Kia Archives • Jacksonville (First Coast) Car Culture

July 29, 2021October 19, 2023

SUV? Minivan? MPV! Introducing the 2022 Kia Carnival

Let’s face it, minivans get a bad rap. They typically seat seven or eight passengers, have tons of cargo space and can often tow decent size boats. But the old conventions of trading in the trendy sports car for a family-friendly minivan have tarnished the reputation of what is otherwise one of the most useful vehicles ever created.

Kia apparently decided they had had enough and decided to redefine the minivan space. They set out to create a vehicle with tons of cargo space, three rows of seats and dual sliding rear doors. Then they added an incredibly long list of features, both standard and optional, including a fully functional home theater. Finally, they would wrap it all up in an exterior package that looks a lot like a large premium SUV. Sounds to good to be true, doesn’t it?

Enter the 2022 Kia Carnival

Kia refers to the Carnival as a “multi-purpose vehicle” or MPV and we are fine with that. It is special enough to start a new segment. Truth is, it’s either the most family-friendly SUV we’ve reviewed with a starting price less than $33k or it’s the coolest minivan we’ve every laid eyes on. Either way, we don’t think the marketing people at Kia will mind our description.

It is no secret that we are fans of the Kia Telluride and Sorento SUVs. Both look fantastic, are loaded with quality features and drive well. Carnival was designed in the same California studio and it shows. The boxy styling reminds us of a certain British manufacturer, but only in passing. The Carnival has a style that is its own, bravo to the Kia design team for pulling it off.

Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and an 8-speed automatic transmission, Kia’s MPV feels quite capable on the road. When properly equipped, this powertrain combo provides up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. That’s more than enough for a decent size trailer, camper or boat.

Regardless of segment, Kia’s Carnival drives like a well-behaved large crossover. Steering is relatively precise, braking is excellent and the suspension provides a comfortable ride.

Fuel economy is as expected, if not a little better, for a seven or eight passenger vehicle with EPA estimated numbers of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Those numbers also fall in line with the most efficient full-size body on frame SUVs available.

Much like the exterior design, Kia set out to redefine expectations inside the Carnival. The front seats are spacious and comfortable. The third row is also decent, with plenty of room for two adults and three kids. But the big news is the optional second row when equipped with the VIP lounge seats.

You’ll lose a seat when you opt for the two VIP captains’ chairs over the three-passenger bench, but you’ll gain a limo like experience. The seats recline and have extendable foot rests that simulate the first-class seating of your favorite aircraft, even if its your private jet. They may seem like a novelty until you have a grouchy overtired rear seat passenger, that’s when you realize that whoever cooked up the idea is a real person with real world experience.

Our top-trim SX Prestige model arrived with a MASSIVE 12.3-inch touchscreen audio system. We’ve been fans of Kia’s infotainment for a while and the 2022 Carnival is the best version we’ve experienced. The system is easy to use and includes plenty of ways to connect a smartphone. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhance the already excellent software.

Kia’s family-friendly MPV is also loaded with active safety technology. The LONG list of standard equipment includes forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, parking distance warning-reverse, lane keeping assist, auto high beams and driver attention warning.

Optional safety features include segment-exclusive blind-spot view monitor that projects live video view of adjacent lanes in the instrument cluster when the driver uses the turn signal. The system is pretty handy in tight spots, but in our humble opinion, not as useful as some of the vehicle’s systems. Other options include forward collision-avoidance assist-cyclist, highway driving assist, navigation-based smart cruise control, parking collision avoidance assist and a surround view monitor.

Pricing for the 2022 Kia Carnival LX starts at $32,100 plus fees. Our top-trim top-trim Kia Carnival SX Prestige was quite comprehensively equipped for $47,770.

June 2, 2021June 3, 2021

Jack of All Trades: 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

While the word “compromise” can have a negative connotation, it is basically impossible to live without it. Anyone who has had a friend for more than a week realizes relationships are all about give and take.

The same is true with daily driver automobiles. Everyone wants performance. Comfort is also key, so is dependability and affordability. While no one can argue the beauty of perfectly fulfilling a single purpose, living with such a vehicle on a daily basis can wear you out. For example, try moving a bunch of boxes with a Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 or weathering hurricane season on the back of a Ducati Diavel 1260.

Although we’d probably try…we admittedly have car issues.

