Kia EV9 To Debut This Month Offering Accessible SUV Identity, Sustainable Mobility

Official image releases always get us excited here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, and last week the Kia Corporation revealed images of the exterior and interior design of the brand new EV9. This vehicle’s visual presence draws inspiration from Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ Design Philosophy; blending aspects of nature and modernity harmoniously to create a striking vehicle. The EV9’s enjoyable driving experience will most definitely originate from segment-leading design, connectivity, and environmental consciousness. 

We know that our customers will especially appreciate the exterior design, which was designed with Kia’s “Bold for Nature” vision in mind. The front is characterized by familiar clear-cut lines and body surfaces, which promote a first impression of confidence and calm. The Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, along with unique vertical headlamps blend well together with Kia’s signature digital tiger grille face, adding to what is already a thrillingly futuristic look. In fact, the CarBuzz.com auto review staff praised the EV9 for having “nothing shy about it” as far as aggressive exterior style. They fondly claimed that if the “Kia Soul was a middle school student with a cool dad, the EV9 would be that dad”, and were also very impressed with the intricate front and rear lighting. 

Built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform, the EV9 sports a long wheelbase, lower beltline and very flat electric vehicle build, which ultimately provides a segment-leading amount of space and comfort for all occupants. Those in the first and second row can recline and take a breather during charging, and the second-row seats can even turn around 180 degrees to chat with (or keep an eye on!) those in the third row. The various seating configurations in the EV9 will be able to accommodate six or seven occupants and will offer what we compare to “a lounge-like space” in every single row. 

The vibe inside the cabin is spacious and uncluttered to allow for the enjoyment of a very user-friendly design. Additionally, two 12.3-inch touchscreens enhance the digital experience inside the EV9, offering an easy way to control all of the vehicle’s functions without overwhelming you with too many buttons to choose from. This is going to be a great, practical vehicle for families who are looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle.

Another eye-catching and memorable element is the futuristic 21-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin tires, along with the added touch of slightly off-center Kia logos. The blacked-out A-pillars leave ample space for the passenger compartment, with official images depicting closed roof and dual sunroof -option models. It is suggested that base-level models will have rear-wheel drive, so they very likely will only possess a single electric motor.

Power outputs are expected to be around 200 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, which would be an ample amount for a vehicle that is generally geared towards families. Moving up from there, sources suggest that outputs could rise up to 400 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, which is where dual motors and all-wheel drive are expected. The 0-60 mph sprint here will drop from 8.5 to six seconds, and the highest-level trim could see a boost in torque from 380 to 480 lb-ft. 

The concept EV9 currently promises a range of around 300 miles, and the option to have charging speeds of up to 350 kW. Leaving the “overnight game” completely out of the picture, this charging option will take just 18 minutes to get the battery from 10-80%.

Our team here at Jim Butler Kia can’t wait for the official release of the all-new Kia EV9! In the meantime, we will keep you apprised of any updates we come across. Stay tuned!

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!

9 Kia Models Celebrate Early Spring Excellence in Car and Driver Editor’s Choice Awards

9 Kia models were named to the 2023 Car and Driver Editor’s Choice Awards list this year! The 2023 Kia Sportage, Sorento, Carnival, Niro Hybrid and PHEV, K5, Soul, Rio, EV6, and Telluride were selected from over 400 models that the editors put to the test. The design, craftsmanship, and quality that our customers have come to love here so much at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis shone through strongly with these wins, instilling even more confidence in our world-class line.

This latest honor comes just after the 2023 Kia EV6 and 2023 Kia Telluride were ranked on Car and Driver’s prominent 10Best Trucks and SUVs list. The EV6 also recently enjoyed a premiere accolade as the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the North American Car of the Year jury. The criteria that allowed for final selection included Car and Driver’s instrumented testing, the vehicle’s true purpose and mission, and how they ranked in the segment up against competitors. 

There is simply so much to love about these great models! There is something for drivers with every need, purpose, and demeanor, with just one-third of the winner’s circle we’ll put in a temporary spotlight:

The 2023 EV6 doles out its own characteristic and segment-leading impression with its long driving range, exhilarating driving dynamics, and excellent technology features. Also toting a #1 rating from the U.S. News staff for the EV category, the EV6 offers comfortable seating for five, and stellar safety ratings to boot. Its available dual-motor AWD setup is powered by the 77.4 kWh battery, resulting in a robust 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. Getting up to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, this is also the most powerful Kia ever boasting Drift Mode! The EV6 GT is new for 2023 and cranks out 576 horsepower while excelling greatly in the thrill department. 

The 2023 Kia Telluride easily situates itself above the competition thanks to its generous standard features and a top trim level that provides an experience effectively rivaling SUVS twice the price. Its excellent V6, quiet cabin, and very confident handling give the Telluride a refined drive that is suitable to be on weekend duty for hauling camping or lake toys. The 2023 model received a refreshed grille, a new front bumper, and completely redesigned headlamps. The X-Line and X-Pro trims both are instrumental in offering up the Telluride’s hefty 5500-lb towing capacity.

