Kia Sends Six Star-Studded Vehicles to Car and Driver 2022 Editor’s Choice Awards

Over the past month, six of our vehicles were named Car and Driver’s 2022 Editor’s Choice award winners, representing the publication’s annual benchmark of high automotive excellence! The Telluride, Sorento, Carnival, K5, Soul, and Rio were selected from nearly 400 vehicles that the editors spent time testing, rating, and ranking across segments ranging from crossover SUVs to sedans to electric vehicles.

This latest and greatest honor comes just after the Kia Telluride was named to the Car and Driver’s 10Best List, which gives props to the best cars, trucks, and SUVS that are available on the market this year. 

The 2022 Kia Telluride is great at hauling families in comfort and style, and is packed with desirable features along with an overwhelming sense of practicality. It is completely separate from bland offerings of three-row mid-size crossovers with its ideally rugged exterior and rich interior, along with an amazing selection of standard active safety features. The top trim offers perks such as ventilated rear seats, and it fulfills all the gold standard demands of its segment.

The 2022 Kia Sorento now has two available powertrain options: a naturally aspirated inline-4 and a turbo-4. The turbo-equipped model is quick on its feet and has the agile handling needed to match a vehicle this size. The eight-speed automatic does a good job of giving the Sorento a more engaging driving feel without having to sacrifice any efficiency or ride comfort. Turbocharged models receive second-row captain’s chairs, and you’ll also be enjoying open-pore wood interior trim, embossed diamond-quilted leather seats, and very plush bright satin finish inside.

The 2022 Kia K5 boasts a snazzy interior and exterior and the refreshing quickness of the 290-horsepower GT model. This stylish and modern family sedan was also named to the Car and Driver 2022 Editor’s Choice list, with every new model featuring Kia’s awesome new logo! The GT-Line and higher trims now come standard with a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and wireless smartphone charger on the center console. The EX and GT both also receive a brand-new 360-degree camera system, front parking sensors, and power-folding exterior mirrors. 

The 2022 Kia Rio has been recognized for its fuel efficiency, comfort for its size, and availability as a sedan or hatchback. The ideal model for a young driver on the hunt for their first car, it is comfortable, reliable, and has some great features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The standard 8-inch infotainment system will make you feel as if you are in a much pricier car, and the front seats offer plenty of support and comfort for tall drivers. Be sure to check out the S Technology Package for alloy wheels, chrome door handles, and LED headlights for a more premium look!

Kia Ranks As Top Contender Among Every Auto Brand in J.D. Power 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study

The J.D. Power 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study now ranks Kia as the overall leader among each mainstream and luxury brand, with the Sorento we are so excited about here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis snagging the top spot in the Upper Midsize SUV category. This study examines numerous problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles and determines their feasibility and rank by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles. Here a lower score means higher quality, and this is a back-to-back achievement we enjoyed on top of 2021’s winning placement. 

This is just one more benchmark that solidifies Kia’s constant commitment to the durability, quality, and finished craftsmanship of our award-winning vehicle line, and speaks volumes regarding the world-class ownership experience every customer can now expect. 29,487 surveys were completed to regulate and distribute this important data, and the areas in question were component replacement, software updates, vehicle appeal, and deterioration. 

There are so many reasons why the 2022 Sorento dominated the market and review scores like this: it looks classy and rugged inside and out, is pleasant and a blast to drive, and always comfortable to ride in under any road conditions. A plug-in model joins the Sorento lineup for the 2022 model year, and combines a turbocharged 4-cylinder and 6-speed automatic transmission with an electric motor for a total system output reaching 261 horsepower. 

You’ll be enjoying all-wheel drive as standard, and the EX trim level is where the Car and Driver staff found their immediate sweet spot. Here you encounter the nicer amenities such as leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, remote start, and 18-wheels along with black exterior accents. The EX trim also now comes with the very unique X-Line appearance package that included a 1.0-inch higher ride height, 20-inch wheels, a bridge-style roof frack, and other exclusive details. 