2021 Sorento HEV Hybrid. Photos courtesy of KIA.

On the other hand, Kia’s 2021 Sorento Hybrid is arguably the perfect “compromise” vehicle and we mean that in the best way possible. A responsive and fuel-thrifty hybrid powertrain, seating for six, plenty of cargo space, tons of tech and it looks great. The incredible warranty takes away the reliability worry. For all intents and purposes, Kia has built a nearly-perfect daily driver for a relative bargain, starting at $33,590.

Upon delivery, we wondered if the Sorento would be the Kia to let us down. We’re getting a reputation for being fanboys of the South Korean manufacturer and in a weird viral way a harsh review might give us a bit of street cred. However, jumping behind the wheel and putting the mid-size SUV through it’s paces only reinforced our pro-Kia status. We’ve been enamored by Kia’s flagship SUV, the Telluride, for a while. Frankly, its kind of hard to beat. It just does things right and for less money. It only took us a day or two before we started calling our review Sorento “the little Telluride.” It’s that good. Mid-size SUV competitors take notice.

Zippy Performance that’s Easy on the Wallet

Fuel economy is typically front and center when discussing a new hybrid vehicle. Yes, exceptions to this rule include the LaFerrari, McLaren P1, Porsche 918, etc, but all in all, people purchase hybrids to avoid buying lots of gas. The Sorento’s 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder and full parallel hybrid system produces 227 horsepower 258 lb-ft of torque. That generous amount of torque is where the strong performance feel comes from.

Stomp on the gas pedal and the Sorento moves with authority thanks to the hybrid system’s almost instantly-available torque. Power runs to the front wheels through a nicely sorted 6-speed automatic transmission. Where many of the segment competitors have resorted to a softer CVT, Kia has forged ahead with a more traditional automatic gearbox.

Take it easy and the EPA-rated fuel economy for the front wheel drive S model is an impressive 35/39/37 MPG (city/highway/combined).

An Interior for Families

Inside, the Sorento is comfortable and offers a premium feel, even in the base configuration. Front-row seats are big, comfy and heated. The second-row captain’s chairs are as comfortable as the front seats, a rarity in the mid-size SUV segment. They recline and can slide forward with ease for easier third-row accessibility. Third row seating is adequate for two adults, perfect for two small children.

Cargo space is 16 cubic feet with all the seats in place, that number jumps to 75.5 cubic feet when the back to rows are folded down.

Benchmark Technology

While the Sorento’s performance and comfort have already won us over, the mid-size SUV’s incredibly long list of standard technology solidifies our zeal. The 8-inch touchscreen display is sharp, easy to read and intuitive. Infotainment features include satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and ireless Android Auto.

Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and 8 USB ports make connecting devices a straightforward process. The abundance of USB outlets allows the whole family to charge smart phones between destinations.

Kia’s “Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology” includes blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, auto emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane keeping and following assist. While many other manufacturers will include one or two of these safety technologies as standard, Kia has decided to open the feature faucet wide. It’s hard to find a need for more safety technology beyond an alert driver and the Sorento Hybrid’s standard features.

Pricing that Agrees with (most) Wallets

Hybrid vehicles have always come with a metaphorical “technology tax.” If the gas-powered option is $30k, expect to pay $10k or more for the hybrid option. Fortunately, Kia has worked to keep even the Sorento Hybrid models within reach for many working families and individuals. Starting at $33,590 plus fees, the Sorento Hybrid is a price leader in the segment, especially considering the premium features.

Move up to the EX trim and the Sorento gains a panoramic sunroof, a power Liftgate, fog lights and a handful of nice cosmetic touches for $36,590 plus fees.

December 26, 2020January 5, 2021

The Award-Winning 2021 Kia Telluride is an Upscale Family Friendly Flagship SUV

The first new car I ever bought wore a Kia badge. Our first child was born and we needed reliability, but on a budget. The Sephia worked out well. The tiny sedan was paid off in a few years and for us at least, was relatively trouble free.

However you sliced it though, the Sephia was bare-bones transportation. No notable bells and whistles, performance was mediocre (at best) and the build quality made it feel like a “disposable” car versus one that you would repair once it was out of the long warranty period.

Fast forward twenty years. My firstborn is preparing to graduate from college. I’ve watched her grow up and she’s prepared for what lies ahead. She’s intelligent and isn’t afraid of hard work. Kia has also, somewhat ironically, matured over the same period of time into a manufacturer building vehicles ready to take on the world. Perhaps none more so than the recently-launched Telluride.

