Kia Heralds the “Most Wonderful Time of Year” with Highest-Achieving Statues in J.D. Power ALG Residual Value Awards

As the year draws to a close here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, we reflect on how much we love helping people find their ideal car. This year we are also offered many opportunities to acknowledge our vehicle line’s solid achievements! Last week during the JD Power 2023 US ALG residual value awards, Kia was the brand that took home the highest number of awards. The Telluride, Sportage, K5, Soul, and Rio all allow us to celebrate the best year-over-year improvement that any mass market brand has ever achieved during this yearly evaluation.

The marketplace is now strongly acknowledging that Kia flaunts an incredibly diverse product lineup, along with longstanding residual value, making it a force to be reckoned with during the fierce competition of the current market. Value retention is a very key variable when it comes to the cost charged for a lease and is a very accurate measurement of a final product’s output for quality and design. 

The 2023 Kia Telluride won many buyers over due to its appealing features and much greater capability, while Car and Driver deemed it the “continual leader of the mid-size SUV segment.” It has received 3 straight 10 Best awards and has easily defeated competition from the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, and Hyundai Palisade. The X-Line and X-Pro trims both feature all-wheel drive, a greater approach and departure angle for off-road mastery, and an extra .4 inches of ground clearance to boot. 

The 2023 Kia Sportage has compellingly proven that it has what it takes to compete with others in its segment, and always does so with characteristic flair. It boasts a very attractive and tech-rich layout, and the mid-range EX hybrid offers extra value with awesome features such as the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone charging, and heated front seats. In the spirit of the holidays and celebrating those you love, the Premium Package adds a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, and LED interior lighting. 

The 2023 Kia K5 has been well-appreciated for its fastback looks, excellent content for the price, and top-tier GT trim laying the claim to 290 horsepower. The K5 has won over many true car connoisseurs with its distinct design that allows it to stand out in a segment populated with mediocre models, by pulling out the stops and stoking the excitement needed to be undeniably memorable. Hitting 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, this is a very potent number that also now includes a panoramic roof with LED interior lighting and gloss-black body molding. 

The 2023 Kia Soul has the kind of quirky charm that can only come from a smaller-sized and very high-tech variation on the crossover theme. The midsize EX trim is the one highly recommended by Edmunds.com, as it provides more comfort with premium cloth upholstery and heated seats to make things higher-end inside. You’ll also be enjoying 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded cloth seats, heated front seats and mirrors, and a sunroof. The Soul is the quintessential definition of a value-packed crossover, with all the basics and enough extra to make a compelling and practical statement!

2024 Kia Seltos Exudes Greatness Courtesy of X-Line Trim, Gain in Horsepower

The third and capable crossover SUV in the Kia lineup this year is the Kia Seltos, and it is available with all-wheel drive. Featured in Car and Driver over the last week, the introduction of the new X-Line trim has rugged vehicle fans nationwide buzzing with chatter and excitement. 

This trim offers 18-inch wheels, a unique grille design, and special badging. Even without this trail-ready and capable trim addition, the 2024 Seltos now boasts a revised front end with a larger grille, updated front and rear fascias, and a taillight design that is much wider than before. Inside, the current Selto’s analog gauges are traded in for a digital set that features a 4.2-inch digital display screen, and an even larger 10.3-inch instrument cluster for you to efficiently control all the vehicle’s vitals. 

As the age of electrification draws near and astutely reminds consumers of all the luxuries they enjoy most, current models have had to step up their game to retain savvy buyers. The new Seltos’ cabin offers many perks, such as lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, power opening liftgate, and cooling front seats on the top-line SX trim. The 2.0-liter or turbocharged 1.6-liter powertrain are great power sources prepared for long haul.

The second and more powerful option now benefits from a 20-horsepower increase, allowing it to clock in at 195 horsepower total. There's also a brand-new HP automatic transmission that replaces this year's 7-speed unit. The Motor Trend team all agreed that the Kia Connect features such as digital key and OTA functionality allow for a level of competitive edge and appeal that drivers will desire. The body’s recent overhaul allowed for Kia to work with some new lighting features that tie the front LED projection lights in nicely with the iconic Kia grille.

