EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in a 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige – the minivan that looks like an SUV – a bit.
This is the facelifted, fourth-generation of Kia’s minivan, a classic one-box shape with a more aggressive nose and squared-off roof. The grill and stacked LED headlights look macho, while the side design has some smoked alloy accents, black lower body accent and a much lower look accented by Panthera Metal paint.
Inside, a surprise to all those soccer dads after the power doors glide open – leather second row seats that recline, with leg rests and TV monitors, plus power adjustment. Up front, a wide – almost 25 inch – infotainment screen in front of the driver, and audio/main menu panel for the co-pilot. There’s a solid Bose sound system, plus back seat video monitor and Passenger Talk to check on the kids in back. The third row even has adult room.
As for power, a turbocharged 1.6 liter four with 241.7-hp and 270.5 lb.-ft. of torque combined, 74.4 hp of that from a 270-volt lithium-Ion battery and 54kW motor electric motor – 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, and it averaged 27 mpg.
So read lots more about this, and see more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan – 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid: Mix Of Minivan & Limousine. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.
EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan takes a test drive in the first-generation of a Kia SUV named after a Colorado mining town.
The Telluride X-Pro is a stylish box endowed with three rows of leather-clad seats – heating and cooling for the front and second rows. And adults can live in the way-back, with room for stuff behind them.
Up front, there’s a 291-hp V-6 driving all four wheels of our test model, good for more than 5,000 of towing. And with a slight (.4-inch) increase in ground clearance, plus all-wheel-drive, locking center differential, knobby 18-inch tires and hill-descent control, it can do some off-roading with the family – so it’s not for the birds.
So read lot’s more about this, and see more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan – 2025 Kia Telluride: Comfortable, Capable Family Hauler. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.
The next Caffeine & Octane Jacksonville, set for 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at The Avenues mall at 10300 Southside Blvd.
Gentle reminders – All vehicles parked in the Central Lot Features area must remain in place until the show concludes. If you cannot stay until then, please park in the exhibit lot. And please listen to the volunteers.
Past events
Morning Motor Social: Last Saturday at Park Place at Nocatee, with the “American Legends” Edition:
Rides and Brews K1 Edition: Last Saturday, at K1 Speed Jacksonville at 6601 Executive Park Court N. – sponsored by the North Florida Type R | Type S and Bold City Subies.
Upcoming events:
Trunk or Treat Car and Bike Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, at Adamec Harley-Davidson at 375 Outlet Mall Blvd. in St. Augustine. Spectators and display vehicle admission free, process to benefit the Child Cancer Fund, Inc. Sponsored by Callahan Cruisers of NE Florida.
Fall-O-Ween Festival and Car Show: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, at Northside Church of God at 5252 Dunn Ave, Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle, with a trunk-or-treat. Proceeds benefit the church kids ministry.
Third annual Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, at Immanuel Anglican Church at 915 Orchid Ave. in Keystone Heights.
Jax Speed Shop Fall Car Show: 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday at the shop at 48 Lee Road. Free.
O’Reilly Car Show: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the O’Rielly Auto Parts Store at 650 U.S. 90 (Beaver Street) in Baldwin.
NBIA Auto Show: 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at St. Anastasia Catholic Church at 5205 Florida A1A S. in St. Augustine Beach. Free for spectators and $25 per show vehicle.
Ponte Vedra Auto Show: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, at Nocatee Station Field, 245 Nocatee Center Way in Ponte Vedra Beach. Free for spectators – show vehicle registration open now – $62 per vehicle.
All In For Buddah Poker Run: 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, at Down South Power at 172 St. Johns Bluff Road N. The poker run ends at 5 p.m. at The Main Event at 10370 Philips Highway. The event honors Buddah Boehnke, who passed away recently in a car crash. The event is co-sponsored by Jacksonville’s Caffeine and Gasoline, and Hoover Automotive and Performance.
Saturday Social at The Brumos Collection: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at The Brumos Collection at 5159 San Pablo Road. Admission is $24.99, and includes admission to the collection, with extra collector cars displayed outside with those of dozens of local automotive fans, specialty cars from Cadillac Kings Jax Beach and Beaches Classic Cruisers, and the UNF Osprey Racing Team and their Formula SAE race car.
41st annual Ancient City Auto Club Auto Show: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind at 207 San Marco Ave. in St. Augustine. Free for spectators and $30 per show vehicle day of event.