Kia’s mid-size SUV is everything that our humble Sephia was not. Thanks to the vehicle’s advanced technology, luxurious amenities and striking good looks, the 2021 Telluride is entirely compelling even before you get behind the wheel and experience the SUV’s refined engine and driving dynamics.

The Telluride is so good in fact that it became the first sport-utility vehicle to win the “Triple Crown” of the auto industry’s most prestigious accolades. Kia’s flagship SUV drove home with 2020’s North American Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY), MotorTrend SUV of the Year and a Car and Driver 10 Best trophy stashed behind the third-row seating.

Performance that is Ready for the Real World

Kia’s Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, the Telluride provides plenty of power for merging into traffic and high-speed highway passing. Front-wheel-drive is standard, Kia’s advanced all-wheel-drive is available.

Kia has provided four drive modes, Smart, Eco, Sport and Comfort, allowing the driver to configure the SUV based on road conditions and preferences. Powertrain, drivetrain and steering effort are adjusted accordingly. Vehicles equipped with AWD can also be set to “Snow” and “AWD Lock” when encountering less-than-ideal driving conditions.

Fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models is rated up to 20/26/23 city/highway/combined miles per gallon. All-wheel-drive models achieve 19/24/21 city/highway/combined. It should be noted that the Telluride is happy to run on 87 octane unleaded, an important but often forgotten (or deliberately downplayed) factor when calculating real-world fuel costs.

Standard towing is rated up to 5,000 pounds. An impressive number for a mid-size SUV.

Attractive Styling and Family-Friendly Three-Row Seating

“That’s a Kia?”

A three-word question that speaks volumes. The Telluride is often compared to much more expensive British and German SUVs. The design is undoubtedly “Rover-inspired.” The wide grille with the TELLURIDE script boldly plastered across the hood is arguably a shout-out to the venerable Land Rover. The boxy cabin, marked by the upright windshield, whispers “Discovery” to passersby. Don’t take this as a complaint or that we are saying this with ill-will, we really like the design. And while it has hints of the all-time greats, Kia’s mid-size SUV holds its own visually. Where some vehicles may have a great characteristic or two, the Telluride presents as a complete package.

At The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida

Inside the Telluride is a comfortable three-row SUV. The base model offers incredible value for families and even when fully optioned, Kia’s flagship is still a relative bargain when compared to many comparably-equipped offerings from segment competitors.

Unlike many mid-size three row vehicles, the second and third row are actually roomy enough for adults. The large greenhouse adds to the vehicle’s spaciousness, giving the driver and passengers excellent visibility.

Simulated leather seating is standard and double-stitched, quilted and extra-padded leather trim upholstery is available. Heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats can also be optioned. Additional Interior touches include simulated brushed metal and matte-finished wood trim and a leather-wrapped, tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

The 2021 Telluride offers 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. Fold the third row and that number increases to 46 cubic feet and 87 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

Technology that Rivals the Best

Whether you opt for the base model’s 8-inch or the available 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment, Kia’s system is among the best. User friendly and responsive, even the base system includes extras like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and five USB ports. Audio reproduction is stellar thanks to the standard six-speaker audio.

Upgrades include navigation, wireless device charging and an intercom system that lets the driver communicate with third-row passengers without shouting. The available 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system provides loud, clear and entirely immersive audio.

The long (very long) list of standard safety features includes a rearview camera and rear parking sensors. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking help the driver avoid accidents. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and driver drowsiness monitoring provide an extra set of electronic eyes for the driver. The rear-seat alert senses when the back doors have been opened before you departed and sends a verbal and visual cue to help prevent kids and pets from being left inside the car.

Available advanced safety features include a surround-view camera, front parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights and a head-up display.

Pricing

The 2021 Kia Telluride starts at $31,990 plus fees. Our new-for-2021 SX AWD Nightfall Edition costs $50,180 all in. The Nightfall Edition package adds dark Kia badges, a blacked-out front grill and black 20-inch alloy wheels. The Nightfall edition also swaps out the standard chrome for, you guessed it, black exterior trim.

December 18, 2020December 18, 2020

All-new 2021 Kia Seltos Provides Excellent Family-Friendly Transportation at a Great Price

The compact crossover SUV segment seems to grow on an almost daily basis. Maybe that’s a bit of hyperbole, but it can be hard for even the “experts” to keep up with the changes and new additions. Kia’s latest subcompact SUV, the Seltos, fills a gap (or simply provides another excellent option) in a compelling crossover SUV lineup from the company that recently shook the industry when it launched the award-winning Telluride.

