Favorite Kia Models from the 2017 New York Auto Show

Recently I had the opportunity to hook up with my Kia family to check out the 2018 Kia Rio at the 2017 New York Auto Show. What do you do as a blogger at the NYIAS with Kia? Well, you sit inside every make and model on the floor, awe at loads of awards and play with giant hamsters of course. Or, “Hamstars” as they like to be called.

But that’s not all I did. I had a chance to interview the James Hope, Product Communications Manager for Kia inside the all new Stinger, kicked it with my Kia fam NYC style and got super excited about all the stories I[m going to tell through my favorite car brand.

So what was my 2018 Kia show takeaway?

My Favorite Kia Models from the 2017 New York Auto Show #TheNewKia

Dude, let me tell you something, Kia is really bringing on the game when it comes to global preservation and fuel economy. And sparing no expense in the luxury feels department while they do it. If you’re shopping for a new car that will not only make an impact in your driveway and your savings account but an impact on the planet as well, then Kia has a variety of wheels to choose from. They are also still bringing the game when it comes to interior and the whole driving experience. Offering more bang for your buck like they have become so well known for.

I am OBSESSED with the Kia Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrid models!

In no particular order, my favs:

• The Kia Sorento (my #1 fav SUV of all time for its body style, safety, cabin and luxury feels)
• The Kia Rio 5-door (for its perfect fit as a first car for teens)
• The Kia Soul EV (for its fun style, fuel economy (93 miles range) and UVO tech)
• The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (for its crossover style and eco fuel MPGe N/A)
• The Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid (for its classy feels, cabin and eco fuel 103 MPGe)
• The Kia Cadenza (for its classy feels, body and cabin)
• The Kia Stinger (for its performance, body style and interior)

Here’s why:

The idea of hardly ever paying for gas thrills me to the bone. The Kia Soul EV, the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid, and the Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid bring three incredible cars to the next level with a plug-in option that allows you to charge in about a half hour. This means no fueling during the week. This could literally save a driver hundreds of dollars a month.

My roots, of course, have me in love with the Kia Sorento since it’s the car I own. But, as much as I love the Sorento and SUV life, I’ve seriously considered moving into a Kia Soul EV or Niro Plug-in Hybrid because of their global preservation qualities. Maybe we’ll see a Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid someday? That will be the SUV I ride into the cosmos for sure. For now, I still love the technology and safety the Sorento offers as well as the all-around adventure feel. Check out my last Sorento adventure!

The Kia Rio 5-Door is my choice for a first car for teens. It has minimal distractions but still all the safety technology. Its fuel economy comes in at 31mpg and has a starting price of $15.5k which works for most budgets.

The Kia Soul EV brings the SUV vibe to the next level with its fuel economy ability (93mpg) with 3 ways to charge (including fast charge). It’s great for the geek family or younger driver and has a very pop culture feel. And, it made the ‘Hamstars’ famous! I also love the UVO technology that allows you to unlock your doors, adjust climate and monitor your Soul’s health all through the UVO app on your phone.

The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid (2018) takes my favorite Kia crossover to that special “barely pay for gas” place. I already loved this car when I met its Hybrid version in San Antonio and declared it the #1 Con Car of the Year for Geeks. It drives like a dream, has every bit of technology a modern car should have and is incredible on fuel, now as a plug-in more than ever. And, it’s big enough for my family of three plus dog!

The Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid takes you to that classy place where you feel like your driving Grandma’s Cadillac, except your saving the planet and cooling your butt beneath a panoramic sunroof. The leather detail in this car is incredible, as is the cabin. Definitely the car for the driver who wants all the space, class and fuel economy they could ask for. I think there’s more leg room in the back seat than any other 4-door I’ve ever been in. It also works with the UVO app to make your car smart.

Speaking of class, the Kia Cadenza is Kia’s luxury ride. It brings all the bells and whistles of fine interior and cabin technology to the driver. Sitting in the Cadenza is much like sitting in an Optima but better. And with its super cool head up display, you’ll feel like David Hasslehoff in Night Rider.

https://youtu.be/eR_354tS2Jg

And finally, the Kia Stinger (2018) which let me tell you blows me away. It’s sexy, fast and luxurious, everything you want from a sports sedan except it’s designed to make you feel like you’re in a cockpit. And it’s totally true, it’s the very first vibe I got from it before I even asked any questions. I love, love, love this car!

For more information on 2017 Kia models go here.

Here’s what James Hope had to say about the Kia Stinger

https://twitter.com/FairytaleTVLR/status/852257796099899393

Kia is near and dear to my heart. Having the opportunity to work with a brand which I believe in (as a Kia owner) and use on such a personal level is very special to me. While Kia paid for my trip to NYC to tour these models, it in no way shapes my opinion. I am a true Kia believer.