Kia

2025 Kia Carnival Goes Under The Knife With New Face, K5 Sedan Gets Refresh Too

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When Kia first brought the Kia Carnival to our shores, the Korean car giant promised that the Carnival was going to introduce more SUV DNA into the venerable minivan mix. For any doubters remaining in the room, Kia has chosen the 2025 model year to give the 2025 Carnival an extensive facelift that further hones in the SUV undertones while also adding new tech to the van as well. As a bonus, it also decided to extend the updates to the 2025 Kia K5 sedan.   Angrier Face Draws In More Carnival Buyers, Hybrid Model Debuts The updates to the …

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Kia Prepares For A Mobility Focused Future, Previews PV5, PV7 and Pint-Size PV1 At CES

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Kia is preparing to enter a future where the automobile will become a crucial component of a consumer’s life with the vehicle having Life Modules that can be swapped out to help it achieve a wide range of tasks. The Korean auto brand used CES 2024 to preview two of these concepts in the flesh, the PV5 and the PV1.   PV5, The Ultimate Vehicular Swiss Army Knife While we had to wait until we were on the show floor itself to see the PV1, Kia chose to use their conference to unveil the PV5. The PV5 and the PV1 …

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2024 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD review by Ben Lewis

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Kia and its sibling Hyundai have been on a roll for a while now. Lately, itʻs been establishing a big footprint in the EV world with the Kia EV6 and the all-new Kia EV9 3-row SUV, along with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 an Ioniq 6. But we think the thing that really got the ball rolling for Kia was back in the 2020 model year, with the then all-new Telluride. Here was a 3-row SUV that was taking on everyone from the Japanese makers to the Domestics, Europeans and Luxury makers – and beating them all at their own game.  …

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Auto Industry Insider: What to Do During an Accident or Vehicle Malfunction

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When something goes wrong with your vehicle, it can be quite a stressful experience, and is often the kind of thing you need to make sure you are approaching in the right way. As it happens, this is easy enough to do, as long as you know beforehand what you should do. That is what we are going to take a look at in this article to help you with that. By the end, you should have a pretty clear idea of what to do.   So if you are wondering what to do during a vehicle malfunction, take a …

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Kia Makes EV Triple Play, Debuts EV3, EV4 and EV5 Concepts, All Three Entering Production

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When Kia first unveiled the EV6 and the EV9 we had questions on whether the duo would represent a broader leap for the Korean car giant in its attempt to expand its presence in the EV segment. Kia gave us an answer today at their first-ever EV day, with the unveiling of three EV concepts: EV3, EV4, and EV5. Each one brings something unique to customers, and all three promise to make a statement in the EV wars.   Kia EV3 Is Firmly Targeting The Youth Market Kia claims that it wants to sell 1 million EV vehicles annually by …

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2024 Kia Telluride Gets Minor Exterior Updates, Small Price Bump To $37,555

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The 2024 Kia Telluride is preparing to make its way to dealerships soon, but before it does, Kia has released what customers can expect at their local Kia dealer, with the Korean brand confirming final pricing and other minor details in a brief announcement released earlier today.   2024 Telluride Pricing Only Goes Up $100, Yes, Really One of the major changes that buyers will notice is that this Kia doesn’t follow the typical procedure when it comes to pricing. Like other new model year offerings, pricing ticks upward from the 2023 model. However, Kia confirmed that pricing is only …

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2023 Kia Soul Gets New Updates, Pitches Turbo Model

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The Kia Soul has proven to be a winner for Kia in terms of sales with the 2023 model enhancing the design and technology for buyers in its latest round of updates. However, this has come at a cost, with Kia confirming that the spicy turbo model is getting the ax in 2023.    Slight Tweaks Maintain Core Soul Essentials Unlike other mid-cycle updates, the Soul’s takes a lighter approach when it comes to its exterior updates. The front fascia has the most noticeable improvements with the headlights being larger than before while the lower lights appear to have vanished. …

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2022 Kia Carnival

2022 Kia Carnival Review: Better Than Ever

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Changing the Game Over the past decade Kia has made great strides in every aspect. Their vehicles are more powerful, more capable, more reliable, and more comfortable than ever before. All of that rings true for the 2022 Carnival. 2022 Kia Carnival Worldwide Kia’s minivan has been known as the Carnival for years, but now Kia is bringing that nameplate to the United States. With the name change, Kia has taken the opportunity to revamp the design of the minivan which they call an MPV or Multi-Purpose Vehicle. We had more people asking about the Carnival than just about any …

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2020 Kia Sportage SX AWD Review

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Kia Sportage Old but Pertinent We are expecting an updated Kia Sportage for 2023, but for now our local media fleet has a 2020 model still available. We decided to take a look at this soon to be replaced model to see how it compares to the newer competition.  Outside Reminiscent of the Subaru CrossTrek, the Kia Sportage appears to be a lifted, more off-pavement capable version of a compact sedan. However, unlike the CrossTrek, there is no sedan counterpart for the Sportage. In the front, the familiar Kia grill is actually small by today’s standards. The hood bulges on …

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2021 Kia Sorento X-Line AWD Review by Matt Barnes

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Kia Sorento X-Line AWD The Kia Sorento is now on its 4th generation and has been given a major update for 2021. Oddly enough it competes in the same class as the Telluride despite being noticeably smaller. Kia sent us a top dog Sorento X-Line to review for a week. Exterior Outside, Kia has done an excellent job with styling the new Sorento. It is more chiseled and aggressive than before, but not boxy and off-road looking like the Telluride. Up front, the blacked-out grill is large and attractive with a “KIA” lettering logo. Future models will have updated emblems, …

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Kia Debuts All New EV6, First E-GMP Model For Company Shows New Styling Language

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Back in 2007, Kia introduced what would ultimately become its signature design, the tiger-nose grille. The new front grille allowed Kia models equipped with it to look more assertive than their frumpy predecessors, and it also played a key role in catapulting Kia to its current levels of success. But after 13 years of loyal service, the Korean car brand is looking towards the future and will be moving on from this iconic design, with the all-new EV6 serving as a glimpse into what this new identity will look like.   Kia’s EV6 Moves Brand Into New Territory As mentioned, …

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2020 K900

Kia K900 and Cadenza Sedans Dead In 2021, Shift To SUVs Claims Its Latest Victims

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The sedan market is in a noticeable state of decline. A segment that once dominated the 1990s and the early 2000s is being rapidly consumed by a resurgence in demand for SUVs, CUVs, and pickups. A number of models (some of them iconic mainstays) have been axed to make room for more utilities, and it appears that is exactly why the slow selling Kia K900 and Cadenza will be making their final curtain call for 2021. K900 and Cadenza Were In An Awkward Place First reported by Car & Driver and later confirmed officially by Kia themselves, the Cadenza and …