Squeezing in between the subcompact Soul and the compact Sportage, the subcompact Seltos is an attractively-styled crossover with a surprisingly spacious interior. Pricing also sits between the two siblings, starting at $21,900 plus fees.

Attractive Design that is “Enough”

Kia has given the Seltos a youthful, adventurous appeal. The upright stance and 7.2-inches of ground clearance hint that the crossover might be ready for some gentle off-roading. While we didn’t have the chance to take the Seltos off road, press images from Kia along with the SUV’s front and rear skid plates, black wheel arch cladding and active all-wheel-drive give credence to the Seltos being able to tackle less than ideal terrain, something few smaller compact SUVs are truly capable of.

We are fans of Kia’s new “tiger nose” grille and front and rear light treatments. Kia has proven that affordable doesn’t have to equate to boring design. But the manufacturer seems to have found a careful balance between style and gimmick or flash.

A Spacious Interior that Feels Like it Should be More Expensive

Inside, the Seltos feels bigger and more expensive than you might expect. We assume value from the brand, but the new 2021 models has surpassed expectations. The fit and finish is excellent. Kia’s choice of materials are attractive and feel substantial. The driver and front seat passenger are provided with plenty of space. Visibility is good and the seats are comfortable. Base models receive manually adjustable front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is available.

Where the Seltos interior really stands out is in the back. The second row will work for adults, even taller adults and the standard reclining back seat is a welcome feature for longer trips.

Seltos boasts the largest rear cargo space in the subcompact SUV class. The 26.6 cubic feet available is even better than some models in the one-step-up compact SUV class. Folding down the second row yields 62.8 cubic feet.

Performance Aimed at Economy but More Than Adequate for Daily Driving Adventures

The Seltos is powered by two different engines and transmissions. LX, S and EX trims are fit with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 146 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent to the wheels through what Kia calls an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).

Our review vehicle, the SX Turbo AWD, is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that creates 175 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. A 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) makes the gear changes. Kia gives the driver three drive mode options, Normal, Smart and Sport, which tweak the settings for the powertrain, drivetrain and steering.

An available all-wheel drive (AWD) system, which borrows technology from the award-winning Telluride, provides enhanced all-weather capabilities and driving performance. A center locking differential splits power equally between the front and rear wheels for more severe driving environments. The AWD system also uses torque vectoring to enhance stability in corners and provide more connection to the road.

Our time with turbocharged SX model was rewarding. The peppy engine and snappy dual-clutch transmission performed well in traffic and on the highway. Steering was precise, but forgiving. Braking felt confident and the suspension was comfortable but sporty enough to be satisfying. The Seltos does a noteworthy job of being a competent daily driver.

Fuel economy is rated up to 29/34 city/highway miles per gallon with the 2-liter. Turbocharged models are rated at 25/30 city/highway miles per gallon.

Useful Technology on a Budget

The base model Seltos comes with an 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system. Features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Simply moving up one step to the S model adds a long list of active safety features including auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control and downhill brake control.

Our top-trim review vehicle is equipped with an upgraded 10.25-inch touch-screen system that includes navigation. Our vehicle also has an incredible sounding Bose Premium Audio with a nifty sound connected mood lamp. We’ve been fans of Kia’s exceptional infotainment for a while and the 2021 systems are better than ever. The Bose audio is loud, clear and immersive.

Pricing

The base LX model starts at $21,990 plus fees. Our top-trim SX Turbo starts at $27,890 plus fees.

At a Glance Trim Highlights:

The base model is powered by the 146-hp four-cylinder paired to a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. Highlights include:

17-inch wheels
Keyless entry
Tinted rear glass
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
One USB port

The S trim swaps all-wheel-drive for different features at the same base price as the LX.

S highlights include:

Foglights
Heated mirrors
Simulated leather upholstery
Lane departure warning
Lane keep assist
Automatic high beams

S Turbo

The S Turbo includes the 1.6-liter turbo engine that is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard.

