2016 Kia Optima Hybrid EX

Kia's stylish and value-packed Optima has been a popular midsize sedan for several years now, and the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid offers the same strengths with an emphasis on fuel efficiency. It's important to note, though, that while the rest of the 2016 Optima lineup has moved on with a full redesign, the hybrid is still based on the previous-generation car. On the bright side, the Optima Hybrid easily wins the fuel economy contest in this family, even with its older roots. That's not enough to earn the car our unequivocal recommendation, but we still think it's a nice all-around sedan that could be tempting at the right price.

The 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid may not be the newest entrant in this segment, but its styling is plenty fresh.

With an EPA combined estimate of 37 or 38 mpg depending on trim level, this Kia looks great until you compare it to its main rivals, which are significantly more fuel-efficient. The Optima also lags a little in terms of refinement, as its regenerative braking system doesn't feel as natural or progressive as some others. Furthermore, taller passengers may find rear-seat headroom a bit tight. The Optima Hybrid compensates, though, with an upscale cabin, excellent crash-test scores and Kia's usual focus on value for the dollar.
If you're shopping for a midsize hybrid sedan, know that the Toyota Camry Hybrid achieves 40-41 mpg and offers overhauled styling inside and out along with improved handling. The similarly efficient Ford Fusion Hybrid has style on its side, although like the Kia, it hasn't been updated in several years. The 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delivers 42 mpg (matching the Ford) and, as a close cousin, also provides a good look at what the next-generation Optima Hybrid will offer. But don't write off the Summary Body Styles

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The 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid is a midsize hybrid sedan that comes in two trim levels: base and EX.
The base Optima Hybrid comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, automatic dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated glovebox, a height-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB port.
The optional Hybrid Convenience package adds LED running lights, a laminated windshield and front windows (for a quieter cabin), an eight-way power driver seat, a rearview camera and Kia's Uvo voice command telematics system.
With the EX, all the above comes standard, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, LED foglights, power-folding exterior mirrors, an electronic parking brake, an 8-inch touchscreen display, a navigation system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a four-way power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, driver memory settings and an eight-speaker Infinity sound system.

The 2016 Optima Hybrid's control layout is distinctly driver-oriented, with a cockpit-like look and feel.

Optional on the EX is the Technology package, which adds a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Also available on the EX is the White Interior package (not available with some exterior colors), which requires the Technology package and adds white leather upholstery with contrasting piping and gloss black cabin accents.

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Body Styles Powertrains and Performance Safety

Powering the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined power output is 199 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque.EPA fuel economy estimates differ slightly between the two trim levels, with the base earning a combined estimate of 38 mpg (36 city/40 highway) and the EX rating 37 mpg combined (35/39). Although those numbers are generally impressive, the Optima Hybrid's rivals are even more frugal.
In Edmunds performance testing, a Kia Optima Hybrid went from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, which is a bit below average for the segment.

Body Styles Safety

Performance Safety Special Features

Standard safety features on the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid include four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, side airbags and side curtain airbags. A rearview camera is available, as are rear parking sensors and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The available Uvo telematics system includes roadside assistance and automatic collision notification.
In Edmunds brake testing, an Optima Hybrid EX came to a stop from 60 mph in 129 feet, a few feet longer than average but still acceptable for this class.
In government crash tests, the 2016 Optima Hybrid earned a top five-star rating for overall crash protection, with five stars awarded for both total frontal-impact safety and total side-impact safety.

Performance Special Features

Safety Interior Design and Special Features Driving Impressions

First impressions of the 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid's interior are usually favorable. Although some might find it visually busy, there's a modern look to the design, and the sense of quality is boosted by an abundance of soft-touch materials. The EX trim level pours on the charm with its additional equipment and leather upholstery. If you're looking for a touch of luxury in your hybrid sedan, the Optima Hybrid is a good choice.
Kia's Uvo (pronounced "yoo-voh") electronics interface system is similar to Ford's Sync system (both are powered by Microsoft). Uvo provides voice controls for connected phones and other devices, as well as services such as points of interest and turn-by-turn navigation. In our testing of Uvo, we've found that it works quite well. The touchscreen interface in navigation-equipped Optima Hybrids features high-resolution graphics that are among the segment's best, and it's easy to use, too. The screen also displays hybrid-specific information such as power flow diagrams and driving efficiency levels.
The 2016 Optima Hybrid has a fairly spacious cabin, with comfortable seats and adequate legroom front and rear. However, headroom in back is a bit tight due to the car's rakish, coupelike roof line. Opting for the panoramic sunroof further decreases headroom. The Optima Hybrid's trunk offers 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space, considerably less than the non-hybrid Optima due to intrusion from the hybrid battery pack, and 1-2 cubes less than the competition.