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2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo – Off-Road Drive Review – By Matt Barnes

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Kia is at it again! The new-to-market 2021 Seltos is another attempt from Kia to bring a well-equipped and capable crossover to market at a great price. Like the Telluride, the Seltos has an opportunity to disrupt the market. We have previously tested the base Seltos S FWD and quite enjoyed it. Now, Kia has sent us the Seltos SX Turbo AWD for review of a top trim sub $30,000 small crossover. Intro Video Overview Seeing the differences between the base model and top trim model is always a good thing when purchasing a new vehicle. It’s a good way …

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2021 Kia K5: Puts Optima Name To Rest, Brings All Turbo Engine Lineup To Consumers

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It was no secret that the Kia Optima was living on borrowed time. While the current generation Optima was trying its best to stand out in a rapidly shrinking sedan segment, it was also aging, and it was falling behind in a few key categories. Kia is not ready to give up just yet, and has unveiled a radically revamped sedan that not only has a new design language, but a brand new name to signify its second chance at life. Dubbed the K5, the model uses a name that has already been in use for several years in the …

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Kia Design Boss Appears To Hint At Future Electrified Version Of The Stinger

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When we last caught up with the Kia Stinger, it was the subject of a report which indicated that the sleek four door might not live to see a second generation due to slowing sales despite a mid-cycle refresh that the model was supposed to receive in the near future. However, an all new report appears to not only confirm that the mid-cycle refresh is on track, but that the Stinger could survive by evolving to better cope with the times. This was all revealed in remarks released by Kia design chief Karim Habib during an interview that was done …

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Kia Stinger Not Long For This World? New Report Suggest The End Is Near For Kia’s Sport Sedan

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When the Kia Stinger made its way to production back in 2018, it was a welcome surprise for a brand that was known more for its value focused entries versus having any form of sporting pedigree. But while the Stinger certainly made an immediate impact, a new report suggests that the initial hype for the sedan has dissipated, and that the end of production could be far closer than many have realized. This stems from a new report that was released by the Korean Car Blog which claims that low sales for the Stinger could damper the desire for a …

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2020 Kia Telluride – Off-Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

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Kia has created a winner with the all-new three-row Telluride. It has won many industry awards for best in class. Is it actually as wonderful as it seems? Outside If you have seen any of Kia’s advertising for the Telluride, you will have likely seen it wading through water or plowing through mud. Kia is pushing the Telluride as a capable, go anywhere family hauler. To push this idea even further, Kia has given the exterior design of the Telluride a boxy off-roader look. Kia has done an excellent job of separating the Telluride from the Palisade, which shares the …

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First Look 2021 Kia Seltos Does It Complete Kia’s SUV Aspirations?

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Kia knows SUVs these days, and it was not too long ago that the company was once a very car centric lineup. But the times are indeed changing and Kia is in a very enviable position in the industry. From the award winning Telluride, to the funky Kia Soul, the Korean car brand is out to show the world that it can throw some very key punches in the rapidly growing SUV and CUV segments. Aiming to be a swift uppercut to the face of many competitors, is the Kia Seltos. But can the Seltos be the key piece that …

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2020 Kia Soul GT-Line Review by Ben Lewis

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The Kia Soul has long been one of our favorite vehicles – cool style, hip vibe, strong performance, loads of tech at a reasonable price. What’s not to love? And we were equally thrilled when we recently tested the all-new 2020 X-Line, we came away very impressed. Except we kind of missed the Hamsters that Kia has killed from their ad campaign. What Kia didn’t kill was the available turbo-engined model, which has always been the enthusiast’s choice. But with the new 2.0-liter, non-turbo we tested we didn’t miss the turbo rush as much as we he had remembered. So, …

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Road Test Matchup – 2019 Kia K900 Luxury V6 Vs Genesis G90 3.3T V6 – By Carl Malek [Video]

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When it comes to large luxury cars, they are rapidly becoming a dying species. With Ford and General Motors cleaning house with the axing of their large car models (CT6 and Continental excluded for the moment) this particular segment is slowly becoming more dominated by import brands. Case in point are the Genesis G90 and it’s Kia equivalent, the 2019 K900. Both of these large four doors aim to double down on providing plenty of size and luxury to those that refuse to conform with the revived trend of buying a large luxury SUV. We have had plenty of opportunities …

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2020 Kia Telluride SX V6 AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Kia has been on a roll. Every vehicle we’ve tested lately, from the 2020 Kia Soul X-Line to the K900 has been a gem, and now we have the all-new Kia Telluride – a full-size, 3-row, 8-passenger SUV, and it may be the best Kia yet. And that’s saying something. The Bold and the Beautiful The Telluride is the largest vehicle Kia offers, and it’s also the first Kia designed specifically for the U.S. Kia itself calls the Telly big, bold and boxy, but this is one handsome box, looking more like a cross between a Ranger Rover and a …

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Insider: 5 Essential Tips for Learner Drivers

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Finally learning to drive is something many teens look forward to. It gives you the freedom to go places without having to rely on your parents or older siblings to drive you there. However, you must be a good driver to enjoy that freedom, and part of becoming a good driver involves proper learning. This article highlights some essential tips for learner drivers. Get the Best Instructor The first step is to ensure that you have the best instructor. Go for an instructor who is approved and reliable. Ask for recommendations from other new drivers when looking for a driving …

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2019 Kia K900 Luxury – Review by Ben Lewis

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If you’re shopping for a super luxury sedan, you’re probably thinking about Mercedes, BMW and most certainly, Lexus. But don’t forget about Kia. No, we haven’t overdosed on the goodness of the new 2020 Kia Soul that we enjoyed so much. There’s a Kia sedan – all-new – that takes on the likes of the Lexus LS, and does it a fraction of the cost, too. Enter the 2019 Kia K900. The what? The K900. Let’s take a step back. Remember the wonderful Genesis G90 sedan we tested a little while ago? Well peek underneath the Kia’s sheet metal and …

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2020 Kia Soul X-Line – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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First, a moment of silence. Today we mourn The Hamster. Well, not a real Hamster, but the special-FX rodents that came to be identified with the Kia Soul, thanks to their great commercials. For the all-new 2020 Soul, it looks like the furry funmakers have been tossed in the proverbial dustbin. (At least they could have been buried in the backyard, no?) Shed no tears, though, because this is an all-new Kia Soul, and while it keeps the, errr…Soul of the previous model, it sports a lot of great improvements that keep it one of the most enjoyable and endearing …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo – By Carl Malek

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Kia has been on a roll as of late. Led by the Kia Stinger, the sleek four door sport sedan helped change peoples perception of the Korean car brand. Once known for making budget focused entries that eschewed style and performance for the sake of a low price tag, the Stinger showed the world that style, performance, and technology have become the new pillars for future Kia products going forward. The Stinger’s DNA has begun trickling down to other members of the Kia lineup including the 2019 Kia Forte, as well as the reworked 2019 Kia Optima. But can the …

