2022 Kia Niro Reigns Over Other Crossovers, Offers Varied and Appealing Trims

The Niro is one of Kia’s three capable and stylish subcompact crossovers and is poised to outperform Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq HEV, and Honda Insight. The staff at Auto Trader were impressed with the Niro’s appealing design, fuel economy, A-level powertrain warranty, and the fact that it boasts nimble handling that is practical in congested urban locations.

You can check out the LX, LXS, LXS SE, Touring SE, and EX Premium trims here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis to see which best fits your driving lifestyle. Power is sourced from a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor, generating 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission sends output to the front wheels, with the two top trims offering steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that have a very modern touch. 

Here’s a close-up look at what the different trims offer, and a breakdown of the unique features you’ll enjoy on each one.

The 2022 Kia Niro LX offers standard 16-inch alloy wheels, projector-beam headlights with auto on/off, LED daytime running lights, keyless entry, and comfortable cloth seating for five. Each passenger can adjust the situation to their ideal comfort level with dual-zone automatic climate control, enjoy a 4.2-inch driver-info cluster, and cruise control. Drivers and passengers alike are obsessed with the constantly-improving infotainment system offerings, and the LX trim consists of an 8-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker audio system, two USB ports, Bluetooth with voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. 

The 2022 Kia Niro LXS Trim adds push-button start, remote start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a unique leather-wrapped shift knob. Here you see the step up in driver aids that provide the safety-conscious blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning with emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-following assist, and high-beam assist. Sunny days just got that much better with the power-operated sunroof, which can allow the beams to be fully opened or tilted open. The 10-way power driver’s seat includes power lumbar adjustments and recline and height adjustment to make sure any passenger enjoys their ride in luxurious and adjustable comfort! 

The 2022 Kia Touring SE Trim is adding the 8-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system with a powerful subwoofer and HK’s amazing Clari-Fi audio rebuilding technology. You’ll also enjoy wireless phone charging, and the modern engineering miracle of Highway Driving Assist, which is an integral and useful gateway to autonomous and hands-free driving that helps brake and steer the vehicle under optimal cruising conditions. 

The 2022 Kia Niro EX Premium now boasts 18-inch wheels, and rear-park assist as a standard feature. You’ll cherish the heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a cargo cover on cold and damp Missouri winter mornings. You’ll also be thankful for the added comforts of Interior Cargo Shade, an optional luggage rack, remote engine start, and premium synthetic seats. 

2022 Kia Sorento PHEV to Debut with Highest Electric Driving Rage of Any 3-Row PHEV Model

The 2022 Sorento Turbo Plug-in Hybrid will roll onto the lot during 2021’s third quarter at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis with the best range of any PHEV. This new PHEV will be offered with a 66.9 kW electric motor and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that together crank out 261 horsepower. You’ll be enjoying 32 miles of pure electric driving range with a projected combined overall range of 460 miles.

Standard torque-vectoring is on board to offer ultimate driving confidence on any type of terrain, and the luxurious cabin can accommodate up to six passengers with 143.8 cubic feet of passenger space. The Sorento PHEV will offer everyday drivability, a comfortable space to spend time in, and a high level of practical vehicle efficiency. The 2022 Sorento PHEV will be available in both SX and SX-P trims, with available Syntex synthetic leather seating or perforated leather seats. We also recommend adding aluminum sport pedals!

The Sorento PHEV also comes standard with AWD featuring center locking differential technology, and the Drive Mode Select has Snow Mode that will come in handy for the harsh Missouri winter months. This is the first Kia SUV to sport a 12.3-inch full digital meter cluster, and you’ll also enjoy the bird’s-eye tech in the surround-view monitor with its 360-degree perspective.

There are 8 USB charging ports on board, a huge array of entertainment perks via SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a premium Bose sound system available with 12 high-performance speakers. As you are enjoying the view and the ultra-smooth ride, you can also opt for an even clearer surround-sound experience with Bose Centerpoint technology, which analyzes the sound source and adjusts to the speed you’re driving. The 2022 Sorento PHEV also comes with cloud-based Connected Routing that will use UVO cloud technology to predict ebbs and flows in traffic, and even learn your preferred daily driving route. 

With so many technology options, you’ll enjoy a smooth, easy driving experience every time you hit the road! 

