Your Guide to the Noteworthy Upgrades in Kia's 2024 Lineup

The holiday season here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis offers an excellent opportunity to take a pause and reflect on how thankful we are for what we have while enjoying the many sights and sounds around us. Customers are eagerly wondering what the future has in store for our lineup, as the excitement of wrapping gifts and New Year's anticipation calls for a sneak peek at the dazzling SUVs coming soon! Here are some of the bough-and-holly rich details about what will be on tap for next year: 

The 2024 Kia Soul embodies a very affordable compact SUV, with the EX trim level gaining an available Designer package that offers 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth and faux-leather-trimmed seats, and the very cool Umber interior color scheme. All models with a Smart Key will now offer a sleep mode that will keep dangerous hackers from finding their way into the key’s frequency. The Motor Trend crew praised the incoming model for its “spacious cabin and very pleasant drive.”

The 2024 Kia Seltos enjoys its annual refresh this year, beginning with a larger grille on the front fascia, and slightly tweaked headlights. There is also the added convenience of an optional power liftgate, along with Fusion Black, Valais Green, and Pluton Blue joining the color lineup. The X-Line trim is primed and prepped to tackle the trail, featuring 18-inch tires, a gunmetal-finish front grille, black roof rack, gloss-black door accents, and unique X-line branding. 

The 2024 Kia Niro underwent a second-generation redesign last year. All trim levels of the Niro EV and standard hybrid except the LZ base model will now offer a standard dual-level cargo floor. This dynamic Kia offering has been praised for its handsome exterior, 3 excellent powertrains, and slightly larger size. The Edmunds.com review staff praised it for its “helpful driving aids, smooth ride quality, and excellent value for the money.”

The 2024 Kia Sportage now features LED projector headlights as standard, along with lifesaving second-row airbags directly integrated into the seats. Drivers are immediately sold on the Sportage’s eye-catching exterior, 3 great powertrains, and well-equipped cabin. Busy families love the spacious second row and the equipment offered with the X-Pro that helps tackle the rougher stuff. The Sportage makes an excellent first impression thanks to its snazzy design, very modern dashboard, and eye-catching demeanor. 

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent plenty of changes for the year with a very rugged and boxy design. The X-Pro trim boasts a 4,000-lb towing capacity, which is the highest in the segment. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is now standard, and the interior was given the holiday gift of updated controls along with new upholstery. Amber LED daytime running lights and new vertical taillights bring a much more striking look, and there are some other awesome elements borrowed from the EV9. New for this year is a machine learning-based adaptive cruise control that effectively adapts to your style of braking and accelerating. 

The 2024 Kia Telluride was just refreshed this year, with 2024’s updates focusing heavily on the exterior. On 2024 X-Pro and off-road trims, black gloss exterior accents are now standard. Drivers immediately notice that the Telluride drives like something much smaller, and it is known for its segment-leading technology features. The Edmunds.com team praised the Telluride for its “extensive standard features, satisfying drive, and very upscale cabin. As many vehicles in the segment are quickly overtaken by newer rivals, the Telluride has remained relevant and trendsetting.

The 2024 Kia EV6 brings back the base Light trim, now offered with either the 58.0-kWh battery or the 77.4-kWh pack with the other models in the lineup. The top-tier GT model is now upgraded to a 218-mile range, and every 2024 EV6 model boasts new charge port lighting and a much more clearly designated charge port door. If you are constantly mesmerized by vehicles from the future, the EV6 is going to strike your fancy immediately! The GT Model cranks out 576 horsepower, and the EV6’s charging speeds and alluring interior have caught the attention of the auto industry’s high-tech-enamored reviewers. 

The 2024 Kia EV9 comes from the same very high-tech vein of the brand we love to provide and support so much. With a DC fast charger, Kia says the EV9 should recover 10 to 80 percent charge in a mere 20 minutes. The EV9 has also stood out with the eco-conscious crowd, as it has employed vegan materials and many forms of recycled plastic to embrace sustainability. Dual 12.3-inch screens along with a 5.0-inch screen for HVAC are on board to aptly keep up with the Joneses, the EV9 promises to be very interesting and engaging at every drive.

