Tech The Halls: The 2025 Kia K5 Is a Holiday Drive Delight

The 2025 Kia K5 brings bold updates that enhance its appeal in the competitive midsize sedan segment. Known for its sporty and sophisticated design, the K5 receives a refresh this year, featuring sharper lighting elements and aerodynamic-inspired details that make it even more striking on the road. And what better way to arrive at your favorite holiday events near Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis than in a stylish ride like the refreshed 2025 Kia K5?

Performance Updates

The 2025 Kia K5 introduces a new standard engine, replacing the previous 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4. The refreshed model is now equipped with a 2.5-liter I-4 engine, delivering 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the K5 offers both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options to cater to different driving preferences.

The FWD model demonstrates a noticeable improvement in acceleration, reaching 0–60 mph in 7.6 seconds—quicker than its predecessor's 7.8-second time. It also completes the quarter mile in 15.7 seconds at 91.3 mph. The AWD model, optimized for stability and traction, offers a 0–60 mph time of 8.3 seconds and finishes the quarter mile in 16.3 seconds at 87.9 mph. Both configurations balance efficiency with everyday performance, making them great choices for midsize sedan buyers.

Braking and Handling

The refreshed K5 FWD also enhances stopping power, achieving a 60–0 mph braking distance of just 117 feet, an improvement over the previous model's 124 feet. The AWD variant maintains excellent braking performance, requiring 118 feet to stop. On the skidpad, the FWD version achieves an average of 0.83 g, while the AWD model offers 0.82 g, showcasing balanced handling capabilities suitable for various driving conditions.

A Sedan with Renewed Appeal

The 2025 Kia K5 seamlessly combines style, technology, and performance. With its updated engine, refined aesthetics, and practical driving features, this midsize sedan is a standout option for those seeking a modern, well-rounded vehicle. Whether you choose the FWD for its quicker acceleration or the AWD for enhanced traction, the K5 continues to deliver value and versatility.

Experience the 2025 Kia K5: A Balance of Style, Comfort, and Features

The 2025 Kia K5 continues to stand out with its sleek and sporty design, embodying a sense of forward motion even when at a standstill. Designed with comfort, practicality, and advanced technology in mind, the K5 remains a compelling choice in the midsize sedan category. For drivers seeking an even more dynamic experience, the K5 GT offers enhanced performance with its turbocharged 2.5-liter I-4 engine.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The 2025 Kia K5 is equipped with a refined powertrain designed for everyday driving comfort. The engine operates smoothly with minimal vibration, providing a quiet cabin experience even as it accelerates to highway speeds. The AWD system enhances traction, particularly on slick surfaces, ensuring confidence in various driving conditions. The suspension strikes a balance between comfort and stability, effortlessly absorbing road imperfections to provide a composed ride.

Interior Updates and Space

Kia’s updates for 2025 bring thoughtful enhancements to the K5’s interior. The redesigned center console and improved touch-sensitive climate control panel offer easier access and usability. The highlight of the cabin is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen, featuring Kia’s latest infotainment software, which is faster, more intuitive, and visually appealing.

The K5 also impresses with its spaciousness, boasting 46.1 inches of front legroom—more than some luxury cars—making it a great choice for taller drivers. Rear passengers will appreciate the high-quality materials and thoughtful design, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants.

Advanced Features for Modern Driving

Every 2025 Kia K5 is packed with convenience and safety features designed to elevate the driving experience. Standard amenities include dual-zone climate control, four USB-C ports, keyless entry with push-button start, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and front and rear parking sensors. These thoughtful touches enhance daily driving, making the K5 a practical and reliable companion.

A Sedan That Combines Style and Functionality

The 2025 Kia K5 isn't just a sedan—it's a statement. With sharp, head-turning looks, a refined cabin, and cutting-edge technology, this car was built for those who crave sophistication without sacrificing performance.