The Seltos was named “Best Subcompact SUV” for the second year in a row by Kelley Blue Book, solidifying its worth in a large sea of vehicles. The Seltos’ spacious upscale interior with modern technology, class-leading cargo room, and reasonable price were all factors in this accolade that deemed it a segment leader. With its abundance of attitude, the Seltos is going to be one of our favorite 2024 models. As the holidays get into full swing, there's no time like the present to carefully weigh your options for your next amazing automobile!  

2023 Kia EV6 Evokes Supercar Essence With “Stunning Performance Level”, Groundbreaking Flair of GT-Line

As the holiday food, football games, and incoming family members are upon us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, we have some valuable time to reflect on the past and present. So many award-winning new Kias have been test-driven and brought home over the past year. The 2023 Kia EV6 is promising to be just as trailblazing and highly sought-after as it was in 2022. With its modern exterior, athletic on-road persona, and well-styled cabin, the EV6 promises to be a segment leader and a completely rule-breaking product of the future. 

An official Kia press release last week went over the pricing stats and model information for this crossover that has boasted strong sales and robust consumer demand. The Wind RWD now will become the base EV6, and customers will benefit from its greater range and many standard features. Each model now boasts leather seating with ventilated front seats, an optimal smart power liftgate, external and internal vehicle load ports and an amazing sounding Meridian premium audio system.

The EV6’s performance level never loses its luster; so many drivers will be 100% engaged when tapping into the power of the EV6 during their daily drive. Equipped with standard dual motor e-AWD, the EV6’s GT-line trim level doles out a hulking 576 horsepower, and 545 lb-ft of torque, completing the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds. There are also the additions of an electronic limited-slip rear differential, high-performance brakes paired with larger 21-inch wheels, and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. 

Satisfied customers frequently ask which “goodies” can enhance their already-supreme ride the most. All of us here at Jim Butler would have to recommend the available Technology Package, which includes the table blind spot view monitor, parking collision avoidance assistance reverse, and a remote start parking assist that has been custom extended for the wind RWD setup. As another added benefit, all buyers of a brand-new EV6 will obtain 1,000 kWh of free charging courtesy of the Electrify America network of public charging stations. 

Ultra-fast charging has come so very drastically far in its development, as select stations can now charge up the vehicle from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes. This is the exciting model that KBB.com deemed “a credible alternative to a Tesla for a lot less money”. They were also thoroughly impressed with the lightning-fast speed gained from two electric motors. Each model provides a precise and ideally weighted steering quality, and a weight distribution of 49/51 front to back. 

As you drive you might not feel it happening, but the all-wheel drive system in the V6 governs the front motors in and out of operation, depending on what is most needed at that driving interval. The KBB experts also praised the V6 for interior design that “came straight out of the Mercedes-Benz playbook”, touting 212.3-inch screens chiseled into a single unit. These screens also bear a glare-resistant glass finish.

2023 Kia Telluride Continues Car and Driver “10Best” Tradition With X-Pro Trim Additives, Class-Defining Midsize Domination

Being the best at anything will absolutely command a size-able bullseye on your back, and here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, the Telluride has righteously earned the bragging rights of receiving 3 straight 10Best awards since its arrival in 2020. It has effortlessly left various numbers of the competition in the dust such as the Mazda CX9, Toyota Highlander, and even its relative in the form of a Hyundai Palisade. 

Instead of cozying up in our slippers and getting comfortable being at the top, Kia has continued to make changes to the Telluride for the 2023 model, enhancing its equipment and adding more features with much-desired strength. The 291-horsepower V6 8-speed automatic and other mechanical bits are unchanged, but the reshaped grille adds a visually 3-dimensional aesthetic. The front bumper has a bit more square-off design, and its revised LED headlights have a pretty cool dual vertical presence. The X-Line and X-line Pro trims are new to the mix, and both provide the game-changing extras to properly conquer the challenges of the trail.

Both outdoor-ready trim upgrades sport standard all-wheel drive, greater approach and departure angles, and in extra boost in the all-important ground clearance department. They also come with standard roof rails which make it easier to haul along the toys that will make the adventure that much more epic. You’ll also be busting through the challenges of the fire trail you’ve been scoping out for some times that much easier with 18-inch wheels and Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires and revised traction-control software for added assistance. 

There’s also an additional cooling fan that boosts towing capacity by 500 pounds, and the Car and Driver experts were thoroughly impressed with the SUV’s pinpoint-accurate steering, compliant ride, and firm-as-ever body control. The SX-Prestige model flared up to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds, rendering it just a bit quicker than the previous Telluride models the crew had tried out. To experience all the best elements of the X-Pro trim, the gang took the drive route outside of San Antonio to a uniquely challenging off-road course to defiantly kick up some dust. 

