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The Kia Forte is a compact car known for its excellent starting price and fuel efficiency. These numbers often convince many drivers to take a closer look at this vehicle, but there are many other qualities that sweeten the deal. Here are some of the top features of the 2017 Kia Forte. more Park Minder Technology and Kia's UVO eServices The 2017 Kia Forte comes standard with several innovative technologies. The LX trim includes Bluetooth connectivity, but the S and EX go further with a simple and intuitive 7-inch touch-screen display and Kia's UVO eServices. This is compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Google Maps, but a unique offering of the UVO eServices is the Parking Minder app. Park Minder can help you find your car after you park. Open the app on a compatible smartphone, record your location when you park and return with ease when you're ready to hit the road again. UVO eServices works with iPhones and provides drivers with additional support, such as 24-hour roadside assistance. A Wide Selection of Configurations Whether you build one from scratch or test drive a Forte at a local Kia dealership, you'll enjoy shopping for one of these cars. The Kia Forte sedan is available in the LX (manual or automatic), S, and EX trims. You'll also get to pick from up to six colors and, depending on the trim, additional packages. For example, you can upgrade the EX to include the EX Premium Plus Package. This will add Autonomous Emergency Braking, the Blind Spot Detection System, and Kia's navigation system. You can add the S Technology Package or the S Premium Package to the S trim for access to similar tech and safety features. Excellent Warranty Coverage New cars come with manufacturer warranties, but Kia's offering goes above and beyond what's standard. The Forte comes with a 5-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty, and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. An available Emissions Warranty can be added to cover defects and performance issues related to parts needed to comply with federal and state (for California drivers) emissions requirements. For original owners of the car, the powertrain coverage kicks in once the basic warranty expires. Kia's limited warranty coverage also covers service adjustment (1-year, 12,000-mile coverage), anti-perforation (5-year, 100,000-mile coverage), and several other areas. A Comfortable Interior The Kia's comfortable and roomy interior is one of its most praised features. An array of steering-wheel-mounted controls enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road, and ventilated/heated front seats can keep drivers comfortable regardless of the weather. An available sunroof adds some extra style and luxury to the Kia Forte. Low Starting MSRP and Excellent Fuel Economy The Kia Forte has an MSRP that starts at $16,600. This low base price gives many drivers room to go up a trim level or add one of the optional packages. The low MSRP plus the vehicle's excellent gas mileage —  up to 29 miles per gallon in the city and 38 on the highway — are compelling reasons to get behind the wheel of this compact car. These are five of the best features that the 2017 Forte has to offer. Visit a local dealership for more information and to see one of these vehicles in person.   Photo by Kia

If you've been thinking about buying a new vehicle, then you want to make sure you're getting a model that provides both utility and excitement, like a crossover SUV. While the crossover class includes some truly excellent vehicles, your best choice is driving one of the many high-quality SUVs produced by Kia. Here are a few of the best crossover SUVs produced by Kia that you should consider when you need a new vehicle. more 2017 Kia Soul Consumers looking for style and efficiency in their next SUV will find their perfect choice in the 2017 Kia Soul. For starters, the Soul is available in an all-electric model that provides 210 pound-feet of instant torque and an estimated driving range of 93 miles. When it comes to style, the Soul is attractive both inside and out. The exterior of the Soul has been redesigned to be sleeker than ever before, and it now includes high-end features like high-intensity discharge headlamps and LED front fog lights. In the Soul's cabin, you'll find borderline luxurious features such as ventilated and heated front seats, LED mood lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. 