23rd annual Antique Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Cecil Pines Adult Living Community at 6008 Lake Cove Ave. in the Cecil Commerce Center. Free for show vehicles and spectators.
Ground Up Motors Fall Car Show: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 Commerce Blvd. in Palm Coast. More news coming soon.
FlightLine After Dark: Anexclusive hangar cocktail experience brings together exotic cars, private jets, and Jacksonville’s finest cuisine on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Jax Executive Jet Center, 985 Charles Lindbergh Drive, driven by Tom Bush BMW. Visit flightlineafterdark.com for information and tickets – raises funds for JaxPAL’s capital improvement project to help build a $2M turf field and track for our city’s youth.
18th annual Back to the Fifties Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Moosehaven, 1701 Park Ave. in Orange Park. Free for spectator and $25 day-of-show for show vehicles, the event includes the annual chili cookoff.
Family, Health, Fitness Expo and Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at North Jacksonville Church of God at 7600 Kenya St. Free.
Car Show Under The Trees: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Keystone Heights Methodist Church, 4004 Florida 21 SE.
Boy Scout Troop 77 Car Show: 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Old Plank Road Baptist Church at 8964 Old Plank Road. Free for spectators and $25 per show vehicle.
Lakes Crossing Senior Care Car Show: 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, at the care facility at 900 N. Gross Road in Kingsland, Ga. Spectators are free, and entrants are asked to make a donation for the Camden County Alzheimer’s Project, organizers said.
Cocoa Village Concours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 434 Delannoy Ave. in Historic Cocoa Village. Free for spectators and $30 day of event for show vehicles in the heart of Historic Cocoa Village’s shaded downtown streets and in Riverfront Park. See an extensive display of vehicles spanning from the early 1900s to contemporary classics, with live entertainment.
Southern Vintage Christmas Expo and Car Cruise-In: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds at 543378 U.S. 1 in Callahan. Free to spectators and show vehicles.
USS Orleck Car Show:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Jacksonville Naval Museum at 610 E. Bay St. Free for spectators and $30 per show vehicle, proceeds to benefit the museum. Show hosted by the museum, NAPA Auto Parts and the Corvette Club of Jacksonville.
Mandarin Athletic Association Car Show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, at Burnett Park, 3740 Burnett Park Road. Free for spectators and $20 per show vehicle – proceeds benefit MAA.
Frank Petersen Career Academy Showcase: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the academy at 7450 Wilson Blvd. Free for spectators and $25 to register show vehicles.
Registration is open for the annual Classic Motorsports Amelia Island Kickoff presented by Sunoco: Set for Friday March 6, the day before The Amelia concours on Saturday. About 150 must-see cars, from legendary collector cars to iconic race machines, are expected starting at 1 p.m. that Friday on Fernandina Beach’s Main Beach Park, just a few miles north of the Ritz-Carlton. Spectator entry is free, while vehicle entry, limited to 150 pre-registered cars, is $45 per. All cars must preregister.—
Clay County Cruzers, Callahan Cruisers and Amelia Cruizers all hold regular weekend cruise-ins, so check their Facebook pages.
Caffeine and Octane Jacksonville: 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. every second Saturday at The Avenues Mall at 10300 Southside Blvd. Information: https://bit.ly/3gPRvVQ.
Caffeine and Gasoline: 8 to 11 a.m. each first Saturday of the month at J-Tech Institute at 8813 Western Way in Jacksonville. House rules – “respect the property.”
Morning Motor Social: 8: to 11 a.m. every third Saturday of each month, at Park Place at Nocatee, 100 Palmetto Park Place in Ponte Vedra – free for spectators and show vehicles. Next month – Morning Motor Social will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to support Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Health, helping bring smiles and hope to children spending the holidays in care. Pre-register at morningmotorsocial.com.
North Florida Domestic Car Club’s cruise-in: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on each first Saturday of the month at Culhane’s Irish Pub, 9720 Deer Lake Court off Southside Boulevard.
UB Coffee & Cars: 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. every Sunday at the Urban Bean Coffeehouse Café at 2023 Park Ave. in Orange Park – sponsored by Classic Motorworks.
Duval Car, Truck and Bike Meet: noon to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at 10749 N. Main St.
Rides and Brews: 8 to 10 a.m. each first Saturday of each month at 10618 Deerwood Park Blvd. – held for car clubs and vehicles, organized by vehicle style,by the North Florida Type R/Type S community.
