New Digital Renderings Shed Light on 2022 Kia Sportage's “Unsolved Mysteries”

2021 Kia Sportage Pictured

2022 Kia Sportage Concept Video

There are so many bits of fresh automotive news to keep track of this fall here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis. The current vehicles stand out with new features and thorough refreshes, but the coming year's models may be well worth the wait! The staff on duty at CarBuzz provided a great blog post last week about the 2022 Kia Sportage, which enjoyed a facelift of its own this year. 

It featured digital renderings from AtchaCars that gives fans a better look at the incoming design, which obviously takes heavy cues from the Hyundai Tucson. The roofline is similar to that of a coupe, and the headlights offer a futuristic touch after gaining size. From the side one's first impression is that the 2022 Sportage looks just as a two-year-out model would be expected to: It still has all of the flair that Kia has been known to consistently offer, but aggressive lines and stance instill a definite sense of nearly space-age design. It is expected to use the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder cranking out 190 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. 

2021 Kia Sportage Pictured

Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, you can also opt for the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, as well as an AWD plug-in hybrid. The 2022 model is a bit longer than this year's, offering more room in the cabin. As it was undergoing frequent testing in South Korea wrapped in heavy camouflage, a few other spy photos have surfaced offering an idea of what to expect for the Sportage. We also paid heavy attention to the obvious inspiration taken from the K5 design, as curves perfectly contrast the triangular shape at many intersections on this SUV. 

According to the experts at Motor1.com, the exciting introduction date for the 2022 Sportage may be pushed back a bit as a new pair of wheelbases are now being perfected and in the final development stages. As for the current model, it is waiting for a test drive and situated perfectly on point with an attractive interior, easy-to-use technology, and a very smooth ride. U.S. News and World Report awarded the 2020 Sportage with the “Best New Car for Teens Award”, as well as a finalist for the 2020 “Best Compact SUV For the Money” title. 

2021 Kia Sportage Pictured

The Sportage's success and superior reception is due to its predicted reliability, high ratings in safety, and accident-avoidance technologies. This direct and no-holds-barred competitor against the likes of the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V boasts plenty of cargo room, and updates for 2020 such as improved fuel economy, standard touch screen, and a rear view camera. Expert reviewers have claimed that the Sportage has more engaging handling and much nicer cabin materials than the competition, and accessibility for the daily drive officially ranks at the highest and most satisfied level. 

2021 Kia Sportage Pictured

2021 Kia Seltos Boasts Capable Off-Road Handling, Elegant Style, and Center-of-Attention Charm

Some of our recent designs have been regarded as the best and most innovative in the entire automotive industry, offering up accomplished greats such as the Telluride crossover, Stinger performance car, and K5 sedan. With a healthy dose of inspiration from the Telluride, the 2021 Seltos is a talented smaller-sized crossover with an abundance of charm and economical sensibility. The Arts and Culture section of WFYI Indianapolis discovered a new personal favorite right away when checking out the Seltos' well-equipped interior. 

The stylish blue swath on the dash, blue stitching on the console and armrests, and black finish on the doors and dash evoke a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that shows no signs of feeling dated in the least. Heated cushions and a leather-wrapped steering wheel offer further amenities, and technology is accessed via the 8” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Safety for every passenger on board is enhanced with forward collision warning with auto brake, lane keep assist, rear cross-path detection system, and blind-spot warning. 

The 2.0-liter engine makes 146 horsepower, and the 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine offers up 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, this engine is a great example of just how invigorating and fun a smaller model can be while navigating crowded roads. In the console there is a drive mode knob that provides control of throttle sensitivity and steering heft to the driver's optimal preference. EPA fuel ratings are at 25/30 MPG city/highway, and the Seltos also possesses very capable off-road chops. 