2017 Kia Niro The 2017 Kia Niro is another crossover SUV that consumers everywhere will be sure to love. With the Niro, you'll be getting all the features you expect from the crossover class, including cutting-edge technology and rugged performance. The Niro is a hybrid crossover that expertly combines performance and efficiency. Its Parallel Hybrid System and regenerative braking system provides impressive fuel economy that will help keep money in your wallet. There is also a dual-clutch automatic transmission that is both fun and responsive. Technology enthusiasts will also find a lot to love in the Niro, offering several next-level tech features. Music lovers, for instance, will enjoy the Harman Kardon Premium Sound System. This vehicle also includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone connectivity. 2018 Kia Sportage If you're the type of consumer that always wants the latest and greatest vehicle, then you're perfect crossover SUV is the 2018 Kia Sportage. The Sportage is ready to take the market by storm thanks to several enticing features that you'd be hard-pressed to find in other crossover SUVs. The Sportage is a vehicle that is built for adventure, both on and off the road. An available Dynamax All-Wheel Drive senses changes in the road and adjusts your traction accordingly, delivering you and your passengers a consistently smooth ride. The Sportage also provides an available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that is rated at 240 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. With the Sportage, you'll additionally have access to several advanced safety features that will keep you secure on the road. For example, this crossover includes active features to help you avoid serious wrecks, including electronic stability control, an anti-lock braking system, and hill-start assist control. There are also front and side-curtain airbags, so you'll be protected when an accident occurs. As you can see, there are several high-quality Kia crossover SUVs that you could drive. Take all of these vehicles for a spin so that you can decide which model is right for you.   Photo by Kia

The Kia K900 is a perfect car for luxury lovers who want to get more value for their money. The additional standard luxury features introduced in the 2017 Kia K900 make this affordable luxury sedan attractive for those who are after style, comfort, and safety. Customize your car by choosing from three different trims, pick your exterior or interior colors, and make a statement when you drive your new Kia K900. Ranking eighth in the Luxury Large Cars category in US News Best Cars Magazine, this Kia has plenty of features you can fall in love with. Powerful Engine The basic engine of the 2017 Kia K900 is a V6, giving you 311 horsepower. You can upgrade to a V8, 420-horsepower engine as well to get even more force on the road. Enjoy the road thanks to the automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive powering the petrol engines. The aerodynamic design of the car helps you make the most out of the power. more Luxury Inside Out Inside the cabin, you will find space, leather, and wood trim. Front and rear seats can be heated and ventilated according to the weather. You will love the power seats with lumbar support and the three-zone climate control. Enjoy every mile with the UVO infotainment system, offering Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and the Lexicon premium audio system. Take advantage of the large and comfortable front and back seats offering plenty of legroom.   On the outside, the luxury features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a smart trunk, and HID headlights. You can upgrade your trim to 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a head-up display. You can also get the Dynamic Bending Light feature that automatically adapts to your speed and turning angle. Take advantage of the heated mirrors in the winter. Advanced Safety Features as Standard Many of the safety features of the Kia K900 are offered as standard, including lane-departure warning, lane-change assist, blind spot warning, and automatic emergency braking. You get tire-pressure monitoring with all trims, and a power sunroof to enjoy those long drives in the summer even more. Drivers love the remote trunk release, remote engine start, and the built-in universal garage door opener. A Smooth Drive Every Time The foam-padded cabin is extremely quiet, and it is further back from the front wheel, making your ride smooth every time. Thanks to the advanced insulation, you can enjoy your music while crossing the country and hitting the highways, The front and rear suspensions are independent, giving you a smoother and quieter driving experience. Peace of Mind with Extended Kia Warranty Apart from the excellent price of the 2017 Kia K900, you will also benefit from the 10,000-mile or 10-year powertrain warranty offered by Kia.   If you are still undecided which large Luxury sedan to choose, you must consider the 2017 Kia K900, with plenty of comfort and safety. The new Kia delivers style, advanced drivers' assistance, great onboard entertainment, and technology that are only offered as an upgrade for similar models. Treat yourself to a test drive and see for yourself.