Electric Elegance: Kia's Plug-in Pioneers Showcase Next-Level Tech at LA Auto Show

The arrival of electrification here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis is as timely and thrilling as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade itself, as we are looking to tomorrow to embrace the automotive offerings of today. Kia America introduced the all-electric EV3 and EV4 concept models at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show this past week, as attendees were treated to firsthand views of Kia’s cutting-edge EV platform developments. As the state of California is a very accurate gauge of EV success, the nation’s savviest EV consumers were a good choice to gauge this pair of stylish new offerings. 

When the striking and innovative EV9 was revealed in March, Kia introduced 10 must-have items that would be used for models such as the EV3 and Concept EV4. As biomass sources were closely examined to find ideal replacements, corn extract, sawdust, sugarcane, and vegetable oils were selected. The concept EV3 was built on the visual and very robust foundation of a dynamic silhouette, which results in a unique and memorable impression. Inside, the Concept EV3 evokes a practical sense and design and has been tailored to promote a sense of well-being. 

On a mission to make sure that cars’ interiors are a less stressful place to be, Kia has rethought design treatment in a major way. The Concept EV3 has an impeccable sense of ambiance and design, with ergonomic seating that employs natural fiber structures to provide a slimmed-down seating experience. 3D Knit technology is used for the seat covers, and these materials also partner up with unique tables that can slide forward and backward. These two vehicles may officially be concepts but it’s important to keep in mind that the same was said about the EV9, which was shown at the LA auto show in 2021. 

The EV4 concept doubles down on a sportier approach, with a very low nose, long tail, and very small rear spoiler. The very wide and low stance contributes to the look, and there’s a slide-out touchscreen with a very cool and appealing user interface for climate controls. The center console between the driver and the front passenger is built from one of the most unusual yet effective material sources: the use of Mycelium is a bio-fabric still in its early stages. Customizability is one of its real advantages, as it adjusts hydrophobicity and creates efficient hybrid materials. 

While there were no official statements from Kia about the expected range, the current-model EV6 can travel up to 310 miles on a charge. The timing could not be better to broaden the appeal for drivers with lower budgets, while still offering the excellent warranty coverage and safety features Kia owners benefit from each day on the road. There is also mention of fancy “mind modes” that adjust the lighting, ventilation patterns, and information on the display to jazz things up a visceral and futuristic notch. 

Intended to “redefine the sedan”, the four-door EV4 is slightly longer than the current Tesla Model 3 but arrives furiously out of the gate with a large serving of game-changing styling. It also features vertical LED headlamps at the very outer edge of the bumper that gradually blend into the signature Starmap lighting. These cabins are going to be minimal, to bring people closer together and offer a chance to declutter the over-occupied mind. This approach of “shy tech” for interiors stemmed from an increasingly overburdened landscape and the need for a relaxing place to truly decompress.

2024 Kia EV6: The Futuristic & Immersive Face of Modern Mobility

The 2024 Kia EV6 is three years old now and is still hailed as one of the most advanced and high-tech EVs on the market. That’s an amazing testament to how fantastic the design and everything under the skin was when it first made its grand entrance for the 2022 model year. From the rear-drive Wind to the very thrilling GT, the EV6 has a heaping serving of goodness for any EV fan. Ample range, very fast charging, and numerous configurations make the 2024 EV6 one of the most well-rounded EVs of today.

We were in awe from the beginning here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis regarding the EV6’s packaging, which leaves the driver with a ton of places to store valuables. The Light Long Range RWD and Light e-AWD models are new for 2024, which introduce the big 77.4 kWh pack and stronger motors with entry-level trims. The high-performance EV6 GT gets a 12-mile range boost and can now travel 218 miles on a full charge. From the very colorful lighting and unique trim on the center console to the very cool dual displays, there’s nothing out there that looks quite like this! 

All of us here at Jim Butler would agree that the EV6 looks very futuristic, but is still user-friendly for those that have gotten used to the way cars all operate now. The climate controls add a very clean touch to the overall aesthetic, and the 60/40 split screen functionality allows you to check out both navigation and auto at the same time. The wireless phone charger is right by your elbow in the center console, with the GT-Line and GT featuring an augmented reality head-up display that projects very clear enhanced info directly out into the road. 