Safety Driving Impressions

Special Features Driving Impressions

The 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid rides smoothly on a variety of surfaces, and its cabin remains admirably hushed at highway speeds. The car's steering is less praiseworthy, though, thanks to a numb feel and artificially high effort. Nonetheless, the driving experience is pleasant overall, with a good balance between handling agility and ride comfort.
Most drivers will likely be satisfied with the Optima Hybrid's performance. You'll scarcely notice the transitions between gas and electric propulsion in traffic, and there's more power for passing maneuvers than the mediocre 0-60-mph sprint suggests. The only real issue on the road is the odd braking response, which stems from the car's hybrid regenerative braking system. There's a tiny but noticeable delay between pressing the brake pedal and actually getting the desired braking force. Make no mistake, the 2016 Optima Hybrid provides sufficient braking power when you need it, but its pedal feel is a peculiarity that may require acclimation.

2016 Kia Soul Base

The meteoric rise of the subcompact and compact crossover has sounded the death knell for tall, boxy wagons. The 2016 Kia Soul is now the sole carrier of the squared torch passed on by the departed Scion xB and Nissan Cube. It's a funky car that is hard to categorize, possessing qualities of a tall hatchback and compact crossover, but it has styling and a personality that few cars in those segments can match.
As befitting a car of its dimensions, the 2016 Kia Soul is immensely practical. The interior is spacious, with plenty of headroom for front row occupants, and even rear seat passengers will find ample legroom. The cargo area is rather modest in size, but folding the rear seats reveals the true benefit of the boxy shape by tripling the amount of carrying capacity. Also generous is the sheer volume of options available on the Soul. The Soul can get pricey as features such as premium leather and ventilated front seats are added, but these aren't even available on most cars in this class.

The boxy design of the 2016 Kia Soul affords more usable cargo space than some hatchbacks and small crossovers.

The Soul does have some downsides, though. While undeniably practical, the Soul's boxy shape creates invasive wind noise at speed that's hard to ignore. There's also the possibility of a rather harsh ride in Souls equipped with the 18-inch wheels that come bundled with some of the more desirable option packages. Fuel economy is unexceptional, coming in somewhere between subcompact and compact crossovers. Small hatchbacks are typically even more fuel efficient.
Some of those hatchbacks are also more fun to drive, such as the 2016 Ford Focus and 2016 Mazda 3. And it's probably worth your time to check out a few of the latest subcompact crossovers, particularly if you want all-wheel drive; the 2016 Honda HR-V and 2016 Jeep Renegade are desirable picks. For those considering the Soul in its more expensive forms, the 2016 Volkswagen SportWagen offers a higher-quality interior and more cargo room. But overall we're still glad to see the Soul carrying the fun-and-funky wagon torch. It's a solid choice for a budget-friendly runabout that does most things well.

Summary Body Styles

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The 2016 Kia Soul is a five passenger wagon available in three trim levels: base, + and ! (the latter two trims are also known as Plus and Exclaim).
The base model's standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, full power accessories, driver-selectable steering settings, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, cloth upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB port. A Convenience package is available for models equipped with the automatic transmission, and it includes automatic headlights, a rearview camera and a 4.3-inch touchscreen. Cruise control and keyless entry are optional.
The Soul+ adds a more powerful engine, 17-inch wheels, foglights, a gloss black grille, keyless entry, cruise control, a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area, a cargo cover, upgraded cloth upholstery, a fold-down rear-seat armrest, a front seat center armrest with storage, and all the features from the Convenience package.
Upgrading to the Soul+ opens the door to several options packages. The Audio package adds automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, simulated leather cabin trim, upgraded interior accents, an 8-inch touchscreen display, a navigation system, HD radio and a premium eight-speaker Infinity audio system. Kia's Uvo eServices infotainment service is also included.
Two packages independent of each other build upon the Audio package. The Signature 2.0 Special Edition includes 18-inch wheels, two-tone exterior paint, LED daytime running lights and taillights, xenon headlights and leather upholstery. The Primo package adds a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar support), heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, LED interior lighting and a heated steering wheel.
Two more packages are available but cannot be ordered with any other options. The new Designer Collection package adds unique 18-inch wheels, two-tone exterior paint and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The Eco package adds fuel-saving features like an automatic stop-start system and low-rolling-resistance 16-inch tires.

The 2016 Kia Soul's 8-inch touchscreen is available on the + and ! trim levels.

The range-topping Soul! adds body-colored fascia accents and bumpers, power-folding side mirrors with integrated LED turn signal indicators, an eight-way power driver seat with two-way power lumbar support, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery and chrome interior accents.
The Soul!'s optional Premium package includes xenon headlights, LED taillights, a lane-departure warning system, forward collision warning and the features from the Soul+'s Audio and Primo packages. The Umber package adds special leather upholstery.

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Body Styles Powertrains and Performance Safety

The front-wheel-drive 2016 Kia Soul is offered with two different engines. The base Soul gets a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard (including a hill-start assist function) and a six-speed automatic is optional. The EPA's estimated fuel economy for the base Soul comes in at 26 mpg combined (24 city/30 highway) with either transmission.
Soul+ and ! models have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 164 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission. Fuel economy with the 2.0-liter engine is an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined (24/31). On our Edmunds driving evaluation route, a Soul! returned 27.9 mpg, which is much lower than other compact cars we've tested and actually on par with compact SUVs.
In Edmunds performance testing, a Soul! went from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, which is average for a small wagon or hatchback with an upgraded engine.