Here they got to see the electronically blocking center differential in full-on action, which aided in the task of crawling over a challenging rock bed and a few straight drainage ditches. The very cool feature of Hill descent control is new and standard on all 2023 tellurides, and it was the perfect tool for managing speed on nearly terrifying downgrades. EPA fuel ratings see the front and all-wheel drive models both coming in at 23 and 21 mpg combined, after tested on a 75-mph highway route. 

Inside the color options are abundant with the sweet varieties of Navy, Sage Green, and Terracotta topping our personal list. There is a completely redesigned dashboard, with restyled trim and HVAC vents that lead to a new interface. Here you’ll be easily accessing two 12.3-inch displays for the gauge cluster and center touchscreen situated in a single unit, and an updated infotainment system that makes way for more screen space to operate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sales of this model raised 60% last year alone, distinct proof that Kia has fared well during the task of edging generously ahead of the competition!

2023 Kia Sorento Dazzles Critics and Daily Drive Buyers Alike with Improved Packaging, Generous Standard Features

The 2023 Sorento takes the stage this new model year with improved packaging across all trims, and various additions to its generous array of standard features. Beginning with the base LX trim, the list of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems is now improved to include Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance, and Safe Exit Assist. 

The S trim now gets the addition of a wireless smartphone charger, and the EX gets an 8-way power front passenger seat and frameless rear-view mirror. Hailed frequently for providing the best in technology features and segment-leading safety, the entire Kia line has something for everyone that loves to stay connected on board. The SX trim is improved with the 12.3-inch color digital instrument panel, power-folding exterior mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. 

The SX Prestige is the step-up to luxury that so many who have been loyal to Kia for years have enjoyed stepping up to for the ultimate in refined comfort, and it now comes with standard AWD, with the sweet added touch of gloss black exterior accents and revised bumpers. There’s also a 115-volt power inverter that can be used to keep the laptop and other handy carry-ons fully juiced, retractable door shades, and Homelink. 

As more drivers have taken to pushing the limits and exploring further and further off the highway, the X-Line Package adds a rugged look to the Sorento with unique exterior details, very capable 20-inch alloy wheels, and a roof rack to allow for more toys on the journey. The Edmunds.com auto review staff were impressed immediately with the 2023 Sorento’s impressive number of standard features, second and third-row legroom, and easy-to-use infotainment layout. They exclaimed post test-drive that “This is the right-sized and utility-rich option that can squeeze in up to 7 passengers in a pinch.”

The Sorento with the optional turbocharged engine resides on the amazingly fast end for a small SUV, and the power just keeps building when you eagerly push its limits on the open road. For a bit of holiday-themed and jolly comparison, this Sorento is nearly 3 seconds faster than the Volkswagen Tiguan, and even a smidge faster on the 60 MPH sprint than the V6-Powered Honda Passport. All three rows of seating provide much better-than-expected comfort for a smaller-sized SUV, and up front, you’ll get the outside elements-taming benefit of heating, ventilation, and a very adjustable range. 

When equipped with the optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the Sorento offers up an abundance of fun and is remarkably smooth while building up speed. One of the most ideal trims for overall value along with awesome features is the S trim, which provides some superior upgrades over the base LX such as a larger touchscreen and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. You’ll also be equipped with black exterior trim, roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, simulated leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control. 

Marketwatch Ranks 2023 Kia Sportage “Stellar” for Beautiful New Design, Luxury Touches of SX Prestige

The all-new Kia Sportage is front and center within the “pre-winter flurry” of activity here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as we have had a stellar year full of achievements, satisfied customers, and new releases to celebrate. The 2023 Sportage has seen a complete rework, with a size 7.1 inches longer than the outgoing model, with a wheelbase that has been extended another 3.4 inches. This provides a nice barrier of defining difference between the Sportage and its close relative in the form of the Seltos, also gaining new followers by the day with its 39.6 cubic feet of cargo room in the back.

The available engine is the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that puts out 187 horsepower to all 4 wheels and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both the Sportage Hybrid and plug-in Hybrid derive power from the same engines situated in the Tucson Hybrid and the PHEV, which is a 1.6-liter gas engine paired up with an electric motor. The Hybrid boasts 226 horsepower, while the Sportage PHEV cranks out 261 horsepower and provides an all-electric range of more than 30 miles. 