The engine choices for the Sorento begin with a 191-hp 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, and a 281-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 4 cylinder as its entry-level partner. When equipped with the towing package, the Sorento can pull up to 3500 pounds, and the base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is estimated to nail down around 29 mpg on the highway. The dashboard can be outfitted with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, paired with the 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and we’d have to recommend the 12-speaker Bose sound system for those who are looking for the ultimate in ear-pleasing rich audio during the drive.

Driver-assistance technology that is wholeheartedly leading the segment has been one of Kia’s strengths during the past two uncertain years, and the Sorento provides a selection of features that provide a watchful eye with current technology’s helping hand. The 2022 Sorento’s key safety features include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 

2022 Kia Rio Praised by Car and Driver for Luxury Handling, A-Grade Hatchback Practicality

At Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, we have always been focused on providing budget car options for our loyal customers. Fuel efficient and affordable yet arriving onto the lot with a pleasing amount of driving sophistication and features for the price, this subcompact is available as a sedan or hatchback!

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard equipment, and the Rio’s character and many sensible features were enough to earn it a spot on the Car and Driver 2022 Editor’s Choice list. Upgrading to the S model provides a center armrest, cruise control, useful rear USB outlet, split-folding rear seat with adjustable headrests, and keyless entry. The S also offers forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, SiriusXM satellite radio, LED headlights, and more cargo space.

The 2021 Hatchback model that was ready for testing got up to 60 mph in just 8.6 seconds which is directly on par with many subcompact crossovers. The Rio does well with the road’s nastier bumps, thanks to its solid structure and suspension with Kia’s well-known fine tuning. Body roll in corners is well under control and the steering rings are nicely weighted and very precise. The EPA has rated the Rio sedan and hatchback with 33 mpg city and 41 highway stats.

Even with a high dose of simplicity as the predominant theme for the Rio, it offers up a clean, very easy-to-use dashboard with climate and audio controls. It also superior textures and a sophisticated vibe for a compact. The Rio now comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen that offers the latest wireless smartphone-mirroring options for both Android and Apple phones. There’s also the option to upgrade on the S trim level that provides the addition of Kia’s UVO telematics system and the diverse entertainment of SiriusXM satellite radio. 

While on the road in style, you’ll be protected with the help of forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automated emergency braking. Powertrain warranty at Jim Butler provides limited warranty coverage for five years or 60,000 miles, and powertrain warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Come visit us during this fun and celebratory Super Bowl week and check out the Kia Rio and our large selection of vehicles that we know you will fall in love with! 

Kia EV6 Leads Plan S Strategy With A-List Supreme Comfort, Safety, and Style

The staff on duty at the Engadget blog got their first look at the EV6 during a day-long press event in Northern California and experience for themselves this first vehicle that will lead the way for the new Plan S electrification strategy! Going to soon be joined by nearly a dozen other EVs by 2026, the EV6 EV6 will arrive on lots nationwide later this spring to go up against the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Volkswagen ID.4, and the very popular Tesla Model Y.

The three available trim levels are Light, Wind, and GT-line, with the Light offering an EPA-rated range of 232 miles, MacPherson struts up front, and a multi-link suspension in the rear. A full charge off a 50W DC fast charger takes just over an hour, and a quick 18 minutes to snag a 350 W station. At home, a 240V/48A connection will take under 6 hours for a full charge with the Wind and GT units offering larger 77.4 kWh packs as well as the option of having both front and rear motors. The Wind trim provides 310 miles of range with a 7.2-second 0-60, and a top speed of 117 MPH. 

The Wind and GT will require 73 minutes for a full charge with the powerful 50W DC connection and 7 hours on a 240V plug. The interior was ranked as “incredibly comfortable” right away with enough head and leg space whether you’re sitting in the front or back. It also offers multiple USB and USB-C ports throughout the front and rear seating areas that allow for you to not stretch too far to plug in.

