A Sustainable Taste of Tomorrow: 2023 Kia EV6 Redefines Desirable + Dazzling

The premise of electrification has changed quite a bit here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis since its early days, and there are a teeming handful of amazing models just around the corner. The 2023 Kia EV6 now enters its second year of existence with its desirable, decidedly space age, and pleasantly fierce persona. Boasting a 310-mile range and thrilling 0-60 mph time, the 2023 EV6 is a viable alternative to a TESLA at a substantially lower price. Inside are two large information screens, along with a long list of standard driver assistance features and a teeming sense of excitement. 

The available all-wheel drive system can automatically adjust to road conditions, allowing for greater traction or various states of energy efficiency. While enjoying all these innovative and very promising features of the future, there's also the long-standing reassurance of segment-leading warranties and an amazingly well-established customer service structure. Each purchase will come with 1000 kWh of free charging on the revolutionary Electrify America DC fast-charging network, offering about 3,500 miles for your next journey.

The range-topping GT version is where things begin to perform just the way that drivers who like things fast and furious want them! Doling out 576 horsepower, this is a very tried-and-true recipe for cornering, off-the-line enjoyment, and thoroughly enjoying every single inch of pavement when you get to sneak away from your responsibilities and take a spirited drive. You can up the “space age stakes” with the addition of the Technology Package, which offers a 360-degree camera system, Blind Spot View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. 

The GT eagerly blasts up to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and gets you there with a sportier and firmer suspension, along with upgraded brakes. The brakes have an ideal sense of direction and confidence, and the lower trim levels still offer an excellent combination of composure and athletic stance while still offering an abundance of modern comfort for the daily drive. With the battery pack situated directly underneath the floor, it keeps the center of gravity low, which contributes to what is a very stable ride quality. 

The all-wheel drive-system governs the front motor and drives it in and out of operation according to what each driving situation dictates. When compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Morningstar.com team preferred the very cool rotary gear selector in the center console to the stalk-style one from the Ioniq, along with the dual 12.3-inch screens displaying all the vitals in what results in a very functional yet showy command center. We are definitely fans of the recycled materials that many of the fabrics use, with the absence of animal products for the construction of simulated leather! 

As consumer awareness increases in the testing and development realm, we are seeing many environmentally conscious individuals that are ultimately after a product that leaves a more earth-friendly footprint. These materials still don't appear low quality in the least, with the level of quality still evoking a high-end visual impression in the cabin. The EV6’s body shape truly “cheats wind”, and its elevated stance is going to set a precedent for efficient battery placement mounted on the floor. Another ingenious feature of the EV6 is the onboard heat pump: it captures heat from the hard-at-work drivetrain and directs it to the cabin and battery for ultra-efficient energy use.

Lightning Strikes Twice: Exploring the 2024 Kia EV9’s Electrifying Excitement

 

It was 3 years ago when Kia made a memorable and inspiring impression on the auto world with our sensational Telluride 3-row SUV. The spacious ride and amazing design quickly reeled in numerous awards and accolades, and the Telluride very firmly claimed its spot as the best in its class. Everything that once worked so well will now be infused with the makings of another Kia masterpiece, as the EV6 rolls excitedly onto the scene. The Autoblog staff were lucky enough to be some of the first to drive the brand-new EV9, with a high desert location north of Los Angeles as a fully involved and challenging proving ground. 

After putting the 3-row electric SUV through many tests in a variety of conditions, the team claimed that the EV9 was absolutely the manifestation of “amazingly built lightning striking twice.” The trim lineup consists of Light, Light Long Range, Wind, Land, and GT-Line. The entry-level Light model derives its power from a 76.1 kilowatt-hour battery pack situated in the floor that supplies the juice for the single motor on the rear axle. As EVs have now taken up the spotlight here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis and have been heavily modified since their early days on the drawing board, ranges have gotten higher as technology features have improved. 

The range for the new EV9 is estimated by Kia at 223 miles on a full charge, with power output residing at 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This will propel the EV9 up to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds, which is admirable for any daily driver with a commanding spot in the electric segment. The Light Long Range graduates to the 99.8 kWh battery, with a slightly lower output at 201 horsepower. This will boost things range-wise up to 300 miles, making it the longest-range model in the entire EV9 lineup.