Other additions include:

18-inch wheels
Exterior trim color options
Blind-spot monitors
Rear cross-traffic alert

The EX reverts includes the 146-hp engine and all-wheel drive. You also get everything found on the S trim, with these EXtras:

Sunroof
Leather upholstery/heated front seats
Power-adjustable driver’s seat
Automatic climate control
Front and rear USB ports and wireless device charging

Seltos’ Top-trim model, the SX picks up where the EX leaves off, adding the turbocharged engine. Additional features include:

LED headlights and foglights
Adaptive cruise control
10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation
Bose premium audio

December 3, 2020December 3, 2020

Kia’s All-New 2021 K5 is a Tech Filled Turbocharged “Tiger Face” Family Sedan (and we really like it)

Let’s just get this out in the open, we like the new 2021 Kia K5. The styling, performance, technology and long list of standard features give the consumer a lot to appreciate. Competitive pricing, strong fuel economy and an incredibly long warranty make Kia’s mid-size sedan a value leader too.

2021 K5 GT-Line AWD. Photos courtesy of Kia unless otherwise noted.

Exterior Styling that Roars (roll with me here)

Kia calls the wide and thin front grille that extends into the headlights and hood a “tiger face.” Whatever name you affix to it, we like the look. The K5 is aggressive and sporty. Touches of chrome and the sedan’s flowing lines are accented with touches of gloss black. The stock 16-inch alloy wheels can be swapped for 18 or 19-inch versions wrapped with Pirelli P-Zero tires. Dual chrome exhaust tips on the GT-Line and GT models add to the overall sporty appeal.

The fastback-style C-pillar helps the K5 pop in the shopping center parking lot, but the same feature helps Kia’s moderately-priced sedan blend in with much more expensive premium sedans.

An Interior that Purrs (I couldn’t help myself)

It is almost hard to believe that Kia can pack this much luxury into a car for the price. The seating is roomy and comfortable. Dual-zone climate control is standard. Higher trim models sport high quality simulated leather seating material and real wood accents.

We spent our week in a GT-Line model which included a 10-way power driver’s Seat with 2-way power lumbar support and a 6-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat. Thanks to the wide range of movements and the standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel, finding a comfortable driving position is easy.

Rear seat passengers will find the K5 has plenty of room for two adults or three children. Yes, three adults will fit, but we wouldn’t recommend too many sedans built in 2020 for a five adult cross-country adventure. The 16 cubic feet of cargo space is average for the segment and a tiny bit bigger than the room found in the outgoing Kia Optima. Much like the seating, the trunk works well for four adults on a long weekend trip.

Turbocharged Performance

The new K5 is powered by one of two different turbocharged engines depending on options and trim. The base engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is attached to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission on LX, LXS, GT-Line and EX trims. The new engine includes “Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD)” technology which results in a boost in performance and efficiency.

Kia’s new “all-weather-drive” system (that means front-wheel-drive based all-wheel-drive) is available as an option on K5 models powered by the 1.6-liter engine.

A second, larger and more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also available. Producing 290 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque and paired with a new 8-speed “wet” Dual Clutch Transmission, with this engine the K5 becomes a decent performer. Foot down to the floor, the GT model takes 5.8 seconds to reach sixty miles per hour. The “wet” DCT is a rare find in a mid-size family sedan, setting the K5 apart from the model’s predecessors and segment competition. We’ve been a fan of the Optima, which the K5 replaces, for a while but the new transmission helps bolster our recommendation in a crowded segment.

Fuel economy is rated up to 29 city and 38 highway in front-wheel drive models with the 1.6-liter. The larger 2.5-turbo is rated at 24 city and 32 highway mpg.

Technology

Truth be told, Kia’s infotainment is among the best in the industry. Most people want lots of features but everyone needs an infotainment system that works. Kia offers 8 and 10.25-inch touchscreen systems that are feature heavy AND work well. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and USB connectivity are all standard.

Our GT-Line featured the larger 10.25-inch system which included a navigation system with real-time traffic data, satellite radio and a very handy wireless phone charger. The unit also features multi-connection Bluetooth wireless that lets two phones connect at the same time.

The base six-speaker audio works well, delivering clear and loud entertainment. An optional 12-speaker BOSE system adds another layer of realism to the audio reproduction.

Noteworthy: Kia’s 10.25-inch touchscreen coupled with the optional BOSE audio package is one of our favorite infotainment systems currently on the market at any price level.

Our GT-Line review vehicle came with a long list of active safety features. Highlights include forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane following assist, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a rear view monitor with dynamic parking guidance. Other driver helps include smart navigation-based cruise control with stop and go and highway driving assist.