This is probably the most budget-minded SUV out there with a locking center differential, as well as hill descent control to assure the speed is ideal on steep inclines. Hill start assist is available to keep the vehicle from moving while the brake is lifted to throttle, a useful feature when you're in a hurry to go, and may have happened to park on a steep incline. Elegant style and what is most likely the highest level of off-road capability for the price round out this crossover that is based on the same platform as the Hyundai Kona. 

Taller ride height, a spacious cabin, and the option to upgrade to a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen are other reasons why so many customers here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis have decided to make the Seltos their own after a test drive. The staff at Car and Driver claimed that the SX trim model is the best buy, with the addition of All-Wheel-Drive for the constantly-changing Missouri climate. Fractal-textured speaker grilles are just one way that the optional 8-speaker Bose audio system provides epic-sounding tunes for the ride, and we stand firmly behind our 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain coverage on our models!

2021 Kia Soul Sees Trim Level Adjustments, Redesigned Interior, Available Turbocharged Engine

Putting the fun back into driving is a very important task for any automaker, and it is one that should not be taken lightly: from huge trucks to crossover SUVs, a shining light of unique personality can be what it takes to win over a customer! The all-new 2021 Kia Soul sees some adjustment in trim levels, as all now come standard with rear occupant alert system. An alert sounds to let the driver know that the backseat is occupied, and will start blasting its horn in 20 seconds if the smartphone app is not engaged. 

Power is courtesy of the efficient and punchy 2.0-liter 3-cylinder producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. If you are eager to ditch trips to the pump and stay fully charged by plugging in, there is also a fully-electric model coming soon. The mid-level X-Line and GT-Line receive new shock valves that greatly improve ride quality, and the EX and top-of-the-line Turbo trims gain a key FOB with built-in remote start. 

The X-line offers a more rugged look complete with black plastic cladding and Undercover Green paint. The GT-line is a bit sportier, with its own unique wheel design and body-color trim that has extras of bright-red exterior bits. Both of these trims come standard with multiple driver assists that include automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. After the Car and Driver staff put two different Souls through their custom 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, it was the turbocharged model that did the best, finishing out with a 33-mpg standing. 

The upright style of the Soul's body provides a very spacious interior with enough room for ample cargo and extra passengers, and the inside brandishes enough current flair to go well  with the fashionable exterior. Other things you can add to the inside for extra personality and usefulness include ambient lighting, a smartphone charging pad, a head-up display, push-button ignition with keyless entry, and heated seats and steering wheel. Here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, we have noticed that customers are happy with the amount of customization offered by the 2020 Soul, unfortunately next year's Soul will have a smaller selection of exterior color schemes. 

Touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard with your choice of either 7.0-inch or 10.3-inch display and the easy-to-use UVO interface. The upgrade to the EX trim provides the larger screen as well as SiriusXM satellite radio, real-time traffic monitoring, and in-dash navigation. The 2021 Soul earned a 4-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. 

2022 Kia Sportage: Boasting New Gravity Trim, Bolder Stance, IIHS Safety Pick

The Kia Sportage is the fun and practical smaller-sized crossover with a heavy amount of charm and a unique driving personality. The brand-new flagship trim known as Gravity brings to the table a glossy black radiator grille, black side and bumper moldings, 19-inch wheels, and darkened badges throughout the entire model. The incoming Sportage was recently spotted by spy photographers during testing, but heavier camouflage than usual blocked nearly every pertinent detail, apparently meaning to keep from any leaking of information at all to the general public.

This model derives power from a 2.0-liter engine with 152 horsepower, and high-end diesel cranking out 186 horsepower. Transmission options are the 7-speed DCT, as well as 6-speed and 8-speed auto. After witnessing the very impressive Futuron crossover concept last November, all of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis are eager to find out if any of the design elements will be similar to what is found on this compact crossover. The new incoming generation is also rumored to go by the “NQ5” codename, after seeing a launch date that had to be slightly pushed back. 