The Wind trim takes the liberty of placing a second motor up front for all-wheel drive, resulting in a combined output of 379 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Here you can also opt for larger 20-inch wheels, along with the very cool offering of a Boost “Feature on Demand” purchased via the infotainment system that will increase the torque to 516 lb-ft. If you are like so many diehard car lovers and are constantly itching for an extra helping of raw power, it’s great news to many that Kia still has you fully covered!

The GT-Line eagerly escapes the gate with 516 lb-ft of torque, and 21-inch wheels, while trotting up to 60 mph in a very brief 5.0 seconds. After an entire afternoon of spirited driving, it was decided that the GT-line offered “immediate acceleration with no drama”, navigating through curves with spectacular confidence and stable push. The group did heed the call of the wild and tested the EV9 on a moderate off-road course, with its short front and rear overhangs helping immensely. Extra-large rocks and deep mud might be a bit daunting, but quickly racing up a steep dirt trail should be simple.

On top of a downright thrilling driving demeanor and instantly charming looks, the EV9 also has some excellent charging numbers. The larger battery can charge at a 215-kW rate on a DC fast charger, taking just 24 minutes to get from a 10 to 80-percent charge. Each EV9 model is equipped with very nice synthetic leather seat upholstery, and the top trims offer heating, massage, and ventilation on the 2nd row captain’s chairs. If the longer journeys coming up on your itinerary see an increase in passenger capacity, there is a second-row bench available on the Light and Wind trims.

Harvest Moon’s Crossover Magic: Top Features That Make the 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid Irresistible

EVs are now wholeheartedly taking over the market here at Jim Butler Kia of Saint Louis, with crossovers and hybrids existing as an excellent means of “enjoying the now” while waiting on the future. The hybrid combo is the current state of affairs’ sweet spot of massive usefulness and merit, and we are so very proud of the additions that our brand has contributed to the mix. The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid begins its charismatic and practical stance with all of the things drivers love about the Sorento, and then upping the ante by combining it with a hybrid setup.

The Topspeed.com review crew claimed after a test drive that the results are “smart, stylish, and countable”, as well as the added benefit of the standard third row. Here are some of its best attributes, and reasons why we think it's an excellent pick for everything from pre-Halloween costume shopping to daily shuttling duties this fall!

Elegance and Head-Turning Sleek Design:

The Sorento consistently shows up at the party with the suavest costume of the bunch, and the presence that dominates nicely rather than blending in with everything ordinary. The front fascia has a bold stance, and has triple beam headlights combined with the signature tapered ‘Tiger Nose’ grill. The rear end features very cool-looking vertical taillamps and the Sorrento name is now ingrained nicely across the trunk lid’s underside.

Eco-Friendly Commutes + Environmental Impact:

As the market continues to shift and consumers’ hands become tightly clasped around their wallets this pre-holiday season, claims of efficiency will carry a model quite far in the very demanding quest for popularity. Among current SUVs that are equipped with the 3rd row, the 2023 Kia Sorento hybrid is at the top of the list for fuel efficiency. The rivaling Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE is the only other alternative out there, but since it's a plug-in, it is not considered a direct competitor of the Sorrento. The official numbers are 39 mpg city, 35 highway, and 37 combined.

Awesome Gadgets + Interior Grandeur:

Once inside, the cabin layout possesses elements on the simpler side of things while boasting a decidedly upscale vibe. This is thanks to faux black leather seats, soft-touch plastic that coats the dash and door panels, and very cool aluminum accents surrounding the climate-control outlets and prominent center console. Many new releases as of late have struggled with a bit of an identity crisis when it comes to looking good inside, and Sorrento snazzily has this department well covered. Even the base S model sports a 10.3-inch touchscreen, along with 8 USB ports. 

Room to Roam: Exploring the Sorento's Spacious Interior

Inside the 2023 Sorento is seating for six, and very comfortable reclining bucket seats as standard. Working with precise battery pack placement has been a challenge during new hybrid and EV construction, and the team did excellent with this by getting the pack to fit underneath the cabin floor. This was accomplished without saying goodbye to the passenger and cargo space that drivers love, while most SUVs in this position had to completely abandon the notion of a third row.