The 2018 model cars are beginning to hit the market, and many people are excited about what new offerings are coming. Kia is no exception with several new models coming to the market for 2018. By reworking these popular models and adding new ones, Kia can offer you more of what you want in a new vehicle. Here is what to look forward to as these three Kia vehicles get ready to join the 2018 lineup. 2018 Kia Rio and Rio 5-Door In 2018, Kia is reworking the Kia Rio so you can have a better vehicle at an affordable price. Kia added in several changes to improve its overall performance, focusing on a sportier feel. The body has been slightly reshaped for a more streamlined look and feel. Kia also improved the suspension with better tuning and components. That way, you will get superior handling alongside all the other performance improvements. more The inside of the Rio has been upgraded with new technologies, including autonomous emergency braking and improved wireless device connectivity. If you are looking for more storage capacity and accessibility, you can try the new 2018 Kia Rio 5-Door. The added hatchback makes it more versatile while still getting much of the same improved performance. 2018 Kia Stinger For higher performance and luxury enthusiasts, Kia is introducing the new Kia Stinger. It is a luxury and performance car with many of the amenities you would expect from a top-of-the-line vehicle. It won several awards at the North American International Auto Show for its appearance and new features.   The interior of the Stinger is designed for style as well as comfort. The Stinger comes with the latest Kia safety and luxury technologies. As far as performance, the Stinger is tuned to have some of the best performance, including Dynamic Stability Damping Control suspension and a twin-turbo V6 engine that will give you 360 horsepower and beyond. If you are into luxury and performance in the same package, the Kia Stinger is the right choice. 2018 Kia Optima The Kia Optima is a well-known sedan for its performance and luxury. One of the best features of the Kia Optima is its engine, and there is a range of different options to choose from. The SX trim offers a 2.0-liter Turbo engine with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the best control. But if you want real power with a better fuel economy, then opt for the LX 1.6T trim, which provides a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.   The overall look and feel of the Optima have been changed to a sportier design. Above all else, the 2018 Kia Optima maintains its notoriously high safety scores.   Kia's lineup is expanding in the 2018 model year, and the additions will likely make your shopping experience much easier. Despite having many options to choose from, Kia gives you the right balance of value and cost. Ultimately, the best way to decide which Kia model is best for you is to experience it in person at Gunther Kia. The 2018 models are coming onto the market soon, so stop by to learn more about them.

You look for a lot when hunting for a new car. Does it have the fuel efficiency that will keep you from spending too much at the pump? Does it have the space to fit your ever-growing family? All those features are crucial to consider, but they become pretty pointless when you're broadsided by a reckless driver. In the end, safety features are the features that matter most. They allow you to enjoy all the other features your car has to offer. Kia has a host of safety features to keep their drivers from harm. Here's how they do it. Smart Body Design Years of building and testing vehicle integrity has taught Kia some valuable lessons about frame design. After all, a vehicle's body is the first line of physical defense in a crash. Taking this into account, Kia builds their bodies with an ultra-high tensile steel using a hot stamping method that makes the frame lighter and more rigid. Not only are the bones of your Kia built to keep you safe, but they'll also raise your fuel efficiency. Kia frames are also built specifically with drivers and passengers in mind. Their design redirects crash energy away from drivers and passengers, so that airbags aren't the only thing keeping you from harm. more Road Handling Technology Of course, it's just better to avoid getting hit or hitting someone else in the first place, if you can. Kia vehicles are rife with systems that help drivers better handle the road in order to prevent an accident. For example, the Electric Stability Control adjusts braking and throttle to ensure that you always have control, even in poor driving conditions. Traction Control prevents wheel spin while Cornering Brake Control keeps you on the road when taking tight turns. Along with brake assistance systems like an Anti-Lock Brake System and Downhill Brake Control, your Kia will keep you more connected with the road than you've ever been. Warning Systems Human senses are amazing things, but with so much happening on the road, they're sometimes just not enough. The warning systems in your Kia will expand your senses, so you can react quicker. The Lane Departure Warning system uses a camera mounted on your windshield to keep you in the lines when you've driven too long without sleep. The Forward Collision Warning system also uses a camera that keeps track of the distance between you and the vehicle ahead, warning you when you get too close. And for the moments when your reaction time just isn't fast enough to address the warning, Kia still has you covered. The Autonomous Emergency Braking will apply the brake pressure necessary to avoid an accident. It can be easy to take safety features for granted when so many other features demand our attention, but in the moments when you need them most, you'll be grateful that Kia had passengers in mind while designing its vehicles. If you have more questions about Kia's safety systems, call Gunther Kia today! Photo by Kia

