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Got a litter of kiddies and can’t figure out what vehicle to buy? We’ve some recommendations for you! So, what are the best vehicles for families? Well, that depends on what kind of family you’ve got. There are big families and small ones, fashion-forward families and eco-friendly families. Rather than, like, recommending 10 of the 18 million crossover vehicles available right now, we mixed things up a little by selecting the best vehicles for different kinds of families. For Everyday Families: Honda Accord For your typical, everyday family that can live with a four-door car, Honda’s Accord cannot be beat. It’s probably our favorite model in the sedan segment. The Accord has a roomy and high-quality interior, TONS of standard equipment including Honda Sensing, (the automaker’s suite of advanced driver aids) and it also offers a pair of refined turbocharged engines, not to mention a fuel-efficient hybrid model as well. The Accord is safe, efficient and reasonably fun to drive. For a sedan, it just about does everything. SEE ALSO: 2018 Honda Accord Review – VIDEO Get Honda Accord Prices For Fancy Families: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon But for all its virtues, that Honda is still a mass-market model. Certain families demand more luxury, an extra slathering of prestige. For them, we wholeheartedly endorse the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon. It’s far more versatile than your typical four-door and it seats up to seven (yay jumpseats!) Beyond that, it’s beautifully finished inside and out. Oh, and it even comes with standard all-wheel drive. The entry-level version features a twin-turbocharged V6 that delivers 362 horsepower, but you can also get a super-sporty AMG version with 603 ponies and an advertised zero-to-60 time of 3.4 seconds! Now that’ll haul some groceries! Get Mercedes E-Class Prices For Outdoorsy Families: Ram 1500 Of course, certain families eschew life’s finer trappings. They love nothing more than getting down and dirty in the great outdoors. And for these sorts, there’s the new Ram 1500, currently our favorite full-size pickup. Rugged, capable and astonishingly premium across the range, this truck is more versatile than a proverbial Swiss Army Knife, and A LOT less neutral. With a maximum payload of some 2,300 pounds and the ability to tow up to 12,750, this Ram has no trouble hauling four-wheelers, loads of gravel, kayaks, you name it. And of course, it can drag massive campers without breaking a sweat. SEE ALSO: 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque Review – VIDEO Get Ram 1500 Prices For Eco-Friendly Families: Hyundai Kona Electric Families that want to minimize their carbon footprint, driving a big, burly, Hemi-powered truck isn’t going to cut it. For them, we endorse the Hyundai Kona Electric. This vehicle offers all the benefits of a small crossover, like easy maneuverability, decent interior space and energetic styling with zero tailpipe emissions and sprightly performance. The Kona Electric is more than capable of roasting its tires if you get too enthusiastic with the accelerator. A standard 64-kWh lithium-ion battery pack juices a 201-horsepower motor and provides an electric driving range of up to 258 miles. All around, this vehicle is a fine choice. Get Hyundai Kona Prices For Urban Families: Honda Fit But in some instances, even the little Hyundai Kona might be too much vehicle. An ideal option for families that live in densely packed cities is the Honda Fit. You’d be hard pressed to find a vehicle twice its size that’s more versatile than this little runabout. With a wheelbase measuring under 100 inches and an overall length of around 161, it’s a snap to parallel park, maneuver in underground garages or dart in and out of traffic. A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides up to 130 horsepower, while the second-row Magic Seat flips and folds to transform this subcompact hatch into a tractor-trailer-rivaling hauler. Get Honda Fit Prices For BIG Families: Ford Expedition And at the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Honda’s Fit is the Ford Expedition. This massive body-on-frame SUV is ideal for BIG families that love BIG adventures. This is one of the few vehicles on the road today that offers a truly usable third-row seat. In fact, way back there it’s roomy enough for six-foot-tall adults to be comfortable all day long. For EVEN MORE space, you can step up the Expedition MAX, which is about a foot longer overall and offers commensurately more cargo space. No matter the version, you get a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 tuned to deliver 375 horsepower with a walloping 470 pound-feet of torque, all of which gets sent through a 10-speed transmission. Get Ford Expedition Prices For Fashion-Forward Families: Kia Stinger Serving fashionable families is the dramatic Kia Stinger. This fastback five-door features sporty styling and an upscale, Audi-esque interior. Add in pleasant driving dynamics with reasonable practicality and you have a vehicle that checks all the right boxes for those that appreciate seeing and being seen. A 2.0-liter turbo-four is standard, delivering 255 horsepower, but if you’re really in a hurry, opt for the silky-smooth 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. It’s rated at 365 ponies. An eight-speed automatic is used to great advantage across the board, though all-wheel drive is offered for an additional $2,200. Get Kia Stinger Prices For Crossover-y Families: Subaru Ascent Families that can’t live without a crossover should check out the Subaru Ascent, an excellent all-around choice. With three rows of seats and room for seven or eight passengers, this utility can haul copious quantities of both kiddos and cargo. Naturally, all-wheel drive is standard, as is an invigorating 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Horsepower clocks in at 260, torque 277 pound-feet. Not only is Ascent the largest Subaru ever built, but it’s also one of the best vehicles in its crowded segment. Base price is right around $33,000. SEE ALSO: 2019 Subaru Ascent Review – VIDEO Get Subaru Ascent Prices For Sensible Families: Ford Transit Connect One option that’s sure to appeal to families that don’t care about having the fanciest or most-stylish