2021 Kia K5 GT Deemed “Swanky Inside And Out” With A Mountain of Torque

The 2021 Kia K5 GT is so stylish and possesses such a capable driving characteristic that you won't want to stop when you reach a sparsely-populated winding strip of the road! The Roadshow staff ranked it head and shoulders above the midsize-sedan crowd, topping the segment in nearly every category. 

More fresh and spunky than the late-aged Honda Accord, more interesting than the Subaru Legacy, and boasting more luxury elements inside than the Toyota Camry, the K5 has the well-rounded appeal needed to sway many young professionals and 2nd-time buyers to the exciting sedan side of the fence. The signature tiger-nose grille that everyone always gets excited to see coming has been redesigned, and the example shown here sports an awesome shade of Sapphire Blue paint. From the side, you can pick up slightly on a Volkswagen or new Audi A7 vibe, with a nicely curving roofline that makes for an entirely unique rear stature. 

Once inside, the first thing easily noticed about the dashboard is that it has a very deep sculpture, and all of the materials are constructed with excellent quality. The entire center stack is angled nicely toward the driver, so the infotainment screen and climate controls are simple to reach. The gear shifter is surprisingly in the traditional spot and is satisfying to the touch without looking dated in the least. Two infotainment systems are available: one has an 8-inch display and the other has the uplevel-placed 10.3-inch touchscreen. 

Both options are not only very user-friendly, but they look awesome, have unique purple neon signs for the home screen, and the radio tuner is displayed as a series of funky and retro-looking tubes. The GT model features a burly 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, which is a fantastic 4-cylinder option cranking out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Making the absolute most out of the available torque is the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, aiding in the respectable 0-60 mph time of just 5.8 seconds. At the pump, 24 mpg around town and 32 mpg on the highway are where you'll see averages, with 27 mpg combined. 

Multiple test drives by the Roadshow team allowed them to finish their journey by claiming that the sedan drives “magically”, and has startlingly amazing chassis performance chops. Once you get to enjoy the stark and pure driving pleasure of straight asphalt, the lane-centering feature works like a charm, enabling you to properly embellish the joy of acceleration. Badging the K5 GT with a score of “9” in all four categories, this is one action-packed and still new-family friendly sedan that will add a taught and punchy touch to the long sprawling days of late summer! 

Kia America Ushers in Age Of Excellence With Best-Ever Month and Half-Year Stats

Everyone here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis knew that this year would be amazing, but it is sometimes difficult to gauge just how great the future will be! We were proud to announce just 6 days ago that we have had the pleasure of enjoying our highest-ever first-half yearly sales, after posting three consecutive monthly sales records in March, April, and May. The Forte, Sportage, Seltos, and Telluride all had their best-ever first-half sales performance for the first half of the year. 

The 2021 Seltos saw a dynamic sales uptick of 128.6 percent, as consumers took to its abundant cargo space, upscale interior materials and design, and very distinct styling. Its available two-tone roof and stacked headlight design allow it to stand out from other SUVs that are on the smaller side, and folding down the rear seats provides 68.2 cubic feet of space. More than comfortable enough for your daily routine and spontaneous road trips, you'll be absorbing bumps in the road without much trouble, while enjoying its practical and roomy interior. With an estimated 31 MPG combined as an EPA rating, the front-wheel-drive model takes the cake. 

The 2021 Sportage roars gracefully onto the scene this summer with an upscale cabin, quick turbocharged model, refined ride, and superb handling. Situated just between the Sorento and Seltos, it competes in a crowded market segment that includes notable competitors such as the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. With its handsome interior and abundant passenger space, the top-of-the-line model is where you'll get to enjoy the much feistier turbocharged engine. Every model includes heated front seats, passive entry, power-operated liftgate, and dual-zone climate control. 

The 2021 Telluride has been at the forefront of the market for many auto connoisseurs and experts since its release last year. It's not only the biggest SUV in the lineup, but it also does things just a bit better than the rest in every vital category. The very comfortable 3rd row can easily fit adults, and has steering that immediately feels natural and stable around turns. Snagging a 9.0 for the comfort factor from Edmunds.com, the seats are consistently supportive and well-contoured, and the headrests seem as accommodating as pillows! USB ports are located in all three rows, and the optional wider infotainment screen offers segment-leading navigation and other useful features. 

We are proud to be increasing sales of fuel-efficient and everyday useful sedans, and laying claim to awards such as the Best Certified Pre-Owned Non-Luxury Program of 2021 by Autotrader. CNET also named the Telluride as one of the “Best SUVs of 2021”, as well as including it in the list of “10 Best SUVs with Self-Driving Features”.

2022 Telluride Reintroduces Nightfall Edition

Bigger is better when it comes to crossover SUVs, and the Kia Telluride just got a few exciting updates for its 2022 model. These updates look to uphold the Telluride’s reputation for its comfort and style, while still offering luxury touches and practicality. 

The Telluride's goal is to comfortably shuttle families and all of their belongings. The Nightfall Edition makes a return appearance in 2022, and the engine choice is the potent and ready-for-action 3.8-liter V6 that cranks out 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The top trims offer travel-ready features such as ventilated rear seats at a reasonable price, and can easily lug around a 5000-pound trailer when it's time for a move to college or a fun-filled weekend at a campsite.