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2019 Kia Niro EV – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Cynics that we are, we are slowly becoming fans of Electric Vehicles. While we still love the sound of a good engine, there’s a lot to love about the newest wave of fully electric and plug-in hybrid models. Our favorite plug-in may be the Honda Clarity,  whose futuristic good looks and reasonable 47 miles of EV mode range won us over. More important was the Hyundai Kona Electric, with an amazing 258-mile Tesla-baiting range, and great fun-to-drive spirit. We could easily drive it every day. Maybe the Kona is a little too small? Good news, we now have the Kia …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Kia Forte EX – By Carl Malek

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When we last met the 2019 Kia Forte, it was on the streets of Pittsburgh, where we had the opportunity to sample some of the newfound charms that Kia baked into the newest iteration of the Forte. Kia engineers were eager to please when it came to redefining the driving and handling manners of the Forte for the 2019 model year. However, while Kia did showcase a number of unique places in the area, we were eager to see how the Forte handled the roads in our home territory of Metro Detroit to determine whether extended exposure dampened our initial …

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Kia’s Telluride SUV Brings Bold Styling and Rugged Capability To Kia SUV Lineup

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Kia has been on a roll as of late, and it had a very strong 2018 with the unveiling of the redesigned Kia Forte, as well as the recent unveiling of the redesigned Soul lineup. But amid the vibes generated by these models, as well as the ongoing success of the Kia Stinger sport sedan, a notable void existed in its SUV lineup with the Sorento being the biggest offering that Kia offered. The Korean car brand decided to change that today, and has unveiled the biggest SUV it has ever produced, the 2020 Kia Telluride. Before we get into …

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2019 Kia Forte S – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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It pays to have a good-looking sibling in the family. Especially an automotive family. Let’s say you’re drawn to your friendly neighborhood Kia dealer to see the hot ‘n sexy Stinger sedan. And it’s more than a looker – the 6-cylinder rear wheel drive Stinger we tested was a great performance sedan, with the credentials, capabilities and feel-good pricing to keep the European brands looking over their shoulders. So, when it came time to redesign the company’s small sedan, the Forte, Kia was clever enough to make it’s reasonably-priced, fuel-sipping, value player look like its handsome big brother. So, we …

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2020 Kia Soul Teaser Shows Familiar Shape Ahead of L.A. Debut

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Kia is keen on getting into the spirit of things ahead of the L.A. Auto Show later this month, and with Hyundai preparing a big reveal of their own, the youthful Korean car brand wanted to make sure the revamped Soul did not get lost in the all the glitz and glamour that the L.A. Auto Show is expected to bring when it kicks off later this month.   The lone teaser that Kia released earlier today may not reveal very much at first glance, but the image does reveal that the Soul’s trademark boxy shape will largely be retained, …

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2018 Kia Soul EV+ Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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You may have heard the term “Range Anxiety” when it comes to Electric Vehicles. (EV to you and me). It describes the nervousness you have over not having enough range to get where you’re going. With a gas car, it’s a stop at the local sip ‘n go. But with an EV, if you can find a place to plug in, it’s still between 45 minutes to a couple hours to get a meaningful charge. But now we have a new term. EV Anxiety? This is different. For many of us enthusiasts, we look at the EV as the death …

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Hyundai and Kia Unveil Solar Panel Boosted EV Charging Solution, Expected To Appear In 2020

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Once limited to experimental vehicles and ultra luxury hybrids, roof mounted solar panels are seeing a resurgence as EVs slowly become a more focal piece of the automotive landscape. Hyundai and Kia aim to take them to production reality by unveiling their plans to put them on production cars in a move that could have big ramifications for the broader automotive market as a whole.   Of course, a key caveat is that they will not be on all production vehicles, with Hyundai and Kia claiming that only “selected vehicles” will be able to be outfitted with them. When the …

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Kia Unveils 201 Horsepower 2020 Forte GT, At Last Our Prayers Have Been Answered

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When we last met the 2019 Kia Forte, it was navigating the twist and turns of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The mountain roads that dotted our route highlighted the Forte’s new chassis, as well as the spirited character that defined its exterior and interior design. Sadly, a lack of power was also evident, and it had us wondering “Where’s the Beef?” Well it appears Kia has been listening to this persistent criticism, and has at last given the Forte a proper engine to formally tango with its reworked bones, as well as a new trim the Forte GT, Living up to its …

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Road Test Review – 2018 Kia Niro Touring – By Carl Malek

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When we last met the Kia Niro in Metro Detroit, it was back in 2017, in its base EX trim which aimed to not only deliver buyers a compelling CUV in a rapidly growing segment of the marketplace, but also the hybrid fueled efficency that is a key draw for green minded buyers. While it certainly suceeded in delivering on both of these fronts, it lacked the style and aesthetic flair to truly stand out against segment rivals. Kia aims to solve this problem with the Touring model, but does the Touring have what it takes to inject some much …

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2019 Kia Sorento SXL AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We’re suckers for a good ad campaign. And when we saw the new Kia Sorento ad, with it climbing a heinous off-road course at Hell’s Gate, Moab, Utah, we thought – “hey, we haven’t been in a Sorento in a while”. Time to make that right. Well, it’s a perfect time to test the ’19 Sorento, as it features some significant upgrades that take this likable 3-row crossover a step up in the desirability department. Devilishly Handsome. The Sorento has always been a good-looking piece, with an upscale-vibe and a rugged square-shouldered look. Its last complete redesign was in 2016.  …

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2018 Kia Sportage SX Turbo AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Welcome to the jungle.    Not the Amazon – we mean the compact SUV market. But it’s almost as treacherous –  while you won’t find Piranha, you’ll find every car maker worth their salt constantly biting at each other for that big, delicious share of the hottest segment in the marketplace. Your guide today through this land of hungry hippos is the 2018 Kia Sportage. In these treacherous waters, it’s good to have experience on your side, and the Sportage is tried and trusted. In our previous test, we loved the performance, quality, features and style. But that was almost …

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2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Time flies. The last Kia Optima Turbo we tested was a 2016 model, and here we are behind the wheel of a 2019. What’s changed? Well for the Optima, it’s been constantly refined – 2017 saw a plug-in hybrid model added, 2018 saw some upgraded connectivity, and now for 2019, a host of safety equipment is standard across the range. There’s also a freshened face and rear, and the UVO infotainment system gets an upgrade. All good, admirable things for the car that in 2016, we called the most affordable Audi you can get. Yep, that good. But in those …

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Road Test Review – 2019 Kia Forte EX – By Carl Malek