The Sportage is now being engineered with two separate wheelbase configurations, and many components are said to be sourced from its relative in the form of the brand-new Tucson. There are also plans to have a plug-in hybrid available, with an electrified 1.6-liter offering up 261 horsepower. While the Sportage is fairly certain to brandish a conventional but still-current look, the all-electric Futuron is presented with a quality much like what one would expect from a vehicle in a sci-fi movie. 

Said to have front-row seating that brandishes the same level of comfort as first-class airline passengers, a concept such as this would no doubt be a positive influence on any model that will be pursued by those frequently enduring the urban commute. The current-model Sportage boasts LED Lighting, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a design that was conceptualized with a solid focus on the driver in mind. The available wireless phone charging tray enables you to leave the tedious cords behind and afterward connect with your favorite apps, maps, music, and texts with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via a touch-screen display. 

The Sportage is built with high-tensile strength steel alloys to boost the rigidity factor, and advanced systems such as Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control System greatly  improve directional stability and overall ride quality. When properly activated in off-road settings, the Downhill Brake Control applies the brakes to keep a constant and safe speed downs hills or treacherously slippery surfaces. We recently have also been very proud of the consistent level of awards and achievements our complete line enjoys, and it was no surprise to us that the well-equipped 2020 Sportage earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award! 

2021 Kia Sorento Richly-Equipped With Advanced-Driver Systems,Upscale Interior, Eye-Catching Stance

The Kia Sorento has proudly flexed its capability and performance potential for 2021, seeing vast improvements in many of its superior qualities! The new X-line trim features a more advanced form of AWD with snow-mode, tougher roof rack, a 1.0-inch higher ground clearance, and improved approach/departure angles. This model has consistently become more powerful every year while benefiting from recent advances in technology, and boasts the best in fuel economy for a 3-row SUV while situated at a 37 MPG combined EPA rating. 

We are excited here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, to keep track of the development and progress behind the upcoming line of Kias. As such, we have watched the Sorento rapidly become a customer favorite due to its style, utility, and high level of comfort. The 2021 Sorento will feature five trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige, and is available with either FWD or AWD. If you are searching for an experience that offers the best technology features out there, the X-Line Prestige and AWD trim include a bridge-type roof rack, unique 20-inch alloy wheels and a 1.0-increase over standard ride height. 

The exterior of any car is the eye-catching essence of the entire vehicle, and the Sorento fully delivers with segment-leading style and presence. Standard LED headlamps and optional signature LED forward-lighting includes daytime running lights, and there are now six different alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 20 inches. 

Interior designers went to work in great detail to assure that the cabin was striking, yet inviting. The 2021 Sorento is built on a brand-new 3^rd generation “N3” platform that boasts lighter weight, stronger frame, and more flexible design than previous models. The wheelbase has been increased by nearly 1.4 inches resulting in more space for the interior, and the overall weight has seen a reduction of 3.1%. 

Driving dynamics is another area that has seen drastic improvement, with punchier acceleration, ride and handling, and much less noise vibration. This new model benefits from the distribution of kinetic energy forces throughout the body structure. Hybrid and plug-in drivetrains that will become available next year are accommodated by the current model's platform. 

Elements such as the 12.3-inch full digital meter cluster makes the daily drive much easier and safer. The Surround View Monitor puts four cameras to work to offer up a 360-degree perspective around the vehicle allowing you to be more secure in tight spots. Blind View Monitor gives you a live video stream of adjacent lanes, and now is activated in conjunction with the turn signal. Connected Routing uses the UVO cloud to produce the best possible travel route with real-time maps, accumulated traffic data, and AI to provide insight into many different drivers' preferred routes. 

Kia Telluride's Eye-Catching Composure Highlighted With Luxury Token Traits

Customers here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis have been vastly won over by the traits that set the Telluride so very far ahead of its competition! Some of the first items that stand out inside are uniquely soft leather and ample room to spread out and keep comfortable. The creative staff on duty at Business Insider recently conveyed to readers that this is a fantastic example of a luxurious three-row SUV without the large price tag that usually comes attached. 