Eco-Empowerment: The Sorento's 220-Horse Hybrid Revelation

The 2023 Kia Sorento hybrid is equipped with a turbocharger 1.6 liter inline 4 hybrid engine, and many drivers who are not in the habit of populating the slow lane will be excited to learn that the horsepower starts above 200. The Sorrento cranks out 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is ideal for around-town errands made easier, and suits the Sorento’s style and DNA to the T. The holiday drives coming up can be spent overtaking others for once, instead of everyone in the back row consistently wanting to know if “we’re there yet.”

Tech with a Twist: Unusual Features That Set the Sorento Hybrid Apart

No current model with such immediately great first impressions can be short on toys, as they are very important bits that capture the attention of all ages. There is a passenger intercom feature that emulates the driver's voice and plays through the rear speakers, as well as a small blind spot camera view that appears in the instrument panel. It provides you with a view down the side of the car which is a spur-of-the-moment whimsical feature that is very useful. Competing rivals have added their own form of savvy features such as this, but experiencing this coming season of change with these quirky extras is bound to be a crisp and “sweater weather approaching soon” blast!

Kia Sportage Hybrid: Where Excellence Meets Enthusiasm – Edmunds' Top SUV of the Year!

The arrival of hybrids is giving both gas-powered vehicles and very high-tech EVs a run for their money here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as they offer the best of both worlds and efficiency. When Edmunds released their “Top Rated Rewards” for the year, they had changed things up drastically by providing a focus on electric vehicles. The Edmunds team spent a good deal of time behind the wheel and clocked hundreds of miles while finalizing which vehicles led the pack to claim the spot as segment leader.

The 2023 Kia Sportage took home the top-rated SUV honors, solidly feeling like a gas-powered vehicle when driven, and still nailing down 38-43 mpg. The 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine is paired with a 44-kWh electric motor and a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The interior is very quiet, comfortable, and meets the mark quite well for slaying the daily drive. Also earning a Top Safety Award from IIHS, the Sportage hybrid earned good crashworthiness scores in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and passenger-side small overlap front, along with roof strength and head restraint categories. 

The Sportage Hybrid uses two crash prevention systems, offering a significant step up from the 2022 Sportage’s advanced rated system, which was then only available as an optional add-on. Any vehicle that can claim this coveted IIHS distinction must show an “advanced or superior” rating available, so it is important to check the specific trim level you plan on buying. Doubling down and always prepped for facing off with the likes of competition such as the RAV4 Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid. EPA fuel ratings reside at 39 mpg combined, with an estimated driving range of the Sportage Hybrid currently situated at 500+ miles. 

As more families venture further and further away from home and get the urge to explore the wild, they are asking us here at Jim Butler about towing capacities to help with getting the power toys and supplies to the final destination. The Sportage Hybrid comes equipped with a 2000-pound towing capacity, and the adventurous spirit to lead you properly into the wild. Writer Aaron Cole from The Drive was thrilled with the 2023 Sportage’s makeover, claiming that “It has evolved from something slightly blocky to brilliant + bold.” 

Very cool flared rear fenders and a rising beltline hunker down near the rear of the car and wrap around the back providing a unique and brash visual punch. Lovers of tech will welcome the 12.3-inch center touchscreen for infotainment and a twin-size display screen for vital driver information. Despite its chunky, knobbier tires, there’s not too much roar inside, and here the Sportage’s driver-assistance features fare excellently on highways and interstates. Even loaded up with a couple of full coolers and camping gear and the family’s furry friends, you’ll be hard-pressed to fit much more with such an abundance of space left in the back. 

Kia has long been recognized as a “value brand”, and models such as the Sportage have dramatically improved almost everything to attract gainful positive attention. The Edmunds.com review team gave the Sportage their own esteemed high marks for its comfortable ride quality, spacious seating, and massive rear cargo area. A characteristically soft-tuned suspension allows the Sportage to absorb everyday bumps and gnarly pavement well, and unwanted noise is kept out nicely. A five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty covers the powertrain, and is known as “stellar-level” coverage that no competitors come close to matching! 

