Friday, December 3, 2021

EV6 Sets Guinness Charging Record On Cross-Country Trip


During the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, it was announced that the production model EV6 beat Tesla in fast charging, and did so during a journey across the entire United States. The achievement was even recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records!

During the week it took to complete this task, the EV6 required only 7 hours, 10 minutes, and 1 second for fast charging, which officially beat previous record-holder Tesla by more than five and a half hours. The total driving distance was 2,880 miles, and the average charging stop was less than 20 minutes. 

The EV6 stopped for charging around 22 times, which would average once around every 131 miles. This Guinness World Record performance confirms the amazing potential of Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, and it’s impressive to note this was while using only the general charging infrastructure. Kia will no doubt continue its place and position as a recognized leader for electric development, as more vehicles will make the switch to an electric power source.


The Kia EV6 is a fairly large car, standing out in a sea of smaller offerings. Combined with its height and long roof, the EV6 enjoys a visually sporty stance, and the top-speed for the thrilling GT-line is 114 mph. The Motor Trend team loved the EV6’s sharp steering and linear front-end response, all while weighing in at 4,376 pounds. The ride is smooth and comfortable in any environment you want to take it!

The EV6-GT-line comes standard with lane keep assist, blind-spot warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and intelligent LED headlights. The EV6 almost drives itself, and you can fine-tune the responses to suit your own personal taste and drive. Six regenerative braking levels are offered on the EV6, ranging from zero-level to one-pedal driving, as well as an auto mode.


Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Kia Telluride Graces Car and Driver’s Exclusive 10Best List for the Third Year in a row


The Telluride has received recognition as one of Car and Driver’s 10Best for the third consecutive year! Kia’s largest-ever SUV has taken the honors based on its high-quality ride, premium interior, and amazing design. 

The Telluride’s handling and overall value were some of the categories that earned the selection. The 2022 model received design enhancements, brand-new Kia badging, and more convenience and safety features across trim levels. With its roomy, high-quality cabin along with ample passenger and cargo space, it also boasts a 10.25-inch infotainment system and highway driving assist. Also ranked #1 on the USNews.com cars section blog, the Telluride won many over with its cabin full of high-quality materials and user-friendly features. The standard V6 engine is a capable and reliable powertrain option, and it’s one of the reasons that the Telluride is worth considering as a family vehicle that offers a high level of versatility.


Everyone wants to get their hands on the vehicle Motor Trend claimed had “upended the new car status quo to perfection.” Delivering abundant space, excellent ride quality, and class-leading resale value, the Telluride is a prime example of premium quality being easily attainable. 

The Telluride in FWD gets 20/26 mpg city/highway and the AWD version gets 19/24 mpg rating from the EPA. Also receiving five-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA, every Telluride begins the journey equipped with automatic headlights, push-button start, remote start with key FOB, and a dual-zone climate control system with second and third-row vents. The top-of-the-line SX trim now boasts LED headlights, a comfy 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, a 7.0-inch instrument cluster display, and a premium 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.


Friday, November 19, 2021

First Visuals of Kia EV9 Concept Offer Glimpse of Modern Treatment, Stylish and Adaptive Stance


Kia has recently revealed the first official images of the Concept EV9, an all-electric SUV that will further define the brand’s longstanding commitment to become sustainable. Fresh on the heels of the EV6’s launch, this is a design that will incorporate forward thinking, the industry’s newest technology, and an all-electric powertrain combined together in one groundbreaking package.

The first image portrayed a modern exterior design with a highly functional cabin that provides a perfect interior space. As the holiday season draws closer, having the perfect vehicle to travel comfortably and safely is on many customers’ wish lists. These images were released just before the AutoMobility LA conference begins next week, showing users worldwide this electrifying and savvy new concept.


The current-model EV6 is one of the most exciting models coming soon, with the first new units rolling out during the early part of 2022. While the EV6 is not Kia’s first EV, it is the first one to use the company’s new E-GMP dedicated electric vehicle platform. In the United States, the EV6 will arrive in two rear-wheel-drive variants: one will boast a 58-kW hour battery cranking out 167 horsepower, and the other will have a 77.4-kWh long-range pack that bumps things up to 218 hp. 

The all-wheel-drive version has the combination of a larger battery with dual motors for a total of 313 hp, and the range is expected to be around 300 miles for multiple configurations. The EV6 boasts four different levels of regenerative braking all controlled with a paddle on the steering wheel, as well as the popular new one-pedal driving mode. This is going to be one of the predominant features seen in best-selling cars for many days to come. The AWD model boosts the available power up to 446 lb-ft of torque, and getting up to the 60 mph mark takes just five seconds. 


Wednesday, November 10, 2021

2022 Kia Rio: A Stylish, Space-Efficient and Affordable First-Class Sedan


With the ability to zip around town with a potent 1.4-liter 4-cylinder, the 2022 Kia Rio offers power that is unique in its segment. Boasting an EPA rating of 33/41 mpg city/highway, the Rio also has 42.1 inches of rear legroom, more than the Nissan Versa sedan. 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space are at your disposal for any grocery or weekend  trips that come your way!

The 2022 Kia Rio Sedan and hatchback come standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and a four-speaker audio system. There’s a USB charging port in the rear in the hatchback and S trim, with push-button start and automatic temperature control optional. Drivers with the S Technology Package will be safe with auto emergency braking technology, and lane-keeping and following assist. LED headlights and SiriusXM Satellite radio are also included.