vehicle, is Ford’s Transit Connect Passenger Wagon, our Wild Card pick. This commercial-van-turned people-hauler features a tall and highly versatile interior with seating for up to seven people. The standard engine is a highly efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering 150 horsepower. It’s matched to a resourceful eight-speed automatic transmission. A 2.5-liter gasser and a one-five turbo-diesel should also be available for extra powertrain choice. Providing added versatility, you can get either a single, top-hinged rear door or barn-style double doors. It’s up to you! Get Ford Transit Prices For Road-Tripping Families: Chrysler Pacifica Rounding things out, our final selection on this top-10 list is the perfect vehicle for road-tripping families, families that love to get out and explore. Hands down, the Chrysler Pacifica one of our favorite minivans. It offers style, a premium interior, plenty of passenger comfort and loads of room for cargo, all in one very versatile package. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that provides 287 horsepower. It’s teamed to a nine-speed automatic transmission. But if maximum efficiency is a top priority, FCA also offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain, one that delivers 32 miles of electric-only range and an efficiency rating of up to 82 MPGe. Comfortable, quiet, smooth and graceful, the Pacifica will happily devour as many interstate miles as you care to feed it. Get Chrysler Pacifica Prices Check out more episodes of The Short List! The post Top 10 Best Family Cars – The Short List appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

We’re looking for Canadian Kia Stinger owners to take part in an exciting new video project. We want to hear from Stinger owners who love their car and are eager to tell the world all about it. If selected, you’ll appear on camera as we profile who you are, as well as what makes you love driving and your Kia Stinger. We also want to hear why you made the unconventional choice to opt for a high-performance Kia. To enter, just send us your contact info and a brief paragraph about why you chose a Stinger. If selected, you will be compensated for your time. Please email us at KiaStingerCasting@gmail.com The post Own a Kia Stinger? Live in Canada? Read this! appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

The Kia Seltos has debuted as a new subcompact crossover to slot underneath the Sportage in the Korean automaker’s lineup. The new Hyundai Kona-sized crossover debuted in India, but will likely arrive in the North American market in the second half of this year. Kia says the attractive and chunky-looking CUV is “one of the most high-tech cars in its class with a range of in-car features.” The Kia Seltos will be available with full exterior LED lighting, an 8-inch head up display, mood lighting that matches the music, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a Bose audio system. There was no information yet on active safety features like automatic emergency braking, but it would make sense for the Seltos to get the full suite of driver assistance features unless Kia is omitting them to keep the pricing low. For our market, two engines will be available: a 2.0L four-cylinder and a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder. In the Kia Soul, the 2.0L outputs 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, while the 1.6T gets 201 hp and 195 lb-ft. Other markets also get a diesel option with a six-speed automatic. Two transmissions will be offered (a seven-speed DCT for the 1.6T or a CVT for the 2.0L engine) and the Seltos will have different driving modes to choose from. ALSO SEE: Where is Kia From and Where are Kias Made? The Kia Seltos will be manufactured in Andhra Pradesh, India, and Gwangju, Korea. Expect a full North American debut with region-specific specs, features, and pricing in the coming months. No photos of the interior were also released, so expect more information when the full debut happens. Discuss this article on our Kia Seltos Forum The post Kia Seltos Debuts Abroad as New Subcompact Crossover appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

When it comes to electric cars (EVs), there’s nothing more important than range. Sure, comfort, performance, and technology are very important to many prospective EV owners, but typically, they want the vehicle to be able to travel a respectable distance on a full battery charge before anything else. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Electric Vehicles – The Short List In this post, we’re going to count down the top 10 EVs with the most range for 2019. Our list includes vehicles that can be purchased new in 2019 only, so electric vehicles or variants that have gone out of production were not eligible. This wasn’t a very hard list to whittle down, to be honest, as there aren’t many EVs for sale today. Hopefully, that will change in coming years, however, as major players like Honda, Volkswagen and Ford look to get in on the EV game. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Hybrids with AWD 10. Audi E-Tron The 2019 Audi E-Tron is 10th on our list, with its 95 kWh lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors providing a maximum estimated driving range of 204 miles. The vehicle returns the equivalent of 74 MPGe, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. ALSO SEE: Best EV Charges for your Home 9. Nissan Leaf Plus Ninth is the 2019 Nissan Leaf Plus. Serving as a long-range version to the standard Leaf, the Leaf Plus has a larger 62 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a slightly more powerful single electric motor. It will get an estimated 226 miles on a charge and is rated at 108 MPGe by the EPA. ALSO SEE: 2019 Nissan Leaf Plus Review 8. Jaguar I-Pace The Jaguar I-Pace crossover (not to be confused with the gasoline Jaguar E-Pace) has a dual motor electric drive system and 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which make for a maximum electric driving range of 234 miles. The EPA rates the vehicle’s efficiency at 76 MPGe. ALSO SEE: 2019 Jaguar I-Pace Review 7. Chevrolet Bolt EV General Motors’ awkwardly shaped EV, the Chevrolet Bolt EV, is very efficient for what it is. It has a single electric motor and 60 kWh battery pack, which provides a pure electric range of 238 miles. The vehicle is rated at 109 MPGe, meaning its battery and electric motor aren’t wasting much energy and do a good job at regenerating energy when the vehicle is coasting and braking. ALSO SEE: 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV Review 6. Kia Niro EV Hyundai and Kia are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the electric vehicle space. The Niro EV is a shining example of the Korean brand’s EV prowess, with its 64 kWh lithium-ion battery and single electric motor good for an impressive driving range of 239 miles. The EPA rates the Niro EV at 112 MPGe – only slightly less efficient than the smartly engineered Bolt EV. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Surprising Cars a Tesla Model 3 Beats in a Drag Race 5. Kia Soul EV The new Kia Soul EV seems like a great offering right off the bat. It has the same 64 kWh lithium-ion battery and single electric motor as the Niro EV, but it is slightly more efficient at 114 MPGe. This enables a slightly further driving range than the Niro EV of 243 miles, although the real-world range of these two would be nearly identical. ALSO SEE: 2020 Kia Soul EV Review 4. Hyundai Kona EV Yet another Hyundai-Kia entry appears on our list in the way of the Hyundai Kona EV. The Kona is one of our favorite crossovers in standard gas-powered form and it only gets better with a torquey electric powertrain. Powering this emissions-free crossover is the same 64 kWh battery and single electric motor found in the Soul EV and Niro EV, but better aerodynamics help the Kona EV eke out an estimated 258 miles of range on a single charge. ALSO SEE: 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Review 3. Tesla Model X Long Range You knew Tesla would occupy the first three spots of this list, right? Kicking things off for the electric car brand is its fancy Model X crossover, which can travel 295 miles on a single charge thanks to its large 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and twin electric motors. The EPA rates its efficiency at a somewhat poor 87 MPGe – the Model X’s potato shape certainly lending itself to this disappointing figure. 2. Tesla Model 3 Long Range The long-range Tesla Model 3 has a 75 kWh lithium-ion battery and either a single or dual electric motors, which provide an estimated driving range of 310 miles. The EPA rates the Model 3’s efficiency at a very impressive 130 MPGe. While it finds itself in second place, the Model 3 has the best efficiency of any EV on this list. ALSO SEE: Tesla Model 3 Review 1. Tesla Model S Long Range All these years later and the Tesla Model S remains the most impressive electric production vehicle, with the long-range version of the sedan able to travel 335 miles estimated on a single charge thanks to its 100 kWh battery and twin electric motors. The EPA rates its efficiency at 102 MPGe. Can anyone dethrone Tesla at this point? From HybridCars.com The post Top 10 Electric Cars with the Longest Range appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Are you a young driver in need of a new car or the parent of one that will be making the monthly payments? If so, you’re probably wondering what are the best new cars for teenage motorists. Well, any recommendations need to be safe, so we picked cars with Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick + ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Affordability is also critical, as is reliability, efficiency, and even coolness. Anything we recommend can’t be a total snooze. Keeping all those important factors in mind, here are our picks for the best cars for teens. Get the Flash Player to see this player. Honda Fit The Honda Fit is a snap to maneuver, exceptionally efficient, and more versatile than some vehicles twice its size, thanks to that hatchback body and second-row Magic Seat. With a base price around $17,000, up to 40 miles per gallon highway, and good crash-test scores across the board from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, this car is a no-brainer. Oh, and for extra fun, they can even be had with a six-speed manual gearbox, which is great because we think it will help curb distracted driving. Get New & Used Honda Fit Prices SEE ALSO: Top 10 Least Reliable Cars Toyota Corolla Hatchback What is it that Toyota does better than practically any other automaker? Oh, that’s right, they make vehicles that last forever. With luck, the new Toyota Corolla Hatchback will provide decades of reliable service with minimal repairs. Versatile, stylish, and economical with a starting price around $20,000, this five-door just about does it all. And with 168 horsepower on tap, its performance isn’t too bad, either. Another bonus? It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Get New & Used Toyota Corolla Prices Nissan Kicks Next up, a crossover, Nissan’s subcompact Kicks. One of this vehicle’s main advantages is its bargain-basement price, starting off around $19,000. But even though it’s exceedingly affordable, nothing about it feels flagrantly chintzy. The interior is reasonably nice, there’s plenty of cargo space and of course, the fuel economy is stellar, topping out at 36 MPG highway. Throw in good crash test scores and just 122 horsepower so no one can go too fast and it’s an ideal choice for teenage drivers. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Cheap AWD Cars and Crossovers Get New & Used Nissan Kicks Prices Hyundai Veloster But if young motorists want something with a little more visual pizzazz than provided by the Kicks, Hyundai’s Veloster delivers. This asymmetrical hatchback looks cool yet is still reasonably practical. Three powertrains are offered, including a base 2.0-liter engine with 147 ponies, though a 1.6L turbo with much more giddy-up is also available, as is a high-performance N model with up to 275 horsepower. We’re going to recommend the base version, which starts at right around $19,500 with a six-speed manual transmission. Yes, an automatic is offered for an extra $1,000. Get New & Used Hyundai Veloster Prices Kia Forte The Kia Forte is another excellent choice for youthful drivers. Not only does this compact sedan look great, but it also comes with an upscale interior and starts at right around $18,000. At that price, you get a standard eight-inch touchscreen, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and much more. The Forte even earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, meaning it should perform well in practically every type of crash. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Most Reliable Cars Get New & Used Kia Forte Prices Mazda CX-3 Our next recommendation is the Mazda CX-3, one of the most stylish and upscale small crossovers available today. Not only does it look and feel far more expensive than anything that starts at less than $22,000 should, but it’s also great to drive and is extremely safe. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides the motivation, delivering 148 horsepower. It’s matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox and standard front-wheel drive. Of course, for extra grip, four-corner traction is also on the menu. ALSO SEE: Top 5 Best AWD Hatchbacks Get New & Used Mazda CX-3 Prices Subaru Impreza The Subaru Impreza’s biggest selling feature is standard all-wheel drive, but that’s not all this small sedan or five-door hatch has going for it. An IIHS Top Safety Pick+ thanks to its superior front-crash prevention technology, excellent headlights, and all-around structural integrity, this Subaru is a jack-of-all-trades. A 2.0-liter boxer-four provides 152 ponies, while an available continuously variable transmission helps deliver up to 38 miles per gallon on the highway. SEE ALSO: Why the Four-Cylinder Hybrid is the Best Powertrain in the Jeep Wrangler Get New & Used Subaru Impreza Prices Kia Soul Another top choice for young drivers is the Kia Soul. A style-focused hatchback-crossover-thing, this segment-blurring icon has been totally redesigned for the 2020 model year. Not only does it look cool, but it’s also versatile, well-built, and offers loads of technology, like standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Most models of the Soul feature a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, but you can also get a 1.6-liter turbo with 201 ponies. No matter what’s under the hood, this Kia is an excellent choice for teens. Get New & Used Kia Soul Prices Volkswagen Golf The Volkswagen Golf has always been popular with young motorists, likely because it has cachet thanks to its buttoned-down looks and no-nonsense interior. Starting at around $22,000, this versatile VW gives you a lot for your money, like a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with 147 horsepower. There’s also standard blind-spot monitoring and even forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. But perhaps best of all, the Golf comes with a standard six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. It may not be as reliable as a Toyota, but that guarantee is tough to top. SEE ALSO: 5 Fun, Low-Horsepower Cars Get New & Used VW Golf Prices Honda Civic But perhaps the best new car for young drivers is the Honda Civic. This nameplate has a long track record of dependable and economical service, providing transportation to millions of people around the world. It’s super safe, starts at about $20,000, sips fuel, drives well, offers lots of tech, and is even available in a wide range of flavors. You can get sedan, coupe, hatchback, sporty Si and ultra-high-performance Type R versions of the Civic, meaning there’s something there for practically everyone, even teens. Get New & Used Honda Civic Prices Check out more episodes of The Short List The post Top 10 Best Cars for Teens – The Short List appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

It’s no secret that the pickup truck market is a cash cow for many automakers, and with small pickups gaining popularity again, should a Kia Telluride pickup truck be considered? Kia Telluride Forums recently released a rendering of what they think a truck based on the new Telluride three-row SUV could look like. With Kia’s sister brand Hyundai also considering entering the compact pickup market with the Santa Cruz, it wouldn’t be crazy for a larger mid-size truck from Kia. Although it would have unibody construction, the renders picture the Telluride pickup as off-road focused. Although the Telluride’s AWD system sends power to the front axle by default, the system can also be locked for even distribution. The truck will be powered by the same 3.8-liter V6 that outputs 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Although pickup trucks from Asian automakers (with the exception of Toyota), don’t perform that well in terms of sales, this Telluride truck actually looks pretty good. It certainly looks better than the Honda Ridgeline, Ford Ranger, and aging Nissan Frontier, but perhaps isn’t as solid as the Tacoma. Do you think it could be a success? Let us know in the comments. Discuss this article on our Kia Telluride Forum The post Should a Kia Telluride Pickup Truck be Considered? appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

The Kia HabaNiro is a peppery concept car that was just revealed at the New York International Auto Show. This design study is fully electric, offering an advertised range of 300 miles (483 km). The battery technology delivering this figure is not mentioned, though it is described as being “advanced” and “state of the art.” Additionally, this Kia seats four people, sports all-wheel and even offers cutting-edge level-five autonomous driving capability. SEE ALSO: Kia Stinger Review HabaNiro also rolls on 20-inch wheels and features short overhangs both front and rear. Further dressing things up are satin aluminum skid plates, billet tow hooks and bright-red-anodized accent pieces. Additionally, the daytime-running lights pulse like a heartbeat, suggesting the vehicle is alive. Despite its high-style design, complete with butterfly-wing doors, this vehicle is not meant to be some pie-in-the-sky concept, rather “a prescient look into the future of mobility,” at least according to the press release sent out by the South Korean automaker. SEE ALSO: 2019 New York Auto Show Coverage Inside, there’s just as much cutting-edge technology as on the outside. The cabin is finished in a searing lava red color, while the entire windshield is transformed into a head-up display. This is controlled by a touchpad mounted on the vehicle’s concave instrument panel. The Technical Option Sharing System, TOSS for short, lets users easily rearrange things on that gigantic display. Passenger