Kia Sportage Cruises to Victory as U.S. News’ Best Hybrid and Electric Car of the Year!

 

The beginning of Q2 here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis is a whirlwind of activity for many of our employees, their families, and our customers! It’s time to begin ringing in the warm weather with plans for excursions to museums, parks, and swimming pools... and we’re afraid that “yesterday’s clunker” simply won’t do! All of Kia’s vehicles have proven to be resilient, high-functioning, and reliable. It also gives us great pride to watch the stack of awards roll in from heavy hitters such as U.S. News & World Report. 

They just announced the winner of their “Best Plug-In Hybrid SUV” category, signifying another quite memorable first! To come up with the winners of this category, U.S News took the time to evaluate 96 luxury and very affordable hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars, SUVs, and trucks. Elements taken into account were EPA fuel ratings, pricing info, and findings from the press.

Plug-in hybrids are a very thrilling bridge to an all-electric future, with the Sportage's 34-mile all-electric range able to tackle many average daily commutes right here in St Louis. After undergoing a complete redesign last year, the 2024 Sportage now arrives primed and ready for each test drive with new interior and exterior updates. The Edmunds.com review crew praised the Sportage for its comfortable ride quality, very spacious seating, and massive rear cargo area. Once you add Kia’s amazing warranty coverage and low prices to the equation, the Sportage wholeheartedly remains a class leader!

Numerous testing pros have praised the suspension’s soft tune, which allows it to absorb bumps and pavement that has stood the test of time with ease. The rear seats have an abundance of adjustable recline, which delights rearview passengers during 60+ mile endeavors. After closely examining the climate control layout, the Edmunds crew loved that it converts the controls to media layouts while not in use. The new touchscreen iconography resembles neon signs, evoking a modern and nearly “cyber cafe”-styled look. 

Visibility is excellent thanks to XXL windows and body dimensions that aren’t too tough to gauge directly from the driver’s seat. The Prestige trim adds the very useful camera-surround system, while USB-C and A ports are plentiful in both rows. The adaptive cruise control excellently holds gaps without the need to constantly tap the brakes, and none of the collision systems gave this testing crew any false alerts. “Smart Pack” operates well in the common pinch found in any big-box parking lot: if things get just a bit hectic, you can get in or out of any parking spot with just the key FOB. 

The review staff analyzing the best and worst of these vehicles for awards determination consider space, and the Sportage delivers 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and 74.1 cubic feet with the row folded down. The rear seats can also be folded down from the hatch, and the rear seats have car anchors that are incredibly easy to locate and use. The rugged looks of the X-Pro will entice anyone who is constantly itching to go far beyond the stretches of urban pavement, and the J.D. Power review crew gave the Sportage their coveted rating of “Great” for reliability. 

3 Reasons the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Outshines the Competition

Here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, we love to point our customers in the direction of our award-winning new models! The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid has been completely redesigned for the year and offers great value for the money when stacked up against its competition. Here are just a couple of reasons that the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid outshines the competition.

Affordability:

We know that many media sources and spot reels on the web would make one think that Hybrid SUVs are pricey. They strike a chord with many demographics that love practicality, and boast complex powertrain systems along with class-leading engineering. Kia did a fantastic job of making the Sportage Hybrid EX affordable for the masses, despite offering some of the most sought-after standard features of today. With its 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a 44.0 kW motor, and a 1.49 kWh battery it amiably generates 227 horsepower, and 258 lb-ft of torque. 

Top-Notch Tech Features Come Standard:

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX provides enough tech features to satisfy even the savviest of drivers. You’ll enjoy a 12.2-inch instrument display along with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a wireless phone charger. The vehicle can rally against anything mother nature offers courtesy of rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot detection technology, and rear occupant alert. The industry is so very exciting right now for some of us who remember when AC was a luxury, and the Sportage Hybrid EX also boasts heated side mirrors along with a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel. 

All-Wheel Drive:

All-wheel drive is definitely a bonus, considering how many of the Sportage Hybrid's competitors (such as the Honda CR-V Hybrid) don’t have it. Edmunds.com enthusiastically called the Sportage the “Best hybrid SUV of 2023”, due to this along with its ideally balanced ride and sharp handling. To compliment this feature, the off-road-focused X-Line and X-Pro trims are both also new for 2023. Superior traction and enhanced safety while driving on icy and wet roads are perks that will reduce the possibility of a dangerous wheel slip. 

Resilient Against Rivals:

The Sportage’s cabin finishes as much more modern, along with a less finicky infotainment system and more standard tech features in its base model than the Honda CR-V. After a close look at the Toyota RAV4, the Sportage boasts more cargo room, which should appeal to growing families. Available infotainment extras are a 12.3-inch touch screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless device charging, rear USB-C ports, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

We know that you’ll love the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid as much as we do. Contact the team at Jim Butler Kia today to learn more and get yours today!

