Kia K5 Billed as a “Defined And Confident Driving Experience”, Leads Sleek Sedan Segment

The K5 is one of those models that comes along and completely redefines the capability and exhilarating connection to the road that choosing from the large sea of SUV options may not quite suffice for! A very distinct new appearance and front end charged with fresh character are both part of the package, courtesy of LED lighting and an extra-long body. The WTOP news team recently enjoyed a long test-drive with the 2021 K5 and was first impressed with the heated and ventilated seats as well as the panoramic sunroof that come with the EX trim level.

During initial drive impressions, the experience overall offered a very composed ride, without the jumpy characteristics that some sedans have on the pavement. The majority of time behind the wheel yielded an average of 30.2 mpg in 256 miles of mixed driving, and it was noticed right away that this is a premium-level sedan with a price that doesn't feel as such. Higher-end materials inside the cabin put the K5 above and beyond many of its competitors, and the first glance of the cabin keys one into a few similar accents on the dash from the highly-awarded and hailed Kia Telluride.

The 2021 K5 is available with all-wheel drive, and those who don't need a more powerful engine but are on the hunt for excitement should consider the GT-Line. Here you get to step up to adaptive cruise control, upgraded LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless charger. The engine on-board as standard is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that cranks out 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. 

When the GT arrives later in the year, it will boast a more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that will put out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Having paid close attention to how particular tires can drastically change the performance characteristics of the entire car, the GT-line will boast Pirelli P Zero summer tires that are great for cornering performance. This is the interior that Car and Driver said was “truly amazing for the cost”, and the cabin boasts nice-looking material such as wood trim on the dash and doors that stand out and assure that every drive is luxurious and memorable. Other enjoyable upscale features are a head-up display, ambient interior lighting on the dash and doors, an air purification system, and a panoramic sunroof. 

All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis want every single customer to have a happy and safe holiday season, and excellent advancements in technology over the years have made for some  amazing driver-assistance features that survey and adapt amazingly to the constantly changing driving landscape around you. The Kia K5's key safety features include forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert.

Consumer Guide Automotive Graces Kia Brand With Holiday Cheer in the Form of Four “Best Buy” Awards

 As 2020 draws to a close, all of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis are pleased to announce that the Soul, Seltos, Rio, and Telluride have been officially named 2021 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award winners. The Soul's seventh consecutive win marks a holiday's milestone as the longest-running streak in history for the Subcompact Crossover category. The Telluride enjoyed its second time taking top honors and displayed in many ways the spirit that Kia has consistently evoked to “Give it Everything” 110% of the time. 

The 2021 Kia Telluride fully outshines the mid-size SUV competition in many vital categories. Offering high levels of luxury and utility, it is widely-hailed as being the best in its segment for offering upper-end features at a low cost. The top-of-the-line SX model comes with black 20-inch rims, blind-spot monitoring, a Harman/Kardon audio system, front and rear sunroofs, and second-row captain's chairs. Don't forget to include the SX Prestige package when you engage in a test drive, as here you'll enjoy the additions of a head-up display, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and Nappa leather upholstery. 

The 2021 Kia Soul now receives a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine cranking out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The EX trim adds heated mirrors, sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with navigation, and a wireless charging pad. Offering plenty of space and a funky character, this is an affordable crossover/hatchback with the X-line and GT-Line models now both receiving a suspension upgrade for the new year. With a uniquely squared-off design, it also provides 62.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down.

The 2021 Kia Seltos is another one of our compelling and feature-rich SUV offerings that sees a fantastic blend of style, value, and versatility. It offers sharp handling with a taller ride height, spacious cabin, and plenty of technology. You'll be under the completely solid and high-tech protection level with features such as lane-centering assist, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. The star of an awesome Super Bowl commercial and loaded with just about everything, it can be decked out with up to three USB charging ports, a head-up display, and an optional 8-speaker Bose audio system. 

