2018 Kia Sportage: The Affordable Cute Ute

2018 Kia Sportage: The Affordable Cute Ute
by The Car Family
for more reviews go to https://www.motorists.org/car-family-car-reviews/

2018 Sportage

Kia continues to improve its range of offerings and now ranks at the top of surveys for quality with scores surpassing even luxury brands such as Lexus and Porsche. Yes, Kia. Thus we tested the Sportage with this in mind as well as whether it lived up to its sporty name? Spoiler alert, it does. Of course, there is a cost and that is gas mileage. In daily use 20 mpg well probably pop up on the dash readout, but the fun of driving this small SUV makes it worthwhile. The competition is plentiful so pricing is critical. In this case, Kia has placed a significant $36,125 MSRP on our loaded, all wheel drive vehicle. However, the base price for a well equipped Sportage is around $23,000 and lease deals abound. Kia’s advertising motto is “Best value around” and we find that difficult to argue based on price, package, and warranty.

The Sportage has a responsive engine and capable handling making it truly a sporty utility or, more accurately, a compact sports utility offering 60 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down. One caveat, the weight limit for the covering over the spare tire is just 130 pounds so you might want to leave your English Mastiff at home.

Mom’s view, the Sportage is fun to drive, fairly practical, has a low lift-over height, and an available power liftgate. These features contribute to the handy nature of this cute mobile, but just as important is that the interior is the class of the field. It is quite attractive with a cleaner dash, comfortable seating, and first-rate materials. It is apparent that Kia is not content to let a minor exterior change stand in the way of an upgraded interior feel and look.

Coming well equipped, the Sportage offers the must-have blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure and forward-collision warnings, and the ability to apply the brakes automatically if a collision is evident. There are plenty of small storage areas, although I would like a place to put my purse. Overall, the Sportage is a feisty Kia with a touch of class and a strong desire to please regardless of the weather. Easy to park, good visibility, and just enough spunk to make passing and merging worry free.

2018 Sportage

Dad’s view: The Sportage comes in three versions starting with the more basic LX and EX, to the loaded SX Turbo. You can order these models in either front or the Dynamax full time all-wheel-drive system that is a $1500 option. The least expensive way to order the LX trim level with front-wheel drive priced in the low $20,000 range for good shoppers. The fuel economy good for the base models, as the government claims 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined on regular. Adding all-wheel drive dampens that number by about ten percent. Under the hood, the Kia offers a choice of 4-cylinder engines. A 181-horsepower 2.4-liter powers LX and EX trim, while the SX Turbo has a turbocharged 2.0-liter with a potent 240 horsepower in front wheel drive mode and a touch less power with all-wheel drive. All models have a smooth shifting 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

There was plenty of pep with our SX Turbo test vehicle, but the handling was clearly directed to those wanting a utility vehicle and not a poor man’s Porsche. The brakes were good and the steering neutral, however, I recommend using the sport mode if you want a little more sport in your Sportage, as it keeps the engine on task and more willing to please. The all-wheel-drive system transfers the power from front to back as needed. The SX Turbo also comes with firmer springs, revised dampers, modified steering settings, and a little more ground clearance. Kia has essentially produced a vehicle for the young at heart.

2018 Sportage

Young working man’s view: This Kia comes with CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and the infotainment system is easy to use, but I recommend you consider the optional eight-inch touchscreen as it is very clear and, thankfully, does not wash out in bright sunlight. I found it interesting that the Sportage actually looks sporty.

Young working woman’s view: This Kia is a hoot. It is certainly fun to drive, but more importantly safe. The interior is surprisingly quiet and the SX model has an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. Kia also provides comfortable heated and ventilated seats and an upgraded Harman/Kardon audio system. I am fairly tall and the Sportage was remarkably comfortable for me to enter and leave. All models come with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a rearview camera while the EX and Turbo model have blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alerts and automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings that are optional on Sportage LX and EX versions. There are a variety of optional packages to add more safety, sound, interior and climate features as well as larger wheels, and a panoramic moonroof among other items. Kia is famous for loading its vehicles with value and the extra packages such as the Sport Appearance option that adds heated rear seats among other items.