Body Styles Safety

Performance Safety Special Features

Standard safety equipment for all 2016 Kia Soul models includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, hill-start assist, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is standard on the Soul+ and ! and included on the base trim with the optional Convenience package. For the Soul!, lane departure warning and forward collision warning are optional. The available Uvo service provides emergency and roadside assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, geo-fencing and speed tracking (allowing parents to set limits for teen drivers) and other smartphone-enabled features accessible via the Uvo app.
In Edmunds brake testing, the Soul came to a stop from 60 mph in 110 feet. While this is a very short distance for the segment, it's noteworthy that our Soul! test car had large, 18-inch tires. Kia Souls with smaller tires may not perform the same.
In government crash tests, the Soul received a top five-star rating overall, with five stars for total frontal impact safety and total side-impact crash safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has also awarded the Soul top marks, giving it a "Good" score in the moderate-overlap and small-overlap frontal-offset impact tests as well as a "Good" score for the side-impact, roof-strength and seat/head restraint (whiplash protection) tests.

Performance Special Features

Safety Interior Design and Special Features Driving Impressions

With its modern look and expressive styling details, the 2016 Kia Soul's cabin offers a nice balance between form and function. Interior materials are of a higher quality than you might expect from a car in this price range.
Gauges and controls are logically located and intuitive to use, and using the Uvo interface to control your smartphone is a snap. In addition to upgrading the sound quality, the optional Infinity audio system includes illuminated trim rings for the speakers that flash to the beat of your music. It's a little gimmicky, but we have a feeling some Soul buyers will find it kind of fun.
One of the benefits of the Soul's boxy design is an abundance of head- and legroom, even in the backseat. Behind the rear seatbacks you'll find 19 cubic feet of cargo room, which grows to 61 cubic feet with both sections of the 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded down. This is greater than compact hatchbacks and on par with some SUVs.

Safety Driving Impressions

Special Features Driving Impressions

With respectable power on tap from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2016 Kia Soul is enjoyable around town and feels satisfyingly quick when merging onto a highway. The engine gets a bit raspy-sounding during hard acceleration, but the automatic transmission shifts smartly and does a good job of holding gears on uphill grades to help the car maintain a consistent speed. We've yet to drive the 1.6-liter base Soul, but we think most buyers will be happier with the gutsier 2.0-liter, especially since it's slightly more fuel-efficient.

The 2016 Kia Soul is a fun car to drive but suffers from an overly firm ride quality.

Although the Soul doesn't feel especially sporty, it handles better than you might expect. The steering has a reassuring weightiness to its effort level at highway speeds, and it feels precise when you're driving around turns. Unfortunately, the Soul! model loses some of its appeal on long highway trips. Particularly with the available 18-inch wheels, the ride quality can be rough, even on relatively smooth pavement. In addition, the Soul's boxy shape results in excessive wind noise at highway speeds.

2017 Kia Sportage

Van Griffith Kia Proudly presents the all new 2017 Kia Sportage. The fourth-generation Kia Sportage has an all-new look wrapping a stronger chassis filled with more connectivity than the previous models. Kia hopes these changes will make the Sportage nameplate stick out in a field of compact crossover utility vehicles that are outselling it by almost seven to one. Consider that the biggest seller in the class is the Honda CR-V, of which Honda moved 345,647 units out the doors of its dealerships in 2015. In the same time frame, Toyota sold 315,412 RAV4s and Ford sold 306,492 Escapes. Kia, meanwhile, sold just 53,739 Sportages, good enough for eighth place in a field of … eight. So Kia really needed to do something to get its $23,885 Sportage on the Google searches of potential buyers typing “CUVs under $25,000” into their laptops.

Let’s start on the outside: The new Sportage is wrapped in a more rounded shape, penned in Kia’s Frankfurt design studio. It’s a more pedestrian-friendly exterior, particularly on the front end, one that is perhaps reminiscent of something like an Infiniti QX50.

The exterior is 1.6 inches longer than the previous model, which helps give front and rear seat passengers more room and helps increase rear cargo area by 18 percent. There’s a ginormous sunroof available that opens up the inside like a mini observatory.

The chassis is 39 percent stiffer, with a five-fold increase in the use of bonding adhesives throughout. There is also more high-strength steel; over half the steel in the body-in-white is made of the stuff.

The new Sportage is still propelled by last year’s powertrains, however, changes not having come in leaps and bounds but only bounds. The base engine is a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder making 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. The upscale powerplant is the 2.0-liter turbo, making 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. Both are mated to six-speed automatics, the only choice available. Stop by Van Griffith Kia and come check out the all new 2017 Kia Sportage today and take it for a test drive!

