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With miles of sandy beaches, a vibrant cultural center, and close proximity to natural attractions like the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic destination. Foodies will be particularly excited to learn about the city's toothsome riverfront restaurants. Briny Irish Pub Visit the riverfront in downtown Fort Lauderdale to get some of the best Irish food in town. Staples of the menu include classic dishes like shepherd's pie, beer-battered fish and chips, beef stew, and corned beef and cabbage. The restaurant also takes advantage of its location to provide some of the freshest seafood you will find. You can order crab cakes, clam strips, scallops, mussels, or the catch of the day. Naturally, a meal at Briny's wouldn't be complete without an Irish beer. Sip on one of several on-tap selections while enjoying a live band at this memorable restaurant and pub. more Pirate Republic Seafood and Grill Seafood is the name of the game at this enchanting riverside restaurant. A multitude of pirate flags, lending character to every meal decorates the elegant open-air dining room. The menu itself is one of the more unique and adventurous in the Fort Lauderdale area. Must-try dishes include grilled octopus served with fingerling potatoes, paprika, and green onions, as well as fish ceviche marinated in lime juice and seasoned with onions, cilantro, habanero peppers, and serrano peppers. Pirate Republic also specializes in clams, offering them with flavors like spicy chorizo, coconut curry, or a creamy dijon sauce. The DownTowner Stop by The DownTowner if you are in the mood for some classic American food prepared by a restaurant that really knows what it's doing. The DownTowner has been a staple of the Fort Lauderdale scene since the 1920s, and the modern incarnation of the restaurant specializes in serving light dishes bursting with flavor. Hand-crafted burgers, spicy grilled tacos, and homemade clam chowders are always great choices. The restaurant's seafood menu is another highlight, with choices like grilled salmon, fresh cod fillet, and blackened red snapper. You can also quench your thirst with one of more than 20 craft beers, not to mention an extensive cocktail list. Sushi Song If you are in the mood for the freshest seafood in the city, you can't beat Sushi Song. This is one of the area's best sushi bars, renowned for its house special rolls. These include the Hamachi Jalapeno (yellowtail with avocado, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeno) and the Japanese Bagel (salmon, cream cheese, scallions, and sesame seeds). Choose from a wide menu of sushi and sashimi selections, and the restaurant's website even facilitates online orders. One of our favorite things about Sushi Song is that it's open late — you can get sushi as late as 4 a.m. on any night of the week. Visitors to the Fort Lauderdale area will quickly discover what its residents have known all along: namely, that it's one of the most scenic parts of the country with some of the best restaurants, to boot.

With miles of sandy beaches, a vibrant cultural center, and close proximity to natural attractions like the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic destination. Foodies will be particularly excited to learn about the city's toothsome riverfront restaurants. Briny Irish Pub Visit the riverfront in downtown Fort Lauderdale to get some of the best Irish food in town. Staples of the menu include classic dishes like shepherd's pie, beer-battered fish and chips, beef stew, and corned beef and cabbage. The restaurant also takes advantage of its location to provide some of the freshest seafood you will find. You can order crab cakes, clam strips, scallops, mussels, or the catch of the day. Naturally, a meal at Briny's wouldn't be complete without an Irish beer. Sip on one of several on-tap selections while enjoying a live band at this memorable restaurant and pub. more Pirate Republic Seafood and Grill Seafood is the name of the game at this enchanting riverside restaurant. A multitude of pirate flags, lending character to every meal decorates the elegant open-air dining room. The menu itself is one of the more unique and adventurous in the Fort Lauderdale area. Must-try dishes include grilled octopus served with fingerling potatoes, paprika, and green onions, as well as fish ceviche marinated in lime juice and seasoned with onions, cilantro, habanero peppers, and serrano peppers. Pirate Republic also specializes in clams, offering them with flavors like spicy chorizo, coconut curry, or a creamy dijon sauce. The DownTowner Stop by The DownTowner if you are in the mood for some classic American food prepared by a restaurant that really knows what it's doing. The DownTowner has been a staple of the Fort Lauderdale scene since the 1920s, and the modern incarnation of the restaurant specializes in serving light dishes bursting with flavor. Hand-crafted burgers, spicy grilled tacos, and homemade clam chowders are always great choices. The restaurant's seafood menu is another highlight, with choices like grilled salmon, fresh cod fillet, and blackened red snapper. You can also quench your thirst with one of more than 20 craft beers, not to mention an extensive cocktail list. Sushi Song If you are in the mood for the freshest seafood in the city, you can't beat Sushi Song. This is one of the area's best sushi bars, renowned for its house special rolls. These include the Hamachi Jalapeno (yellowtail with avocado, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeno) and the Japanese Bagel (salmon, cream cheese, scallions, and sesame seeds). Choose from a wide menu of sushi and sashimi selections, and the restaurant's website even facilitates online orders. One of our favorite things about Sushi Song is that it's open late — you can get sushi as late as 4 a.m. on any night of the week. Visitors to the Fort Lauderdale area will quickly discover what its residents have known all along: namely, that it's one of the most scenic parts of the country with some of the best restaurants, to boot.