Car and Driver billed the new model as “the gold standard of its segment”, along with praising the bottom two trims for now including a 10.3-inch touchscreen and fully automatic temperature control. Both of these trims also now come with semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control that uses the navigation system to adjust the vehicle's speed as it takes corners. The top-of-the-line SX Model comes standard with a 12-way power driver's seat, black-painted 20-inch rims, a Harman Kardon stereo, front and rear sunroofs, and second-row captain's chairs. 

This SX trim can zip up to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds, and the self-leveling air suspension proved to add an excellent cushioning for the “many potholes and ruts” experienced on the commute. The Telluride is known for having a fairly firm ride and is apt to turn sharply and be amazingly responsive to throttle inputs at lower speeds. If you're planning to head off-road for a more challenging ride, 8.0 inches of ground clearance is standard. Just a decade or so ago, no vehicles came equipped straight from the factory to handle rocks and ruts! 

All-wheel-drive models of the Telluride average around 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, yielding better results than its competition, including the Volkswagen Atlas and Honda Pilot. With a top-notch build quality, very attractive materials, and luxury-themed options such as driver's seat memory settings and Nappa leather upholstery, the Telluride has always been near the peak of SUV models.

PetrolHead YouTube Channel Features 2022 Kia K9 With Reworked Front End, New Infusion of Technology

 

As the Fourth of July approaches here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, we are proud to be patriotic Americans and also thrilled to offer our preferred brand of car to hard-working students, professionals, and families in the metro area. When we take the extra time to have a few extra clicks on our pre-holiday itinerary and check out the many YouTube channels out there for information, it is always fascinating to locate the many coming-soon teasers, and reports back of “exciting fireworks” after test drives of the various models we provide and service. 

This walkaround video we located last week takes an in-depth look at the different styling changes that the 2022 Kia K9 shows off, revamping the styling inside and out as the sedan receives several new adjustments to appearance and function. Beginning outside, you notice a larger Tiger Nose grille that is given a new V-shaped diamond-like pattern, flanked by narrower headlights than last year's model. The front fenders now have chrome garnish, and there's a new full-width LED light bar covering the distance of the trunk. 

The license plate is now moved from the trunk to the lower bumper, and inside the infotainment screen raises from 12.3 inches to 14.5. The 2022 K9 also gets the same fingerprint authentication system that Hyundai and Genesis models have that do one of the most “essential worker's” jobs within the car: store many multiple personalized profiles that have high-tech eyes on temperature settings and seat positions. The enlarged front grill now sporting chrome “V” logos has a cleaner appearance and strategically-placed air ducts at its corners. 

Answering the questions about all of the technical specifications, a full reveal is expected to take place in the coming weeks. In a landscape where it feels as if crossovers and SUVs have truly taken over, it is refreshing to see the always-engaging and fun-to-drive sedan keep chiseling away at winning over drivers. Even though powertrain specifics have not yet been officially released, the outgoing model offers a variety of V6s that generate between 250 and 311 hp, and a 5.0-liter V8 that cranks out 419 hp. 

After a year of one uncertainty after another, we have been excited to get ready to inform everyone about the many features of newly-acquired auto stock. With a lifetime protection plan available on most pre-owned models and the new 2022 Kia Carnival now available for a test drive, we can heat up your summer with the best deals around, and see you truly having a carefree buying experience. Check out the incentives we have cooked up that are just as tasty and traditional as a 4^th of July barbecue, and choose Jim Butler for your June and July brand-new car experience! 

2023 Kia Sportage Continues to Push Design Envelope With Upscale Appearance, Bold Demeanor

When the days of abundant sun and higher temperatures grace our lots here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, many of our happy customers are coming out to investigate which new model may be perfect for their needs! So many blogs and other internet news sources have praised our illustrious brand over the past year for pushing the design envelope and being truly innovative every step of the way regarding the wildly popular compact-SUV class. Details have now been coming out courtesy of Car and Driver regarding the 2023 Kia Sportage, which bears completely different looks than its sibling of the Hyundai Tucson. 

The global version pictured Here features an unconventional front-end lighting setup features low-mounted headlights and unique boomerang-shaped LED accents, with taillights that resemble what is found on the Eco-conscious and notorious EV6 electric model. A glance at the greenhouse shows a subtle slope down towards the D-pillar and the rising belt-line, visually evoking a completely new type of silhouette. 

Inside we see a well-configured and driver-focused cluster that is far more luxurious than what is on the current model, with a fully-loaded digital instrument cluster and extra-large widescreen infotainment system situated under glass. There are air vents on either side with a much higher-class aesthetic than sportier muscle cars such as Chevy's Camaro. The expected powertrain option is currently the 2.5-liter inline-four as a base engine, with plug-in and hybrid variants to follow soon. Car and Driver also reported that the 2023 model will likely arrive in the US early next year. 