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It’s no secret that the Kia Forte has proven to be a key cog in Kia’s long term plan of revising its image. Once known for being an offering that thrived on being cheap and cheerful when it was released nearly a decade ago, the Forte has morphed into an intriguing compact sedan offering. When we last met the Forte, it was late last year, and while it had some good things going for it, the car was aging quickly against entries like the Honda Civic and the Ford Focus. Kia plans to reverse all that with the 2019 Forte, …

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Road Test Review – 2018 Kia Rio EX – By Carl Malek

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In a world where pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers have become the dominant players in the quest for supremacy, it is easy to forget that the sub-compact segment is still a vital battlefield for automakers. lWhile the subcompact range has undergone some shrinkage recently, there are still a diverse cast of entries vying for buyer attention. One of these is the 2018 Kia Rio, which aims to bring some youthful vibes and sensible frugality into Kia’s rapidly changing lineup of cars. But can the Rio take advantage of the impending departure of the benchmark Ford Fiesta, and steal some extra …

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Road Test Review – 2018 Kia Stinger AWD 2.0T – By Carl Malek

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It’s no secret that Kia has undergone a transformation the past few years. Once known for making products that were cheap and not much else, the Korean car brand has now embraced a fresh new wave of substance, thanks to models such as the Optima, and the flagship K900 sedans. The newest member of the family is the 2018 Kia Stinger, which aims to compete with the best that Europe has to offer. But can the Stinger hold its own against benchmarks like the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class? or does it lack the venom needed to make a …

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2018 Kia Niro PHEV LX – ~240MPG Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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Last year we tested the Kia Niro hybrid, and it came away as one of our favorite vehicles of the year. Here was a hybrid with the practicality of a small crossover, excellent fuel economy, and best of all, it was truly fun to drive. We’d gladly have one in our driveway – and it would make a perfect day-to-day partner to some rip-snorting, fuel guzzling, socially questionable weekend toy. Plugging into the latest and greatest While hybrids have been around for quite a while now and become extremely successful, getting people into full EV electric vehicles has been a …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Kia Forte S – By Carl Malek

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With the 2019 Kia Forte embracing some of the successful DNA that has turned the Stinger into a compelling BMW fighter, the current generation Kia Forte has the unenviable task of staying fresh and relevant against a relatively fresh crop of contenders. The Forte offers tweaked styling and versatile feature content for a new generation of buyers, but can these wholesome charms keep the Forte in winning form until its replacement arrives? or will the 2019 version be forced to regain lost ground when it eventually arrives in dealer lots. The exterior styling of our Currant Red “S” grade tester …

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2018 Kia Stinger GT1 RWD V6TT – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  We’ve been very impressed by Kia lately. It seems every new model is exceptionally good. But now we have something completely different: The Kia Stinger. Offering something you won’t find at any Toyota, Nissan or Honda dealer – a high performance rear-wheel-drive sedan. From the design, you’d think they’re taking on the new Audi A5 Sportback, and the performance the BMW 5-series. So, Kia is clearly targeting the European thoroughbreds. But does the Stinger have the horse-sense to back it up? Ich bin ein Frankfurter… No, not the hot dog. It’s no surprise that Stinger looks so European. Kia …

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2017 Kia NIRO Touring – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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The Deep Cerulean blue Kia Niro was waiting for me and the wife at the Ft. Lauderdale airport parking lot, and it was a welcome sight after a long day of airline travel. We dropped the rear seatbacks down, and the generous 54.5 cubic feet cargo area swallowed up two huge suitcases, that in a bygone era would have been labeled “steamer trunks”. A set of golf clubs, and the carry-on bags were added easily. As we eased into the front seats, we basked in the glory of comfortable perforated leather seats, with all the leg room we could want.  …

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2018 Kia Rio EX 5-door – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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We’ve often said it’s more interesting to see how a manufacturer makes their inexpensive cars vs. the big-ticket items. We recently tested the Genesis G80 Sport, one of the most lux of the Kia/Hyundai/Genesis family, and came away mightily impressed. How about the other end of the spectrum, Kia Rio? Can the littlest Kia win us over? Welcome to the Rodney Dangerfield section of the auto market. It’s hard to get any respect. The little Rio is the cheapest car K-H-G sells in the U.S., and while the brand has made huge strides, especially in the last 10 years, it’s …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Kia Soul Turbo – By Carl Malek

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In a world where CUVs are slowly becoming the dominant species in the automotive world, one particular entry has always stood out for offering a unique yet successful approach to this often rehashed segment of the market, the Kia Soul. The Soul arrived when boxy was in, and it competed with mainly with its equally square counterparts the Nissan Cube, and the Scion xB. Both the Cube and the xB have entered automotive retirement, but the Soul has managed to soldier on, and transform itself into a solid competitor for a new wave of CUV entries. But can a dash …

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OP_ED: KIA Taking Major Risks with STINGER Launch Rollout

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The 2018 Kia Stinger is amazingly cool in the flesh.  Low, wide and longer than any KIA you’ve ever imagined.  It is shaping up to be a real Audi A7 rival, but with pricing that starts in the low 30s for the cheapest models.  Closer in pricing are the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 series GranCoupe — both of which kick off their pricing near where the Stinger tops out around $50k. We’re all for this new sporty KIA.  The initial drive reviews are coming back amazingly positive, and there is real buzz as the first cars arrive at …

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2017 KIA Proceed Concept Brings Hot-Wagon Style to Frankfurt

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KIA is really movin’ on up in this world.  Their Stinger GT AWD promises some real grand touring luxury and speed when it arrives in showrooms next month.  And their Euro lineup is stronger than ever thanks to extensive tuning at the Nurburgring.  And thanks to a giant crew of German engineers poached from the top carmakers in the world. So this Proceed concept’s fast-wagon nature is not too far from reality.  Simply GORGEOUS flowing lines, great long-roof proportions and a chopped front overhang make for the stuff of dreams.  This bodystyle is headed for production, Kia strongly hints, as …

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2017 Kia Cadenza Limited – Marketplace Comparision – By Carl Malek

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When we last met the 2017 Kia Cadenza Limited, it was on the roads of South Carolina in the hands of CRD chief editor Tom Burkart. You can check out his detailed review here, but we wanted to see how the Cadenza would fare in other environments, as well as against rivals in a segment that has taken a pummeling in recent years due to the resurgence of crossover vehicles. To find out, we took the Cadenza to the CRD Metro Detroit outpost to see if Michigan’s rough roads were enough to unsettle this spirited sedan, while also crunching the …

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2017 KIA Soul Turbo – HD Road Test Review + Video

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The Kia Soul is a runaway  success. It is the best-selling global Kia vehicle in the brand’s history.  And it has outlasted its Nissan Cube or the Scion xB box-car rivals in the marketplace by being better. This acclaim is perhaps why the Soul still wears its original sheetmetal — albeit revamped slightly for the exterior of this latest iteration.  Fresh LEDs, bumpers and trim details are all this car needs to be fresh in 2017. If the core package was so right-sized and right-priced, it does make sense to keep it humming along nicely with the same look. Beneath …