Experience Fort Lauderdale's vibrant cultural scene with an exploration of the city's world-class museums, historical sites, and heritage venues. From a cruise on a famous river to a stroll in a tranquil garden filled with history, check out these four area museums, and get ready for an educational and happening summer. African-American Cultural Center Visit Fort Lauderdale's African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, a 60,000 square foot building featuring literary collections of African-American authors. Permanent exhibits feature artifacts from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas, as well as a 5,000-square-foot art gallery. A unique children's library and auditorium provide opportunities to exchange ideas. The center offers classes in technology and education and has displayed almost 40 major exhibits to over 895,000 guests. A thriving part of the community, the library, and cultural center promotes an appreciation of people with an African heritage. more Bonnet House and Gardens Take a trip down memory lane and explore 20th-century southern living with a tour of the charming 1920s Bonnet House estate — the historic home of Chicago-born artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. Dedicated to Mr. Bartlett's prolific and prosperous career, the house museum showcases his easel art, murals, and faux paintings, and still delights visitors today. In addition to Mr. Bartlett's magical works of art, the Bonnet House's garden is an example of a rare, South Florida barrier island habitat. More than 35 acres of a varied ecosystem — from the beach to a freshwater slough, mangrove wetlands, and a maritime forest — offers guests an opportunity to experience tropical tranquility and one of Fort Lauderdale's finest orchid collections. Antique Car Museum Founded by Arthur O. Stone, the 18,000-square-foot Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum ensures the preservation of history with its reproduction of a 1920s Packard Motor Car Company showroom. The exhibit showcases a collection of 22 pre-war Packard cars from the 1900s to the 1940s. All the Packard automobiles on display are in working order, and this great American automotive history is home to thousands of pieces of memorabilia. The museum also features a building and gallery dedicated to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt. New River Historic Boat Tour Every Saturday morning you can set sail on a two-hour historic riverfront cruise and museum tour. The first part of the voyage starts at the iconic Bryan Homes dock and features a fully narrated 60-minute boat tour along the New River. Like the Venice of America, New River was the first “roadway” and the easiest way for pioneers to travel the area. Following the New River ferry cruise, guests will come ashore and finish the tour at historic New River Inn, now Fort Lauderdale's Historic Museum, and an 1899 replica schoolhouse guided by a volunteer in period dress. Don't forget to explore the reportedly haunted 1907 King-Cromartie House where you might spot the translucent apparition of Louise, once the lady of the house. Make your summer in Fort Lauderdale memorable with a glimpse into yesteryear at each of our four favorite museums. Find your inspiration with an exploration of art, culture, and the beauty of the South.

