Kia


Grinding Gears Top 5 Rides of 2017

There are hundreds of new cars, trucks, and SUVs for consumers to choose from when purchasing a new vehicle. I do my best to evaluate as many of them each year and this can be a daunting task. Of the vehicles reviewed this past calendar year, here is a listing of my five favorites.


2018 Kia Stinger GT: One Hell of a Fun Ride!

If you’re used to the usual compact SUVs and sedans from Kia, then the 2018 Kia Stinger GT is going to come across as something unexpected and unique. Or maybe not that unexpected. In 2011, Kia introduced their GT Concept, and the journey has led them from there to the new Kia Stinger GT.


2017 Kia Niro Is a Hybrid Hit

Kia has been in the hybrid gas/electric propulsion game for about six years now and for 2017 they have released the brand’s first dedicated hybrid model dubbed Niro. The Kia Niro is described as an urban crossover hybrid vehicle that combines utility with excellent fuel economy.





2017 Kia Forte Sedan More Attractive with Mid-Cycle Updates

It was just three years ago that we reviewed the then all-new, second-generation Kia Forte sedan. We proclaimed our amazement at how far the Korean automaker had come in a relatively short time in this market, as well as just how good the new Forte was. Fast-forward to model year 2017 and the Kia Forte gets a makeover.



2017 Kia Sportage: How Do You Like it Now?

Half a decade ago Kia Motors America launched a marketing campaign for the all-new Sportage compact utility vehicle that begged the question (through song), ‘How do you like me now?’ We liked it just fine, but fast forward to the fourth-generation 2017 Kia Sportage and the Korean automaker is asking that question all over again.


2016 Kia Optima SXL Sedan: That’s What She Said!

Last fall, Editor-in-Chief Judie Lipsett Stanford introduced you to the all-new 2016 Kia Optima sedan, a vehicle that leads the brand in sales numbers and is largely responsible for Kia’s improved perception. Recently I got my turn behind the wheel of the midsize sedan to see if her first impressions resonate with others.


The 2017 Kia Sportage First Drive: A Tech-Friendly CUV

Want something that looks like an SUV, handles like a sports car, that comes with all the bells and whistles without breaking the bank? You’ll want to look at the 2017 Kia Sportage CUV. I recently tried it out, and I came away impressed. Get this — the top of the line model with every option can be had for $34K!



2015 Kia Forte5 More Than Four, Much More

Five is more than four. Of course we all learned this early on in grade school but that point was reinforced recently as I spent a week with the 2015 Kia Forte5, the sport wagon version of the Forte sedan. The new Forte5 is certainly more than its four-door sedan counterpart and the number of doors is only the beginning.


The 2016 Kia Sorento SUV Is One Hot Mid-Size SUV!

What happens when you bring forty (or so) auto writers to Lake Tahoe to cover the launch of the 2016 Kia Sorento the day before a huge winter storm is predicted to roll in? It turns out that not only have you guaranteed that the SUV will have a chance to shine, you’ve also guaranteed a great time for all.


2015 Kia Soul EV: 100 Miles of Electric Vehicle Style

Did you know that when you drive an electric vehicle, random people will wave at you, like you’re a member of some special club? It’s true. I leaned that the other day while driving the 2015 Kia Soul EV. I also figured out that while electric vehicles are getting much more attainable, they still aren’t a realistic choice for me. I haven’t had a lot of experience with electric cars. I live in West Texas after all, and our infrastructure is simply not yet ready for vehicles which — with the exception of the $71,000 Tesla — typically only get 100 miles or less per charge. The other reason I haven’t seriously considered Electric…


2015 Kia Sedona: A Multipurpose Vehicle for People Who Hate Minivans

I’ve never seen myself as a minivan type of person, but I have always considered myself practical. What will allow me to haul my family from Point A to Point B safely, comfortably, stylishly, and perhaps most importantly — without feeling like I’m driving a land barge? The 2015 Kia Sedona is a multi-purpose vehicle that easily accomplishes that goal. I recently spent an afternoon driving a loaded Kia Sedona SXL through some of the twisty Southern California hills near Dana Point. While I may not be the typical Minivan customer, I left thinking that driving a Kia Sedona was a much more attractive option than…


2014 Kia Soul: Now it’s My Turn

It has been a few years since I last reviewed the hip boxmobile from Kia. That was the first-generation Soul and it arrived a bit late to the party segment that includes the likes of Scion xB and Nissan Cube. No worries though because not only did Kia bring a good vehicle but a fun marketing campaign along with it.


Kia Announces an All-Electric Kia Soul

Earlier this week, we reviewed the 2014 Kia Soul; if you looked at that car and thought “it needs to be electric”, then you’re in luck! Kia has announced an all-electric Soul, with a range of 80-100 miles between charges. This is in line with other electric vehicles, but the Soul makes being an EV look good.



More Debuts in Detroit at NAIAS

As media days for the 2014 North American International Auto Show come to a close, Detroit prepares for the onslaught of visitors to the show that is boasting some 50 concept and new model debuts from automakers. Before the doors open to the public in Motor City Jan. 18-26 we bring you a photographic look at the rest of what was debuted this year.