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

Van Giffith Kia proudly presents the all new 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. Kia dealers will soon stock the automaker's revamped Optima Hybrid mid-size sedan, and although its base price is the same as it was last year, the story isn't quite as simple once you start adding options. All told, the cheapest 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid stickers for $26,845 including a mandatory $850 destination charge.

That's for the Optima Hybrid Premium. Just one option package is available on that model, a $1,795 Convenience Package that includes a 12-way power driver's seat with memory, a rear park assist system, blind spot monitors, rear cross traffic alert, additional USB ports, and laminated front door windows. Two colors on the Optima Hybrid are included, while special white and black shades add $395.

The range-topping Optima Hybrid EX, meanwhile, runs $31,840 without any options. That's more than $1,000 less than last year, but that price climbs fast when the one available option package is added.

At $5,000, the Technology Package exclusively optional on EX models isn't cheap, but it's comprehensive. You'll get a panoramic moonroof, rear park assist, blind spot monitors, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, air conditioned front seats, heated rear seats, LED headlamps and a few other items.

That package is more than double the price of a less comprehensive package offered on last year's Optima Hybrid since it now includes automatic emergency braking and a few other important safety items. The Optima Hybrid significantly undercuts the Honda Accord Hybrid, which runs $29,605 to start, but it's a little more than the base Ford Fusion Hybrid at $26,060.  Kia hasn't yet released pricing for the new Optima Hybrid plug-in, however. Stop by Van Griffith Kia today and come check out the all new 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid and take it for a test drive.

2017 Kia Soul Receives TurboCharged Option

Van Griffith Kia proudly presents all new new 2017 Kia TurboCharged Soul. For 2017, the Soul officially receives a turbocharged engine option that ups the ante by a significant 40 horsepower. Finally, a powertrain to match the Soul’s entertaining personality. The new model, named the SX overseas, is technically called the Kia Soul !, but for the purposes of normalcy, consider it the “Exclaim.” As before, it’s the top model in the range above the Soul Base, which has a 130-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder, and the Soul + (Plus), which has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 161 horsepower. The Exclaim, which uses a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, gets a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out a much-welcomed 201 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque. Because the extra power comes from forced induction, the fuel economy actually goes up slightly, to a claimed 28 mpg combined.

To complement the engine update, Kia gave the Exclaim a bit of extra physical ‘tude. There are new 18-inch wheels, red body trim, chrome around the grille, and a chrome dual-exhaust tip. That’s in addition to the redesigned headlights, fog lamps, and front and rear fascias seen on 2017 models. Inside, the Exclaim cabin is sweetened with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start, an 8.0-inch display with UVO3 and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a couple of USB ports. Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot detection are new options.

The base Soul with a manual transmission starts at $16,840, or $18,400 with an automatic. The Plus comes in at $20,500, and the newly turbocharged Exclaim is a still-cheap $23,500. Stop by Van Griffith Kia today and come check out the all new TurboCharged Kia Soul today and take it for a test drive!

Kia Forte sales on the rise as 2017 tweaks arrive

Kia Forte set a sales record last year hitting 78,919 units and already has surpassed that number this year as the 2017 model year brings numerous improvements to the compact sedan. It’s not surprising, since Forte has become a top choice in its class. You can see the all new 2017 Kia Forte at Van Griffith Kia Today!

The little Kia has come a long way from its shaky U.S. entry in the mid-1990s. Forte debuted as a 2010 model, raising the bar over its predecessor Spectra, which had started staking a claim on U.S. driveways, including in my friend Kat’s. She still loves hers as it nears 150,000-mile mark. The 2017 refresh follows just three years after a complete makeover. The Forte gets new taillights and a smoother look up front with two designs, including the new sporty S model. The S also comes with a sport-tuned suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels. A new engine replaces last year’s 1.8, but fuel economy still lags many competitors. The 2.0-liter mill cranks out 147 horsepower and gets up to 38 miles per gallon on the highway. The uplevel EX sticks with the old 164-hp 2-liter mill, which is a littler perkier but drops highway miles to 33.

The LX starts at $17,340, the S at $20,050 and the EX at $22,050, including destination. That’s at the bottom of the pack.

Inside, however, the Kia looks sharp with attractive materials and standard leather and heated front seats in the EX. Stop by Van Griffith Kia today and come check out the all new 2017 Kia Forte and take it for a test drive today!

Kia Soul and Cadenza Named Active Lifestyle Vehicles of the Year

For the fifth consecutive year, Kia Motors America's (KMA) iconic urban passenger vehicle, the Soul, was named a winner at the 13th annual Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards held recently in Chandler, Arizona. Once again, local media and elite athletes rated the Soul best in the urban category after dynamic and real-world evaluations, while the all-new 2017 Cadenza wowed them with its stunning new design and comfortable passenger space.

"Winning the Active Lifestyle Vehicle award for the fifth consecutive year is a clear indication that the Soul makes a great companion for urbanites who are constantly on the go," said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, KMA.