The EV6’s electric powertrain architecture allows it to have a cab-forward design that's a bit more extreme than others and a pretty massive wheelbase. This makes for excellent backseat legroom for a vehicle that is situated directly in between the Sorento and Sportage in length. Cargo space turns out to be much better than Kia’s officially quoted stat of 24.4 cubic feet directly behind the back seat. The Light trim level has a 58-kilowatt-hour battery pack with a 180-kW maximum charging speed and rear-wheel drive powered by its single electric motor. 

Every other version of the EV6 comes with a 77.4 kWh battery pack that offers different ranges depending on what powertrain is featured. The EV6’s maximum charging output is 240 kW, which is phenomenal for this price point. You’ll be enjoying an 18-minute charge time to get from 10 to 80% if you are on a fast-charging setup. The Light, Wind and GT-Line trim levels come standard with a single motor handling the rear wheels that cranks out 225 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the GT-Line AWD model offers 20-inch wheels as standard, and a satisfying output of 576 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque. 

One of the high points here is the EV6’s low center of gravity, along with a useful one-pedal driving capacity. For anyone craving the type of power that leaves you wanting to dish out ANY excuse to go for a drive, the GT offers lightning-fast launches and an excellent disposal of all-weather assurance. The 258 lb-ft of instantly available torque is ready in a quick instant once you are moving, but not to the pin-you-back and breakneck level. No model at this price point can touch the E-GMP platform when it comes to charging speeds, and this is more solid proof that both the vehicle build and network quality are rapidly improving!

Kia America Earns 8 Honors in 2023 Newsweek Auto Awards

As the Thanksgiving table centerpieces are being prepared during the seasonal flurry of events, it’s a very special and activity-packed time of year for us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis! Just as the thrill and family fun of one holiday is over, the next one comes in rapid succession, and it’s a great time to know that you’ll arrive at these gatherings safely and efficiently courtesy of Kia. The holiday stars shone even brighter upon us this week, as Kia America earned 8 honors in the 2023 Newsweek Auto Awards.

The Kia Carnival took home “Best Minivan” for the lineup for the third year in a row, while the brand itself was recognized as the “most innovative vehicle brand.” The Kia Seltos took home “Best Small SUV”, while the Kia Sportage laid down a pre-turkey day’s claim to “Best two-row SUV.” The long-awaited Kia EV9 was rewarded with “Best Premium SUV”, along with “Best SUV Interior.” All these accolades firmly reinforce our ongoing commitment to master design excellence, while providing a diverse product lineup with something amazing for every driver.

The EV9 has eagerly delivered on so many very high-tech features, efficiently packaged into one downright amazing EV. With rich and appealing interior appointments, generous space for cargo, towing capability, excellent exterior design, and leading vehicle dynamics, the EV9 is guaranteed to keep things exciting during each day of ownership. Kia has gone from admittedly existing as a budget choice to a front-runner capable of competing fiercely with the best, and the EV9 has doubled down on a very determined plan to do everything with fantastic flair.

The EV9’s front end still boasts Kia’s signature “tiger nose” graphic, and a very clever optical feature that adds to a powerful sense of width. The interior feels quite modern and spacious, and all the necessary driving-related technology is smartly centered around the brand-new steering wheel design. Future Kia models are committed to cutting back on featuring leather, with natural oils in the seat foam, and recycled interior plastics from materials like the fishing nets that are rapidly polluting our seas. 

We are thrilled that these esteemed media outlets are recognizing our new take on what luxury means, and firmly non-traditional approach. These brand lineup awards were based on Newsweek Editor’s opinions after testing for style, comfort, materials quality, layout, and seamlessness of technology display. Front-running vehicles such as the 2023 Seltos also received a high amount of praise from Edmunds.com over the past quarter. This editing team deemed it fantastic for being “stylish, roomy, and available with plenty of the latest technology and safety features. 

The Sportage made quite a large splash with its crisp, aggressive styling that will likely dictate the look and feel of Kia’s coming future vehicles. a very intuitive infotainment system, a wide array of standard safety features, and a stellar warranty make it even more appealing. The Motor Trend auto review crew praised the 2023 Seltos for its spacious interior, impressive tech, and segment-leading hybrid model. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard on almost every trim, along with a great amount of efficiency with an engaging drive making for a sure-fire home run. 

We invite you to come check out any of these award-winning models this fall here at Jim Butler, where we are proud to host this fleet of earth-friendly and high-achieving vehicles of the future!