Experience Fort Lauderdale's vibrant cultural scene with an exploration of the city's world-class museums, historical sites, and heritage venues. From a cruise on a famous river to a stroll in a tranquil garden filled with history, check out these four area museums, and get ready for an educational and happening summer. African-American Cultural Center Visit Fort Lauderdale's African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, a 60,000 square foot building featuring literary collections of African-American authors. Permanent exhibits feature artifacts from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas, as well as a 5,000-square-foot art gallery. A unique children's library and auditorium provide opportunities to exchange ideas. The center offers classes in technology and education and has displayed almost 40 major exhibits to over 895,000 guests. A thriving part of the community, the library, and cultural center promotes an appreciation of people with an African heritage. more Bonnet House and Gardens Take a trip down memory lane and explore 20th-century southern living with a tour of the charming 1920s Bonnet House estate — the historic home of Chicago-born artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. Dedicated to Mr. Bartlett's prolific and prosperous career, the house museum showcases his easel art, murals, and faux paintings, and still delights visitors today. In addition to Mr. Bartlett's magical works of art, the Bonnet House's garden is an example of a rare, South Florida barrier island habitat. More than 35 acres of a varied ecosystem — from the beach to a freshwater slough, mangrove wetlands, and a maritime forest — offers guests an opportunity to experience tropical tranquility and one of Fort Lauderdale's finest orchid collections. Antique Car Museum Founded by Arthur O. Stone, the 18,000-square-foot Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum ensures the preservation of history with its reproduction of a 1920s Packard Motor Car Company showroom. The exhibit showcases a collection of 22 pre-war Packard cars from the 1900s to the 1940s. All the Packard automobiles on display are in working order, and this great American automotive history is home to thousands of pieces of memorabilia. The museum also features a building and gallery dedicated to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt. New River Historic Boat Tour Every Saturday morning you can set sail on a two-hour historic riverfront cruise and museum tour. The first part of the voyage starts at the iconic Bryan Homes dock and features a fully narrated 60-minute boat tour along the New River. Like the Venice of America, New River was the first “roadway” and the easiest way for pioneers to travel the area. Following the New River ferry cruise, guests will come ashore and finish the tour at historic New River Inn, now Fort Lauderdale's Historic Museum, and an 1899 replica schoolhouse guided by a volunteer in period dress. Don't forget to explore the reportedly haunted 1907 King-Cromartie House where you might spot the translucent apparition of Louise, once the lady of the house. Make your summer in Fort Lauderdale memorable with a glimpse into yesteryear at each of our four favorite museums. Find your inspiration with an exploration of art, culture, and the beauty of the South.

You've probably noticed how enjoyable it feels to spend time outdoors, reveling in nature and green growing things, like the miracle of a single bloom bathed in sunlight. Time slows down when you spend a moment in the fresh air. Relax and unwind when you discover these four gorgeous gardens to visit in Fort Lauderdale. Flamingo Gardens Create lasting memories for the whole family at Flamingo Gardens, featuring a 60-acre tropical paradise complete with a wildlife sanctuary and the Wray home museum. Delight in 3,000 species of exotic tropical and rare native plants, including some of the tallest trees in Florida that live in the Flamingo Garden's arboretum. A dedicated, seasonal area stocked with a variety of flowers attracts many types of charming butterflies and whimsical hummingbirds. The sanctuary shelters Florida's most extensive group of non-releasable native wildlife such as alligators, bears, panthers, eagles, and other varieties of birds. End your tour at the 1930s Wray Home, the oldest original residence west of University Drive, and get a glimpse of life in the south during the Great Depression. more Bonnet House Gardens The historic home of renowned artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, Bonnet House Gardens offers a breathtaking view into one of Florida's unique ecosystems. This native barrier island habitat features five distinct environments from beach and dunes to freshwater moving sloughs. The home site includes mangrove wetlands and a maritime forest. The unique desert garden that graces the grounds is home to a variety of arid plants and a hibiscus garden, while the main courtyard is lush with tropical vegetation. The estate's orchid display house showcases Mrs. Bartlett's love of this exotic bloom. The gardens offer a haven for migratory birds, and manatees occasionally seek refuge in the home's boathouse canal. Butterfly World Located just 28 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale, transport your family to a magical world filled with colorful butterflies. These gentle creatures come in an immense variety of species, sizes, patterns, and shapes. The inviting atrium houses thousands of live butterflies for up-close encounters every time you visit. Acres and acres of flying delights await you at Butterfly World, from exotic butterflies to amazing birds, anticipate up to three hours to take in the whole experience — but feel free to stay all day. Tradewinds Park offers a nice playground for the kids right next door, and don't forget to stop at the gift shop for nature-related souvenirs. Miami Beach Botanical Garden Take a drive down I-95 to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, just 43 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale. A relatively small garden, it's free to enter and very family-friendly. Short trails that wind through the park are perfect for little feet, and it takes just 30 minutes to see most everything. Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers a wondrous collection of foliage in an uncommonly tranquil setting, perfect to sit and relax or read a book. Take advantage of the self-guided audio tour from your smartphone to get the full experience of this captivating garden. Explore the natural beauty of Fort Lauderdale when you visit one of our four favorite gorgeous gardens.