The 2021 Kia Rio features a new design this year with a narrower tiger-nose grille and full LED headlights and integral running lights. There's also an 8-inch widescreen for infotainment, and the 4.2-inch digital cluster has been upgraded to provide higher resolution. Standard and GT-Line models are now equipped with driver and optional front passenger seat height adjustability, and the Rio also boasts Kia's very first new mild-hybrid setup pairing our Smartstream 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine with a revolutionary 48 MHEV system.

Kia Sorento Yosemite and Zion Editions Re-Define Readiness For Treacherous Terrain

 

The Kia Telluride was a milestone junction in the road for Kia's future, and a completely re-imagined and off-road capable SUV lineup is now in the works. The 2021 Sorento is going to expand to appeal to the outdoors demographic with a pair of off-road editions that will be prime contenders for conquering the wilderness. Upping their trail game by means of 20-inch wheels, increased ride height to 8.3 inches, improved approach and departure angles, and advanced AWD with snow-mode, they will also sport a durable roof rack to carry the recreational goods along for the ride. 

LGE-CTS Motorsports of San Dimas, California are seasoned experts in preparing already well-built cars and trucks for the challenges of off -roading, drawing inspiration from the splendor and recreation opportunities that abound in our nation's great national parks. The Yosemite Edition was built with an extreme focus on high-elevation adventuring and the challenges of the mountains, with super cool exterior paint boasting a “Pine Green” finish and matte black accents. The Sorento Zion Edition is a desert-running prodigy built especially for conquering landscapes rich with rocks and sand. It's topped off appropriately with a “Desert Sand” gloss finish and black accents. 

Both of these models also feature fender flares on top of 20-inch wheels and 32-inch all-terrain tires, with custom skid plates and brush guards in chrome finish protecting the necessary elements that see wear from off-road abuse. Both new Sorento models will be making appearances nationwide to appeal to those looking for adventure. If the upgrades on these two are just a touch extreme for your traveling needs, Kia will still provide a line of dealer-installed accessories that allows for individual add-ons like tow hitches, side steps, and roof-rack crossbars. 

There is a more Eco-conscious version arriving in the form of the Sorento PHEV next year, as well as a stronger but lighter chassis and available center-row captain's chairs. Boasting a tow rating of 1,600 pounds, it is equipped to lug some extra toys for added fun to the outdoor destination of your choice with either the Zion or Yosemite Editions. Once inside either of the new cabins, you'll enjoy bright satin finishes, open-pore wood inlays, vertical air vents, and embossed diamond-quilted leather in the Prestige models. The base LX has six handy USB ports, with all other models being equipped with eight.

Standard features on the base 2021 Kia Sorento LX include the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, and the Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Smart drive modes. The base Sorento here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis also provides LED headlights  and taillights, cloth seat trim, 60/40 split-bench for three in the center row, privacy glass, a 6-speaker audio system, and an 8-inch touchscreen radio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These two models fulfill the need for exactly what many consumers of today desire: the option to explore further and further outside the city with the expertly-designed and tested equipment to do so!

2021 Kia Telluride's Spacial Offerings On-The-Spot Drill Results: Terrifically up to the Test

Named after a beautiful mountain in Colorado and conveniently offering an extra-large cargo area, the Kia Telluride has been creating quite a stir for the large amount of extra space it provides with the second and third-row seats folded flat. The staff over at Autoblog got their hands on a 2021 Telluride and set out to let everyone know just how much space is available through a light driveway test. 

The writer assigned with the task at hand grabbed a large stock of U-Haul boxes, a hard-sided cooler, and a carry-on half-duffle bag. The boxes from U-Haul measured about 3 cubic feet each, and the Telluride boasts 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 behind the second, and a robust 87 cubic feet with everything behind the first row completely folded down. He found that after dropping the third-row seats, he was able to acquire a fair amount of stow-away room he was after for the trip. 

The featured testing model came with a cargo net and privacy cover, with the cargo net seeing ideal storage space just underneath the floor behind the third row. Directly beneath the thick cargo carpet lies the under-floor storage bin, which you can get to simply with the third row up or down. Since the second and third-row seats have backs that recline, they allow for some ideal extra adjustments to make room for cargo. For this test, the passenger seats were in their forward-most locking positions, and all of the seat backs were upright. When the second row was dropped, the captain's chairs allowed for 8 U-Haul boxes present in one layer, and a few other stray items. 