Next-Level Family Adventures: Why the 2024 Kia Carnival is the Ultimate Alternative to Crossovers

 

A few decades ago, minivans were the most popular choice when it came time to shuttle a fair amount of people around town. As the SUV began to dominate the mainstream sector, the minivan had taken somewhat of a backseat in the very relevant family vehicle segment. As we look forward to 2024 here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, the Carnival is set to reign as the “anti-SUV” of choice for buyers who are tasked with shuttling duty.

First arriving on the scene 3 years ago to replace the Sedona, the Carnival resembles an SUV from some angles but is a functional and family-ready minivan at the core. When you are looking at 6 to 8 passengers for anything from a grocery run to a late-season Six Flags run, nothing compares to the Carnival for comfort and capability. The power source is a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 gas engine cranking out 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

Power is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed transmission, and you’ll be looking at an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city, 26 on the highway, and 22 combined. All the models that existed before this were known for their family-friendly features and ability to sprawl, with this coming fourth-generation Carnival offering a more SUV-like façade to infuse with its family-focused mission. There is much more useful cargo room in the back than a typical crossover or SUV and features such as power-sliding side doors, one-button door open/close functionality, and modular seating.

Families on a budget that have a long to-do list will be thrilled will the long list of standard features on the last LX trim, which has LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 6-speaker audio system, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Stepping up to the EX offers tri-zone automatic climate control, 19-inch wheels, an interior camera, and an on-board intercom. As you approach the top of the range with the coveted SX Prestige, there is the added visceral enjoyment of cowhide upholstery, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a power sunroof.

Keeping a consistent and watchful eye over all your precious peeps and cargo aboard is our “Drive Wise” system, which is a helpful collection of the most advanced driver aids in existence. Here you'll never worry about the lack of a watchful eye with rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, blind spot warning, parking distance warning, driver attention warning, and safe exit assist. Other trim levels feature even more active safety features like forward collision avoidance, highway driving assist, and parking collision avoidance.

If you are frequently hitting the road with the family in tow and can’t get enough of the prime + safeguarded vibe, you’ll be thrilled with the Carnival’s warranty, which offers a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Car and Driver staff excitedly claimed that “The Carnival minivan is the desirable choice for when an SUV just isn’t handy enough.” If you opt for the second-row VIP seats, the Carnival is transformed into a very awesome luxury transit, with the reclining buckets intended to make road trips loaded to the gills with anxious kids a cinch.

We know that this is the season when all the “people moving” events come to fruition, and we’re standing by to help you here at Jim Butler with well-equipped and proper vehicles such as the Carnival!

Voltage and Vision: Leaked Pictures Tease Kia's High-Tech EV5 Electric SUV

The world of crossover electric SUVs is expanding rapidly, and consumers are excitedly looking over their choices for the days ahead. The Kia EV5 is officially due for release later this month, and the Electrek.com blogging team was on the scene with a few leaked images that depict this savvy new compact in the flesh, which you can view here. With the EV9 taking up the “largest” spot in the lineup and the EV6 poignantly poised in the middle, the EV5 will be the smallest in the group, proudly showcasing itself as Kia’s first dedicated electric car. 

The EV5 also draws a great amount of influence from our new “opposites united” design mantra here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis. Every Kia vehicle has been widely known for our signature “Tiger Nose” grille, and these leaked photos show a very futuristic Digital Tiger face prominently placed up front here. This innovative new electric SUV will ride on the revolutionary Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, which is also astutely situated under the Ioniq 5 and EV6. 

Keeping the price point lower has been a focus of the past two years for automakers of all varieties, and following this trend has made a slight difference in the EV5’s architecture build. This model will savvily utilize a 400v system instead of an 800v makeup, which aids in keeping costs down. Even the base version will boost slightly more battery capacity than the V6, dutifully reaching upwards of 82 kWh. A model with longer capability is expected to hit the scene with over 372 miles of range, offering fill-up-worry-free value on long-range trips. 

The official revealing is scheduled for Aug. 25, where it will be sure to dazzle audiences at the Chengdu Motor Show in China. The first few concept models look quite a bit like the prototypes had indicated, with the same front and rear headlights, overall shape, and design cues. The EV5 is expected to source power from a 214 hp electric motor, with 310 Nm peak torque and the energy conscious LFP battery. The rims spotted on the prototype were 18 or 19 inches, compared to the 21 inches that were on the previously seen study scouted in the wild earlier this year. 