Fa-La-La Fabulous Features: The 2025 Kia Sorento Brings Joy to the Journey

The 2025 Kia Sorento is a standout midsize SUV offering versatile seating for six or seven passengers and efficient gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid engines. It’s perfect for anyone who values space, comfort, and fuel efficiency here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis.

If you’re in the market for an SUV that can comfortably seat six or more without going overboard on size or cost, the 2025 Kia Sorento is worth considering. It strikes the perfect balance—larger than the Sportage but smaller than the Telluride—offering a third row that’s just right for those times when you need it.

Kia has packed this one with a fantastic range of standard features. You’ll enjoy wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane-keeping assistance, and plenty of USB charging ports to keep everyone’s devices charged up. Plus, for those who like a little extra power under the hood, there’s an available turbocharged engine that offers more muscle than you might expect in this class. It’s always nice to have that extra oomph when you need it!

Engine options range from a 191-horsepower four-cylinder to a turbocharged version with 281 horsepower. The hybrid setup delivers 227 horsepower, while the plug-in hybrid boasts 261 horsepower. Whether you prefer front-wheel drive or need the added traction of all-wheel drive, the Sorento has you covered. 

Inside, the Sorento impresses with a spacious cabin, especially in the first two rows. The SUV is packed with useful features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind spot monitoring, driver attention alerts, and satellite radio.

The 2025 model carries forward updates from last year, including refreshed styling for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.

What Sets the Sorento Apart?

• Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Options: Both provide excellent efficiency without compromising performance.

• Roomy and Comfortable: Plenty of space for passengers and thoughtful design details make it a family favorite.

• Advanced Technology: Features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and driver-assist systems come standard, keeping you connected and confident on the road.

For those exploring the Kia lineup, the Sorento sits alongside the larger Telluride and the smaller Sportage, offering a perfect middle ground for midsize SUV seekers.

Best Features by Trim:

• The base LX trim comes well-equipped with LED headlights, seven seats, and a suite of driver assistance tools.

• For fuel efficiency, the hybrid version takes the lead with an impressive EPA rating of 36 mpg combined.

• Need more luxury? The SX Prestige trim adds leather upholstery and standard AWD for a premium feel.

The 2025 Kia Sorento offers a surprising range of options, which might make things feel a little overwhelming at first. Among the choices, you'll come across the X-Line and X-Pro models, each designed with adventure lovers in mind. The X-Line is all about adding that extra rugged flair with roof rails, all-wheel drive, and a more outdoorsy look. 

But if you're looking to kick it up a notch, the X-Pro takes it even further with all-terrain tires and added towing capacity, built on the SX-Prestige trim. While the X-Pro might not be your go-to for serious off-roading, it’s perfect for those weekend trips down dirt roads, light trails, or hauling a trailer for a little adventure.

Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or heading out on a weekend adventure, the 2025 Kia Sorento delivers a great blend of style, space, and smart features. It’s a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

Three Rows, Endless Thrills: The 2026 Kia EV9 GT Takes EVs to the Next Level

The Kia EV9 is set to redefine what it means to be a family-friendly electric SUV. While it already impresses as a versatile three-row vehicle, things are about to get even more exciting with the upcoming 2026 EV9 GT. Designed for those who love a little extra thrill here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, the GT badge is packed with performance upgrades and exclusive features that make it stand out from the crowd.

This powerhouse will come equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, expected to deliver a whopping 501 horsepower—quite the jump from the already impressive 379 horsepower found in the standard dual-motor version. With an estimated 0-to-60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds, it’s shaping up to be one of the quickest in its class, offering exhilarating acceleration bound to leave a smile on your face.

But the EV9 GT isn’t just about speed. It’s loaded with serious performance gear, including adaptive dampers, a limited-slip rear differential, and bold neon-green brake calipers paired with upgraded brakes. The look is just as striking, thanks to a unique illuminated front panel, special bumper accents, and 21-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance Continental tires.