What about the times when you're just enjoying your new Telluride from us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis on the daily drive? Earning a spot on Car and Driver's 10Best for the year, the Telluride was widely appreciated for its ability to deliver a very upscale experience and currently sought-after features at a great price. Make sure to check out the Nightfall appearance package, which provides a blacked-out grille, 20-inch wheels, and other attractive accents. The EX trim level also now has LED headlights included as part of the Premium package, and the range-topping SX model comes with high-class additives such as a 12-way driver's seat, black 20-inch rims, blind-spot monitoring, a premium Hardon/Kardon sound system, front and rear sunroofs, and second-row captain's chairs. 

Under the hood of each Telluride is the naturally-aspirated V6 that cranks out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The steering is very precise, and 8.0 inches of ground clearance for off-road excursions offer you the confidence to avoid bottoming out during uneven patches. The 2021 Telluride boasts room for 8, and the amazing storage options we had the benefit of exploring earlier. Listening to exactly what every customer wants from a new vehicle, Kia rose to the task with an 8.0-inch touchscreen available even on entry-level models, loaded up with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to offer up the entertainment goods for you during the journey. 

2021 Kia K5 EX Impresses With Striking Looks and Pavement Gripping Power

Here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as the holidays draw closer and closer, we had wondered if everyone was permanently switching to crossovers and SUVs as their #1 choice for a gift this year. We fully recognize just how awesome and feature-rich they are, but there is one particularly head-turning sedan in our lineup that Forbes magazine just drove and classified heartily as “Stunningly Beautiful”. The 2021 Kia K5 EX is the high end trim level up for grabs before the GT becomes available later this month, it is even available at an amazing price! 

The exterior boasts athletic lines that clearly provide a sightline to what we think is the most eye-pleasing design Kia has ever created. Sporting a low and wide build, the appearance of a track-conquering contender is evident, while the grille set in contemporary fashion evokes the sense of upper-end refinement! Under the hood resides a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine delivering 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. A few different test drivers reported back that the acceleration is beyond impressive, and finds its way off the line in a hurry.

For those on the understandable hunt for a larger amount of raw engine power and performance, the upcoming GT model will harness the force of the 2.5-Liter 290 horsepower engine with 311 lb-ft of torque, which will substantially kick things up an exhilarating notch. This cutting-edge sedan rides on the new N3 platform, which is longer, wider, and lower than previous models. AWD is an available add-on for better traction, and you'll notice the lower center of gravity providing adequately nimble handling during cornering. 

Once inside there are a wide variety of features for the price point. The EX trim builds extensively on the sporty GT-line's features, adding premium touches such as high-quality leather finishes on the wheel and wood grain accents that provide a settling and less modern aesthetic. You'll love hitting the road with the added comfort of EX power-adjustable seats, that provide 10 different settings for the driver and 8 for the passenger. Presiding over the central control stack is an impressive 10.25” touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the latest version of Kia's navigation. 

Any family with their day-to-day safety in mind has their eyes intently on the ADAS offerings of any model. The Kia K5 EX offers forward collision warning, driver attention warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, high beam assist, blind-spot warning, reverse parking distance warning, and smart cruise control. This is a modern sedan that fully celebrates the exhilarating connection between the driver and the road, and pays a large dose of homage to the raw sense of aggression that lies on the sportscar's side of the tracks! 

2021 Kia Sorento's Multi-Collision Braking System Employs Futuristic Tech, Downgrades Severe Damage Potential

As the time comes near to decide if a new vehicle will be in your future for the new year, many Missouri residents have already firmly decided on a Kia, as our longstanding reputation, warranty options, and track record glows with achievements! The all-new Sorento looks just as superb as all of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis imagined, and for any family troupe constantly on the go, safety can be the deciding factor on the final purchase. 