Immediately when you engage the turn signal, you can use a live rear-facing video feed from the side mirror and the useful arsenal of 21 different driver-assist features. This includes lane-keeping assist, lane departure warnings, automatic high beams, and forward collision avoidance. This testing crew was very impressed with the EV6’s Highway Driving Assist 2 which allows you to click the appropriate button on the steering wheel. This allows you to remain completely centered, keeping at the same speed and on course even during turns. 

You’ll also be enjoying a 12.3-inch color TFT touchscreen navigation display unit in the center console. This provides AM/FM/Sirius radio running through a Meridian sound system, a WiFi hotspot, and Android Auto/Apple Carplay. It also comes with a secondary touchscreen that toggles between the various navigation, media, and climate menus. Other great features that stick out with the EV6 are its speed and streamlined layout. We know full well here at Jim Butler Kia that those incoming forms of massive eco-friendly models will be changing their face, speed, and stance every year from now on!

2023 Kia Niro with a Signature Tiger-Faced Design!

The 2023 Kia Niro had its first official reveal just a few months ago as an eco-friendly crossover! At the time, there was not as much information provided about its all-important technical specifications on deck. The Carbuzz.com staff now have provided details on everything that will be expected, including safety features, powertrain choices, and interior elements. This next generation of the Niro has been built from the ground up to fulfill the needs of consumers on the hunt for a planet-saving variety of cars with a minimalist approach. 

The crossover’s outside proudly displays the latest generation of the Tiger Face design which first saw its preview with the 2019 HabiNiro concept. The front now features a pair of “heartbeat” design daytime running lights to create a contemporary look while a skid plate and plastic cladding help. At the rear, a new pair of vertical LED taillights are now installed next to a simple tailgate design, which has a stark contrast with a heartbeat-shaped rear reflector and a lower bumper with an integrated skid plate. 

You can select from 9 colors with six contrasting shades to doll up the C-Pillars, and there are also 3 options for the cladding. You can dress up the interior in your choice of Charcoal, Medium Gray, Petrol, or Light Warm Gray. The dashboard’s key feature has a 10.25-inch panoramic display that incorporates the infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster, an integrated infotainment screen, and a set of buttons for the climate controls. 

The trunk capacity is rated now at 15.9 cubic feet, a .6 cubic ft increase over the previous generation, with a hefty dose of success granted to the removal of the 12-volt battery out of the wheelhouse. The Niro can be enjoyed with a hybrid-electric version on top of a fully battery-electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid. All these options drive power to the front wheels and benefits from the Green Zone Drive Mode’s electric-only drive operations that task zero-emissions mobility in select environments. The HEV also features the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine now rated at 104 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, boasting a completely new suspension and steering system.

Keeping the passenger’s consistent safety in mind, the Niro utilizes a high-strength lightweight body that features a multi-load front impact structure. The second-generation model ships standard with our all-new DriveWise intelligent Advanced Driver Assistance System. It features front and blind-spot collision avoidance, high-beam and lane-keeping assist, rearview monitoring, and front and rear park distance warning. 

With the addition of amazing NFC technology, drivers can now unlock and start the vehicle without needing a fob, and the built-in front and rear cameras will also provide support for a dashcam function for more convenience. The SUV with the perfect size and stance can now be all yours! We will stand behind our traditional warranty coverage and years of expertise making up this award-winning and highly practical choice for Missouri roads in 2022! 

Kia EV6 Deliveries Display “Anticipation of Spring” Spirit as Officially now Running 3 Months Ahead of Schedule

At Jim Butler Kia, we were on the very spring-inspired news end when we received confirmation this week that the deliveries of our highly anticipated Kia EV6 model reported early delivery!