Even though some expert sources believe the EV5 will only be sold in China, the Car and Driver crew was fairly certain that it would find its way to the States. It’s important to note that the very real battle for SUV market share happens in the mid-size category: three-row SUVs are very convenient for extra passengers and cargo, but most families end up looking for two-row models. This means that the EV5 will be a very critical component in our head-to-head battle against the likes of the Chevy Blazer EV, the Volkswagen ID4, and a few other stiff competitors.

What is sure to be a new-age and proudly electric design has already been praised by the Carscoops team for its striking and muscular appearance, while they also loved the new digital tiger face design. Kia’s “Star Map” signature lighting technology is what takes up the space on the full-width LED light bar, and the roof has a visually very floating dynamic. Among the exciting updates anticipated for the EV5 are modern semi-autonomous drivers’ functions and more very cool front lighting configurations. We’d also expect to see a high-performance GT version down the line, appealing to those who love off-the-line charisma and appeal. 

Sculpted for Success: 5 Must-See Features of the 2024 Kia Seltos SUV"

 

The sub-compact SUV segment currently has so many models that are eagerly competing to fulfill the promise of providing an ample amount of car for an awesome price! The Seltos began to stake its family-friendly and eco-conscious claim here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis in 2019, with a name inspired by the ancient Greek gods and smack dab in the middle of the segment. Thanks to its true colors and real diversity, modern design, and ideal stance on the road, it stands out smartly against the competition.

Here are a few of the characteristics that see the Seltos at the top of drivers’ lists who are on the hunt for a car that embraces the future while “checking all the right boxes” in the present.

Boldness Beyond Ordinary: The Seltos’ Likable Look

The Seltos now rides on the same platform as the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul but possesses a sharper and eye-catching sense of styling up front. This year’s model offers a resized grille, along with a modern velvet-rope evoking refreshed lighting system. The wider Tiger-Nose grill gives the 2024 Seltos a front end that makes a memorable statement, and stance with noticeably much more width. The rear lighting now sees a refresh with a light bar connecting both tail-lights, which provides a look that makes you feel like you just ditched a smartphone with a shoddy camera!

Amplified Power & Fresh Transmission:

One criticism that was frequently dished out for the outgoing Seltos is that there was a very noticeable lack of power off the line. There is now a 1.6-liter turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine that offers 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, boasting a sizable 20 horsepower increase. There's also a brand-new HP automatic transmission, taking over eagerly on shifting duty for the outgoing 7-speed automatic. The Seltos currently holds its own just fine with a robust acceleration quality against rivals such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Honda HR-V, and Subaru Crosstrek. 

The Numbers that Matter: Delving into MPG Metrics

Even with a boost in power, the 2024 Seltos’ fuel economy is still above par. As inflation regrettably ticked upward again this July, drivers are still very concerned with getting the absolute most value out of every single dollar. The 1.6-liter is only available with all-wheel drive, and the EPA estimated number is 27 mpg while eagerly hitting the open highway. The city figure remains at 25 mpg, and the 2.0-liter engine with the FWD combination adds the most economical 29 mpg combined.

Innovate & Navigate: The Modern Explorer’s Blend

When you notice the dual 10.3-inch digital displays at first glance of the new Seltos, it begins to feel like much more than an under $30,000 model! Directly below the touchscreen there is a shelf that is ergonomically designed to keep your hands steady while tapping and selecting on the very large screen. There is an optional Bose premium eight-speaker stereo system with an external amp and subwoofer, while the S trim and up provides enhanced and embedded smartphone connectivity. One of the coolest advents of modern technology is the available Digital Key 2 Touch, which allows you to share access to your Seltos over text to your friends and family’s smart devices.

Enjoying a Vast & Versatile Cabin:

Immediately after you enter the Seltos, it feels more like a downsized Telluride than a confining sub-compact. Road noise is kept to a minimum with insulation, and the addition of acoustic front glass last year does wonders for maintaining an ideally quiet cabin. Upper-end options such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob along with an optional panoramic sunroof add a nice element of much-needed extra space. Top trim levels offer the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, ventilation, and extra-comfy heating functions for chilly Missouri mornings!