For those who enjoy the thrill of driving, Kia is also introducing a Virtual Gear Shift mode that mimics traditional gear changes—complete with paddle controls—making every drive feel like a spirited adventure. Whether on the school run or heading out for a weekend getaway, the EV9 GT blends cutting-edge performance with the practicality and style you’d expect from Kia’s flagship electric SUV.

The EV9 GT’s interior design has stylish green accents that give the cabin a lively and sporty feel. The front seats are enhanced with extra bolstering, ensuring passengers stay comfortably in place during spirited drives. With sleek microsuede inserts and an embossed GT logo, these seats add a touch of sophistication. 

The driver is treated to a revamped steering wheel featuring a neon mark at the 12-o'clock position and a convenient "GT" button for instant access to its most dynamic driving mode. Even the digital gauge cluster has unique graphics that add to the excitement.

While exact battery specs and range figures haven’t been confirmed, there’s speculation the EV9 GT could feature the 110.3-kWh battery seen in the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, promising over 300 miles of range. The current EV9 dual-motor models already boast a 99.8-kWh battery with an EPA estimate of 270 to 280 miles. 

Kia has stated that the GT version will be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes, and by early 2025, all EV9 models will include the NACS charge port as a standard feature. The highly anticipated 2026 Kia EV9 GT is set to launch in the latter half of next year, adding another impressive option to Kia’s lineup of electric vehicles.

This holiday season, tackle family gatherings, unpredictable weather, and the hustle and bustle of the busiest time of year with confidence and style. At Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, the Kia EV9 is ready to impress with its spacious three rows, advanced features, and all-wheel drive capabilities. Whether navigating icy roads, ferrying loved ones to holiday celebrations, or managing last-minute shopping trips, this SUV has the versatility and performance to make your holidays brighter.

Why wait? Visit Jim Butler Kia today and experience the future of electric SUVs with a test drive that showcases how the EV9 can keep up with everything the season throws your way.

Kia Goes Authentic & Off-Grid: Meet the PV5 WKNDR and EV9 ADVNTR All-Electric Campers

When Kia unveiled its PV5 concept van, promising a 2025 launch, it caught the attention of camping enthusiasts everywhere. Known for their cutting-edge expertise in EVs and sleek, forward-thinking design, Kia signaled that the PV5 could pave the way for a new era of all-electric camper vans. 

Adding even more buzz here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, the EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR graced the stage at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. These innovative designs highlight how Kia's current SUV flagship and an exciting future model could transform into the ultimate electric adventure vehicles.

Let’s start with the ADVNTR. The Kia EV9, already known for its sleek looks, roomy interior, and solid capability, gets an extra dose of adventure from the creative minds at Kia Design Center America (KDCA) in Irvine, California. This three-row SUV now boasts a 3-inch lift, tougher tires and wheels, and a brand-new roof platform designed for car-top camping—a trend that’s taken the outdoor world by storm. What’s exciting is how straightforward these upgrades are, hinting that the ADVNTR could easily transition from concept to reality.

Next, there’s the PV5 WKNDR, a true marvel of space and versatility. Part of Kia’s cutting-edge lineup of Purpose Beyond Vehicles (PBVs), first introduced at CES 2024, this all-electric van is designed primarily for delivery and small businesses. But who says a commercial vehicle can’t double as the perfect camper? KDCA describes the WKNDR as a “Swiss Army Knife on wheels,” with the modular “Gear Head” storage system. This clever setup keeps all your gear neatly organized in your garage and ready to load up when adventure calls.

It’s a dream come true for campers—featuring swappable components like a mobile kitchen, pantry, off-road tools, and storage modules that can be customized for any trip. The built-in compressor is a game-changer, handling everything from inflating air mattresses to tweaking tire pressure. It's functional, flexible, and ready for the great outdoors!