The 2016 Soul is one of KMA's best-selling nameplates for good reason. The fun-loving Soul combines a funky and functional design, premium interior and a long list of standard and optional amenities. With a starting MSRP of just $15,900 (excluding destination charges of $850), the 2016 Soul boasts value and utility in a small and stylish package. For 2017, the Soul aims to increase its popularity with the addition of a turbocharged engine option. The all-new Cadenza will soon be arriving in showrooms with an estimated starting price just below $32,000. Stop by Van Griffith Kia today and come check out the award winning Kia Soul and Kia Cadenza!

2017 Kia Sportage Featured in a Crowd Compact Crossover Market

There are over 16 compact crossovers on the market, another 20 midsize crossovers, and nearly a dozen subcompact crossovers. Then there's the luxury makes. With so many crossovers on the market, automakers are playing with paint, parts and design - anything and everything - to stand out. The fourth-generation Kia Sportage once again steps out of the compact crossover class with a sharp design, big wheels and peppy turbo four.

The prominent face on the Sportage is flanked by adaptive lights that turn with the car and four-cube fog lights in the top-of-the-line test model. The wheelbase is stretched by 1.6 inches over the last model, and the spoiler and rear windshield cut into the computer mouse shape shared by much of the class. It's curved and stretched in the front, but nipped and tucked in the back.

Direct injection 2-liter turbo four-cylinder engines are arguably the most popular engine choice in modern cars. Like the others, Kia's is quick off the line with little lag, which helps in passing situations. In AWD, it pumps out 237 horsepower and a very impressive 260 pound-feet of torque, available at just 1,450 rpm.

With a starting MSRP of $22,990, the Sportage’s cabin offers five expressive interior colors integrated with soft-touch materials, and the EX and SX Turbo models add leather upholstery. Interior highlights include dual-zone automatic climate control (optional on LX, standard on EX and SX Turbo), push-button start (standard on EX and SX Turbo), a Harman Kardon sound system with eight speakers (optional on EX, standard on SX Turbo) and much more. Visit Van Griffith Kia and come see the all new 2017 Kia Sportage today!

Kia Rolls Out the New Soul EV to Stakes it’s Place In The Electric Global Auto Industry

The Kia Soul EV is in many ways exactly what you’d expect if you are an EV enthusiast. It is so similar externally to the regular Kia Soul that most people don’t even recognize it is an EV. It lacks a gas input and has a hidden electric input on the front grill, slightly different lights and has some aerodynamic rims and low rolling resistance wheels. But besides those little details and of course the small ‘EcoElectric’ label on the car, it is pretty hard to tell this is an EV.

From a drive train perspective, Kia removed the gas tank and internal combustion engine and all of the bits that go with it. In its place Kia placed 32.7kWh of batteries. Under the hood it switched out the 4 cylinder ICE with a tiny 109HP AC engine, but surprisingly capable engine thanks to 210ft/lbs of EV torque. On top of that is a charge controller and inverter. There’s a ton of empty space up there in the front that wouldn’t exist if this was designed as an EV first. The 32kWh of batteries carry the Kia Soul EV around 100 miles but because of the box-like aerodynamics, that can mean significantly over 100 miles in the slow driving city or under 100 miles on the highway.

With its ample interior room, large cargo capacity, and 93 miles of range on a full charge, the compact 2016 Kia Soul EV is one of the most practical of the lower-priced all-electric vehicles on the market. It is also one of the most unexpected, since the South Korean manufacturer only sells one another electrified vehicle, the midsize Optima Hybrid. It’s as though the company is showing off, saying, “We can do that, too.”

Check out the new Kia Soul EV at Van Griffith Kia today and take it for a test drive!

2018 Kia Gt Sports Sedan Becoming a Reality

Kia has long sold itself as the sporty Korean bran. Any manufacturer that wants to be considered as such needs a true sports sedan in its lineup, which means standard rear-wheel drive. Indeed, the Kia GT—or whatever it ends up being called; the code name is CK—will be rear-wheel drive, and it will have the BMW 3-series in its sights. It also sends the message that Kia is willing to step outside of its daily family-car and crossover safety zone to build the kind of vehicles that appeal to enthusiasts. As a luxury sports sedan, the GT also will provide a fertile ground for extensive luxury options and trim levels, which can increase profit margins. The GT will look to offer seductive styling at a substantial discount over the cost of traditional European competition, but the car’s success largely will hinge on how it drives.

We expect Kia to offer the GT in four- and six-cylinder variants, with the sportiest model getting a 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 making roughly 340 horsepower. You can bet the company’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will make an appearance, possibly with enhanced output (perhaps with additional displacement) for duty in the GT. To enhance the car’s sporting credibility, look for it to be offered with a manual transmission as well as the expected automatic. We expect the car to arrive in 2017 as a 2018 model. Stop by Van Griffith Kia when the car is released and take the all new Kia GT for a test drive!