comfort is handled by the HabaNiro’s Perimeter Ventilation System. It evenly distributes air throughout the cabin. The geometrically patterned floor glows with soft ambient lighting. As for self-driving functionality, this concept’s steering wheel and instrument panel retract when it’s operating autonomously. This provides greater space for passengers and more comfort. ALSO SEE: Top 5 Best AWD Hatchbacks: 2019 Kia is coy about whether the HabaNiro will ever be built. Certainly, some of the technologies this design study features are a bit too out there, but other underlying features, like the electric drivetrain, are more likely than not close to production-ready. Discuss this story on our Kia Forum The post Kia Unveils All-Electric, Self-Driving Concept Car With Punny Name appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Kia’s sexy Stinger blurs the lines between sedan and station wagon, brandishing athletic design, riotous dynamics and an upscale interior. Giving enthusiasts even more of what they love, the automaker will offer an enhanced model starting this spring. Featuring real carbon fiber trim on the grille, mirror housings and side vents, the Stinger GTS is a special-edition vehicle, with production capped at just 800 units. These cars will also be offered in a retina-searing bright-orange paint job and come dressed up with special badges. Motivating this liftback is a standard 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Rated at 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, it’s paired to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, a combo that provides scorching acceleration. SEE ALSO: Kia Stinger Wins AutoGuide.com’s 2018 Car of the Year Award Offering drivers choice, the Stinger GTS will be available in rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Cars equipped with the traction-enhancing system gain a few additional benefits. Kia calls this system D-AWD and it’s designed to make the vehicle behave more like a pure rear-driven car. It features a mechanical limited-slip differential for enhanced control in dicey conditions, plus it offers a drift mode, where 100 percent of available torque gets routed to the rear for smoky burnouts, power slides and other irresponsible-but-oh-so-fun hoonage. The transmission will also hold gears so you can keep those tires roasting if obliterating pricey rubber is your hobby. The drive-mode selector also features other settings including Comfort, with sends up to 60 percent of torque to the rear wheels for stable performance. Sport mode routes 80 percent of available twist to the back for even an even more engaging drive. SEE ALSO: 2019 New York Auto Show Coverage The Stinger’s already upscale interior is further enhanced by the addition of Alcantara trim on the steering wheel and center console. Looking skyward, the headliner is trimmed in something called Chamude, a suede-like material. A sunroof is also standard, ditto for a 720-watt Harmon/Kardon sound system and wireless charging for supported mobile devices. Production of the Kia Stinger GTS is slated to commence this spring. Base price for a rear-wheel-drive example is projected to be $44,995 including an estimated $995 in delivery fees. If you’d prefer an example with four driven wheels, plan on spending an additional $2,500. Discuss this story on our Kia Forum The post Kia Building Special-Edition Stinger GTS appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] Kia has used the 2019 Seoul Motor Show to give us a glimpse into the future of its crossover portfolio. The Korean automaker debuted two new concepts at its home auto show this week: the rugged Kia Masterpiece and youthful Kia Signature, which “both provide an insight into how Kia could develop its model line-up in future, in terms of design, layout and use of technology,” the company says. First up is the Masterpiece. Described as rugged and robust, the Masterpiece appears more tough and boxy than many of Kia’s current crossovers. It has a “purposeful SUV stance and raised body, and a powerful all-wheel-drive system,” that gives it “go-anywhere capability,” Kia says. To our eye, it looks like a Telluride with a higher ride height and more dramatic front and rear lighting elements. SEE ALSO: Hyundai Tucson vs Kia Sportage: How Are the Crossovers Different? Which One is Right for You? The Signature is more typical for Kia. This is actually an evolution of the Kia SP Concept showed at last year’s Delhi Auto Show in India and “hints at the company’s plans to introduce a new small SUV for its global markets.” It features an evolved version of Kia’s tiger nose grille and youthful design elements that are intended to attract “young trendsetters.” Kia says the Signature’s design will also influence other “future models destined for Kia’s global markets.” Both the Kia Masterpiece and the Kia Signature concepts will be on display for the duration of the 2019 Seoul Motor Show in South Korea. ALSO SEE: Where is Kia From and Where are Kias Made? Discuss this story on our Kia Forum The post Kia Masterpiece and Signature SUV Concepts Hint at Future Designs appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Get the Flash Player to see this player. If vehicle dependability matters, you should probably avoid the following 10 models. Recently, Consumer Reports published the results of its 2018 Annual Auto Reliability Survey. Far and away dependability is the No. 1 purchase consideration of new-vehicle shoppers. That’s at least according to the influential watchdog organization. In fact, it beats out performance, price and even fuel economy. Moving on, here are some of the most problem-prone vehicles you can buy right now. 10. Honda Odyssey Landing in 10th place is the Honda Odyssey. Wait, WHAT? A Honda on a list of MOST UNRELIABLE VEHICLES? That’s just hard to believe. But according to Consumer Reports, body hardware and interior electronics proved to be major trouble spots. Somewhat offsetting these deficits, this minivan is comfortable, refined and economical. ALSO SEE: Top 10 Most Reliable Cars 9. Volkswagen Atlas Next on this list of underachieving autos is the Volkswagen Atlas. Despite offering respectable driving dynamics, a hushed cabin and even a third-row seat that adults can actually fit in, this three-row utility vehicle was savaged for its cantankerous climate-control system and troublesome transmission, among other minor issues. ALSO SEE: Volkswagen Atlas V6 Review 8. Buick Enclave Edging out the Atlas in projected unreliability is the Buick Enclave. Also a three-row crossover, Consumer Reports liked its quiet and spacious interior, easy-to-use infotainment system and comfortable ride. But minor transmission issues, as well as problematic climate-control and emissions systems, really hurt it. SEE ALSO: Is Tesla’s Elon Musk Crazy or a Genius? – The Short List 7. Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty Falling below these also-rans is the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD. It’s kind of weird seeing a big, tough truck on this list, but apparently, Consumer Reports subscribers said they’ve had major engine issues with these pickups as well as noises and leaks, plus troublesome in-vehicle electronics, a recurring theme on this list. 6. Kia Cadenza In the No. 6 position on this Bottom-10 List is the Kia Cadenza sedan. It competes with larger four-doors like the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon. The Cadenza is roomy and quiet, with easy-to-use technology, though problematic climate control, fuel and emissions systems were its undoing. 5. Chevrolet Traverse Moving along, the Chevrolet Traverse is also one of the most unreliable vehicles available today. Much like its sibling the Buick Enclave, minor transmission issues and problematic electronics landed it in the middle of this list, a pity, really, because it’s an attractive and highly functional vehicle. 4. Honda Clarity Surprisingly, the No. 4 finisher here is another Honda, specifically the Japanese automaker’s cutting-edge Clarity sedan. This futuristic vehicle is offered as an electric, a plug-in hybrid and even with a hydrogen fuel-cell drivetrain. Can you say complexity? Issues that dragged it down in reliability rankings include weaknesses in the climate control, fuel and emissions systems as well as problems with body hardware. SEE ALSO: 12 Facts About Alfa Romeo You Should Know – The Short List 3. Cadillac ATS Nimble and sharp, the Cadillac ATS is an absolute driver’s car, with a buttoned-down ride and peppy turbocharged four-cylinder engine or smooth-running V6. A convoluted infotainment system and cramped interior detract from the overall experience, as do glitches with its climate controls, in-car electronics and driveline. Perhaps this is why Cadillac is killing off the ATS. 2. Tesla Model X Tesla’s Model X is the second-least reliable vehicle according to Consumer Reports. Despite its driving finesse, futuristic interior and respectable all-electric range, it was failed by issues with body hardware, noises and leaks as well as cantankerous interior electronics. 1. Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Finally, we come to the most unreliable vehicle. Surprisingly, it’s another heavy-duty pickup, the Ram 3500 HD. Able to tow massive trailers and haul heaping loads without breaking a sweat, this tough truck is nonetheless undermined by issues with its steering, suspension, fuel, emissions and engine-cooling systems. It’s even dogged by various noises and leaks, again, at least according to Consumer Reports. Check out more episodes of The Short List The post Top 10 Most Unreliable Cars – The Short List appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Get the Flash Player to see this player. Another Geneva Motor Show is in the rear-view mirror, which means it’s time for us to start making fun of all the stuff we didn’t like. Accordingly, here’s our obligatory list of winners and losers, a specially curated selection of vehicles hand picked by the AutoGuide.com staff. For a little extra balance, we’ve also included a few undecided options. SEE ALSO: 2019 Geneva Motor Coverage WINNER: Vanquish Vision Concept Aston Martin is firing on all cylinders, debuting a trio of design studies in Switzerland. Arguably the coolest of the bunch is this, the Vanquish Vision Concept. Despite the McLaren-esque proportions, it previews the British Brand’s first mid-engine production model. In typical fashion, it features an aluminum structure, but what’s not expected for Aston Martin is the power source, a turbocharged and hybridized V6. ALSO SEE: Aston Martin Unveils Three Stunning New Concept Cars WINNER: Honda e Prototype Next up, something at the opposite end of the spectrum. Honda’s e Prototype hints at the Japanese brand’s first battery-electric production vehicle. An urban runabout, it offers a driving range of 200-kilometers – about 125 miles – and can be charged to 80 percent capacity in as little as 30 minutes. Unusual for a Honda, this car is rear-wheel drive. The production model is slated to debut later this year as a 2020 model, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show. WINNER: Alfa Romeo Tonale crossovers, Crossovers, CROSSOVERS! The world just can’t get enough of these things. Helping satiate demand, Alfa Romeo unveiled a new premium compact SUV in Geneva. Smaller than their acclaimed Stelvio, Tonale is the Italian brand’s first plug-in hybrid. Basically, zero details about its drivetrain have been shared at this time, but it promises best-in-segment dynamics, which we’d expect it to deliver. With classic styling and a sweeping interior, it at least looks like a winner. WINNER: Bugatti La Voiture Noire Now for what was perhaps the star of this year’s Geneva show, a mega-pricey, one-off creation from Bugatti. Called La Voiture Noire, which translates rather fittingly to “the black car,” this creation was clearly inspired by Darth Vader, or the legendary Type 57 SC Atlantic. Your pick… Power is provided by a 16-cylinder engine that delivers about 1,500 horses. This one-of-one grand-tourer sold for nearly $13 million. Whoever bought it can sleep soundly at night knowing that nobody else is going to roll in in a La Voiture Noire at their local cars and coffee. UNDECIDED: Mazda CX-30 Shifting gears, let’s focus on a few of Geneva’s UNDECIDED reveals. And the new Mazda CX-30 crossover is a bit of a head-scratcher. Size-wise, it’s intended to slot between the CX-3 and CX-5 models. But this raises a couple questions: One, why do they need a vehicle sandwiched in the middle of these two offerings? And two, shouldn’t it just be called CX-4? On the plus side, this thing is beautifully styled and will likely be brilliant to drive. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Engines of 2019 UNDECIDED: Subaru Viziv Concept The Subaru Viziv Adrenaline Concept is yet another installment of the automaker’s Viziv range of design studies. It showcases the bolder, more exciting direction Subaru styling is supposedly heading. While we certainly wouldn’t call it ugly, neither is it breathtaking. Of course, since this is a concept, powertrain, pricing and other details are unknown, but we’d still bet this is an early look at the next-generation Crosstrek. Your thoughts? UNDECIDED: Volkswagen ID BUGGY The last UNDECIDED vehicle on this list is the Volkswagen ID BUGGY concept. A battery-powered dune-hopper, it demonstrates what the company can do with its advanced MEB electric-vehicle architecture. This thing’s got a 62 kWh battery and a 201-horsepower motor, both of which can deliver 62 miles an hour in as little as 7.2 seconds. The ID BUGGY is kind of cool, and there are rumblings they’ll actually build it, but we shall see if it makes it to production without being completely watered down. LOSER: Imagine by Kia Moving on to the LOSERS, we start with the Imagine by Kia concept, which may have the worst name of the entire Geneva show. Predictably, it’s an all-electric design study that vaguely resembles a crossover. It’s got a six-layer paint job, 22-inch wheels and even a continuous piece of glass that forms both the windshield and roof. Upping the ridiculousness, it’s gussied up with 21 individual screens inside, like someone shuffled a stack of smartphones. According to the press release it’s “designed to get your pulse racing.” Yeah, OK. SEE ALSO: 2019 Detroit Auto Show Winners and Losers — The Short List LOSER: Ginetta Akula With supercars, you expect certain design flair, but the Ginetta Akula is just too friggin’ weird. This thing’s got more gills than a school of sardines! Unsurprisingly for an exotic, it’s made of carbon fiber and features a mid-mounted engine. It also brandishes 600 horsepower and can hit 200 miles an hour. Aside from the design, there’s another BIG downside. It costs more than half-a-million dollars. LOSER: Smart Forease+ And the last LOSER we’ve got here is the Smart Forease+, which made its official debut in Geneva. If you remember back to the Paris show last fall, the automaker revealed a concept called the Forease. Well, this is essentially the same thing but with a removable roof. It’s kind of like microwaving leftovers, right? Check out more episodes of The Short List The post Winners and Losers from the 2019 Geneva Motor Show – The Short List appeared first on AutoGuide.com. 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Updated March 2019 This winter just doesn’t seem to want to go away. During these soul-crushingly low temperatures, we’ve become quite fond of cars that are equipped with heated steering wheels, a premium feature that doesn’t need to be reserved for expensive luxury vehicles. Folks in southern states might not get the appeal, but for drivers who live in colder climates, a heated tiller is like a warm hug for your hands. Why not wear gloves you may ask? Well, so many cars have touch-screen infotainment systems or small buttons that make using gloves in a car cumbersome. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Most Dependable Automakers of 2019: J.D. Power After spending some time configuring hundreds of them, we came up with this list of affordable nameplates that are equipped with a heated steering wheel. Would you be surprised to know that you can get a car with such features for under $30,000? The price tag on most affordable model may surprise you too. All prices include destination and packaging information. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Used Car Bargains: 2019 This list is in no particular order – all vehicles on this list are priced between $20,000 to $30,000 and have a heated steering wheel. Kia Optima EX (W/ Premium Package) The first car on this list is the 2019 Kia Optima EX. Equipped with the premium package, the Optima EX becomes a cold-weather warrior, featuring not just a heated steering wheel but heated front and rear seats too. The EX model with the premium package is also well equipped for when the sun comes out, as it sports a nice panoramic sunroof and ventilated driver’s seat. All those features for just $30,915 before destination and tax mean this a pretty solid value in the segment. 2019 Dodge Journey GT Don’t stop believing in the features found in the family-friendly Dodge Journey. Dodge Journey GT models come standard with heated seats and a heated steering wheel and start at $26,740 before destination and tax. This trim also gets you the V6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and comes with a remote starter, perforated leather seating and 19-inch wheels. See Also: The Weirdest Car Accessories Dodge Challenge SXT Another Dodge makes our list, but it certainly isn’t the last car from the Fiat-Chrysler Alliance. We found that you can equip a $26,590 Dodge Challenger SXT with a $495 cold weather group package, which adds heated front seats and a heated front steering wheel, turning this rear-wheel drive muscle car into a cozy place when the temperature drops. Of course, the Challenger is saddled with a V6 at that price. If you want more power, you can always spring the extra cash for the R/T model, which hosts a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 under its hood. There’s also the Scat Pack or SRT models which use 6.4-liter V8s. Of course, if horsepower is what you’re after, maybe you can skip all the pleasantries and go straight for the Challenger Hellcat, which makes 707 HP. SEE ALSO: 2019 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Review Buick Regal Sportback You haven’t forgotten about Buick, have you? Well GM’s premium brand can always deliver on the promise of value when you get the Buick Regal Preferred II trim, which comes with a heated multifunction steering wheel as standard. It also gets a push-button start, dual zone automatic climate control, a blind spot monitoring system and an 8-inch infotainment display. Don’t forget the standard 4G LTE in-car wifi that comes with the 2019 Buick Regal. All that for just $30,695? Sounds like a pretty good deal. Jeep Cherokee Although