Despite still facing some negative stereotypes, hybrid and electric vehicles have been growing in popularity through recent years. Maybe it's because drivers are getting tired of paying so much at the pump only to do it all again in a week. Or maybe we're all just becoming more environmentally conscious and want to leave a positive footprint on the earth. Whatever your reason for considering a hybrid or electric vehicle, you now have more options than ever. So where should you start? Right here. We present to you the three best electric and hybrid vehicles that Kia has to offer. 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Maybe you've held off buying a hybrid because you've heard that hybrid vehicles just don't have the power you want in your car. Well, put that worry behind you, because the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid, equipped with a two-liter Gasoline Direct Injection Engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, can generate up to 271 pound-feet of torque. This isn't like other hybrids. The GDI engine and the electric motor work together or separately depending on your driving conditions. For example, during start-up and at low speeds, the electric motor takes over, but when your foot's really on the gas, the two work together for maximum fuel efficiency. The Optima Hybrid isn't just a hybrid in its engine but also in its design. The aerodynamic shape of the Optima reduces drag and increases fuel efficiency. Active air flaps cut down drag by redirecting airflow for even greater efficiency. more 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid The Optima Plug-In Hybrid takes everything that's great about the Optima Hybrid and gives you greater control over your efficiency. Drive in HEV mode, and you'll be driving with the efficiency and power of the Optima Hybrid, but switch to EV mode, and your vehicle will become fully electric, giving you a range of 29 miles completely gasoline-free. For charging options, you can pick between a Level 1 charger, which just uses your home's wall outlet but may take overnight to completely charge, and the Level 2 charger, which requires home installation but will charge the vehicle in three hours. 2017 Kia Niro The 2017 Kia Niro is really a one-of-a-kind vehicle. It takes everything that works with hybrid vehicles and integrates that with the versatility of a crossover. A 1.6-liter GDI engine works with an electric motor powered by a 1.56 kWh battery to deliver world-record-winning efficiency. That's right, the 2017 Niro earned a Guinness World Record for driving from Los Angeles to New York (3,715 miles) on just over four tanks of gas. That's 76.6 miles per gallon, folks. And thanks to the Niro's regenerative braking system, your battery will stay charged for longer sprints of fuel-efficient driving. Ready to start saving money and saving the environment while you're at it? These three Kia vehicles are just what the doctor ordered. If you have more questions about these vehicles, or want to see them for yourself, come down to Gunther Kia today!

The Kia Rio Sedan is a simple subcompact sedan with a sleek design and surprisingly roomy backseat for a small sedan. It comes with peace of mind too — Kia is so confident in the durability of its cars that it offers an industry-leading extended powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. For 2017, Kia has dropped the SX model from the sedan lineup, leaving you with two trim levels to choose from. Rio LX Both trims come with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. It may not be the most powerful engine out there, but it does have remarkably more quick acceleration compared to others in its class. The LX comes with a six-speed manual transmission, although you have the option of an automatic transmission. The entry-level LX features 15-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights, variable intermittent wipers, heated power mirrors, and locking fuel-filler door. Solar control glass on the windshield and front passenger windows help keep the interior cooler in summer, and heated rear glass with a timer defrost ice and melt snow in winter. Expect simplicity in the interior — materials are understated, and gauges and controls are uncomplicated. The interior features air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, tilt-only steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio buttons, glove box illumination, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Onboard technology includes a trip computer, satellite radio, USB and auxiliary audio inputs, and a four-speaker sound system. Standard safety features on both models include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, and tire pressure monitoring system. Want to take things up a notch? An available Power Package adds keyless entry and power windows and door locks, automatic transmission, and Bluetooth connectivity. Rio EX There are only four color choices on the LX, but you get eight on the EX. You also get automatic transmission, 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, chrome grille surround, premium cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, map lights, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, a soft-touch dash, padded armrests on the front doors, a sliding center console armrest with storage, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system. Choosing the optional Eco Package means you lose a few of the above features in favor of the fuel-saving automatic engine stop-start system, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, and Kia's UVO 7-inch digital touch-screen infotainment system. Fuel economy is average on the Rio Sedan, and the Eco Package gets you a little extra mileage — 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Prefer a snazzier interior? The EX's Designer Package features attractive seating with two-tone black cloth teamed with gray leather inserts and gray accent stitching. The Rio is a conservative sedan, but it offers enough basic features, a good quality interior, and excellent value at an unbeatable price. It's built to last, too, so you can keep driving your Rio long after you've paid the final installment. Photo by Kia