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2017 KIA Cadenza Limited – Road Test Review + 2 Videos

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There is real buzz around the brand-new 2017 Kia Cadenza. Car reviewers near and far have been shocked by its lux feel and right-priced tech. Are they right? We spent a week in the loaded Cadenza Limited to find out.  Hard on throttle and chucking it around corners… and honestly expecting the worst.  After all, it is a hard time for near-luxury sedans.  Cars like the Maxima, Avalon, Lacrosse or Chrysler 300 are suffering from low sales and a crowded marketplace.  Meanwhile, the deeply unfun Lexus ES still hoovers up sales for reasons no one truly understands. How can Cadenza …

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2017 Kia NIRO Touring Hybrid – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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As auto journalists, we’re constantly asked about what’s new, what we like, what we’re driving. So, it’s surprising that the vehicle we’re talking a bunch about lately is the exciting Kia Niro hybrid. Kia? Hybrid? Exciting? Yes, Yes, and really… Yes. And we’re just as surprised as you. We were expecting a decent little vehicle – probably more of a penalty box – in the pursuit of all elusive high mpg numbers, at the expense of everything else. But it ain’t so. The Niro is a stylish, well-equipped, little hatch/crossover that happens to be great fun to drive. And fun …

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2018 KIA Stinger GT AWD – 4.8s, 167MPH Stats Confirmed – 31 Photos

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The Stinger GT from KIA is the dream on wheels.  Four-door fastback with a rear-drive chassis and huge twin-turbo power.  So many dreams, in fact, that the car’s giant trunk will actually come in handy right away.  In what is a clear confirmation of the car’s production-ready status, the power operation of the liftgate up or down is Panamera-esque.  Audi A7 and the A5 Sportback also form strong core templates for the Stinger.  This German-designed and German-engineered machine headed to KIA showrooms for under $50k in the next six months. Black chrome laces the bottle-nose front fenders and the extremely …

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Road Test Review: 2017 Kia Niro EX – By Carl Malek

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Its not too often that we encounter a new vehicle that manages to hit that proverbial sweet spot between practicality, efficiency, and, style. While many vehicles out on the market strive to achieve this deceptively difficult feat, very few succeed. Kia aims to change all that with the 2017 Kia Niro a CUV that not only aims to bring style to the green vehicle segment, but also underpins an all new green car platform for both Kia and Hyundai.     The exterior styling of our Metal Stream hued EX grade tester was a tasteful blend of style and practicality. …

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2017 KIA Soul Turbo – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Kia sells a full lineup of excellent vehicles, from small economy sedans and crossovers, to mid and full size sedans and Suv’s . They even build a luxury sedan rivaling some of the best from Japan and Europe.  They have many hybrid models, and even a fully electric car.  But their best-selling model is the Soul. This compact crossover is designed to appeal to the young Millennial generation, but even this old greybeard find it an engaging vehicle that provides a lot of features, roomy interior, gas mileage economy in a fun package. For 2017, Kia has upped the fun …

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2018 KIA Stinger GT – 365HP Turbo Fastback Bows in Detroit

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All turbo engines, all designed and honed in Germany, and on its way from KIA!? Get used to a very upgraded Kia in the coming years as it makes a name for itself rivaling BMW.  And Audi, and Alfa-Romeo.  And Mercedes-AMG?! At least, that is the goal. A rear-drive stance and four-door-coupe looks are standard on the new Stinger, even if it is actually front-drive with AWD available. The cabin is very Benz-like in look and feel, while the exterior blends much of the hyper-rounded but aggressive detailing of the new Alfa Guilia Quadifolio. The width of the machine and …

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2017 KIA SOUL! Turbo DCT – HD Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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The Kia Soul has been one of the most successful small ‘utes in history.  Those engaging Hamster commercials did a great job of renting some space in our minds. When the Soul was redesigned, we saw the hamsters hit the gym, slim down, and start dressing like Daniel Craig in the Bond films. But what happens when the carmaker introduces the turbo, double-clutch 2017 Kia Soul! (pronounced “exclamation”)? Hamsters on steroids! And we have to give Kia credit for putting the loveable Soul on the juice, because they could probably sell every one they make already. It’s a great little …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Kia Soul + – By Carl Malek

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When Kia first unleashed the Soul back in 2008, the funky CUV was a bold gamble for the Korean car giant. Boasting boxy styling, youthful vigor, and an ad campaign featuring cute hamsters, the Soul proved to be a hit with CUV buyers, and prompted the company to release numerous variants including the recently launched Soul Turbo model. But has its mid-cycle update helped the Soul stay relevant among millennials? or has it lost a few steps against a new wave of CUV entries that are all vying for their piece of the greater CUV sales pie.     The exterior …

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2016 KIA K900 V6 – Road Test Review – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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My friends are used to seeing a lot of new cars in my driveway, from almost every manufacturer.  They were especially intrigued by the new Kia 900. They admired the understated exterior styling, and the absolutely beautifully appointed interior.  The next question was, “How Much?” “Just under $61,000”, I replied.  “Are you kidding???” came the response.  “A $61,000 Kia?”  “That’s just NUTS”. I had to remind them that it was only two decades or so ago that they said the same thing when Toyota, Nissan, and Honda each came out with very expensive luxury cars.  But today, nobody laughs at …

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2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 2.OL FWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

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  If you’ve read our other tests of Kia vehicles, you might remember that we’ve been noticing a distinctively German feel to these Korean Vehicles, much of it owing to the stewardship of Kia/Hyundai Honcho Peter Schreyer, who previously penned much of Audi’s goodness. When we tested the Kia Optima SX we found loads of Audi-ness in the overall feel of the car. And now with the all-new Sportage SUV, we’re tasting hints of Porsche and BMW in the mix as well. Has Kia created the Korean Kayenne? Well, from first glance, it will definitely catch Stuttgart’s attention. And a …

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Road Test Review – 2017 KIA Sportage SX AWD – By Tim Esterdahl

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Review: 2017 KIA Sportage SX AWD Really Impresses Throughout the year, automotive journalists like myself get to drive a large variety of vehicles and sometimes we drive vehicles from brands we never have before. This was the case of the recently redesigned, fourth generation 2017 KIA Sportage SX AWD when it arrived for a week of testing. After spending that week behind the wheel on pavement, dirt and around town, I won’t be passing up the chance to get behind the wheel again. It is that good and could seriously challenge the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. While I may …

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First Drive Review – 2016 Kia Optima SX 2.0T – By Ben Lewis