The 2023 Kia Carnival is the ideal minivan for the drivers who are on the hunt for something logical, and starts out the hard bargaining for your family’s next trip by earning its Top Safety Pick accolade from the IIHS for coming out with top-scoring marks in every crashworthiness test. The 3.5-liter provides the ultimate inspiration and power source for the times when you “really need to get away”, and the LX and SX Prestige models can accommodate 7 passengers comfortably. The SX Prestige also adds the benefit of second-row VIP lounge seats, that can recline and slide along with leg extensions, a new “relaxation mode” for when it's needed most.

2023 Kia Seltos S Leads Subcompact Segment With Kelley Blue Book’s “2023 Best Buy Award”

Kia keeps hauling in the awards! The Kia Seltos claims the title of the 2023 Best Buy Award winner, courtesy of its sharp appearance that stands out in an assortment of somewhat bland competitors. The Seltos offers an excellent list of equipment for a reasonable price, allowing for the S trim to meet the needs of many instead of moving up the ladder.

The 2023 Seltos remains a best-seller with a low starting price and an attitude that is anything but boring! Automotive paint retailer BASF claimed that 81% of new cars sold last year were some version of white, black, or gray color, and Kia makes the Seltos stand out with vibrant and attractive color options. You can also choose to spice things up with a contrast-color roof and mirror, allowing for unique and fun customization that most subcompact SUVs don’t offer.

There are other useful upgrades such as a 12-volt power outlet up front, along with plenty of extra USB ports. The subcompact segment suffers from manufacturers’ desire to achieve a lower price by cutting down on extra comforts. The Seltos S makes every ride more comfortable with automatic climate control, and provides second-row passengers with their own climate system vents. 

Every year when new models are released, it seems as if features such as authentic leather seating are harder and harder to come by. Synthetic options have been the go-to replacement, but the Seltos S includes genuine leather on the gear shifter and steering wheel. 

As customers are on the hunt for new vehicles, it is surprising to see how many automated safety systems are available on even entry-level models. The Seltos S keeps you safe with forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance assist. There is also a rear-occupant alert note when a rear door is opened, aptly reminding the driver to keep an eye out for backseat passengers.

The Car and Driver team was greatly impressed with the Seltos’ abundant interior space, excellent optional infotainment upgrades, and stately on-road handling. Road noise has been a frequent complaint of everyone from daily drivers to those going out for a longer trip, and the Seltos has now added brand-new acoustic glass windshields on all 2023 models. 

Current drivers have proven to be consistently all about larger screens, and the Seltos S provides the option to upgrade to a 10.3-inch with navigation included. Don’t forget to also check out the EX trim’s upper-end additions that massively spice matters up with a sunroof, faux-leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Highway fuel economy is estimated to be as high as 35 mpg for front-wheel-drive models with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder. 

Kia Excels in 2023 World Car Awards, 3 Models Secure Finalist Status

While the beginning of the year is a bit slow in some industries, we couldn’t be busier this February at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis! Three Kia models have already been named as finalists across three categories during this year’s 2023 World Car Awards.

The Kia Niro is the first among the finalists for 2023 World Car of the Year, and its electrified sidekick, the Niro EV, is also a finalist for the 2023 World Electric Vehicle category. With a uniquely aggressive personality and 567 horsepower under its belt, the EV6 GT also made an excellent impression as a finalist in the 2023 World Performance Car category. 

Now celebrating its 19th year, the World Car Awards is an annual event that reports on the findings of 100 international jurors from 32 nations as they test-drive numerous models to find the best of the best. 

The 2023 Kia Niro is a fantastic all-around option for anyone in need of a compact daily driver that displays class-leading efficiency. It is well-known for adequately splitting the difference between SUV and hatchback, and is offered as a traditional hybrid, plug-in, and all-electric model. Each version boasts a brand-new design for 2023, and now sees a larger assortment of tech features, improved interior, and futuristic looks. Also notable is the Sport drive mode, improving accelerator response and adding a heavier element for steering. 

The 2023 Niro EV was undoubtedly a star of the show due to its radical design transformation for 2023. It still drives just like the model it replaced, but now has a very futuristic visual stance. Smartly blurring the lines between an SUV and a wagon, the Niro offers up an elevated steering position while the low stance efficiently minimizes body roll. Inside, the cabin features two 10.3-inch screens that come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The entry-level Wind trim comes still fairly loaded with navigation, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

The 2023 Kia EV6 is capable of more than 300 miles of driving range while still dishing out very brisk acceleration and handling. Scoring high points from the Autoblog crew for being “practical as well as cool”, along with praise for the 60/40 split screen functionality that allows you to see both audio and navigation. Each EV6 model comes standard with a 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack with a maximum charging output of 240 kW, and it has been recognized for its characteristic torque, low center of gravity, one-pedal driving capability, and well-weighted steering. 