Kia EV6 Makes History As First Korean Car To Achieve Carbon Footprint Certification

Kia’s EV6 has proven that our company’s bright future will be one that keeps the well-being of the planet at the forefront of design and implementation strategy. The EV6 has received carbon footprint certification and the “Carbon Measured” label from the esteemed Carbon Trust consultancy. Providing so much more than just zero-emissions mobility, Kia has kept a sharply-honed focus on the materials used, means of transportation for parts, and the way the vehicle is recycled when its lifespan is complete.

One of the reasons the EV6 attained this certification is its E-GMP. It is the first model to be constructed on this all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform and boasts one of the highest all-electric ranges on the market. Also touting revolutionary 800V1 ultra-fast charging along with an interior space that also leads its segment on the market, the EV6 includes PET recycled plastics, floor mats, and seat coverings, with every single model being the equivalent of 107 500ml PET bottles. 

The Carbon Trust helps show entities their opportunities for a low-carbon and sustainable world while officially certifying the environmental footprint of organizations, supply chains, and various products worldwide. PAS2050 Standards calculated the statistic of greenhouse gas emissions for the EV6 as part of the Carbon Trust’s means of assessing products. Established in 2001, the Carbon Trust has been an integral example and positive force that defines efficiency strategies and is focused on a healthier and cleaner vision for the world.

The EV6 will offer rear or all-wheel drive, two different batteries, and the ability to get from zero to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds with the range-topping EV6 GT model. The battery options are a 58.0-kWh and a 77.4-kWh pack, and anyone who is pressed for time will appreciate the fact that you can charge from 10 percent up to 80 percent in under 18 minutes when plugged into the ultra-fast 350-kW fast charger. This setup can also add 70 miles in less than five minutes.

Some of the touches that stand out are the two-tone, two-spoke steering wheel, the cool gold accents placed throughout the cockpit, and the unique button on the center console. You’ll be able to use 54 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat, and there is also more disposable space under the front trunk. Once you are outfitted and cruising away in this awesome and fully electrified machine, consider the available Meridian upgrade which includes 14 pristine and clear speakers!

Kia Carnival EX Is “Instrumental In Making Minivans Vogue Again” With Comfortable Cabin, Significant Standard Safety Features

Minivans are coming back, and Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis will be the spot to get the 2022 Kia Carnival! As long as these vehicles still continue to offer more utility than the wildly popular crossover SUVs available, it's easy to see why the 2022 Kia Carnival will quickly become a consumer favorite. 

The staff at Motor Trend saw the fully-loaded 2022 Kia Carnival SX Prestige take the crown in their latest 4-way minivan comparison test, noting that the mid-level Carnival EX possesses many of the same great traits that make every drive easier and safer. Some of the features they enjoyed most on the Prestige were a rear-seat entertainment system, genuine leather, a 12-speaker surround system, and dual power sunroofs. 

The Motor Trend crew spent two weeks with the Carnival, and everyone on board enjoyed the 8 seats bearing high-quality synthetic leather along with the child-minding middle seat that slides forward to offer a front passenger easy access to a baby in the back. The ability to remove the second-row seats is also a great feature, and if you don't need to remove them, you can easily fold them down, just like those in the third row. Mimicking the mandatory pre- or post-holiday big-box store run, the crew was also able to fit an 82-inch TV inside the cabin, with enough room left to leave one second-row seat installed. 

Loading up the crew and going for a long journey is going to be a breeze, as the Carnival is designed to be as comfortable as possible. You'll be sprawled out and able to fully enjoy heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and sunshades to protect back row occupants from incoming rays. All three rows have multiple USB ports, and there's also a 12-bolt outlet in the rear perfect for recharging all your devices. 

The 12.3-inch touchscreen has Kia's easy-to-use interface and provides the handy Passenger View feature that allows you to keep an eye on everything happening in the back. With a soft suspension and precise steering, the van's consistent brake performance was another reason it topped the charts. The Carnival is sure to lure many prospective buyers away from the competition, such as the Sienna Odyssey, and Pacifica, and we guarantee you’ll feel like you are riding in high-tier comfort and first-class-caliber space! 

2022 Kia Stinger Grabs Top Honors As IIHS Top Safety Pick

Here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, we are accustomed to repeat success stories, and our sportiest sedan has once again received an award! The 2022 Stinger sport sedan has earned “good” ratings in all six IIHS crashworthiness evaluations: driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. Other Kia vehicles with Top Safety Pick ratings are the 2021 Soul, Forte, Seltos, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride.