2017 Kia Rio Grows Up

Kia is redesigning the new 2017 Kia Rio, for the first time since 2012. The older redesign was a crisp modern look but was extremely mild design. For the 2017 model, Kia redesigned the Rio with a leaner, more aggressive look. The South Korean auto maker only released the renderings and now has released photos of the car. Kia states that the styling changes were made to emphasize on the car’s width inside and out.  The headlights are slimmer and more aggressive than the wide-eyed lamps of the previous model, and much of the gently curving sheetmetal has been removed to make room for more flat planes. Not just that, but the new Rio is slightly longer, wider, and shorter than its predecessor. Inside, Kia has spruced things up with what looks like a nicer mix of materials. The most unusual part of the interior is the infotainment system, which Kia describes as "floating."  Kia did not reveal any other specs on the car, but those specific details will likely come during the Paris Motor Show. This updated Rio is an important model for Kia, as last year it sold 473,000 units worldwide. While it isn't Kia's biggest seller in the US, it did have a slight increase in sales this year.

Head in today to take a look at our other models at Van Griffith Kia 4301 Hwy 377 E Granbury, TX or give us a call at 817-573-0400 today!

2017 Kia Cadenza Gets New Sporty Upgrade

2017 Kia Cadenza Gets a New Sporty Upgrade

The Kia Cadenza was first introduced to the United States in 2013 but has been selling overseas since 2010, which is why the Korean brand already is releasing a new version of its large, front wheel drive sedan. Known as the K7 in Korea, it was unveiled in the home market recently. The new design was first shown on Kia’s Novo concept car, with the brand’s signature tiger nose grille sitting up front and flanked by tapered-back LED headlights. The front bumper sports Kia’s latest treatment for fog lights: four LEDs arranged in a grid pattern. Meanwhile, clean, continuous body panels lead to a Lexus-like rear. Here, square-shaped exhaust tips are integrated with the rear bumper. The new interior looks to have the same layout as the current model, though it has a more elegant look with less of the wood trimming. Expect the current model’s 3.3-liter V-6 to carry over though perhaps we’ll see a second, smaller engine like a four-cylinder also on offer this time around. The new Cadenza is confirmed to go on sale next year and should be expected on local markets in the fall.

Kia: Innovation at its Finest

Kia has always been a forefront of innovation in the motor vehicle industry and today is no different. They have just released a new eight speed automatic transmission to be used front wheel drive vehicles. This technology is unlike that of any to date and is changing the game for Kia.

The new technology is set to debut in the newest Kia Cadenza, which is their largest car. Moving forward, it is anticipated that the technology will also be added into other medium and large Kia models in the next model car season. As released by Kia, this new technology was developed by the Korean manufacturers themselves with an emphasis on mechanical efficiency and smooth shifting of the gears. One of the main perks of this new system is that it takes up the same amount of space as the six speed automatic transmission used in the past, yet weighs 3.5 kilograms less. Kia has been working restlessly since 2012 to create this masterful innovation and has claimed 143 patents over new technologies in the process.

Kia has nonetheless changed the game with this new technology and there is no telling what they’ll do next. We anticipate seeing this technology in more Kia models soon, but in the meantime, head on down to your local Kia dealership and check out the Kia Cadenza which is sure to blow you away and take the world by storm.

Head in today to take a look at our other models at Van Griffith Kia 4301 Hwy 377 E Granbury, TX or give us a call at 817-573-0400 today!

2017 Kia Sorento

2017 Kia Sorento

Van Griffith Kia introduces the new 2017 Kia Sorento. The 2017 Kia Sorento achieved the top safety pick plus rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Kia Motors America’s best-selling CUV, the 2017 Kia Sorento, has earned top honors from the IIHS when equipped with the optional front-crash prevention. With the 2017 Kia Sorento, Kia continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to safety. We at Van Griffith Kia proudly introduce the 2017 Kia Sorento with its award winning safety. The third-generation Sorento is available in five trim levels. The handsomely equipped LX, EX, SX, and SXL models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque, or a 3.3-liter V-6 that makes 290 horsepower and 252 lb.-ft. of torque, while the EX trim is also available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Stop by Van Griffith Kia today and test drive the award winning 2017 Kia Sorento.

2017 Kia Cadenza

Kia has always been associated with things like affordable, safe, good value.  None of that has changed.  But a few words have been added recently.  The biggest one is Luxury.  Still much better priced and equipped than any direct competitor to their luxury line, they have begun to impress even the toughest critics.  What do we need to know about the new Cadenza?

It has a very athletic, muscular appearance, yet also very elegant.  Like designer Ray Ng said at the introduction, “it is a clean design with minimal adornment.”  As a result, it has crisp lines, and sheet metal that fills out its form.   If you’re looking for a comfortable daily driver that makes a terrific highway companion, look no further. Kia’s investment in noise/vibration/harshness has paid off handsomely. The ride is quiet and comfy. The steering is intuitive and feels natural, the brakes are even-handed, and the acceleration is predictable.