Kia Sportage Struts Segment-Leading Clout as “Utility Vehicle of the Year” in 2023 AutoGuide Awards

We are never short of enthusiasm for the Kia lineup here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, especially now as some models are getting the first increments of awards and accolades for the year. The 2023 Kia Sportage has now been named the Utility Vehicle of the Year in the 2023 AutoGuide awards, where editors give digital homage to the best vehicles on the market. Already enjoying its existence as a Kia icon, the Sportage was elevated to prime recognition after its overhaul last year.

Beginning in 2013, the AutoGuide Awards celebrate the best new or recently updated vehicles of the year. 2014 saw the addition of truck and SUV categories, and Family Vehicle as well as Green Vehicle of the year were added to the roster in 2021. This year, as interest and segment representation grew, there were refined categories for Truck, Utility Vehicle, and Electric Vehicle of the year. AutoGuide managing editor Mike Schlee commented on how the team is impressed every time they drive the Sportage, and was enthusiastic about its gas, hybrid, and plug-in options that provide appeal to every demographic.

The Sportage has always stood out with its comfortable ride quality, spacious seating, and more-than-ample rear cargo area. The X-Pro Trim offers more off-road capability, and so many here at Jim Butler Kia have loved the Sportage’s tech-rich package that comes at a very reasonable price. In direct competition with the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4, the Sportage is an eager contender that doesn’t get lost in the shuffle, with its striking looks and class-leading warranty. 

The off-road-focused qualities of the X-Pro trim are helpful for tackling the trail with all-terrain tires, all-wheel drive, and a locking center differential as standard. Another sweet addition to this setup is the Prestige Package, which adds LED headlights and taillights, ventilated front seats, a power front passenger seat, and a larger array of safety technology. At highway speeds, the Sportage cruised with minimal road and wind noise for the Motor Trend team. They also noted that it felt ideally light and perfectly precise during cornering. 

The Sportage also has snagged the honors of Top Safety Pick from IIHS and flexes its protective nature with lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, driver attention alerts, rear backup sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and hands-free adaptive cruise control on every model. X-Pro Prestige models also sport the 360-degree camera view mode, parking collision avoidance, and front and rear parking sensors. Delivery and great execution of its formula allow the Sportage to never fall short of Kia standards, and the Car and Driver testing crew was thrilled with its EPA combined estimate of 43 mpg with front-wheel drive.

Always a grade above what you need for the accessible daily drive, the Sportage’s ultimate tire set comes in the form of BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. Each Sportage model equipped with all-wheel drive also fares well for bouldering and fording with 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Fiercely  growing larger, more capable, and powerful, we have nothing but the highest of recommendations and praise for this valuable member of our lineup and “movement that inspires.”

2023 Kia K5 Resides as Always-Stunning Newcomer of Midsize Sedan Scene

Inquisitive customers coming to see us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis always have an initial decision to make about their next vehicle. Before they get down to business and start with test drives, there is the choice of “size and shape”! Much like looking into DIY home improvement projects for the spring, having a structured blueprint saves time and energy during this process. After looking at the numerous award-winning and very reliable options Kia offers, we’re thrilled to inform you about the great features of our favorite midsize sedan, the charming K5.

The K5 replaced the Optima in 2021 and is an always-attractive staple of our lot here at Jim Butler with its practical and very budget-friendly 4-door charm. It comes with an outstanding warranty, which gives any busy driver the ultimate peace of mind. It is securely backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, beating out the crosstown competition in the form of the Nissan Altima. 

The K5 GT is a different version of a sport sedan, with an engine upgrade that situates you with a turbocharged 4-cylinder that cranks out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. You’ll also be taking on every corner you encounter with a sport-tuned suspension and the perfectly piping note of the quad-tip dual exhaust. For 2023 the GT-Line model gets a Panoramic Roof Package with LED cabin lighting, plus the all-season appeal of a standard heating steering wheel. An 8-inch touchscreen and dual-zone climate control now both come as standard. 

The Cars.com review team praised the K5’s strong case of appeal thanks to its sleek styling and very value-conscious offering. With plenty of available scoot for any daily drive, many have found that the GT line offers up all of the bells and whistles for those with luxury tastes. The configuration software on board is more like what you’ll find in the Stinger than the Sorento, and these experts gave the K5 5/5 stars for comfort, interior design, performance, and exterior styling. 

Other personal reviews have claimed that after driving the K5 for a year, many feel that it is easily comparable to a BMW/Lexus/MB for thousands of dollars less. Also nailing down 37 mph in eco mode is a huge bonus, as the K5 proves its worth in every category. The climate control system also impressed many new buyers after their first long trip, as it features a unique 3-mode auto setting that improves ventilation and limits the fan speed.

There’s also an available wireless charging pad that features a cooling fan and a smart spring-loaded section to efficiently keep your phone in place, and the Edmunds.com team’s testing model boasted 4 USB ports. What optional feature would we wholeheartedly recommend to improve the driving experience? Smart Cruise Control is ranked as one of the best systems in the segment, aptly slowing down the K5 when there’s a curve up ahead. The K5’s exterior styling is a true standout in a class with offerings on the dull side and dials up the aggression factor to offer countless drives that are anything but ordinary!