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You might have guessed by now, we’re big fans of German cars here at Car-Revs-Daily.com. The quality, performance, and balance of these vehicles always impress. On the other hand, we’re glad we’re not a German carmaker right now, because there are a lot of brands nipping at your heels – and they are coming a lot closer –sometimes, even surpassing those hallowed brands. Take for example, our recent test vehicle the 2016 Kia Optima SX 2.0T. It may just be the best entry level Audi you can buy. Yes, we said Kia, and yes we said Audi. How did this …

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Road Test Review – 2017 Kia Sportage SX FWD – By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman

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Review: 2017 Kia Sportage SX FWD By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman So I get a new Kia Sportage dropped off in my driveway on March 21, 2016.  I look at the window sticker and is says that’s it’s a 2017 model.  What’s up with that?  Seems a little early in the year to be bringing out next year’s model, no?  And they’re still selling 2016’s, next to the all-new 2017’s.  Sometimes I just can’t figure out how the car companies work.  So depending upon when you’re reading this post, you’ll get an insight into this authors work habits.  Do I write …

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Official: 2017 Kia Cadenza Makes NY Debut

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A heavy redesign of the new Cadenza just bowed in NY — and is set to take on the ES350 and perhaps 528i with its all-new cabin, exterior and powertrains. 2017 Kia Cadenza ALL-NEW 2017 KIA CADENZA TAKES THE STAGE AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW 23/03/16 Second-Generation Cadenza Boasts Luxury Refinements with Expressive Styling, Advanced Technology, and Refined Powertrain New body structure is stronger, yet lighter and more rigid for a more enjoyable driving experience All-new Cadenza takes its sophistication to greater heights with beautifully crafted interior Kia’s first FWD eight-speed automatic transmission improves driving dynamics and efficiency …

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Concept Debrief – 2004 Kia KCV III – Glass-Roof CC Showed Newfound Design/Execution Skills

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In a few short years at the turn of the millennium, Kia’s concepts went from reskinned and rebadged Lotus Elan’s to purely bespoke creations, designed with near-Italian flair.  And constructed with credible, world-class production values! This KCV III was an important mark in the sand for Kia’s evolution from niche budget brand to mainstream heavy-hitter. Today, the giant headlights are alarmingly out of style, but there is goodness shining through even there. Check out the bright white LED DRLs in the bottom of those giant lamps! And the full-frame grille set vertically into the bumper?  Finished in non-chrome grey, no …

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2016 Kia TELLURIDE Concept – LWB SUV Brings 7-Seat Chalet Cachet

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The face of this all-new KIA Telluride concept hit me like a sucker punch in thumbnail form.  What is that, a Lada Bentley? But after a closer look, we have nothing but praise the this Telluride’s bluff yet rounded design themes. The core basics are all there: short front overhang, awesome long and level hood, plus a steep windshield rake like a future G-wagen. It all really works for the Telluride, especially in profile. Here the elegant, techy and innovative glasshouse wears a signature brightwork wrap-around.  In the tail, we have more clean lines and vertical forms. Yet all smooth …

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Road Test Review – 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo

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2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman Midsize family sedans are a huge segment of the automobile business, and it’s a hotly contested space.  The Kia Optima is a strong player, and getting stronger each year, with improvements and even more standard content.  It has to keep improving in order to compete with the likes of a Toyota Camry & Avalon, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Mazda 6, or Nissan’s Altima. The 2016 Optima has been redesigned inside and out, and the result is an outstanding automobile, that ranks right up there with the best in the class. …

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2017 KIA Sportage SX Turbo Debut – Quad LEDs + Euro Handling Focus

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The new Sportage is here in USA form, which we pleased to say looks exactly like the min-Cayenne of the Euro GT-Line rangetopper. The poshest trim for the USA is the SX Turbo AWD, as shown here. 2017 KIA Sportage SX Turbo PREVIOUS KIA’s push to excel globally is ramping up nicely. Frankfurt, California and Korea-based teams are now aligned to make the most of each area’s strengths. Korea as the lead manufacturing hub/supplier base, Cali as a tech and design center of excellence, and the European R&D division taking a much bigger role in vehicle development. It is a …

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Buick ENCORE – Drives Like an Audi, Priced Like a Kia?

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Compact crossovers could not be hotter right now. They avoid the depressing drive experience of small sedans, no matter how tight they might be inside. The flipside is that carmakers can be tempted to overprice the mini-SUVs — with options taking the ultra small machines deep into real SUV territory.  This is certainly the case with the $48k BMW X1 sDrive28i we tested last year. Or how about the $67k AMG GLA45? Clearly the temptation of luxury features, equipment and options is powerful for both the brands and to buyers, though. The compact SUV is therefore quite perplexing at times: …

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2016 Kia Optima Is Wider With New Tech, Fresh Style and Mid-Spec Turbo DCT

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The 2016 Optima is arriving in showrooms this month featuring fresh style, tech and mechanicals. Despite initially very-familiar looks for this wider and longer-wheelbased model, the design is new. Organic flow to the body surfacing and even the trademark roof accents is now more flowing and less choppy. The angular look with sharp edges has been smoothed out nicely. Example? Check out the clean doors and sills. Just pure and impressive lines. The proportions are enhanced via a new-look rear quarter window and dark roof on the loaded SX and SXL models.  The overall effect helps the Optima look rear-drive …

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2017 KIA Sportage First Look: GT Line Quad LEDs + Euro Handling Focus

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KIA’s push to excel globally is ramping up nicely. Frankfurt, California and Korea-based teams are now aligned to make the most of each area’s strengths. Korea as the lead manufacturing hub/supplier base, Cali as a tech and design center of excellence, and the European R&D division taking a much bigger role in vehicle development. It is a smart foundation for KIA’s move to become Hyundai’s sportier cousin. As it stands, the Kia range is broad but lacks a cohesive, defining nature. The firm has their eyes on BMW. If they can engineer cars to be sold world-wide in one chassis …

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2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept In Detailed, Real-Life Photos!

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Updated 2.27.14 With 20 New Photos In addition to the pics, Kia confirms that the powertrain is a 250-horsepower turbo four with the firm’s new DCT driving the front wheels. In that regard, the SPORTSPACE’s name is clearly SportSpace… not SportsPace. 2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept – Latest Photos Darnit! Right when we had almost completely written Kia off as poorly-driving, and poorly-marketed cars aimed at idiots — here comes this stunning SPORTSPACE estate concept for Geneva 2015. Hitting my fast-wagon passion right in the jugular, the bleeding passion down my neck is almost as red as this SPORTSPACE. Long, low …

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2015 Kia Novo Concept Is Surprise 4-Door Coupe for Seoul Motor Show

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  Some impressive design coming from the latest Kia studio! This concept shows the potential look of a Forte replacement in the coming years. We love the nose best, as the profile and tail are near clones of the just-revealed Optima for 2016. But unfortunately for the production Optima, the Novo is far cleaner and more appealing. Part of what makes the Novo feel cool are its heavily rear-drive proportions and long dash-to-axle ratio in front. But there are more subtle things, too, like the fairly steep windshield angle and the way the hood’s leading edge becomes the grille below. …