Inside, there’s wireless phone charging, ample beverage storage space, plenty of room for five adults, a heated steering wheel, and heated seats that will — finally — gradually reduce power as the heat builds under your rump. At 107.8 cubic feet, the new Cadenza has one of the largest cabins in its segment. It feels like it too; my 6-foot-2 frame fit in almost any seat with ease, and although the sloping roofline limits some headspace in the back, it’s still more generous than some cars two or three times the price. Fortunately, it doesn’t feel so big when you’re driving it.

For more information, stop by Van Griffith Kia 4301 Hwy 377 E Granbury, TX or give us a call at 817-573-0400 today!

2016 Kia Rio LX

Last redesigned back in 2012, the Kia Rio sports a handful of interior and exterior changes that help it remain a relevant option in the subcompact car class. Even without the upgrades, though, there's plenty to like about the 2016 Rio.
Already one of the more handsome vehicles in this segment, the Rio, now with some subtle front and rear restyling, manages to avoid the awkward proportions that plague a number of subcompact competitors. It's also a standout in terms of interior space, offering a roomy backseat and a trunk to match. Like most other Kia models, the 2016 Rio's long list of available features and competitive price make it one of the value leaders in its class. Although the base Rio LX is rather spartan, the higher-end EX and SX trims pack respectable rosters of technology features and creature comforts.

The 2016 Kia Rio has been restyled up front, but the differences are very subtle.

No matter the trim, the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine powers every 2016 Rio. With 138 horsepower, it makes the Rio one of the quicker subcompact cars available. Fuel economy is a bit less impressive at 31 mpg in mixed driving, according to the EPA, but it's good enough to be competitive. Our primary complaint is that the Rio lacks the suspension refinement found in some rivals, and its ride and handling characteristics suffer as a result.
Subcompact competitors like the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta and the new Scion iA provide a smoother ride over rough roads and offer more engaging handling. In addition, the cavernous Honda Fit bests the Rio (and just about every other subcompact car) in the areas of available cargo space and hauling versatility. But the 2016 Kia Rio is still a stylish and spacious runabout with numerous desirable features. Take one for a spin and it could very well win you over.

Summary Body Styles

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Read Review Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options Performance

The subcompact 2016 Kia Rio is available as either a sedan or a hatchback ("Five-Door"). Both are offered in LX, EX and SX trim levels.
Standard features on the base Rio LX include 15-inch steel wheels, heated power mirrors, air-conditioning, a tilt-only steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a trip computer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player, satellite radio, a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack. An available Power package adds keyless entry and power windows and door locks. Opting for the Power package requires sedan buyers to order the optional automatic transmission, which also includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity (hatchbacks come standard with both the automatic transmission and Bluetooth).
The Kia Rio EX includes the Power package's features and also adds 15-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a chrome grille surround, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a six-speaker audio system, cruise control, map lights, dual illuminated visor-mounted vanity mirrors, upgraded cloth upholstery, a soft-touch dash, padded armrests on the front doors and a sliding center console armrest and storage area.

The 2016 Kia Rio has a roomy cabin, and the EX and SX are pretty upscale for a subcompact.

Choosing the Rio EX's optional Eco package results in the loss of the EX's standard 15-inch alloy wheels, foglights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, soft-touch dash, map lights and vanity mirrors. Instead, it adds a fuel-saving automatic stop-start system, automatic headlights, Kia's Uvo 7-inch touchscreen interface and a rearview camera. The EX Designer package includes two-tone black and gray cloth and leather seating with gray accent stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shift knob and armrest.
The top-of-the-line SX starts with the Rio EX's standard equipment and adds the Eco package's Uvo infotainment system, rearview camera and automatic headlights. The SX also gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, a sport-tuned suspension, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, an upgraded gauge cluster, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a navigation system.

Read Review Performance

Body Styles Powertrains and Performance Safety

The 2016 Kia Rio is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 138 hp and 123 pound-feet of torque. For the LX sedan, it drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic being optional. All other Rios come with the automatic as standard. In Edmunds testing, a Rio SX sedan went from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, which is a quicker than average time for a subcompact.
All Rios manage an EPA-estimated fuel economy figure of 31 mpg combined. Both manual and automatic Rios earn an EPA-estimated city fuel economy figure of 27 mpg; however, the manual is incrementally better on the highway, yielding 38 mpg to the automatic's 37 mpg. This is roughly average fuel economy for the segment, but some competitors are even thriftier.
An Eco package is available on the 2016 Kia Rio EX and brings with it an automatic stop-start system that shuts the engine down when the car comes to a halt and restarts it when the brake pedal is released. Rios so equipped achieve 28 mpg city, but the same 37 mpg highway as other automatic-transmission models.