Mod Talk Tuesdays: 5 p.m. every first Tuesday at Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant at 10915 Baymeadows Road. For car, truck and bike enthusiasts.
Cruise-in at the Creek: 9 a.m. to noon every fifth Saturday at Trout Creek Park, 6550 Florida 13 N.
New – Fernandina Beach Car Meet: 6 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month at Famous Quick Lube, 1707 8th St. Fernandina Beach.
New listing – Jeeps and Java: 9 to 11 a.m. each third Sunday of the month at Rummies and Yummies bakery and coffee bar at 1580 Wells Road – a free cruise-in for Jeep owners.
Duval Car, Truck and Bike meet: Free cruise-in from noon to 5 p.m. each 1st and 3rd Saturday at the shopping center at 3000 Dunn Ave.
Orange Blossom Breakfast Show: 8 to 11 a.m. every third Saturday at Orange Blossom Diner at 14329 Beach Blvd., presented by Beaches Classic Cruisers and Carl Bush.
Amelia Cruizers: 3 to 5 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month, meeting in the parking lot by the old Krystal’s (Citrona & Sadler) between 2-2:30. At 2:30 p.m., they cruise through downtown Townies Pizza, 819 T.J. Courson Road.
Jax Beach Classic Car Cruise: 4 to 7 p.m. every fourth Tuesday at Latham Plaza, 143 2nd St. N. in Jacksonville Beach. This is a City of Jacksonville Beach sponsored event. Park on the walkway at Latham Plaza.
Cruisin’ Classics Cruise-in: 1 to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month on the back lawn of the Elks Lodge at 1855 West Road, off Beach Boulevard – Hamburgers and more on sale.
Wings & Wheels Cruise-in: 2 to 6 pm. each first Saturday at Dicks Wings & Grill at 6055 Youngerman Circle.
Rides and Coffee: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every fourth Sunday at Detail Garage, 9390 Arlington Expressway.
First Coast Car Council: All cruise-ins postponed.
Callahan Cruisers: 4 to 7 p.m. every second Saturday at Hardee’s at 542309 U.S. 1 in Callahan. The next cruise-in – Sat. Aug. 10 – is the event’s 10th anniversary.
Downtown Kingsland Cars & Coffee: New summer hours – 8 to 11 a.m. each second Saturday at the Historic Downtown Kingsland Homegrown Market at U.S. 17 and Georgia 40.
Cruise Fruit Cove: The Sunshine State Chevelles’ cruise-in hours are 12 to 4 p.m. every third Saturday at the PDQ at 194 Florida 13 in Saint Johns, just south of Julington Creek.
Yulee Cars and Coffee: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Sunday at the Sonic Drive-In at 463939 Florida 200 in Yulee.
Brunch with Cars: noon to 3 p.m. every third Sunday at Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar, 1567 University Blvd. W.
Cars and Gars: noon to 5 p.m. every 1st and third Saturday at Allusion’s restaurant and bar at 5045 Soutel Drive.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice cruise-in: noon to 3 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the business at 18111 Golden Eagle Way on Fleming Island.
Apex Auto Car Show and Cruise-in: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Apex Automotive, 9962 San Jose Blvd.
Cars, Bikes and Burgers: 7:30 to 11 p.m. every last Friday of each month at Steak ‘n Shake at 10661 San Jose Blvd.
Clay County Cruzers’ events: 2 to 5 p.m. every first Saturday at Big Dawg Sports Restaurant, 1330 Blanding Blvd.; New– 1 to 4 p.m. the second Saturday of each month at Whitey’s Fish Camp at 2032 County Road 20 in Fleming Island; 2 to 5 p.m. every third Saturday at Callahan’s Irish Bistro, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd. in Orange Park; and 2 to 5 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Gator’s Dockside, 8316 Merchants Way, Jacksonville.
Oakleaf Classic Car Cruise-In: 5 p.m. every fourth Friday at Trinity Oakleaf, 710 Oakleaf Plantation Parkway in Orange Park, with food truck – Clay County Cruzers.
Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine events:
The regular monthly cruise-ins: St. Augustine Cruiser’s “Cruise In” from 5 to 7 p.m. every third Saturday, and Cars and Coffee from 8 to 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday. Both cruise-ins are at 4730 U.S. 1 S. Dixie Highway South in St. Augustine. And the museum is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cars and Coffee Fleming Island: 8 a.m. every fourth Sunday of the month at 2310 Village Square Parkway, Fleming Island.