A verified Reddit user reported their celebrated delivery of the brand-new Kia EV6 just two days ago, and another user in the UK got their model and is prepared to tear up the roads in glee! He wrote in the comments of the original post that he had chosen the “GT-Line All-Wheel Drive with the 77.4kWh battery pack”, and that he was elated with it so far. The Car and Driver team had high praise after their test drive of the EV6 for its slim and low front end, well-sculpted fenders, and generous interior space.

There is a well-positioned USB port on the seatbacks for the rear passengers, and the floating center console is where you’ll find the start/stop button, a round gear selector, and the wireless phone charger. This interior does not attempt to be anything near to conventional and immediately conveys that the EV6 is of a refreshingly futuristic and multi-capable category. The EV6 will immediately get up to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and you’ll quickly be able to reach the urban-dweller’s virtually reckless and careening speed of 115 mph.

The 800-volt architecture and 350-kW DC fast-charging capability is under the guise of Kia’s promise that you can add nearly 70 miles in less than five minutes and can also get from 10 to 80 percent in under 18 minutes. Tough terrain can be conquered courtesy of the EV6’s front and multilink rear suspension setup, as well as with the precise steering, capable brakes, and minimal body roll. It has been a refreshing feeling to see that more EV’s now have “real” front ends. Many tried-and-true car experts bask in the fact that it’s normal for an electric car to have a commonplace interior.

Much sleeker and sharper than the boxy and retro Kia Soul, the finished concept and well-engineered idea of the coupe SUV leaves plenty of room for both battery packs. The EV6 can cut notable numbers on a twisty road, with 300-plus mile range, fast-charging capability, and stylish appearance all suitably aligned with our goal of being fully carbon-neutral by 2045. We are very excited to see electric cars on the come up in 2022. We can’t wait for everyone at Jim Butler Kia to experience the new, innovative amenities with electric vehicles that we know will change the automotive game forever! 

2022 Kia Telluride SX V6 Wows Outdoor Set with Class-Leading Fuel Economy Stats!

The 2022 Kia Telluride has claimed a top spot in a variety of bloggers’ top lists due to its spacious cabin, large cargo hold, and offerings of sleek technology. Snagging a top spot in U.S. News and World Report’s review, it has a 10.25-inch infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, and highway driving assist now standard as brand-new additions for the year. What do drivers love most about the Telluride based on first glance? Its quality materials inside, user-friendly features, and roomy seating for up to 8 across 3 included rows.

Very sharp graphics and simple-to-navigate menus make this interface easy to operate during the daily drive. There are six USB ports onboard along with voice recognition to make every single trip simple and accessible. Other available features include the universal garage door opener, 64-color ambient interior lighting, and dual-pane sunroof. For a midsize SUV, the cargo room is exceptional, possessing 21 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats. If you fold them down, there are 46 cubic feet available for groceries, clubs, sleeping bags, etc. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the second-highest rating of Acceptable for its ease of use and for each tether anchor being very easy to find. Easily jumping ahead of the competition here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis and snagging up the 2020 SUV of the Year award from Motor Trend. They first off claimed that no one can upend the new car status quo “quite the way Kia does”. The Telluride is pleasing to the eye from the inside and out; it completely shakes up the pre-conceived notion that bargain-basement plastics are not the trait that any affordable brand should be known for.

All 2022 Tellurides are equipped with a 291-hp 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 that is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and AWD is available on every trim level. The EX trim level adds the bonus props of LED dome lights, an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, and a wireless device charger. EX and SX models offer power-folding side mirrors, an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and a hands-free power liftgate. If you are looking for premium interior space and towing ability, the Telluride’s larger size lines it up much better against rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse, and Subaru Ascent.

During road testing, the Telluride was at the top of the standings for 5 separate internet publications right off the bat! Its refined driving experience, user-friendly controls, and a large amount of cargo room deem it a winner in a world that is heavily populated by vehicles that just can’t move the meter anywhere over average. Big, bold, and still the very best three-row family SUV in its class. The Telluride cashes in repeatedly on handling much smaller than its initially-conceived bulk’s first appearance would suggest.