The fourth-generation Kia Rio five-door hatchback is a fun-to-drive sassy little subcompact car. The new 2017 model has grown up – it's swapped its cutesy look for slicker, sportier styling. It's slightly longer, wider, and lower with sculpted aerodynamic body lines and a redesigned front with Kia's distinctive tiger-nose grille. The Kia Rio is available in three trims: LX, EX, and SX. Rio LX All three models feature the same mechanical specs: front-wheel drive with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a four-wheel anti-lock disc braking system. Also standard across all three models is Kia's Sportmatic six-speed automatic transmission, which gives drivers the option of easily switching to manual if desired. more The interior of the 2017 Rio has undergone significant changes. It's done away with the cheap-looking plastic dashboard. In its place is a more modern-looking panel that's angled toward the driver and features a floating touch-screen display in the center. In terms of safety, the Rio hatchback received a four-star rating for overall crash protection in government tests. All three models come standard with electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, and hill-start assist. The LX trim features black mesh radiator grille, 15-inch steel wheels, tilt steering column, woven cloth upholstery, and four-way speaker audio system. Rio EX Moving up to the EX, you'll find the black mesh grille is now surrounded with chrome. Additional external features include projector beam fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels. The interior features a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, premium cloth trim, center console with sliding arm rest, and a six-speaker audio system with A-Pillar-Mounted tweeters. The EX ups the convenience with steering-wheel-mounted cruise control buttons, power windows with convenient driver's one-touch auto-up/down, and power door locks with keyless remote. Extra refinements in the EX include a hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel with matching gearshift knob, LED map lights, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, and soft-touch dash. The cargo under-floor tray with net is a handy feature – hidden beneath the floor, it helps you store items neatly and out of sight. Fuel efficiency is similar on all three trims at 30 mpg combined, but the EX model features Kia's eco-friendly Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system, bringing the fuel efficiency rating up to 31 mpg. Rio SX Giving the SX a design edge is 17-inch alloy wheels, LED positioning lights that shimmer below the headlights, and LED rear combination lamps. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, and a supervision meter cluster add to the sportiness. If you're looking for more responsive handling, the SX model with sport-tuned suspension is the one to go for. Extra features on the SX trim include a rear-view camera, outside power-folding mirrors with turn-signal indicators, power sunroof, projector beam headlights, and auto light control. Seating is more upscale, with leather upholstery and heated front seats, and technology upgrades include a 7-inch touch screen with voice-command navigation, satellite and HD radio, and UVO infotainment system. As an entry-level car and with a starting price of $15,495 for the LX and up to $20,905 for the SX, the Kia Rio is a nicely designed vehicle at an affordable price.   Photo by Kia

In an effort to encourage motorists to buy eco-friendly electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, the United States government implemented tax credits and rebates for owners of green cars. It helps offset the initial purchase, as buying electric vehicles usually costs more than gasoline cars, plus requires the installation of home charging units. If you're the new proud owner of a Kia Soul EV, congratulations – you've just bought one of the best electric vehicles on the market. In addition, you now qualify for some awesome benefits that come with owning an electric car. more Federal Tax Credit In 2010, federal tax credits came into effect for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that were purchased in or after 2010. The credit amount varies from $2,500 to $7,500 based on the car's battery size. The Kia Soul EV qualifies for the maximum credit of $7,500. This could be in the form of a tax refund at the end of the year or, alternatively, deducted off the purchase price at the time of buying the car. So with a starting price of $33,950 for the 2016 standard model, you'll end up paying $26,450 once you deduct the $7,500. Important to bear in mind, though, is that depending on what your tax bill is at the end of the year, you may not receive the full $7,500. If your tax bill is less than $7,500, you will only be paid that amount. For instance, if you owe Uncle Sam $5,000, that's all Uncle Sam will refund you. You will not receive the extra $2,500, nor will it be carried over to the following tax year. State Incentives In addition to the federal program, there are also dozens of state and regional incentives on electric and plug-in vehicles. Incentive programs vary, so you will have to find out what applies to your state. Credits can come in the form of exemption from inspections, reduced registration fees, lower vehicle tax, or nonmonetary incentives such as access to the carpool (HOV) lane and free parking. In California, for example, people who buy or lease certain electric cars can get a cash rebate up front in addition to the annual federal tax credit. Manufacturer Rebates Kia