Safety isn’t the only thing to love. The Stinger has seen a refresh inside and out for the 2022 model year. It features a brand-new 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, heightened horsepower for the twin-turbo V6, and interior and exterior design elements. The Drive Wise assistance system is also now available on all trims

This latest IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus rating validates Kia's commitment to constant improvement and is the perfect complement to the Stinger's world-class performance ability. Inside, a 10.25-inch touchscreen will be available as an upgrade over the previous 8-inch upgrade touchscreen. This displays the safe-exit warning system and blind-spot view monitor, showing what's approaching when it’s tough to see. The lane departure warning system can also be upgraded to lane-keeping assist.

You'll be thrilled with the Scorpion Special Edition Model: available in white, silver, or black paint, this upgrade adds a rear spoiler, carbon-fiber accents, and black-painted exterior trim and wheels. The review team from Edmunds.com said that they were in awe at the performance of the new 4-cylinder and the power it offered off the line.

With class-leading performance for the price and our 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, this breathtaking sedan is available with premium paint finish, wheel locks, and puddle lights in its fully-loaded format. This is the sleek and superior number that will have a better resale value than the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series! 

Kia EV6 Provides a Look Into Future For Electric Cars

Futuristic cars have long been featured in sci-fi films and action movies. The EV6 will have all of the sci-fi-inspired bits that count, but still fit in on an everyday run down the street. 

Based on Kia's E-GMP platform, the EV6 will be available in either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive, and will come equipped with a 114.2-inch wheelbase that is as long as the Kia Telluride SUV. The 576-horsepower GT version will enjoy Kia's increased charging speeds.

On an ultra-fast 350-kilowatt charger, the EV6 can charge its 77.4 kWh battery pack from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, gaining nearly 210 miles. The maximum range target for the EV6 is 300 miles. The interior of the EV6 is bathed in uniquely-colored lighting and two large screens, with the center command console positioned between the two front seats at the perfect angle. 

The available safety features on the EV6 include blind spot avoidance assist, which can detect vehicles in the next lane. Automatic emergency braking brake in an attempt to avoid a crash.

Rear-facing radar makes sure other vehicles aren't coming up on the EV6 from behind when it is parked. It can also lock the doors and prevent kids or parents from opening the rear doors when another vehicle is passing on that side. Dressed like a spaceship made for the pavement, the EV6 is bringing an out-of-this-world driving experience!

2022 Kia Carnival Praised For “Smooth and Quiet Ride," High-End Luxury

Multi-purpose vehicles are excellent for getting a large family around and having a blast while doing so! The Providence Journal thought after a test drive that the Carnival was “the most useful passenger vehicle on the planet.”

The Carnival is offering amenities such as second-row recliner seats, amazingly clear built-in entertainment screens, comfortable third-row seats, and exactly what nearly anyone would expect upon purchase: tons of cargo space. There are 168 cubic feet of space for passengers and 40 cubic feet for cargo behind the third row, which can expand to 87 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Providence Journal team rated the suspension and tires as “incredibly smooth,” and the handling provides an excellent balance with precise steering.

A 290-horsepower V6 with gasoline direct injection that cranks out 262 lb-ft of torque powers the front wheels by means of an 8-speed automatic transmission. This vehicle is ready for Six-Flags Amusement Park or a pontoon trip on the lake and can tow up to 3,500 pounds while reaching 60 miles per hour in just seven seconds. The all-important EPA ratings for the Carnival are 19 city/26 highway/22 miles combined.

Visibility was a clear priority for the Carnival, with a panoramic sunroof and driver-assist technology such as Safe Exit Assist, which sounds a warning and locks a rear door if the system detects a vehicle rapidly coming up behind you. Other features include forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go. 

The EX trim lives in the sweet spot between high luxury and practicality, with a power-operated rear liftgate, an in-cabin intercom, and a voice-control system that allows passengers in the rear to control the all-inclusive entertainment system. One of the best optional features is the dual 12.3-inch displays that now stretch neatly across the van's dashboard: one serves as an in-depth digital gauge display while the other takes care of infotainment duties. You'll enjoy staying fully charged with nine USB ports on board and fully entertained with first-rate audio courtesy of a 12-speaker Bose stereo!