Body Styles Safety

Performance Safety Special Features

The 2016 Kia Rio comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, a hill-start assist system, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Additionally, a rearview camera is available on the Rio EX (via the Eco package) and standard on the Rio SX.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Rio SX came to a halt from 60 mph in 124 feet, which is an average distance for this class of car.
Both the Rio sedan and hatchback received a four-star rating (out of a possible five) for overall crash protection in government testing, with four stars for total frontal impact protection and five stars for total side impact protection.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Kia Rio sedan its top rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset crash test, roof-strength test, head restraint and seat protection tests. In side-impact crash testing, the Rio received the IIHS's second-highest rating of "Acceptable." In the small-overlap frontal offset test, the Rio scored the second-worst rating of "Marginal."

Performance Special Features

Safety Interior Design and Special Features Driving Impressions

The 2016 Kia Rio has a restrained yet stylish interior design. Materials quality is nothing special in the base Rio LX; however, the Rio EX (sans the Eco package) and SX get classed up with a soft-touch dash, improved seat material and metal-paint trim. We encourage shoppers to give strong consideration to the more generously equipped EX and SX trims, budget permitting, as they're considerably more upscale than their entry-level counterparts.
The Rio scores well in the areas of space and comfort. Even tall drivers will be comfortable behind the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel of Rio EX and SX trims (though the same can't be said of the base LX's tilt-only wheel), while the backseat offers generous passenger space for the segment.
It's the same story in the cargo bay, where the sedan has a generous 13.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which can be expanded courtesy of 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks. With the hatchback's rear seats up, there are 15.0 cubic feet of cargo space, which can expand to a healthy 49.8 cubic feet of space with the seats folded down.

Safety Driving Impressions

Special Features Driving Impressions

The 2016 Kia Rio's 1.6-liter four-cylinder is one of the more powerful engines in the subcompact car class, so acceleration is a relative strength. Unfortunately, the Rio's engine can get a bit noisy during hard acceleration. Still, this little Kia feels sprightly enough when you goose it. Few drivers will complain that it's underpowered.

The 2016 Kia Rio's 138-hp engine provides quicker-than-average acceleration for a subcompact sedan or hatchback.

We've mainly driven the Rio SX, whose larger wheels and tires and firmer suspension tuning separate it from the LX and EX. Competent around turns, the Rio SX nonetheless lacks the handling finesse of class leaders. In addition, the Rio SX's ride can be choppy and even harsh over rough pavement. If ride comfort is important to you, the EX is likely a better bet.

2016 Kia Optima LX

The midsize sedan segment is filled with sedans so renowned that they need no introduction. Camry. Accord. Fusion. Even though the Kia Optima has been on sale in the United States since 2001, it only recently elevated itself from the bargain basement to become a serious competitor. Kicking off a new generation, the 2016 Kia Optima raises the bar set by its esteemed predecessor, a car that helped shift the perception of the brand over the last half-decade.

The redesigned 2016 Kia Optima maintains the previous generation's stylish looks, with just a few updates to the front and rear.

One thing that hasn't changed much for 2016 is the Optima's exterior styling. Slightly longer, wider and taller than the car it replaces, this Kia is still a head-turner, but you'll need to take a hard look to notice the subtle differences. Underneath the skin is another story. High-strength steel is used extensively in the chassis, which Kia says makes for better structural rigidity, handling and high-speed stability. In addition to the carryover 2.4-liter base engine, a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine is now available that promises better performance and fuel economy. The optional 2.0-liter turbo actually gets less power and torque this time around, but it's still the sporty choice in the lineup.
Even as it inches toward the standard-bearers in this segment in terms of price, the Optima is still a great choice for value. The base Optima LX already comes with a nice selection of convenience items, while fancier configurations offer features that are uncommon at this level, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, quilted leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree parking camera. Such premium content would be more expected in the Optima's big brother, the Cadenza, but it's a clear differentiator in the context of other family sedans.
The midsize sedan segment is not wanting for worthy competitors to the 2016 Kia Optima. The 2016 Honda Accord is thoroughly refreshed for this year, boasting bold new styling and Honda's usual powertrain excellence. The 2016 Mazda 6 is stylish and fun to drive, but those who find its 2.5-liter engine lacking in oomph don't get the choice for a more powerful motor. The 2016 Toyota Camry is a little more vanilla, but its reputation for reliability is unmatched. You could also check out the Optima's closely related cousin, the well-rounded 2016 Hyundai Sonata. However, the 2016 Optima — with its blend of performance, style and value — is right in the mix with today's elite midsize family sedans.

2016 Kia Sedona

The 2016 Kia Sedona is refined and ready to take you on your next adventure. Made with premium comfort and high-tech gadgets, the 2016 Kia Sedona provides intuitive control and flexibility where you need it most. Take the 2016 Kia Sedona for a test drive at Van Griffith Kia in Granbury, Texas, to experience the power of this mini-van’s 276 horsepower V6 engine and max towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. There’s no questioning safety in the 2016 Kia Sedona thanks to features such as electronic stability control, cornering brake control, and a body made of 55% high-strength steel. If the 2016 Kia Sedona sounds like the perfect fit for your precious cargo, call or stop by Van Griffith Kia in Granbury, Texas, for more information.