New cruise-in: 6 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Mission BBQ, 8440 Blanding Blvd. in Jacksonville, hosted by Modern Mustangs of Jacksonville.
New cruise-in: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every fourth Saturday at the Rockin’ 50’s Eatery at 3501 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine.
Show and Tell: 6 to 9 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Advance Auto Parts at 10014 Atlantic Blvd.
Azalea City Cruisers: Monthly cruise-in from 5 to 8 p.m. every fourth Saturday at Velchoffs Corner, 105 N. 2nd St. in Palatka.
Historic Springfield Main Street Cruise: 4 p.m. every fourth Saturday between 8th and 17th streets at Main Street in Jacksonville’s Springfield community.
But wait, here’s more…
Kia has revealed its first teaser images of the new 2027 Telluride SUV ahead of its Nov. 20th global debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.
The second generation of one of the brand’s most successful vehicles is firmly rooted in Kia’s Opposites United form language that embraces the contrasts between nature and humanity, the company says, The teaser images hint at a square shouldered, upright silhouette framed by thin vertical LEDs bathed in red and amber.
Inspired by its namesake Colorado town, aggressively defined triangular creases in the fenders resemble the chiseled facets of a diamond and capture the essence of the towering Rocky Mountains. A broad hood with clean, straight lines establishes a powerful stance. At the rear, the beltline rises subtly to intersect the D-pillar which rakes forward, suggesting movement even when the vehicle is sitting still.
Full details of the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride will be announced during the Kia press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show, a livestream available at www.kia.com.
The Amelia Concours has been shortlisted for Motoring Event of the Year at the 2025 International Historic Motoring Awards. Celebrating excellence, innovation, and dedication across the global historic motoring community, the International Historic Motoring Awards shine a spotlight on individuals, clubs, organizations, and events that preserve, promote, and enrich our shared motoring heritage. Winners will be announced on November 14 in London.
EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan has the new 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line to review- and it may look like a hatchback sedan…..
…but it’s not.
Kia’s Global Design Center gave it a fresh take on its classic grill; some cool LED front and rear lighting; and a “looks-like-a-hatchback” fastback. It has a new name.
And under the hood, a grand touring kind of powerplant – a turbocharged aluminum 1.6-liter four that makes it swift enough for a commuting course.
Read lot’s more about this Kia, and see more interior and exterior images by EV Rider reviewer Dan Scanlan – 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo: Stylish & Comfy – right here. And check out lots more views of EV, PHEV and ICE vehicles at EV Rider.
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.
2022 Carnival
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
2022 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.
2022 Carnival
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.
2022 Carnival
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.
2022 Carnival
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.
2022 Carnival
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.
2022 Carnival
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.
2022 Carnival
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.
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.
2021 Sorento HEV Hybrid
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.
2021 Sorento HEV Hybrid
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.
2021 Sorento HEV Hybrid
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.
2021 Sorento HEV Hybrid
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.
2021 Sorento HEV Hybrid
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.
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.
Photos by author.
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.
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.
2021 Seltos. Images courtesy of Kia.
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.
2021 Seltos
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.
2021 Seltos
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.
2021 Seltos
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.
2021 Seltos
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.
2021 Seltos
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).
2021 Seltos
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.
2021 Seltos
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:
LX
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
S
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
EX
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
SX
Seltos’ Top-trim model, the SX picks up where the EX leaves off, adding the turbocharged engine. Additional features include:
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.
2021 K5 GT-Line AWD. Photo by author.
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.
2021 K5 GT
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.
2021 K5 GT
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.
2021 K5 GT
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.
2021 K5 GT-Line AWD
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.
2021 K5 GT-Line AWD
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.
2021 K5 GT
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.
2021 K5 GT
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.
2021 K5 GT-Line AWD
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.
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.
Photo courtesy of KIA Motors.
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.
Photo courtesy of KIA Motors.
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.
Photo courtesy of KIA Motors.
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.
Photo courtesy of KIA Motors.
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.
Photo courtesy of KIA Motors.
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?
Photo courtesy of KIA Motors.
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.
Photo courtesy of KIA Motors.
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.
Photo courtesy of KIA Motors.
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.