Family conference: The Sportage is a unique vehicle for those looking for fun with a touch of class and utility. As such it has some trade-offs such as being less fuel efficient in Turbo form. On the other hand, you are going to have a lot more fun with a full tank than the oh, hum, appliance-like competition. Our Sportage SX Turbo was frisky with a fun to drive demeanor and the ability to go gently off-road. It can cuddle you snugly in a plethora of safety devices and the 5-year, 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage is reassuring.

 

2018 Toyota Sienna: A Van for All Seasons

Toyota Sienna: A Home Away From Home
by The Car Family
for more reviews to https://www.motorists.org/tag/the-car-family/

Minivans for families need to have room for at least six, an abundance of active safety features, reasonable gas mileage, and offer a plethora of options that make it a home away from home. To this end, the Toyota Sienna excels. Add to that its high resale value and proven reliability and you have a van for all seasons that is family worthy.

Mom’s view: This is a big van that is easy to park and does not frustrate you with fancy electronics. It comes standard with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beams, and adaptive cruise control as part of Toyota’s Safety Sense (TSS) that also puts drivers in contact with emergency responders.

Options include all-wheel drive and a rear-seat entertainment system. One negative is that the second-row captain chairs are cumbersome to remove. On the other hand, they are very comfortable. Getting in and out is easy even wearing a dress and the low rear door opening makes it handy to load.

I think there is great value in the Sienna as you get so many useful features such as an Entune infotainment touchscreen, heated, power-adjustable exterior mirror sand power-adjustable driver’s seat as well as self opening sliding rear doors and cargo hatch with prices starting in the low $30,000 range and extending into the $40,00 bracket as you upgrade. However, even the base model is flush with safety items.
The Sienna’s center console on our $42,055 XLE had ample space but was very deep so retrieving material is best done while stopped. There are plenty of other storage areas and cupholders. The tray in front of the center console Is ideal for holding a purse. In other words, the Sienna is as handy and useful as a minivan can be.

Young man’s view: You can order a Sienna with a rear dual-view 16-inch widescreen display that also two different types of media to be watched at the same time such as games and movies and content can be streamed from an Android device. Our test vehicle had the Wi-Fi hotspot 4G LTE. If that isn’t enough there are also a plethora of USB charging ports. Perhaps the most interesting feature is called Driver Easy Speak that enables the driver to overtalk any device through the sound system. Perfect for settling the children down or pointing out interesting things do all the passengers. The Sienna also offers Sirius XM and optional audio features such as a 10-speaker JBL stereo. Our test vehicle’s navigation system proved difficult to navigate at first and the seven-inch monitor and small control buttons were difficult to see at times. Nonetheless, this is as close to a command center that you can get in this price range.

Working woman’s view: Standard three-zone climate control keeps temperatures even despite the large interior space. The sunroof is small but provides needed ventilation. The rear side vents open and there were screens on the back window of our test vehicle to provide privacy and reduce heat from the sun. Of note is the extra cost availability of a special seat that extends outside the Sienna to help a handicapped person exit and enter more easily. The cost is significant but truly makes the Sienna perfect for those in need.

Dad’s view: The Sienna has a 296-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with 263 lb-ft of torque and direct fuel injection. That is plenty for a family oriented vehicle and yields an EPA 20 mpg average which isn’t bad for an all-wheel-drive van and with the 20-gallon gas tank provides the possibility of 400 miles before refueling.
The eight-speed automatic transmission hunts a bit on hills as it would rather stay in the highest gear. It isn’t troubling, but more annoying until you get used to it. The van comes with a maximum tow rating of 3500-pounds. The brakes are fine and steering is easy as most minivan drivers like. In other words, this is a typical family-oriented vehicle that treasures safety and utility. The big plus with the Sienna is that it is offered with the all-wheel-drive system that yields better traction for those living where this is needed.

Seating is interesting in that the second-row captain chairs are very comfortable and recline and slide back if more legroom is needed. The negative side is that they do not fold into the floor as some of the competitors do. The seats do offer a unique way of folding out of the way. However, the third row seats do fold into the floor that enables the Sienna to offer a huge, flat cargo bay capable of carrying an eight by four-foot piece of plywood. There is150 cu.ft. of maximum space with the seats removed. The bottom line for me is simple. The Sienna is the best, most useful minivan on the market based on resale, reliability, and safety features.

