Wednesday, July 20, 2016

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.

Friday, July 15, 2016

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.

Saturday, July 9, 2016

No Surprise Here

Kia is finally getting the recognition it has deserved for a long time now.  Certain awards have always gone to certain vehicles with high name recognition due to decades of existence.  Those days are over.


The auto industry experienced a seismic shift this month when J.D. Power announced that for the first time in 27 years a non-premium brand ranked highest in its annual Initial Quality Study. When the dust settled, the nameplate that managed to unseat the reigning IQS champion for three years running, and take the top spot was upstart Kia Motors.

The study, now in its 30th year, examines problems experienced by vehicle owners during the first 90 days of ownership, and marks a massive win for Kia, a brand that has rapidly transformed into a recognized leader in design, technology and craftsmanship.

With an award-winning lineup spanning from subcompact cars to luxury vehicles, Kia’s rise to the top was driven by best-in-class quality rankings for the popular Sportage small SUV and Soul compact multi-purpose vehicle, while Forte and Sorento placed second, and the Rio placed third in their respective segments. And the brand’s historic performance does not come completely out of the blue.

Kia has placed in J.D. Power’s top 10 since 2013, and nabbed the second overall spot in last year’s IQS survey, pulling ahead of all non-premium rivals for the first time. Still, Kia owners reporting fewer issues with their vehicles within the first 90 days of ownership than all other car and truck brands in the U.S.—including German and Japanese makes—sent a shockwave throughout the industry.


Come see why at Van Griffith Kia 4301 Hwy 377 E Granbury, TX or give us a call at 817-573-0400 today!