You've probably noticed how enjoyable it feels to spend time outdoors, reveling in nature and green growing things, like the miracle of a single bloom bathed in sunlight. Time slows down when you spend a moment in the fresh air. Relax and unwind when you discover these four gorgeous gardens to visit in Fort Lauderdale. Flamingo Gardens Create lasting memories for the whole family at Flamingo Gardens, featuring a 60-acre tropical paradise complete with a wildlife sanctuary and the Wray home museum. Delight in 3,000 species of exotic tropical and rare native plants, including some of the tallest trees in Florida that live in the Flamingo Garden's arboretum. A dedicated, seasonal area stocked with a variety of flowers attracts many types of charming butterflies and whimsical hummingbirds. The sanctuary shelters Florida's most extensive group of non-releasable native wildlife such as alligators, bears, panthers, eagles, and other varieties of birds. End your tour at the 1930s Wray Home, the oldest original residence west of University Drive, and get a glimpse of life in the south during the Great Depression. more Bonnet House Gardens The historic home of renowned artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, Bonnet House Gardens offers a breathtaking view into one of Florida's unique ecosystems. This native barrier island habitat features five distinct environments from beach and dunes to freshwater moving sloughs. The home site includes mangrove wetlands and a maritime forest. The unique desert garden that graces the grounds is home to a variety of arid plants and a hibiscus garden, while the main courtyard is lush with tropical vegetation. The estate's orchid display house showcases Mrs. Bartlett's love of this exotic bloom. The gardens offer a haven for migratory birds, and manatees occasionally seek refuge in the home's boathouse canal. Butterfly World Located just 28 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale, transport your family to a magical world filled with colorful butterflies. These gentle creatures come in an immense variety of species, sizes, patterns, and shapes. The inviting atrium houses thousands of live butterflies for up-close encounters every time you visit. Acres and acres of flying delights await you at Butterfly World, from exotic butterflies to amazing birds, anticipate up to three hours to take in the whole experience — but feel free to stay all day. Tradewinds Park offers a nice playground for the kids right next door, and don't forget to stop at the gift shop for nature-related souvenirs. Miami Beach Botanical Garden Take a drive down I-95 to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, just 43 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale. A relatively small garden, it's free to enter and very family-friendly. Short trails that wind through the park are perfect for little feet, and it takes just 30 minutes to see most everything. Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers a wondrous collection of foliage in an uncommonly tranquil setting, perfect to sit and relax or read a book. Take advantage of the self-guided audio tour from your smartphone to get the full experience of this captivating garden. Explore the natural beauty of Fort Lauderdale when you visit one of our four favorite gorgeous gardens.