Where Comfort Meets Luxury: Show Some Love for the Kia Carnival

We would have to agree with the staff of Autoguide here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis when they claimed over the week that minivans have had to endure a bit too much disrespect. There is no other 4-wheeled solution in existence that is better for carrying many passengers over long distances, even though only a few solid examples remain on the market. The 2023 Kia Carnival comes to the holiday-prepped table with its usual three-row configuration, dual sliding doors, and a heaping side of convenience just as good as grandma’s holiday green bean casserole!

There are many reasons why even the slick-sedan-loving driver should take notice of the Carnival, and perhaps give it a chance! Much like having a favorite slice of pumpkin pie and being willing to tempt the taste buds with a sampling of pecan, here are a few reasons why you may want to give this wonderland-conquering warrior a chance.

Swinging Open to Sensible Style:

Sliding doors make it so much easier to get in and out of the vehicle for the passengers situated in the rear. Without a swing-out door, foot navigation in tight parking spots is much easier. Working with a very large and unobstructed opening gives the busy commuter or after-school sports shuttler much-needed peace of mind. If sports cars, trucks, and SUVs had sliding doors like this, many drivers would be appreciative!

From Curb to Core Comfort: Accessible Ground Clearance:

By not trying to mimic the handling of an SUV, minivans can effectively sit lower to the ground. The lower-slung floor makes it easier for passengers to climb in and out. SUVs and pickups are incredibly fun and productive, but they can be a bit trickier to climb up into. When life throws you a very typical day and you feel pressure to get there quickly, a lower-riding physique makes things that much easier. 

Keeping the Peace in the Back: Second-Row Sensibility

During the early days when minivans graced lots nationwide, the second-row seats were much like a summer camp’s dining room accommodations! Very static and flat, they simply didn't offer much in the way of comfort for the long holiday haul. Vehicles now are equipped with power seats in the second row that recline, while offering comfortable heating and cooling. The 2023 Carnival even has a powered pop-up footrest, doing its best to quell the “Are we there yet?” blues.

Minutes Matter: Third-Row Seating for the Efficiency Bonus

Many SUVs out there aren’t very accommodating for any passengers past their teen years. The Carnival bucks that trend by offering excellent head and legroom for all adults on board. Daily commuters, soccer team or boy scout club members, or the impromptu backpacking or playground gang will encounter enough room and comfort in the third row. Once all the bags (and holiday gifts!) are packed, you can prepare to count the miles at your leisure!

Plush and Painless: The Caravan’s Ride Comfort

As drivers became obsessed with tech and the EV revolution began, the crossover rose drastically in popularity. However, it has long been a well-kept secret that minivans ride a bit smoother than their SUV relatives. As soon as you get everyone on board the Carnival and embark on the journey, they will notice the welcoming similarities to a sedan. Loading everyone up into the Caravan this holiday season is bound to “up the valuable bonding” and see your troupe arriving fully refreshed and ready to jingle for the occasion.

The Future of Family Adventure: KIA's 3-Row EV9 is Ready and Waiting

The fall months here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis are always crisp, promising, and full of potential: while we are busy offering test drives and awesome incentives for the vehicles on the lot, we are also revving with excitement on new vehicles now available to order! One sensational and eco-friendly model that is poised and ready is the Kia EV9, which delivers many sought-after features packed effectively into one amazingly high-functioning SUV.

Drivers will love the 5,000-lb towing capacity, seating room for 7, and 7.8 inches of ground clearance ready for light-duty off-asphalt pursuits. The EV9 makes good on the numerous features that EVs of today need to draw in the masses, and Kia’s new design language is evident all over the EV9. The trademark “Digital Tiger Face” that our brand is notorious for now has LED headlights that have slimmed down a bit. When the premise of electrification was first brought to the table, many car aficionados were doubtful that an EV could ever look strong or rugged in the least. 

As EVs have developed their exterior features and carmakers worldwide have advanced leaps and bounds, the EV9 has drawn a bit of influence from its close relative in the form of the Telluride, yet still has its own unique flair. Inside, one of the first features the Electrek blog editors appreciated was the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system, making things a snap to navigate. The elliptical-shaped dash bears a refreshing form of simplicity with its single display screen, which shows a 12.3-inch infotainment and driver display. 