The new Sportage is the ideal vehicle for a busy student, as it’s a 5-seater with plenty of room for your cohorts after prepping to go out on the town or the busy new Realtor who spends lots of time in this awesome mobile office. The dash features an integrated multi-function touchscreen controller, and the system is simple to use. Switching to Sport Mode provides an increased response on the throttle, a higher transmission shift point, and tightened steering. 

Once you begin to enjoy the thrill of really picking up speed, Sport mode increases control and helps with handling, and is the perfect fun extra kick when you are after power instead of eco-friendly chops. The Marketwatch team thought that the quality that really stood out about driving the new Sportage was how quiet it was, with an inside so peaceful that it ranks up there with some of the world’s priciest luxury brands. Handling provides a great quality of stability around corners, and the Drive Wise features in the Sportage function well without being too jumpy and interruptive. 

The design for the interior was inspired by the vibe of high-end outdoor equipment, with a very curvy display and a large color 12.3-inch touchscreen. The location of the center console puts buttons and controls within reasonably easy reach, and no lovable friends that we share the planet with were hurt in the process of sourcing, as animal-free leather materials are used. There’s also an extra 3 inches of rear legroom than in the outgoing model, and a dual-level cargo floor for help with hauling after the obligatory holiday airport pickup!

The Sportage’s previous model was already one of the nicest-looking SUVs out there, and there are now a few more modern touches and a black grille graphic that adds a neatly sinister visual. We have repeatedly heard many customers tell us how much they enjoy the signature Tiger Nose grille on Kia SUVs, and this one also adds slightly lower-mounted headlights and u-shaped daytime running lights. We have been watching excitedly as more customers have enjoyed the challenges of going offroad lately and the X-pro and X-Pro Prestige models provide an extra 1.5 inches of extra ground clearance along with a multi-terrain all-wheel drive system to valiantly conquer the dirt!

2023 Kia Niro PHEV “Trending for the Times” With 33-Mile Electric Range, Prestige of SX Touring Trim

As we constantly are on the hunt for specs and statistics here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, we all turn to our tablets and catch up with current events to stay informed. Over the past year the entire industry has been very focused on energy and the many technologies available to conserve and make the best use of it. The 2023 Kia Niro now allows the driving public to enjoy the second generation of this savvy and eye-catching crossover, arriving just in time for its eco-friendly prime. 

It comes available as hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full EV powertrains, with the incoming model currently arriving at dealers nationwide. Both trims share the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder as the power source, turning out 104 horsepower and 106.3 lb-ft of torque. The battery technology that has been present in current and upcoming vehicles is nothing short of amazing, as this particular number is an 11.1 kwh, lithium-ion polymer pack. You’ll be “transforming your own form of kinetic energy” up to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds, and 9.8 seconds on the upper-level SX trim. 

The 2023 Niro Plug-in Hybrid is thriftier with gas power than its close relatives, as this model should be capable of nailing down 33 mpg. For the quick metro area commute or weekend big box retail run, the greatest bulk of the mileage can be taken care of with the battery power. The PHEV is a very integral and “testing of the waters” choice for those looking to get a taste of the future that aren’t fully ready to abandon gas power altogether. The new Niro’s appearance is a bit like a high-riding hatchback, but it still has the properties that everyone loves about driving the popular crossover SUVs of today. 

The available additional boost from the electric motor is always useful from a complete standstill, and here you are working with 41 more horsepower than the outgoing model. The 6-speed automatic transmission is another terrific trait for anyone who needs their ride to get up and go immediately, and not two blocks later. One area the 6-speed excels in is not lagging off the line for an extra split second, as Continuously Variable Transmissions sometimes do. The 2023 Niro boasts the greatest interior space of Kia’s subcompact category, along with a larger luggage area than the outgoing unit. 

The design and tech features that are the main allure for some drivers today are an ample grade way above par here, with a dual-screen display set into the dashboard that adds a very luxurious visual touch. Ground clearance remains the same at 6.3 inches, and another touch we love is the futuristic headlights that are a fitting stance for this genre. With spot-on delivery for mobility simply accessible for everyone, the second-generation Niro was designed from the ground up for striking and sensational daily driving with a conscience!