We found the driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert a little bit much. Our local roadways tend to have lines that work more as suggestions than hard and fast rules thanks to a dozen repaints and “fixes” over the years. The line of traffic rarely follows the paint, which seems to irritate the Kia’s feelings. Also, we like to take a second and look both ways before entering busy Jacksonville, Florida intersections, which is fine unless you’re second in line. The K5 likes to let you know that you’ve missed a beat. Both are minor irritations of course and frankly the car is right. But we still like to be the conductor, even if we aren’t always playing the score note for note.

Pricing

The 2021 Kia K5 starts at $23,490 plus fees. Our GT-Line reviewer starts at $25,390 or $29,090 with “all-weather-drive.” Even loaded up, the K5 is a value leader. Did we already say that we like this sedan? Because we do.

October 8, 2020November 3, 2020

2020 KIA Stinger Stands Out on Value

When my neighbors began the search for a new car they investigated the latest from Dodge, Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and others. We would chat about their discoveries and I would offer my two cents. In the span of a few weeks they had narrowed their search to some very viable options, any of which would have led to years of relatively carefree ownership. In the end they drove home in a new 2020 Kia Stinger.

KIA’s Stinger is a compelling new(ish) sports sedan from a manufacturer that learns from their mistakes and victories and uses the lessons to build better cars. Watching the evolution of the brand is inspiring. From the simple econoboxes of twenty years ago to the comfortable and luxurious vehicles of today, KIA has gone from being the car you could afford to a vehicle that many aspire to own.

The Stinger is attractive. The profile is a convincing take on much loftier British and European sports sedans. The 365-horsepower 3.3-liter turbocharged engine is reminiscent of the 3-liter twin-turbos that resided under the hoods of yesterday’s Japanese supercars. In short, KIA not only learns from KIA, they are studying the best habits of the competition.

KIA’s excellent adaption of technology gives the interior an upscale feel and provides an enhanced level of usability without a steep learning curve. We have long praised the functionality and performance of the manufacturer’s infotainment system and the latest iteration is the best yet. The excellent sound quality and intuitive smartphone integration are evidence that KIA understands today’s marketplace.

Driving the Stinger, especially the top-trim performance model GT2, proves our hypothesis; KIA has done their homework. It may fall short of being named the best handling sports sedan on the market. While it is attractive, few would call it the ultimate in sports sedan design. But it comes close in all aspects. While it may be difficult to name KIA’s sports sedan as the top pick in a single category, the Stinger rises much closer to the top when you consider the car as a whole.

The turbocharged engine provides decent fuel economy (17/25 mpg city/highway) while having enough power to launch the sedan from zero to sixty in about five seconds. Our overall impression of the Stinger’s suspension was that it was a bit too soft, but it is hard to argue that KIA’s compromise likely yields a better driving experience in the long run. How often are you negotiating a tight hairpin turn in relation to the time spent in stop and go traffic?

Our top-trim GT2 was equipped with perforated leather seats and a nicely-appointed interior. The abundance of soft touch surfaces and the high level of fit and finish all add up to a sport-themed luxury interior that is easy to live with. We have already mentioned the infotainment system, but it is worth adding that the 360 surround view camera, blind spot detection, lane keep assistance and a long list of active safety features included in the GT2 all add to the value of this performance-themed model.

KIA’s entire line up of sedans are noteworthy. The entry-level subcompact RIO includes a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay and costs less than $16,000. The flagship K900 is a legitimate contender in the full-size luxury sedan segment, taking on the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes for just less than $60k.

The term “value” comes up a lot when we discuss KIA here at Automotive Addicts. When you place the Stinger’s performance, exterior design and interior comfort into direct comparison with similar vehicles, it is the value that helps give KIA’s take an edge. Add in one of the best warranty packages on the planet and it is hard to argue that the Stinger is a great car to own on day 1 and on day 1,001.

September 16, 2020November 3, 2020

Closer Look: 2019 Kia K900 Luxury

The luxury sedan marketplace is a crowded place. Vehicles from Audi, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and BMW immediately come to mind. This week we were able to spend time with the flagship model from a relative newcomer to the high-end luxury segment, the 2019 Kia K900.

The K900 is powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that is rated at 365 horsepower and 376 ft-lbs of torque. The engine is powerful and refined. The wide powerband yields excellent throttle response at almost any speed. While it is not the most powerful engine in the segment, the twin-turbo V6 is a great match for the sedan. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Kia’s luxury sedan is the attractive and comfortable interior. The leather-wrapped seating and high-quality trim look and feel on level with luxury vehicles priced far above Kia’s sticker. In our week behind the wheel we often found ourselves looking at the monroney label for confirmation of the $64,895 retail.