Family conference: The Toyota Sienna is a workhorse that can be equipped for most family needs from a third row of seats to all-wheel drive. It is loaded with standard safety features and has enough power and cargo space for most uses. We highly recommend it for the family that needs a vehicle that can do it all.

 

Kia 900: A Luxury Sedan for Value Shoppers

Kia 900: A Luxury Sedan for Value Shoppers

Kia continues to challenge buyer’s perceptions winning JD Powers awards for initial quality and now digging deeper into the luxury car segment with the surprising K900. Not only is this Kia well priced, it is loaded with features that challenge any car in the luxury car range. This sedan has a tremendous array of electronics and safety features and a standard 311 horsepower V6 or a neck snapping V8 option pushing 420 horsepower to the rear wheels. This Kia is all about value and class.

2017 K900

There are not only an abundance of opulent features in the K900. The leather seats are quilted and that makes them quicker to heat and cool and avoid sticky cling. Even the least expensive Premium V6 model offer heated seats, navigation and a large infotainment screen. Move to the Luxury model and you get better sound and the V8 option offers a 360-degree camera and lane departure warning. Select the VIP package add lumbar support, front-seat cushion extensions, soft-closing doors and a larger display screen monitor. The interior is attractive and functional with some sensational features such as a heads up display that shows the speed limit, your speed, and even the speed of the windshield wipers. On the downside, the exterior is conservative and the smooth handling may be too soft for some. However, it corners very well. Our fuel mileage was 18 mpg in mixed driving. The K 900 has transmission settings such as Winter, Eco, Sport and Smart. The latter learns your driving habits and adjusts accordingly. Eco is for better fuel mileage and Sport is when you want to challenge your insurance premiums.

Mom’s view: The Kia K900 seats five and all the seats were very comfortable. In our loaded model where you could get ventilated and power-reclining rear seats. The leather is very soft and comforting and the easy to read optional 12.3 inch infotainment screen quick to react. The trunk lid opens wide and reveals nearly 16 cubic feet of cargo room. I always tell 909 readers to order all the safety options they can afford. The K900 has satellite navigation, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Kia’s UVO smartphone app that lets you set driving boundaries and speed alerts and even locate the car. Even base models have front and rearview cameras, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and headlights that pivot as the car turns. Optional items include a lane departure warning, a 360-degree-view camera, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with braking assist and, if the Kia computers detect a possible front-end collision, it can apply the brakes. There are airbags everywhere, traction control and stability control, ABS, and more.

Dad’s view: This is a large car that has an understated look that is quite appealing. The V8 engine is very quiet, except when provoked by selecting the Sport setting. After all, you have 420 horsepower to explore and the sound when whipped snarls with enthusiasm. The brakes are excellent and the steering well weighed for a car in this class. To give you an idea of the features the K900 offers consider that the Luxury models also offer a 900-watt 17-speaker audio system, leather seating, heated steering wheel, Kia’s Surround View Monitor, side and rear sun screens, Dynamic Bending Lights, and an LCD instrument cluster. Though some competitors’ nontraditional gearshift selectors can be annoying the Kia’s operates easily enough, clicking into gear with a leather pistol grip. The seamless shifts from the 8-speed transmission make long distance travel relaxing. Some people would call the handling dull, but when you enter a corner at speed the K900 it clings quite well.

Young working woman’s view: This is a really enjoyable car, but it is very large. Regardless, get the Luxury version with the VIP options and let your rear seat passengers enjoy the generous leg room and a panoramic sunroof that extends over their heads. With the key in your pocket the car can recognize you and turn on the lights. When you exit, just a touch of the door handle and it is locked.

Young working male’s view: There is an abundance of USB and 120V outlets and they are well lighted. On many cars, these outlets are hard to locate, but Kia added a light around the outlets so they are simple to find. I was able to connect my cell phone to the system easily thanks to the large button in the center console that controls many features and enables you to enter navigation, sound, and more. Kia also, thank goodness, makes the radio easy to access with a simple on-off and a volume control knobs. Back to the basics are sometimes the best, even for a techno guru like me. The 3D camera was well displayed and the upgraded stereo, a Lexicon, is the same type of system used by Rolls-Royce, should anyone be interested. The LED headlights are especially good as they provide excellent illumination to the sides of the road.