Like most new Kia owners, you want to take great care of your car. Do you wonder how often it needs servicing? Do you know what systems require regular maintenance? Some of your Kia's vital components need replacing based on mileage, while other parts are replaceable after a specific amount of time. Read on to learn how often your car requires routine maintenance to keep your Kia purring along. Tire Maintenance Check your tire's air pressure once a month. It helps you get better gas mileage, and can save you money in the long run. Make sure you have a tire air pressure gauge. They're an inexpensive tool you can pick up at a convenience store, and it quickly stores in your glove box. Have your Kia's tires rotated and balanced, and your alignment checked every six months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles to make sure your tires are wearing evenly. Tires are expensive to replace, and when they receive regular service, they last much longer. more Engine Oil Changes Most drivers know all about oil — the lifeblood of every automobile's engine. Oil lubricates your engine's pistons and keeps them from overheating. Over time, this heat will break down oil's lubricating properties, making it less effective at protecting your Kia engine's moving parts. So how often should you change your oil? That depends on factors such as the way you drive, and where you live. Here in Florida, where temperatures can reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, some mechanics recommend you change your oil every 3,000 miles. However, most people find that an oil change every 5,000 miles is fine. Check Your Fluids Above and beyond your Kia's engine oil, your vehicle requires a variety of fluids to run smoothly, such as antifreeze, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. With some fluids, you can see directly into the tank, so it's easy to determine when to refill it. Otherwise, most fluids have gauges or dipsticks so you can check current levels. Don't be afraid to get under the hood and see where your fluids are twice a year or at every oil change. If you're running low, add more, and never ignore a leak. Maintenance Reminders Until your Kia reaches 36,000 miles, it should require very little maintenance to keep it heading down the highway. Anticipate a couple of oil changes and a tire rotation. As you start to accrue the miles, more frequent scheduled maintenance is necessary. Your new Kia is outfitted with a maintenance reminder system. This system monitors a number of vehicle operating conditions and alerts the driver when it's time to bring your car in for service. However, if you notice your Kia isn't running its tip-top best, go ahead and bring it in regardless of your scheduled maintenance alerts. When in doubt, read up on your Kia in the factory owner's manual. This handy guide will have all your routine maintenance needs and when to do them. Your Fort Lauderdale dealership, where you purchased your new Kia, has a service department staffed with maintenance experts, so take advantage of dealer-recommended services today.

Like most new Kia owners, you want to take great care of your car. Do you wonder how often it needs servicing? Do you know what systems require regular maintenance? Some of your Kia's vital components need replacing based on mileage, while other parts are replaceable after a specific amount of time. Read on to learn how often your car requires routine maintenance to keep your Kia purring along. Tire Maintenance Check your tire's air pressure once a month. It helps you get better gas mileage, and can save you money in the long run. Make sure you have a tire air pressure gauge. They're an inexpensive tool you can pick up at a convenience store, and it quickly stores in your glove box. Have your Kia's tires rotated and balanced, and your alignment checked every six months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles to make sure your tires are wearing evenly. Tires are expensive to replace, and when they receive regular service, they last much longer. more Engine Oil Changes Most drivers know all about oil — the lifeblood of every automobile's engine. Oil lubricates your engine's pistons and keeps them from overheating. Over time, this heat will break down oil's lubricating properties, making it less effective at protecting your Kia engine's moving parts. So how often should you change your oil? That depends on factors such as the way you drive, and where you live. Here in Florida, where temperatures can reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, some mechanics recommend you change your oil every 3,000 miles. However, most people find that an oil change every 5,000 miles is fine. Check Your Fluids Above and beyond your Kia's engine oil, your vehicle requires a variety of fluids to run smoothly, such as antifreeze, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. With some fluids, you can see directly into the tank, so it's easy to determine when to refill it. Otherwise, most fluids have gauges or dipsticks so you can check current levels. Don't be afraid to get under the hood and see where your fluids are twice a year or at every oil change. If you're running low, add more, and never ignore a leak. Maintenance Reminders Until your Kia reaches 36,000 miles, it should require very little maintenance to keep it heading down the highway. Anticipate a couple of oil changes and a tire rotation. As you start to accrue the miles, more frequent scheduled maintenance is necessary. Your new Kia is outfitted with a maintenance reminder system. This system monitors a number of vehicle operating conditions and alerts the driver when it's time to bring your car in for service. However, if you notice your Kia isn't running its tip-top best, go ahead and bring it in regardless of your scheduled maintenance alerts. When in doubt, read up on your Kia in the factory owner's manual. This handy guide will have all your routine maintenance needs and when to do them. Your Fort Lauderdale dealership, where you purchased your new Kia, has a service department staffed with maintenance experts, so take advantage of dealer-recommended services today.