Their article intuitively laid out for buyers why the Telluride's popularity is undeniable, and why they were drawn to the interior as the best-in-class for the price. There is a game-changing infotainment screen on hand as well as separate buttons for management of the climate control. The screen is sleek and wide, with the layout possessing a clean and organized characteristic that doesn't scream too loudly how modern and savvy its contents are. 

You can monitor footage from the Telluride's 360-degree cameras via the available 10.25-inch touchscreen, and also have the option of upgrading to the fantastic 630-watt Harmon Kardon sound system coming armed and audibly dangerous with 10 speakers. The brushed metal and matte-finished wood are technically simulated, but the trim appears a high step above what many current crossovers have to offer. 

The Nappa leather seat trim add-on drastically changes the appearance and feel of the most important component of the car during a long drive: comfort. The second row is available with bench seats or with captain's chars, which are massively more comfortable and accommodating than any chairs from SUVs a mere decade ago. Another one of the qualities that make the Telluride ideal for long journeys is that both front and second-row seats see the option to be ventilated and heated.

One of the biggest pet peeves encountered during any length of a trip is bright sunlight, coming on quickly and unexpectedly. The privacy shades featured for the second row can cut down drastically on direct UV light, plus there is already plenty of head and legroom for added comfort. Even with passengers in the third row, the trunk still has lots of room, and the entire row can fold flat if needed. The feel of the cabin pairs well with the analog gauges, and right in between them are lane-change assists that come on when you activate the turn signal.

Plenty of power, comfort in all three rows, and a very solid value are reasons to set your sights on the Kia Telluride for purchase in your near future. Branded as an immediate "hit on our hands" by Cars.com, few competitors offer anywhere near as much technology and luxury touches for this reasonable price! 

Kia Rumored to be Planning Heavy-Hitting, Go-Anywhere 4WD SUV

One of the latest trends in SUV culture is heaping on more additives to assure a dominating off-road ride, and the worldwide contest to be on top just keeps heating up! We've received word here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis that plans are in motion to create an extra-large and rugged SUV to take on the likes of the Toyota Prado, boasting a sizable mass on par with the other competition in the form of the LandCruiser. This gigantic new 4WD from Kia as of now does not have an exact release date, but 2023 is thought to be the general timeline for its expected reveal. 

We haven't heard exactly what the name for the new rock-crawler may be, but it would likely brandish dual-range transmission, locking differentials, and ample ground clearance for proper off-road engagement. This would no doubt create an option for buyers that are craving even more in the means of rugged ability than is offered by the wildly popular Sorento, still a fantastic choice representing a slightly smaller segment. Kia has a huge interest in the successful completion of an upper-large off-road SUV and we have been looking in-depth into the development of a vehicle that could compete with the Nissan Patrol as well. 

The coming year is the perfect time for us to put Toyota's strong showing of SUVs to the true test, and it may be where our muscular new 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder could see itself manifest into the useful form of development. Developed by Genesis, the straight-six will see its debut in the upcoming GV80 large SUV and cranks out 274 horsepower along with 434 lb-ft of torque. It is more than enough strength to dwarf the competition that shows up to the rumble with 2.8-liter 4-cylinder engines, and also would provide massive towing capacity. 

We still are beaming about the multiple doses of praise and national awards we received for the Telluride SUV over the past year, but it is built on a car-like monocoque platform and being underpinned by a ladder-frame chassis offers more potential in the precarious and highly-protected underneath off-road game. Since we feel that our brand is already enjoying very solid ground in the SUV segment, we know wholeheartedly that it is now time to up the ante and hone in on off-road prowess. 

Together with Hyundai, there was a substantial co-investment with Kia earlier this year that could very well result in brand-new vehicle construction such as this one. At first glance of the concept photos, the shiny elements make it look like it may not possess the grunt and grit to really get down and dirty, but the front skid plate and ground clearance are the first two instrumental components that allow it more freedom than any other predominantly urban SUV. We will offer updates and more details as they come to us!