Kia Niro and Kia EV6 GT Display First-Quarter Flex as Finalists in 2023 World Car Awards

Reliability and dependability are two qualities that can turn a satisfied customer into a repeat buyer. The vehicles here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis also have appealed to so many due to their unique style and personality, and the Niro along with the EV6 GT both made the headlines again this week during the 2023 World Car Awards. The Niro earned a position among the top three finalists for the World Car of the Year Category, and the Kia EV6 GT was named a finalist in the exhilarating World Performance Car category. 

This achievement is decided by 100 automotive journalists from 32 different nations, who thoroughly evaluated a broad range of vehicles from all over the globe. Now in its 19th year, this is the number one awards program In the world for the 10th consecutive year regarding media reach. This esteemed group now represents the most diverse variety of car journalists in the world and reaches an engaged audience of 300 million. 

The 2023 Kia Niro boasts an all-new exterior and interior design this year, along with more space for cargo and passengers. It’s offered in a traditional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric model variants, and this year’s model looks fittingly more futuristic and savvy. There are available dual 10.25-inch instrument panels and a central touchscreen setup, and it still derives power from the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder hybrid. The 2023 Niro’s most direct competition is the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, along with the Honda CR-V. Small yet spacious and evoking instant charm with its practical demeanor, the Niro also feels very athletic and sturdy during the drive. 

The 2023 Kia EV6 GT has massive and forward-thinking appeal, due to its 310-mile range and superb 240 kw charge rate. It backs up its aggressive styling with amazing performance, cranking out 576 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque. It has a very sweet-looking wedge-shaped side profile, with a low nose, upward-poised beltline, and a more aggressive front fascia than the base-level EV6 Wind. The GT also sports 21-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, along with massively capable 14.2-inch rear brakes. 

The GT kicks things up a notch above the Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, making it the quickest-accelerating Kia ever to roll off the line. The EV6 GT rockets its way up to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, along with a top speed of 161 mph. Experienced test drivers have loved the stable and well-planted drive quality, and the way the GT handles around tight corners. We’d also have to excitedly recommend the muscle-inspired “Drift Mode” brings about: power is reduced to the front axle, and the entire vehicle suddenly becomes easier to slide around in. 

Always on point to deliver stylish and purposeful cars and SUVs, our lineup consists of all sizes and types. Each model has modern looks and segment-leading tech offerings, along with our first-class warranty coverage that keeps you confident and fully covered at every mile!

Cnet.com Hails 2023 Kia Sportage for Hybrid Version, Coming-Soon PHEV

We would have to agree with the Cnet.com auto review staff here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis when we take a close look at the incoming Sportage SUV: it does “look of a completely different lineage” sitting next to the SUV it replaces. In addition, it offers new hybrid powertrain, much improved cabin technology, and the latest driver assistance features. The new Sportage measures in at 183.5 inches from front to back, 7.1 inches longer than the current model. 

At just .4 inches wider than the 2022 Sportage, the new look carries with it a proportional balance, and charming and modern good looks bound to turn heads immediately. After this massive growth spurt, the interior is more spacious, allowing for more legroom than the competing Toyota Rav 4 hybrid, especially in the second row where it gained 3.5 inches. One of the first things the Cnet.com testing crew noticed was the premium look of the exterior finish, contrasting well with glossy black trim around the body and wheel arches. 

The power source for this coming-soon hybrid is a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 paired to a 44-kilowatt electric motor, along with a 15-kilowatt-hour lithium-polymer battery. Together they generate 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or optional AWD. The comfort-tuned SUV that was delivered to the Cnet crew,  came with the Normal, Eco, and Sport user-selectable drive modes, with the Sport option being our personal favorite. 

After dialing it in, you’ll enjoy an increased throttle response, tightened steering sensation, and raised transmission shifting interval. The hybrid is the most powerful available Sportage variant, and proved to be valuable with its smooth acceleration and segment-leading highway passing ability. The front-drive Sportage Hybrid averages 42 mpg in the city, 48 mpg highway, and 43 mpg combined, with the all-wheel drive yielding 38 mpg. 

Those who are rightfully impressed by the Sportage Hybrid’s performance could see the upcoming plug-in hybrid model’s official launch later this year, with a 7.2-kWh battery pack that can be recharged at an outlet or station for up to 32 miles of electric range. Inside you’ll also find the dual-display system that boasts two infotainment screens on the dashboard, with the EV menus seen in the EV6 exchanged for hybrid screens. On the left is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and information display, and on the right is where you’ll find KIA’s high-ranked UVO touchscreen infotainment system. 

Each trim level comes standard with the amazing and very useful addition of the Drivewise driver aid suite, bringing along forward-collision avoidance with braking assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. We would also have to steer anyone loving the extra things in life toward the Prestige trim, sporting the added luxury touches of premium synthetic seats, rain-sensing wipers, a backup camera, panoramic roof, and leather steering wheel.

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 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!

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