2017 K900

Family conference: Relaxed driving is the K900’s forte. It has plenty of grunt when needed, can corner better than you would expect, has a plethora of safety features, and a starting price under $50,000. The outstanding 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty and award winning reliability statistics make this an appealing choice to those willing to march to a different drummer.

 

2017 Kia Cadenza: Economical Luxury

Kia Cadenza: Economical Luxury
by The Car Family
for more reviews got to https://www.motorists.org/tag/the-car-family/

With the average new car price around $33,000 one wonders how Kia can price the feature laden Cedenza for less and still offer what J.D. Powers acknowledged is the highest Initial Quality rating of any car. They even bettered the luxury brands such as Buick and Cadillac. Well, the answer is simple, they offer more. Indeed, if you are looking for a family sized sedan that is all new for 2017, loaded with electronics, a stately stance, an abundance of cargo and passenger room, and a regal look the Cadenza is one of the best deals anywhere.

2017 Cadenza SXL

Mom’s view: Driving it makes you feel like you are the Duchess of Cambridge with an interior that is comfortable adorned in faux wood and chrome accents, easy to master controls, and a quiet ride. There is leather everywhere, power-adjustable front seats, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, position memory settings and even heated rear seats. The luxury car feeling abounds, The trunk is 16 cubic feet, but the Cadenza has a smart opening trunk that automatically opens when the proximity key is close to the back of the car. You really need to see it in action. The interior has an abundance of storage areas that are well placed. Safety wise there is a rearview camera and such options as blind spot detection, rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning system, lane change assist, lane departure warning, and a 360-degree camera system. All the controls are in easy reach, although the touch screen is a bit far for shorter people. The doors open wide and it makes entry easy even wearing a dress. Visibility is good in all directions and the cabin is very quiet. Our test car, the Technology model, had heated and cooled front seats. I would recommend this version over the less expensive Premium model. Mall parking is much easier with the overhead camera view. All told, this is an exceptional value and enjoyable drive. The main competition is more expensive, but certainly not as luxurious.

Dad’s view: All Cadenzas are front wheel drive and have a 290 horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. We got 25 mpg in mixed driving. The sedan is meant for driving in comfort and that is reflected in its smooth handling with adequate acceleration for passing and onramp merging.
There are four driving modes. On start-up the car defaults to Comfort mode. Next you can choose from Eco, Sport, or Smart mode with each selection changing steering weight and transmission dynamics. We left it in Smart mode. That mode monitors your driving habits style and adopts accordingly. your driving style.
The transmission is smooth and brakes easy to modulate and provide exceptional stopping. This is a large sedan and it smooths out roads easily, but high speed canyon runs are not its forte. Steering is a bit light. The Cadenzas is enjoyable to drive and relaxing. I found driving it in heavy traffic was reassuring with all the safety features and above average braking and gas mileage. With the usual 909 traffic almost worse every day, the Cadenza seemed to smooth all that over with and an 18.5 gallon fuel tank enabling 500 miles of highway travel on regular fuel. The bottom line is that this Kia is priced even under the competition and they do not offer nearly as much. If you are into value and still want luxury, the Cadenza is easily your best bet.

Young working male’s view: Where to start? Well, the only thing Kia lacks is a hotspot Internet connection. Otherwise it has the electronics handled and fairly nicely. With Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control, a proximity key, an eight-speaker sound system, infotainment system, a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB port, HD Radio, and satellite radio. You can also order an optional 12-speaker Harman/Kardon surround-sound audio system, a wireless smartphone charger, an 8-inch touch screen, voice-command navigation it pretty much leaves the higher priced competition in the dust and when you add the head-up display with turn-by-turn directions and speed you can’t help but wonder what Kia has in store for us next. Overall, a little to big for me, Kias Niro and Sorento being my favorites, but certainly noteworthy for those wishing to make a statement without busting the credit rating.

Young working woman’s view: The Kia Cadenza comes in three trims: Premium, Technology, and Limited with each offering a few more options. Regardless, this is a friendly sedan that is well thought out right down to the deep glove compartment and a pocket in each door. LED interior lighting is a nice touch and I loved the vanity mirrors.

Family conference: Kia products have vastly improved, and the all new Cadenza is just one example. Kia caries the exceptional five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It is a bargain even though we thought the infotainment system was a little slow. It you like luxury and don’t like paying for it the Cadenza must be considered.