The Sorento is the first vehicle from the Kia camp to include the Multi-Collision Braking System, which can apply the brakes to all four wheels if an upcoming impact is sensed, using airbag deployment as the means of warning. With the brakes at each corner and the assistance of different directional sensors, this system will take full control of the vehicle's travel direction, and see it to a safe stop without incurring too much damage. One of the many modern marvels present when it comes to new driving technology is the way in which these systems monitor driver response. 

This Multi-Collision Braking System also tracks input to the vehicle's pedals, but will not be operational at speeds over 112 mph. This fourth-generation Sorento is scheduled to arrive in the US before the end of this year and will be appropriately loaded up with other features looking out in the long run for every passenger on board. Forward collision avoidance with pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle detection, as well as blind-spot camera, are other means of securing your entire perimeter since the daily flow of traffic can tend to be unforgiving. 

The boxier proportions and bold styling bring about a drastic change from the curvier appearance seen on the outgoing model. Anyone with a penchant for a more aggressive ride will love the 281-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the more powerful of engine choices. The towing rating is 3500 pounds, and the current estimate for EPA mileage is 27 mpg combined and 25 mpg combined for the mightier engine. Once inside integrated ambient lighting, rotary shift knobs on the center console, and a well-arranged variety of storage spots offer up an inviting and luxurious location to sprawl out. 

The 2021 Sorento comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen or an optional 10.3-inch model, wireless charging pad, and optional 12-speaker Bose sound system for anyone on the hunt for upper levels of perfection and balance in the audio department. If off-roading is calling your name as it is now for so many seeking recreational fun, the X-Line trim comes standard with All-Wheel-Drive and offers a 1.0-inch lift as well as new bumpers and a handy roof rack. The eco-conscious among current buyers can choose the Sorento Hybrid, which pairs the 1.6-liter turbo inline-four with an electric motor for a cumulative system output of 228 hp in the Hybrid EX. 

Kia Military-Grade Go-Anywhere Defense Vehicle Reporting Soon For Duty

One very true test of any vehicle are the daily trials and tribulations of a military division. Suspension, frame and technical ability need to be top-notch, as the dire situations of combat and routine patrol demand precision as well as automotive protection. We have recently learned here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis that Kia has plans to produce an off-roading vehicle which is slated to report for combat in South Korea. It may also end up exploring the vast wilderness and prime recreation destinations right here in the States.

Kia's military vehicle is currently in developmental stages and is generally described as an open-top all-terrain vehicle. The frame is borrowed from the Mojave after its thorough update last year, which bears similarity to the V8-powered Borrego introduced in the States in 2009. Detailed renderings have just been released; it looks like a tall and boxy squad vehicle with the ability to thoroughly protect and serve wherever it may be dispatched. What is learned from this ATV's development will be used in the engineering and design of Kia's civilian consumer lineup.

This still-unnamed truck is likely going to provide a source of inspiration for many different industries, including the very lucrative leisure vehicle category. Similar inspiration occurred when the Humvee transformed into the Hummer. The first ATV Prototypes will be ready for use in 2021, and production will begin by the mid-2020s. There are also plans to be the contractor for the development of the 2.5 and 5-ton bulletproof trucks for the South Korean military, which would ride on a standard platform and source power from a 7.0-liter turbodiesel engine.

Electric powertrains, hydrogen fuel cells and self-driving technology will be instrumental in the creation and optimization of military-grade models. Maneuverability, ability to easily ford rushing water and ground clearance are all necessary qualities for any vehicle that may experience combat. Transport and control duties have the characteristic of sometimes doling out very unexpected events, and unfortunately, they can prove to be life-threatening. The electrification of these vehicles that we will soon see will offer many benefits, as they would be quieter while carrying out stealth operations and would also create a lower thermal watch field. 

Added technology such as OnStar makes top-secret communication and navigational help easily accessible; a dire need when traversing on unfamiliar soil. The civilian form of this vehicle would be a sheer blast in a demanding off-road environment, offering hefty utility and a true sense of the ability to conquer any hazard standing in the way!