Kia has already made strides with its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, equipping its EVs with a standard outlet that lets you power all sorts of gadgets right from the car’s battery—think vacuum cleaners, portable speakers, or even a coffee maker for your camping trips. But the WKNDR concept takes self-sufficiency to a whole new level. It features onboard solar panels and the more futuristic-sounding “hydro turbine wheels,” designed to store energy and recharge the batteries.

Kia America’s COO and EVP, Steven Center, unveiled these exciting concepts at SEMA, sharing his thoughts on the brand’s innovative edge. "Our vehicles already empower people to live active, adventurous lifestyles, and it was exciting to explore how far we could push those boundaries with these concepts," he explained. He also highlighted how the SEMA Show provides a creative playground for fresh ideas, giving us a glimpse of Kia’s bold vision for the future of automotive design.

Get ready to redefine adventure with Kia’s electrifying concepts! The EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR are paving the way for a new era of off-grid exploration, combining cutting-edge EV technology with bold, versatile designs that cater to your outdoor lifestyle. Whether it's the rugged enhancements of the EV9 ADVNTR or the modular, camper-ready features of the PV5 WKNDR, these all-electric marvels are proof that Kia is revolutionizing how we hit the road and embrace the great outdoors.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on these groundbreaking vehicles at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis—your gateway to Kia’s bold vision for the future of adventure-ready EVs!

Dynamic, Stylish, and Unstoppable: Step Ahead with the Bold 2026 Kia Sportage!

Sometimes, all it takes is a small design tweak to make a huge difference—and that’s exactly what the 2026 Kia Sportage has in store! It’s getting a sleek mid-cycle refresh for the 2026 model year, set to arrive in 2025. While it’s not a complete redesign, this update will give the Sportage a fresh, updated feel with improved styling and new tech features. Kia just unveiled the updated version in South Korea and even shared a couple of teaser videos on YouTube, so we’ve enjoyed getting a little sneak peek at what’s to come here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis.

Since Kia often offers the same version of the Sportage in both South Korea and the U.S., we can expect this updated model to roll out here in the States too—so keep your eyes peeled! The 2026 Sportage looks more polished than ever, with a more mature and refined appearance.

Kia’s compact SUV has always been a go-to, especially with its impressive list of standard features at an affordable price. The previous generation, which ran from 2017 to 2022, had a more rounded, bulbous look but made up for it with amazing value—hello, Kia’s unbeatable 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty! It was a solid pick for anyone looking for a long-term investment.

The 2023 redesign gave the Sportage a new look, with sleeker lines and a sharper, more angular style inside and out. Now one of the bigger choices in the compact SUV segment, it kept all the great features people love, just wrapped in a more stylish package. The updated Sportage has definitely turned heads, standing out for its strong value and bold, fresh design. 

One unique feature of the 2024 Sportage that stood out is its bold boomerang-shaped daytime running lights. These lights instantly catch your eye with their striking design, making a strong first impression. While they add a distinctive flair, they don’t fully blend with the SUV’s otherwise refined and mature styling. It’s a playful touch on an otherwise polished vehicle, adding a bit of character to its modern look.

For 2026, we’ve enhanced the Sportage’s styling with a polished, contemporary update. With the addition of our signature "star map" linear lighting theme, the design feels more refined and cohesive, aligning beautifully with the bold style of the Sorento and Telluride. The rear lights have a subtle, sophisticated feel, and inside, the dual screens now feature a slight curve for an even sleeker, more modern vibe. We've also upgraded the gear shifter to a more stylish dial, adding another touch of elegance to the interior.

Some reports from Asia suggest a smaller 4-cylinder engine may be used in Korean models, but it’s still unclear if this change will extend to U.S. versions. We’ll have to wait and see!

It might take a little while before we get all the full details—automakers are just now starting to roll out 2025 models. So, it could be late next year before Kia officially unveils the 2026 Kia Sportage for the U.S. We'll keep you posted with the latest updates as soon as we have more information. In the meantime, stay tuned for any teasers or sneak peeks that might hint at what’s coming next!