If there is a model ideally situated for young drivers, it’s the Rio. It’s amazingly fuel-efficient and has Kia’s world-class warranty to assure everything stays in tip-top shape! The groundbreaking technology in the CVT transmission makes the Rio a winner in the fuel consumption category that is so important to buyers.


The standard 8-inch infotainment system as well as the roomy and supportive front seats make for a great cabin for travelling, and the hatchback model provides more visual accents. Standard features on the LX model include a tilt steering column, air conditioning, power-adjustable mirrors, power windows and door locks, 6-speaker audio, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Crafted to be light while still providing drive power, the Rio is a practical solution for anyone needing an errand-running workhorse that is fuel efficient! 


Thursday, November 4, 2021

2023 Kia Sportage is Balancing Design, Off-Road Ability, and Updated Tech Features


Much like the lavish feasts during the coming holidays, incoming models have more features and benefits than ever before. The 2023 Kia Sportage has undergone a transformation and delivers up everything that a tech-savvy and earth-conscious consumer is searching for.

Defying the typically bland look that plagues many current releases, the new Sportage is noticeably larger, stronger, more capable, and includes a handful of firsts. It boasts a dual panoramic curved digital display and a viable fuel efficiency rating. Manufactured by hard-working and skilled Americans in West Point, Georgia, the brand-new Sportage will be assembled next to the Telluride, Sorento, and K5. With a vested interest in the well-being of the planet and its long-term sustainability, electrification remains Kia’s goal, and the Sportage lineup is one that will see a variety of options soon.

Including the LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, and X-Line, the all-new Sportage X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige trims allow drivers to go off road with all-terrain ready tires and other valuable upgrades. The recognizable Tiger Nose grille gets even more appealing with a blacked-out grille graphic that spans the entire width of the front fascia, and its brisk shoulder line rises from the hood and runs smoothly down the side. 


The driver’s seat greets you with two screens totaling almost 25 inches of digital goodness, combining two 12.3-inch screens that display infotainment and instrument stats. All the necessary controls and buttons for operation are right at the driver’s hand, and an available 360-degree Surround-View Monitor with 3D view provides a useful birds-eye view of your surroundings.

During a long trip, people need room. The 2023 Sportage has class-leading legroom, ensuring passengers are always comfortable and appropriately spaced. In total, there are 41.3 inches of room along with 39.6 cubic feet of rear cargo capacity

The 2023 Sportage now offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all trims. The available Harmon Kardon premium audio system will allow you to tailgate, listen to podcasts, or rock out with the best audio. The Sportage’s Connected Routing is a cloud-based system that calculates your most feasible route using real-time maps and predicted traffic info based on AI!


Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Kia to Celebrate Virtual Debut of Brand-New SUV Crafted For Adventurists


As pumpkins and festive costumes become more commonplace around Jim Butler Kia, we are excited to once again celebrate the most fun time of the year! An important virtual debut is taking place as a “mystery SUV” will boast a variety of powerful and efficient engines.

This all-new SUV is set to arrive with multiple standard advanced driver assistance systems and the best and latest in high-tech infotainment options. Drivers who seek adventure will be happy with a new level of off-road capability thanks to a substantially increased ground clearance, capable all-terrain tires, and multiple driver-selectable terrain modes. 

Since crossovers have clearly carved themselves a spot in the current consumer landscape, it only makes sense that this will be the type of new vehicle coming soon. Off-road capability is key for buyers, and smoother travel over bumpy surfaces will all be possible with this thrilling and wilderness-ready model.

While you’re waiting on these awesome arrivals, check out the 2022 Seltos! Sized between the Soul and Sportage in Kia’s SUV lineup, it adequately pairs style with practicality. The Seltos shares its powertrains and overall platform with the smaller Hyundai Kona, which gives it the perfect daily drive and impressive fuel economy numbers. 

Kia has another crowd favorite in the Kia Telluride, which has been Edmund’s top-rated SUV for two years in a row. Every model now comes standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen that includes navigation. Automatic climate control keeps up to eight passengers perfectly cooled or heated. Capable and gutsy, Kia’s SUV lineup is about to get even better!

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

2022 Kia Forte Arrives With 41 MPH Highway Rating and Spectacular GT Line


The 2022 Kia Forte compact sedan is arriving with a dynamic GT-Line that infuses a perfect amount of sporty personality to an already striking model. The GT-Line adds 17-inch wheels, athletic exterior styling, a performance-style steering wheel, and sports seats with a synthetic leather finish. 

The GT offers legendary and exhilarating performance with a 201-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder engine and is one of the last models with an available manual transmission. The Forte confidently announces its arrival with an updated tiger-nose grille, and a larger 4.2-inch TFT LCD cluster that comes standard on all trims. There is also now an available rear USB charger to keep everyone in the back fully charged and digitally occupied, and a grand total of 111.3 cubic feet for cargo and passenger volume.


The revised front and rear bumpers, stylish new trunk lid spoiler, and new 10.25-inch widescreen navigation display are sure to make the 2022 Forte a hit. There’s also a new electronic parking brake with auto hold, a major plus for anyone with a steep driveway or street parking!

When it comes to safety features, Kia has always been at the front of the pack. The Drive Wise assistance suite adds six standard features, with navigation-based adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, lane following assist, and safety exit warning. Available Highway Driving Assist takes into account the highway speed limit, and will automatically adjust speed to allow for an optimal and safe distance from the vehicle in front. The Available Safe Exit Warning feature uses amazing high-tech assistance to alert the passengers or driver if any potential hazards are approaching from behind after you reach your destination and are getting out of the car.