Since the pandemic brought with it so many delays and uncertainty within the auto realm, every bit of news we can find regarding the progression of “coming soon” models is going to create a positive hum in our offices and on the lot! For the 2022 model, the base LX trim now adds the Value Edition package, which includes features previously reserved for the upper-end of the trim lineup. 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, passive keyless entry, and push-button start can now be added, and every EX level model now comes with the ability to “let the rays in” via the panoramic sunroof. 

You'll also enjoy 10 years of complimentary map updates as well as new software and features for navigation. Every current Sportage model comes with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, passive entry, and a power-operated liftgate. What is so incredibly awesome about the EX Technology package?it provides leather surfaces heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, an upgraded audio system, wireless charging, and more!  

2022 Kia Stinger GT Scorpion Special Edition Adorned With Darkened Elements, Same Track-Inspired Persona

While all of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis has had a keen eye on the variety of excellent crossover SUV offerings we have available, the end of the spectrum that is a bit more performance-oriented has a certain allure that any diehard fan of cars can appreciate. The staff on duty at Autoblog.com cranked out a cool feature about the K5 Scorpion Special Edition model coming for 2022, which adds appearance elements that embrace the dark side and heighten the already-amazing appearance of America's sleekest and most stylish sedan. 

The upgrade to the Scorpion from the standard Stinger provides blacked-out fender garnishes, side mirror caps, dark-painted exhaust tips, and 19-inch black-painted wheels. The color choices are Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, or Ceramic Silver, and inside there is unique carbon fiber-patterned trim available in either the red or black Nappa leather. The Stinger is the result of Kia's aim to provide a first-class premium look and feel as well as driving chops, making it a great option for people that love the thrill of driving and are still sticking firmly to a rigid budget. 

Available engines are the 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, and the stronger and souped 368-horsepower twin-turbo V6. The Stinger saw updated exterior lighting elements, new wheel designs, and larger exhaust tips for this year, and also enjoys upgrades in the form of adjustable ambient lighting to make any summer night switch gears rapidly into a reflective and surreal or romantic cruise! When you test drive this sedan you can also check out luxurious extras like ventilated front seats, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and a premium Harman/Kardon audio system. 

All of the Stinger GT models feature massive praise-worthy Brembo Brakes, which offer up rapid stops and situate it in a class that celebrates performance and track-inspired chops while still flaunting the ability to settle down just enough for grocery runs. The experienced Car and Driver staff praised the rear seats for having the highest comfort level of ANY contender in its class and loved the benefits of the extra-large center console for accessibility after a quick glance down while driving. 

The Stinger also offers nearly every driver assist feature that can be reported on as an option. Some of its key safety features include lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Our warranty coverage proudly outdoes any other car in this category for overall length of coverage, for which we guarantee that every unexpected turn, impulsive excuse to run just another errand, and eagerness to start off the line quickly after a routine day will be thrilling! 

2021 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD Shakes Up Midsize Car Segment With Energetic Engine, Stylish Appeal

Every auto manufacturer out there is no stranger to the midsize sedan segment, but here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, we have long been determined to achieve complete domination of the category! The entire market has seen dire disruption once again with the introduction of the 2021 K5 GT-Line AWD, which slots into the sedan category but has all of the class-leading features of an all-out luxury car. Outside there are bold, powerful design lines and a much thinner front grille to evoke an elegant appearance. 

The serious track hounds out there will tell you that the “sound of the symphony is in the piping”, and the K5's rear end sports two very unique dual chrome exhaust pipes, which add an ideally aggressive nature to the sedan's look. The writers on duty at Rollingout.com claimed that the 4-cylinder 1.6-liter 180-horsepower turbocharged engine has some massively serious get-up-and-go, and is perfectly mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Ideally set up for extreme comfort with cockpit seats, you'll also enjoy utilizing 16 cubic feet of space in the trunk, with plenty of legroom in the front and rear to easily accommodate a six-foot-tall passenger comfortably. 

The Car And Driver testing crew got the chance to get a little wild with the K5 GT-line last fall and loved how the low-end torque feels more abundant than its peak of 195 lb-ft at 1500 rpm, and the turbo is noticed right away when you stomp on it. You'll get up to 60 mph in just 7 seconds, and the steering is ideally stable at highway speeds and responsive when paring your way through the noticeable incline of an on-ramp. A well-angled windshield adds a sporty touch to the driving experience, and included with the GT-Line is an 8.0-inch touchscreen. 

We have to agree with a few other expert testers that claimed the instrument panel closely resembles the clean aesthetics of a very well-known German competitor, and you'll love the Apple and Android phone mirroring available as wireless on all models. Creating the hottest new sedan in existence is very big news, and the amazingly low entry price as well as the thinning out of the signature “tiger face” front end has very adamantly turned many heads in the auto world! 

The K5 GT-Line boasts the very first front-wheel-drive-based system in a Kia sedan, employing an elaborate electro-hydraulic system to control AWD coupling for a precision sense of handling. We had our share of the white stuff just this year here in Missouri, and the K5 GT-Line's “Snow” drive mode boosts the AWD system for stealth control and traction during or after a storm. All K5 models that carry the 1.6-Liter have now been equipped with Continuously Variable Valve Duration, which provides completely independent control of valve duration to add a noticeable boost to the K5's efficiency.