If you've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to upgrade your Optima, now is the time. Kia loaded up our favorite sedan with lots of improvements for the 2018 model year such as a sporty new S trim. You'll find excellent performance, a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard features, and a slew of technology at every trim level. Let's delve into our top six reasons to upgrade your Kia Optima this year. Introducing the New S Trim The new S trim adds a level of sportiness at a lower price, starting at $23,600. The new Optima S offers drivers a snazzy front bumper and rear spoiler, with larger 17-inch alloy wheels, and more. A 10-way power-adjustable leather-trimmed driver's seat, and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob add a touch of indulgence to the 2018 Optima S. It's Turbocharged Who would have called Kia's flagship mid-sized sedan a sports car? But the SX model with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is a confident competitor. Paired with a quick-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox, the SX puts out 245 horsepower. The Optima SX is agile, with responsive steering and a firm, sport-tuned suspension, plus a huge 18-inch tire package starting at $30,600. more It Comes in a Hybrid Introducing the new Optima Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid sedans. These new extensions of Optima's lineup combine an electric motor and a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine for remarkable mileage: 103 miles per gallon (mpg). Optima's hybrid plug-in's sleek style delivers fuel-efficient technology with an available all-electric mode. These two new Optimas prove that you don't need to compromise to be environmentally conscious. Loaded With User-Friendly Technology — Standard The upgraded Optima now offers a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that Kia packed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Kia improved upon the already impressive advance UVO system with smartphone integration in every trim. Luxurious tidbits such as navigation and a larger touch-screen display are also available. Safety Features The new Optima comes with more standard safety features than ever before, such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking assist. Reserved for the Optima's top trims is optional driver-assist technology including emergency braking, collision and lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree camera. If outstanding safety ratings were reason enough to upgrade your car this year, know that the 2018 Optima earned a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also received the highest score of "Good" in five crash tests administered by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — and a Top Safety Pick+. Driver Modes The Optima features Kia's three innovative driver modes. These “modes” offer a flexible system that switches between Normal, Sport, and Eco settings. Finding a comfortable balance of everything that affects the feel of your drive — from the powertrain, steering, and suspension — are all centrally controlled according to your preferences. The new Optima's starting price is below the class average, and you get standout amenities and top-notch safety features with the 2018 Kia Optima. Isn't it time you test drove your new Optima?

If you've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to upgrade your Optima, now is the time. Kia loaded up our favorite sedan with lots of improvements for the 2018 model year such as a sporty new S trim. You'll find excellent performance, a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard features, and a slew of technology at every trim level. Let's delve into our top six reasons to upgrade your Kia Optima this year. Introducing the New S Trim The new S trim adds a level of sportiness at a lower price, starting at $23,600. The new Optima S offers drivers a snazzy front bumper and rear spoiler, with larger 17-inch alloy wheels, and more. A 10-way power-adjustable leather-trimmed driver's seat, and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob add a touch of indulgence to the 2018 Optima S. It's Turbocharged Who would have called Kia's flagship mid-sized sedan a sports car? But the SX model with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is a confident competitor. Paired with a quick-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox, the SX puts out 245 horsepower. The Optima SX is agile, with responsive steering and a firm, sport-tuned suspension, plus a huge 18-inch tire package starting at $30,600. more It Comes in a Hybrid Introducing the new Optima Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid sedans. These new extensions of Optima's lineup combine an electric motor and a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine for remarkable mileage: 103 miles per gallon (mpg). Optima's hybrid plug-in's sleek style delivers fuel-efficient technology with an available all-electric mode. These two new Optimas prove that you don't need to compromise to be environmentally conscious. Loaded With User-Friendly Technology — Standard The upgraded Optima now offers a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that Kia packed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Kia improved upon the already impressive advance UVO system with smartphone integration in every trim. Luxurious tidbits such as navigation and a larger touch-screen display are also available. Safety Features The new Optima comes with more standard safety features than ever before, such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking assist. Reserved for the Optima's top trims is optional driver-assist technology including emergency braking, collision and lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a 360-degree camera. If outstanding safety ratings were reason enough to upgrade your car this year, know that the 2018 Optima earned a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also received the highest score of "Good" in five crash tests administered by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — and a Top Safety Pick+. Driver Modes The Optima features Kia's three innovative driver modes. These “modes” offer a flexible system that switches between Normal, Sport, and Eco settings. Finding a comfortable balance of everything that affects the feel of your drive — from the powertrain, steering, and suspension — are all centrally controlled according to your preferences. The new Optima's starting price is below the class average, and you get standout amenities and top-notch safety features with the 2018 Kia Optima. Isn't it time you test drove your new Optima?