With physical buttons in place for volume, temperature, and fan speed, the coming EV9 has taken a step back a bit in design language without overloading the retro factor, and there are other switches for various infotainment features situated just underneath the screen. The Car and Driver review crew claimed that the 2024 EV9 is “one of the first true family-friendly EV options, and it’s looking like an extreme slam dunk!” The standard RWD EV9 will have a 76.1-kWh battery that will deliver 300 miles of range, boasting the single-motor setup.

The mid-range Wind trim is situated in a position to offer the most value, gearing up with the higher-powered all-wheel drive powertrain to crank out 379 horsepower. Here you’ll also graduate to some pretty cool features such as a heat pump for the climate control system, heated front seats and steering wheel, and second-row captain’s chairs. An available Boost mode offers up quicker acceleration on the spot, while also lighting its special breed of fire to increase the peak torque output. The EPA hasn’t yet released an official fuel-economy stat for the EV9, but the current estimate is at around 117 MPGe combined.

When the Motor Trend team put the EV9 AWD GT-Line to the test, they were excitedly looking at 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. If you’re away from the convenience of a home charger, you can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 24 minutes while using a public fast charger. A few editors from this team commented that the EV9 GT-Line evokes the vibe of futuristic and user-friendly fantastically well, while going on to claim that it is quicker, quieter, and more efficient than any other large SUV on the market. We would heartily agree that the EV9 gets two shining gold stars: one for showing up, and a second for executing at a flawless caliber!

Kia's EV3 and EV4 Shape the Future of Mobility with Futuristic Design

We have wholeheartedly been influenced by the opportunities of the future here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as tech features become better, electrification becomes more accessible, and customer satisfaction levels continue to climb. The innovative K3 and K4 concepts were just unveiled during Kia’s EV Day event in South Korea, where a thriving culture that has long embraced sustainability and innovation saw an assortment of incredibly promising concepts firsthand.

This appealing pair is so much more than just eye-catching, as they are destined to set the future precedent for our entire production EV lineup. While consistently keeping our eyes on the challenge of reaching one million annual global EV sales by 26 and 1.6 million by 2030, the future of electrification has become our front-running priority. The EV4 immediately struck onlookers as “compact yet adorable” and offers the benefits of an electric vehicle at an attractively low price point. This is frequently one of the smartest moves to make to stay aligned with current times, as inflation has ticked up in all sectors over the last quarter.

One of the first very cool features any futurist would notice is the very unique slide-out panel for climate controls, and the potential for an interior vehicle-to-load outlet, offering a means of charging e-bikes for commuters on the go. The EV4 heaps more appealing layers of charm infused with a fresh approach to traditional sedan design, adding coupe and wagon elements along with new concepts for lighting adjustment and ventilation. A close look allows the consumer to take notice that these ideas are an integral part of Kia’s journey to make electric vehicles appealing to a wide variety of demographics. 

During this spectacular and eye-opening event, Kia unveiled the K3 and K4, doubling down on new premises and a different, very forward-leaning aesthetic. The TopSpeed.com auto review team claimed that even though Kia has dropped many hints alluding to a plan for all-out worldwide domination, there’s something unique and special about this particular drop. They feel as if they could aptly and aggressively rival industry giant Tesla and provide an unparalleled time to shine. It currently seems as if 2026 could be a viable target release date, with an entry-level price point lower than what Tesla models are situated at. 

Alongside the EV6 and EV9, we recognize that releasing so many EVs at once could be a bit of a rescue move and lead to a bit of an oversaturation effect. Risks can frequently pay off with the most extreme form of reward, and we are confident that these two releases will assist dynamically and appeal to many who were once on the fence about the coming of electrification. Both of these new models savvily build on natural fiber structures, which enables very lightweight seat design and color tones with an organically natural touch. The EV4 and EV4 also use Mycelium, which is derived from mushroom roots and acts as a leather replacement. 

The EV3 is the up-and-coming visionary providing full representation of our plan for an electric compact CUV, which will be situated into a package that is just a bit larger than the Kona. The EV4 is bound to appeal to sedan lovers with its sleek, low nose and distinctly elongated tail. Much thought has been given by the design team to the interior spaces, which sport bold colors and unique textiles that instantly enhance the experience inside. As St Louis neighborhoods are decked out in spooky seasonal décor and the holidays are just around the corner, our plan for carbon neutrality is ready, willing, and enthusiastically able!