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2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept in 20 New Photos + Powertrain Details

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Updated 2.27.14 With 20 New Photos Half of these are official shots from Kia, and the other half from KoreanCarBlog. In addition to the pics, Kia confirms that the powertrain is a 250-horsepower turbo four with the firm’s new DCT driving the front wheels. In that regard, the SPORTSPACE’s name is clearly SportSpace… not SportsPace. 2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept – Latest Photos   Darnit! Right when we had almost completely written Kia off as poorly-driving, and poorly-marketed cars aimed at idiots — here comes this stunning SPORTSPACE estate concept for Geneva 2015. Hitting my fast-wagon passion right in the jugular, …

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Wow! 2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept Previews Future Optima Estate in Stellar Fashion

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Darnit! Right when we had almost completely written Kia off as poorly-driving, and poorly-marketed cars aimed at idiots — here comes this stunning SPORTSPACE estate concept for Geneva 2015. Hitting my fast-wagon passion right in the jugular, the bleeding passion down my neck is almost as red as this SPORTSPACE. Long, low and sexy — the SPORTSPACE concept packs a gorgeous new design from double-quad LED light-pods back to its low-roofed tail and slimline glasshouse. Inside, things improve perhaps even further, with a full-length The SPORTSPACE is a strong statement of intent and first glimpse of the new Frankfurt-led design …

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2015 KIA Trail’Ster Concept Previews Upcoming Soul Refresh + All-New Interior

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The Kia Soul is easily our favorite model in the Kia range – with actual sportiness in the handling and impressive power, there is no other car on the market with such a flexible crossover package. Best of all? The Soul is priced like an economy car, and has almost double the power of the Scion xD and xB. But how to make it a real SUV instead of just a fun and light-hearted crossover? For that, you need all-wheel-drive. KIA has gone theRX450h route here — powering the rear axle with hybrid electric motors. Efficient, compact, and lacking any …

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2015 Kia Sedona SXL Snapped in 65 Real-Life Photos

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Updated 12.1.14 with 65 Real-Life photos in SXL range-topping trim. We are really impressed by the complete transformation of the Sedona SXL for 2015. The new van wears a unique and fresh style that shares many design themes with the also-fresh 2016 Sorento. The result is not quite a full crossover conversion for the Sedona, but certainly moving toward the freshest style in the minivan segment. The coolest part of the new design for these eyes is the nose. The hood is slightly taller and the grille far more upright than most minivans, with the resulting style quite evident from …

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2016 Kia Sorento SXL Adds Quad-LED Fogs for LA Debut

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Updated 11.25.14   The updated Sorento is likely to arrive in the US market some time in the spring of calendar 2015 as a 2016 model. The 2015 Sorento is already available at dealers, which is why we speculate about the 2016 model year. Kia calls this the third-gen Sorento, as Europe is less concerned with model years than we are in the USA. Overall, the styling update is a big success. It is paired with a new refinement on the road, an all-new cabin, and a much larger third row of seats than before. The design upgrade really helps …

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2016 Kia Sorento X-Men Custom For Wolverine at Australian Open!

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Kia’s new X-car Sorento for the X-men will bring out the inner comic book nerd in all of us. Set to attend the Australian Open in Jabuary, the Sorento X-Men model ties in with the blu-ray release of the latest film in Australia. The 2016 Sorento just made its US debut in LA – stay tuned for details in a different article. Pretty cool – but not sure if it would pass pedestrian safety regulatory approval with those adamantium blades on each side of the nose… =] 2016 Kia Sorento X-Men ‘X-Men’ inspired Kia Sorento to debut at the Australian …

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Are The Kia SEMA 2014 K900 Trunk-Mounted Twin Turbos Fake?

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  Update1 11.4.14 We have to be honest here: these concepts are not doing it for us. Despite Kia’s Optima GT actually winning its racing series this year, the latest SEMA concepts from Kia just have a resounding suckiness. The K900 upgrade is the most performance-oriented, but the car seems beyond hope. Without icecream desserts at the booth, we worry that the Kia stand at SEMA would be totally deserted. A resounding “meh.” Why push performance when 2015 Kia road cars drive like salvage-title 1998 Tauruses? It is just not authentic or convincing in the least. Sorry to be a …

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Concept to Reality – 2011 Kia GT Was Stunning; Too Bad About The K900

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Looking over the details of the gorgeous 2011 Frankfurt concept from Kia, the GT, really triggers frustration. Sure, some of these ideas like the C-pillar and roof accent made it into the latest Optima — but the most desirable rear-drive nature was lost on that front-drive model. Lost forever? One would think — until the K900 flagship debuted this year with pricing from $60,000, rear-drive, and a V8 engine. But where the GT concept is artful in its form, the K900 is a blob of vaguely-melted shapes, like a plus-size model who is not afraid to show some skin. The …

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Kia SEMA 2014 Preview – K900, Soul and Sedona “Day At The Races”

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  Kia just rolled out its latest SEMA concept car – and it is clearly the best yet. A K900 called the “Day at the Races,” it promises a huge upgrade in style as well as performance. Big brakes, a deep body kit and a massive intercooler appear in this teaser photos. So will this be the holy grail? A turbocharged V8? Stay tuned for more details as they become available. Overall, the K900 needs all the halo it can get. Sales have been extremely lackluster in the first six months. This is in sharp contrast to the new Hyundai …

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70 New Photos! 2016 Kia Sorento Debuts in Paris With Jaguar-Baiting Style at Ford Prices

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Updated 9.29.14 with 70 official (Euro-spec) 2016 Sorento photos!   The updated Sorento is likely to arrive in the US market some time in the spring of calendar 2015 as a 2016 model. The 2015 Sorento is already available at dealers, which is why we speculate about the 2016 model year. Kia calls this the third-gen Sorento, as Europe is less concerned with model years than we are in the USA. Overall, the styling update is a big success. It is paired with a new refinement on the road, an all-new cabin, and a much larger third row of seats …

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2013 Kia CUB Concept Is Retro-Futurist Hatch With Surfacing and Stance To Best Even MINI Cooper

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  Here is a real charmer of a concept – one that shows what the aesthetic of the Soul might look like in a traditional five-door hatchback. The retro portion of the design is in the low hood and steep windshield glass, while the futurist element comes with the lack of gaudy chrome detailing or a big grille up front. Rounding takes over in the front corner vents and the smooth flow of the rear canopy and hatch region. A shark-fin element appears in three-dimensional relief in the front door panel, while the rear glass incorporates a CHMSL LED as …

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2013 Kia Niro Concept Packs Gullwing Doors, Brushed-Alloy Finishes and Quad-Beam LEDs