The Kia Rio is both affordable and stylish. This subcompact car has been redesigned for 2018 to reflect a sleeker, edgier design philosophy than previous models. The 2018 Kia Rio also comes in three different trims, offering a variety of aesthetic and convenience-oriented improvements. Here's how they stack up. LX The first configuration of the 2018 Kia Rio is the LX model. Starting at an MSRP of $13,900, the LX is powered by a 1.6-liter engine that produces up to 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. Unique to the LX trim, you can choose between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission comes with Sportmatic technology, which allows for manual shifting. The LX trim also comes with solar control glass, variable intermittent windshield wipers, heated rear glass, halogen headlights, and automatic light control. Inside this base model, you'll discover a five-inch touchscreen and a USB/auxiliary input jack. more S Consider the second trim of the 2018 Kia Rio if you're looking for some extra design flair, especially in the vehicle's interior. The S configuration arrives at a starting MSRP of $16,100. The version of the new Rio uses the same engine as the LX model, but it's mated exclusively to the six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic mode. The exterior of this trim has been upgraded to include body-color door handles and body-color heated mirrors, but it's the interior that really makes it stand out. The S trim comes standard with a rear camera, which makes parking and backing up both easier and safer. EX Although the final trim of the 2018 Kia Rio packs the same engine under its hood, the EX model differentiates itself from previous configurations in several important ways. The dashboard touchscreen has been upgraded to a seven-inch model, which is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay software. You'll also have access to advanced safety technology in the EX trim, as it incorporates an autonomous emergency braking system to help you avoid getting into an accident. There is also a display on the dashboard for the vehicle's forward collision warning system. The EX trim is available at a starting MSRP of $18,400. EX Launch Edition The EX Launch Edition is not a separate trim, but rather a premium package applied to the EX configuration. This package is available for an additional $500 on top of the EX's MSRP. This package introduces a red trim to the partial leather interior. The Launch Edition package also includes horizontal lines running along the dashboard as well as a bi-level tray that's perfect for holding your mobile phone. This special package is limited to 1,000 units, so act fast if this clean, elegant design feature catches your eye.

The Kia Rio is both affordable and stylish. This subcompact car has been redesigned for 2018 to reflect a sleeker, edgier design philosophy than previous models. The 2018 Kia Rio also comes in three different trims, offering a variety of aesthetic and convenience-oriented improvements. Here's how they stack up. LX The first configuration of the 2018 Kia Rio is the LX model. Starting at an MSRP of $13,900, the LX is powered by a 1.6-liter engine that produces up to 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. Unique to the LX trim, you can choose between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission comes with Sportmatic technology, which allows for manual shifting. The LX trim also comes with solar control glass, variable intermittent windshield wipers, heated rear glass, halogen headlights, and automatic light control. Inside this base model, you'll discover a five-inch touchscreen and a USB/auxiliary input jack. more S Consider the second trim of the 2018 Kia Rio if you're looking for some extra design flair, especially in the vehicle's interior. The S configuration arrives at a starting MSRP of $16,100. The version of the new Rio uses the same engine as the LX model, but it's mated exclusively to the six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic mode. The exterior of this trim has been upgraded to include body-color door handles and body-color heated mirrors, but it's the interior that really makes it stand out. The S trim comes standard with a rear camera, which makes parking and backing up both easier and safer. EX Although the final trim of the 2018 Kia Rio packs the same engine under its hood, the EX model differentiates itself from previous configurations in several important ways. The dashboard touchscreen has been upgraded to a seven-inch model, which is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay software. You'll also have access to advanced safety technology in the EX trim, as it incorporates an autonomous emergency braking system to help you avoid getting into an accident. There is also a display on the dashboard for the vehicle's forward collision warning system. The EX trim is available at a starting MSRP of $18,400. EX Launch Edition The EX Launch Edition is not a separate trim, but rather a premium package applied to the EX configuration. This package is available for an additional $500 on top of the EX's MSRP. This package introduces a red trim to the partial leather interior. The Launch Edition package also includes horizontal lines running along the dashboard as well as a bi-level tray that's perfect for holding your mobile phone. This special package is limited to 1,000 units, so act fast if this clean, elegant design feature catches your eye.