 

2017 Kia Optima and Kia Niro Hybrids

Kia Hybrids: Ready for Higher Gas Prices.
by The Car Family
for more reviews go to https://www.motorists.org/tag/the-car-family/

This is the best time to look into hybrids with new fuel taxes on the horizon and no better place to start are with the new Kia Niro SUV and Kia Optima starting at $22,890 and $25,995 while pushing past 40 mpg. No doubt these Kias with their exceptional reliability rating and stellar warranty are worth considering especiallyconsidering the average new car is going for $32,000.

With most readers having an average one-way commute time of over 30 minutes and 15 percent spending an hour in traffic these hybrids are ideal, essentially offering savings up to 50 percent in fuel savings over typical competitors.

Kia Niro Hybrid Overview: This is a subcompact SUV and is priced under most of the hybrid competition. You can average nearly 50 mpg overall which is outstanding for a car this versatile. It has a slightly higher stance and comfortable seats, but the real star is the way six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission shifts.

2017 Niro – Red

Kia Optima Hybrid overview: The 2017 is new and appealing offering a calm driving experience, plenty of cargo room and 40 mpg average. Loaded with technology such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and safety features that include autonomous emergency braking. The ride is quiet and you get 13.4 cubic feet of storage with a lot of inside bins for personal items. Although the exterior is not as exciting as some competitors, it nevertheless looks sleek and should age well. You can also get an Optima plug-in.

2017 Optima Hybrid

Mom’s view: The Niro is fun, but get the EX model as it offers so much more with heated seats, blind spot monitoring and an abundance of other safety and convenience features. The less expensive FE is the mileage champ, but a warm bottom is well worth the extra for the upgraded model. You can get the more loaded Touring and Touring Launch as well, but their isn’t any all wheel drive option on any model. The back seats of the EX fold down giving you ample room for packages. The Optima hybrid allows you to select Eco or Sport mode outside of the standard setting. Eco takes the edge off driving and gives you superior mileage, but the cost is more relaxed acceleration. Sport brings the Optima on boil and is excellent for passing or lane merging.

2017 Optima Hybrid interior

Dad’s view: The Niro is a 1.6 liter four-cylinder gas-electric hybrid with 6-speed dual-clutch automatic drive train. It is fun to drive, but it isn’t going to set any speed records. The brakes on both vehicles take a while to get used to as they regenerate the batteries. This is good as it save on brake wear, but can be abrupt at times until a gentle touch is mastered. Steering is quite good and makes the Niro nimble and corners well. The electric motor works with the transmission and makes driving in heavy traffic easy. The Optima has an electric motor and 2.0-liter engine that combine to produce 192 hp. While most hybrids have a continuously variable transmission, but the Optima Hybrid sticks with a six-speed automatic transmission for a more traditional shifting feel.

Young working woman’s view: The Niro isn’t as comfortable to drive as the larger Optima with the latter being quieter as well. The Optima seats are fairly flat and so heavier drivers will find them a good fit. Entering and exiting both cars is easy, but the larger doors on the Optima make it a long reach to close at times. Both cars are good for those with mobility problems with just a little step over to get into a seat. The slopping roof of the Optima restricts rear vision, but the excellent rear view camera takes care of that problem. Interestingly, the vehicles are loaded with pockets for caring everything from large water bottles to small handwipes. As similar as these two Kia products are they appeal to a very different buyer. The Niro is handy and versatile. Perfect for the active family. The Optima is larger and more gentrified, perfect for those who like a quieter ride and more space. I like larger cars, but worry about mall parking lots. The special rear and skyward views on the monitor relieves that stress.

2017 Niro interior

Back to school male’s view: Working on my computer security certificate, but in the meantime the Kia’s offered some excellent technology, although the GPS was a bit slow. We had the Harman Kardon system, which was fine, and the optional wireless smartphone charging worked well. There is an adaptive cruise control and voice control, including Siri. My choice would be the handy Niro. Looks good, handy, and fuel frugal.
Family conference: The front-wheel-drive Optima hybrid has been restyled this year and improved in many areas and the Niro is all new. Kia’s warranty is special with a basic five year/60,000 coverage and roadside assistance and 10 years and 100,000 miles on the powertrain. Kia ranks highest among all automotive industry nameplates in the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study and this is the first time a non-luxury brand has led the industry. Others to consider are the Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan Rogue.