one of the best electric vehicles they have ever tested, benefiting from a nearly silent cabin and comfortable ride. Quick DC fast-charging in public venues will take the battery from 10-percent to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, which is sure to make the daily driver stand up and take drastic notice. While using the Electrify America network, you’ll nail down 60 miles of range in just 10 minutes!

The 2023 Sportage enthusiastically leads the pack as an entirely new and appealing breed of SUV. It has received wide acclaim for its confidence-inspiring layout, class-leading cargo space, and a very bold design. We personally feel that the Sportage has also won so much approval with busy families worldwide due to its many safety offerings: you are hauling your loved ones in the utmost confidence along with child door locks, child seat anchors, Stability Control, front head curtain airbag, lane departure warning system, pedestrian detection system, rear head curtain airbag, and the very useful rear-view camera.

The New Year is a fantastic opportunity for us to do more than just reflect and make resolutions: as a manufacturer and provider, we pledge to always look for sourcing the best and most Eco-conscious in power. We have been able to achieve loyalty, offer excellent features as standard on entry-level models, and build a diverse following one game-changing model at a time!

Kia Rio Brand-new Facelift Examined Close-up by Motor1.com

The Brand new Kia Rio was first shown to the public in January of this year when spy shots of a prototype with huge amounts of camouflage were circulated over the many automotive news sources online. Now five months later, the honed-in development work on the subcompact hatchback we love so much here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis is done and everyone can take a moment to greet the new Rio face-lift. It has gained a more simplified front fascia with a slightly more aggressive and wider bumper with new fog lamp housing.

There is also the introduction of a full-LED headlight setup on every model as standard, and two new exterior colors are available plus a set of 16-inch and new 8-spoke design. Inside the cabin, the most drastic change is the larger 8.0-inch screen on the center console, and the 4.2-inch digital display in the driver's instrument cluster. The GT-Line models sport special carbon fiber-like trim, and a few new customization options are available. The most important upgrade is now hidden underneath the skin, where there is the introduction of a new 1.0-liter mild-hybrid engine to replace the Rio's earlier Kappa 1.0 T-GDi.

 

This new electrified powertrain sees the combination of an integrated starter-generator for lowered carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 8 percent with a 3-cylinder combustion engine. It will offer the same peak power as the engine before it... 100 or 120 horsepower, and be paired to a newly-developed manual transmission that provides electronic control of the clutch. This fascinating “clutch-by-wire” gearbox completes seamless integration with the mild-hybrid system to switch off the engine earlier that the start-stop function when easing to a halt. The non-hybrid 1.0-liter gasoline engine will from now on be available with a new 6-speed manual gearbox, as well as seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

There will also be the base naturally-aspirated 1.2-liter gas engine with a peak power of 84 horsepower, and this refreshed Rio is slated to go on sale in Europe during the third quarter of 2020. We'll keep you posted right here on the blog about further findings on the US release date, and any other details that we find as we glean the web for news. The addition of the Perennial Gray and Sporty Blue brings the total number of paint options to nine, and onboard is also the UVO Connect “Phase II” telematics features.

The 2021 Kia Rio also brings to the table an array of our brand's latest Advanced Driving Assistance System, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, vehicle and cyclist recognition, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Blind Collision Warning. The telematics features take the stress out of long journeys by enhancing the vehicle's connectivity and control, by means of offering live traffic information, weather forecasts, and fuel prices along the way.

The Car Connection After 2021 Kia Seltos First Drive: “Brims Style and Verve”

Aaron Cole is the fearless and driveshaft-focused Managing Editor of The Car Connection Blog, and all of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis have valued his opinions and information regarding numerous things car-related. His first thoughts regarding the 2021 Kia Seltos were that it “Piles on style like fresh Wranglers, hard-wearing felt Stetsons, and shined up East Texas belt buckles”. His initial test drive was in the hill country outside San Antonio, with plenty of cedar elm, fresh air, and shiny new high school football stadiums!

The Car Connection crew did have lots of love for the Kia Soul, due to its funky style and sensible arrangement of usable space. Since the Soul didn't have all-wheel drive, this is where the Seltos can largely and proudly fill that gap. It stretches seven more inches from bumper to bumper, resulting in 26.6 cubic feet of cargo room (compared to the Soul's 24.2 cubic feet) and nearly one more inch of rear-seat legroom than the hatchback. The magazine's editor is 6-foot-3, and he was able to very comfortably sit behind a driver of similar size while enjoying ample shoulder room and rear seats that recline a few inches for better long-haul comfort.

The base engine for the 2021 Seltos is a 2.0-liter inline-4 that cranks out 146 horsepower, is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission, and is the one the testing crew here preferred. It is available in the S AWD or EX configuration, and the option higher up the ladder is the 1.6-liter Turbo-4 that makes 175 horsepower and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The troupe averaged about 27.3 mpg combined in the turbo-4 Seltos, and after a bit more time spent on the outskirts of San Antonio, they felt that the steering feel was softer and does a better job of leaning into corners.

As far as the all-important highway drive, the winning quality as far as this group was concerned was the quiet ride and the 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The top-of-the-line Seltos SX gets a wide 10.3-inch version and premium audio, another asset defining its comfort factor as a place to feel as if you are unwinding instead of knocking out the normal stressful deadlines of everyday life. Practicality and open space were highlights during the multiple drives, and this is the vehicle with a prime personality that Car and Driver claimed: “Goes above and beyond all small SUV essentials.”

We are excited to show you the SUV that is so well-known for displaying class-leading

refinement and secure composure for its price point, and steering that strays far from the

“pined and nervous” character of many out there today. Among competitors possessing the fierce form of the Jeep Compass, Mazda CX-30, and Nissan Rogue Sport, the squared-off and very chiseled appearance make the Seltos upscale, the ride of someone in the know, and the perfect choice for 2021’s coming offering assortment.