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The Kia Niro concept from 2013 uses almost every youthful design trick in the book — but falls flat to these eyes. Dark wheels, blushed-alloy surfaces, a coupe bodystyle, and quad-beam LEDs all say ‘hip’ and ‘sexy’ sub-Sportage crossover. But what is going on with the blob-like nose, obese hood bulges and minivan windshield angle? Ick! 2013 Kia Niro

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2012 Kia Trackster Concept Is Widebody Soul Coupe with 250HP

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Since driving a Kia Soul around Monterey Bay in August for the concours week, we have a real fondness for this boxy profile. The car is a real joy on the roads – with perky handling and a zingy engine and autobox combo that is far more fun than any econobox in its segment. Lively handling was a huge part of that fun, along with a great road view and headroom to spare. This 2012 Trackster concept takes care of some of that space with a roof chop, a bump in horsepower up to 250, and a widebody coupe conversion …

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Updated With First Official Photos – 2016 Kia Sorento Paris Preview

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Updated 8.10.14 with three official (Euro-spec) 2016 Sorento photos   Kia reveals first official photos of third generation Sorento First photos of the all-new Kia Sorento released today confirm that the third generation of the popular SUV will feature a new look, with bold, swept-back styling and sophisticated surface detailing. Longer, lower and wider, with an extended wheelbase, the new Sorento builds on the success of the outgoing model, delivering a premium look and feel, with more space and numerous innovative features. With the brand’s hallmark design features and a more mature appearance, the new model is instantly recognizable as …

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2015 Kia Sedona Becomes Seriously Competitive With Lux Style, Tech and Comfy Cabin Space

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Among savvy families and van-experts, the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey have been the go-to choices for at least the past decade. The comfort, road manners, interior quality and exterior style shaded the dated and extremely un-refined Chrysler and Dodge options.  The previous Kia Sedona carried premium styling but a wretched cabin, dynamics, feature-set and performance versus the top-two players. Kia is looking to leapfrog up to the top of the class with this very handsome and premium 2015 Sedona. Value pricing will certainly be a part of the equation with low-$20s base prices. But the top end of the …

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2016 Kia Sorento Paris Preview Shows Deeply Sexy New Design, With Elements of K900 Flagship to Nose

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INTRO CAVEAT: All these hopefuly statements are moot. Why? Kia is still furious with your humble scribe for what he said about the current Sorento’s woeful steering.   The Kia Sorento has the makings of a great SUV – but needs a few extra tweaks to really get to the same levels as its Hyundai Sante Fe cousin. Those changes required include a fresher and more appealing exterior style, some dynamic tweaks, and a sportier cabin and driving position. 2014 Kia Sorento SX-L Kia looks set to address all three of these needs in one fell swoop for the all-new …

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MEGA Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai Sonata Is Like A Value-Added Audi A6 – Choice Between Lux or Sport Dynamics

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MEGA Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai Sonata Is Like A Value-Added Audi A6 – Choice Between Lux or Sport Dynamics   If you are keeping track, this is perhaps the fifth article in a series covering the 2015 Sonata’s launch. We were fortunate enough to attend the big event the other week and have been working up to this: the definitive review! After much consideration, the new Sonata reminds me most of the Audi A6 2.0T – in size, what it offers buyers, and in overall appeal. Shocking, right? Especially with the Sonata’s base pricing in the $20,000’s that …

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2014 Kia Optima Hybrid Updated With New Grille, LEDs Front and Rear – Specs, Features and Pricing

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The Kia Optima is a run-away success for the brand: since its latest design debuted, sales of the model are nearly double what the nameplate has ever achieved before. To keep this momentum and address buyer priorities, the Hybrid model has rounded out the base and turbo engine options. For the current model-year, the Hybrid brings a few updates both outside and in. The LED accents in the nose are a Hybrid exclusive, as are the lower double fog-lamp elements. These are not nearly as cool as the quad-LED setup in the SX-L trim, but are still pretty nice elements …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai Sonata – INTERIOR Focus – 2.4L Limited vs 2.0T Sport

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  Thrilled to report that the 2015 Hyundai Sonata is an outstanding drive and a very compelling entry into the mid-size sedan marketplace. Midsize? It is huge in here! Yes, mid-size in price but a Large Car by EPA cabin volume — where the new Sonata is comfortably close to the scale of large luxury cars. Over the next few days, we will cover the 2015 Sonata extensively – but segmented out by theme and topic due to the extensive first-hand impressions driving the Eco, 2.4L Limited and the Sport 2.0T trim levels. There are noticeable differences between the trims …

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2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport – Buyers Guide to All Nine Colors + Animated 360-Degree Turntables

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New Sonata fever is heating up today! Here is a very cool and exclusive color guide to the 2015 Sonata Sport trim level. Shown here is the 2.0T Sport – the upgraded turbo engine model – but the Sport trim is also offered on the base 2.4-liter GDI engine. We highly recommend the Sport trim for the style upgrades outside and in the cabin. Color wise, in person my favorite colors were Phantom Black, Quartz White and Venetian Red. While Urban Sunset orange is a Sport exclusive, it is not a real winner to these eyes… The 2015 Sonata is …

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2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T – 160 Photos From National Media Launch!

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Lovely days in Montgomery, Alabama visiting the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing America plant for the national media launch of the 2015 Sonata! Full drive impressions and reviews of the various models have to wait until next week when the press embargo is up on 12:01am on Monday — but these photos are fair game… The car looks outstanding in person versus my initial impressions when the car debuted at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. The new Sonata is very distinct across its standard, Eco and Sport trims – with the Sport my obvious preference due to its dark …

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Road Test Review – 2014 KIA Soul Exclaim is Funky/Practical – With A Dash Of Cool and Calm

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Written by Special Contributor Ken Glassman   When the Kia Soul first came out in 2010, I was fairly ambivalent about their boxy little Tonka Toy. It was an efficient use of interior space and a ho-hum performing little econobox. But for 2014 the Soul has been re-done and greatly improved. And model I tested was the Soul !. (the exclamation point after Soul is designated as the “Exclaim” trim level – the most upscale model they offer.) The Soul + (called the “Plus” trim level sits in the middle above the Base model) And this 2014 Exclaim model has …

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Scion xB and xD Roof-Chop Renderings Bring Gangster Look

Scion xB and xD Roof-Chop Renderings Bring Gangster Look

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Here is the fruit of a few hours in PhotoChop. Would such small windows ever offer enough outward vision? Perhaps – with camera assistance and active safety systems. CarRevsDaily.com – Exclusive – Chopped Roof CarRevsDaily.com – Exclusive – Chopped Roof BONUS: this one did not turn out very well, but shows a speculative preview of Kia’s upcoming 2+2 sports car via a chopped and re-imagined Forte Koup. The concept is set to debut at Detroit in January, and promises genuine driver thrills.