there may be some people who wouldn’t dare buy a front-wheel drive Jeep, the new Jeep Cherokee may change their mind. The sport model, can come well equipped for just under $25,000, especially when you tack on the $895 Cold Weather Group which adds heated seats, a heated steering wheel, an engine block heater, a remote start system, a windshield wiper de-icer and heated mirrors. All of those are essential for those living in really cold regions. See Also: Do you Even Lift? How Jack It is More than an Online Suspension Parts Store Kia Soul Another entry on our list comes in the way of the quirky, $21,485 Kia Soul. Under the hood is a a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 164 hp and earns 31 MPG on the highway, but once you add the $4,500 Primo Package, the Soul’s features are hard to beat. The package comes with a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear seats and the ever important heated steering wheel. It all makes you wonder if there was there a fire sale on features at Kia HQ. Nissan Altima The 2019 Nissan Altima in SV trim, which starts at $28,080, features a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel as standard. That trim level also comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, Nissan’s ProPilot Assist suite of semi-autonomous driving functions, 17-inch alloy wheels and more. It’s a decent deal for a fairly well equipped four-door. Nissan Rogue Sport The Nissan Rogue Sport has a heated steering wheel as standard in SL trim, which starts at $27,960. That’s a decent deal for a crossover of this size and you also get leather-trimmed seats, Nissan’s ProPilot Assist suite of semi-autonomous driving functions, 19-inch alloy wheels, navigation and other useful features. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Least Dependable Automakers 2019: J.D. Power The post Cheapest Cars With a Heated Steering Wheel appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Kia is a popular brand in North America, but many Canadians and Americans may not know the origins of the brand, why it has a close relationship with Hyundai, or where the company makes its vehicles. SEE ALSO: 2019 Kia Forte Review In this post, we’ll explain Kia’s origins and also list every plant the company operates that serves the North American market. Just like its sister brand Hyundai, Kia is an international company, so it builds cars in many different places for many different markets, but this post will only focus on its North American-serving plants. Where is Kia From? Kia was founded in Seoul, South Korea, in 1944 and was originally called Kyungsung Precision Industry before changing its name to Kia Industries in 1956. Kia’s global headquarters are still located in Seoul today. It solely produced vehicles under license from other automakers such as Ford, Mazda, Fiat, and Peugeot and enjoyed a good degree of success both domestically in Korea and abroad, but went bankrupt amidst the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s. SEE ALSO: Kia Stinger Review Rival South Korean automaker Hyundai purchased a 51% stake in Kia in 1998, outbidding Ford in the process, and remains Kia’s largest single stakeholder today. While Hyundai now owns only one-third of Kia, the companies have a strange ownership structure in which Kia also owns small stakes in several Hyundai companies, closely intertwining the companies. The companies share many platforms and engines for their vehicles. Where Are Kias Made? Sohari Plant – Gwangmyeong, South Korea Kia K900 Kia Stinger Kia Sedona Hwaseong Plant – Woojeong-myeon, South Korea Kia Cadenza Kia Niro Gwanju Plant – Gwanju, South Korea Kia Soul Kia Sportage Monterrey Plant – Monterrey, Mexico Kia Forte Kia Rio Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – West Point, Georgia Kia Sorrento Kia Optima Ulsan Plant (Hyundai) – Ulsan, South Korea Kia Telluride SEE ALSO: Where is Hyundai From and Where are Hyundais Made? OR Where Is Toyota From and Where Are Toyotas Made? The post Where is Kia From and Where are Kias Made? appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Kia has updated its popular Sportage utility vehicle for the 2020 model year, unveiling it at the Chicago Auto Show. This crossover gains a variety of new features and a fresh look. Outside, the front bumper has been reworked plus there’s a new grille, bumper, air intake, and skid plate. The headlamps have been overhauled, as have its standard projector-beam fog lights. For drivers that want more, both are available in LED form for extra output with reduced current draw. At the 2020 Kia Sportage’s rear, you’ll find a similarly redesigned bumper and skid plate. The exhaust tips have been tweaked as well. For added visual pizzazz, a new crop of wheels is on the menu. They span between 17 and 19 inches. Of course, all-wheel drive is also offered. SEE ALSO: Complete 2019 Chicago Auto Show Coverage Inside, this Kia’s cabin has been lightly enhanced. There’s newly available leatherette seating surfaces and a standard eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto baked right in. The steering wheel and vent bezels have been changed and wireless charging is available. Two engines are offered including a base 2.4-liter unit that’s good for 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. For drivers that want more of each, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is also on the menu. It’s good for 240 ponies and 260 units of twist. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox offered. Keeping up with rival automakers, the new Sportage can be equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance technology. Lane keeping assist, smart cruise control with stop and start and automatic high beams are a few of its fancy new amenities. For 2020 this crossover will be offered in four trim levels: S, the newest addition, LX, EX and SX. The latest-generation Sportage is slated to go on sale in the second half of 2019. No pricing information is available yet. Discuss this story on our Kia Forum The post Kia Sportage Mildly Spruced Up for 2020 appeared first on AutoGuide.com. Lees volledige artikel

Latest version of the Kia Soul lighting speakers is more advanced & looks better than ever! The post Mood Lighting System In Kia Soul Has 11 Colors appeared first on theKEEA. Lees volledige artikel