offers several manufacturer-to-customer rebates and incentive programs. When buying your vehicle, be sure to inquire about these. You could benefit from cash rebates directly at the point of sale, low-interest financing, and special leases. Cash rebates can either be given directly to the customer or be used as part of the vehicle's down payment. Either way, it helps lower the net price of the vehicle. If you find it all a little confusing, consult an accountant who can help you claim the correct tax credit you qualify for and assist in filing the Qualified Electric Vehicle Credit form. Note that the federal tax incentive program will eventually be phased out as sales of EVs and PHEVs reach the specified cap – which is around 200,000 vehicles sold per manufacturer. So if you haven't taken the leap to electric yet, visit your Kia dealer now and take advantage of these benefits while they're still in place.   Photo by Kia

We've all heard about hybrid cars and how they're going to save the environment. But now, after hybrids have evolved over the automotive generations, there are far more incentives to choose a hybrid over a gas-powered car. Here are four reasons you should be driving a hybrid. Equal To or Better Than Gas The first concern most people have when they consider switching to a hybrid vehicle is that they may lose the power and performance that gas-powered engines deliver. This is far from true, however. Hybrid vehicles perform just as well as the leading gas-powered family vehicles. What's more, hybrid vehicles are just as safe, if not safer, than gas-powered vehicles. Not only are hybrid vehicles designed with the highest safety ratings in mind, but they carry around far less flammable fuel than a gas-powered vehicle. So don't worry about compromising on performance or safety when you switch to a hybrid. more The Sound of Silence Do you ever get frustrated about how loud you have to turn your stereo or your Bluetooth phone call to hear it over your engine? This won't be a problem if you drive a hybrid. Choose a hybrid vehicle, and you will no longer have to battle the noise of your engine as you accelerate or simply drive along at freeway speeds. Hybrid motors are almost silent and won't drown out your favorite music or that important (hands-free) phone call. A Fatter Wallet Perhaps the most compelling reason to buy a hybrid vehicle is the countless dollars you will save on gas. Sure, gas prices have been relatively low in 2016, but history has shown that low gas prices are never around for very long. If you commute to work or take the kids to school and various activities, you know the pain of watching your fuel tank gage slowly drop. Switch to a hybrid vehicle, and you'll get to stretch every penny to get the most out of your hard-earned dollars. Lower Secondary Costs Not only do hybrid vehicles save you money at the pump, but there are other financial benefits, too. First, if you purchase a hybrid vehicle that was manufactured in or after 2010, you could get a major tax break on your federal tax returns. In fact, the federal government is offering people up to $7,500 (the final benefit amount depends on the capacity of your hybrid's battery). Check with your state government to see if you can double dip for even more savings. Second, most hybrid vehicles are less expensive to insure. Depending on your automotive insurance provider, you could save between $1,500 and $2,400 for insuring a hybrid vehicle instead of a gas-powered vehicle. So if saving money appeals to you, hybrids deliver in more ways than one. Hybrid vehicles are relatively new to the world of car-buying options. It seems like every year there's a new and improved hybrid model out on the market. While hybrid vehicles continue to gain in popularity, efficiency, and affordability, there's never a better time to switch to a hybrid than now. Start cashing in on all of these compelling reasons to drive a hybrid today.

Often cars are compared side by side with numbers and statistics. In this article, you will see the basic version of what these numbers mean when you put them all together. The Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson come from the same parent company. They are well-rated vehicles. While they offer similar packaging, the subtle differences add up to an increase or decrease in your contentment level when exploring the roads in your new wheels. Read on to get a layman's breakdown of the vehicles and decide which choice buys you the best vehicle. MSRP and Commonalities The Kia Sportage's starting MSRP is $22,150, which is $550 less than the Hyundai Tucson. The two sport utility vehicles have divided rear seats that fold down to maximize storage space. They come in all-wheel or two-wheel drive, boast impressive safety ratings, and offer convenient upgrades like navigation systems with top-of–the-line audio and speakers. Sleek, aerodynamic designs make up their exteriors. more Cylinders and Engine Size Gasoline burns in the cylinders to give a car the gusto to keep moving. Because the cylinders house the power, more is better, but fuel efficiency usually suffers as the number of barrels increases. Both vehicles contain four-cylinder engines. The Tucson beats the Kia by three miles per gallon in fuel optimization, but that concerns the displacement, or volume, of the motor. Engine size is much like cylinders — higher numbers mean more power but reduced miles per gallon. The Kia carries a 2.4-liter engine compared to the 2.0-liter engine in the Hyundai. That's one-fifth bigger. The Turbocharged Engine A turbocharger boosts the power of an engine much like a metabolic enhancer jolts your metabolism. Often a four-cylinder feels like a six-cylinder with the turbocharger, but the upside is it uses less gas when driven efficiently. Both higher-end models contain a turbo engine, but the Kia once again carries an engine substantially larger than its counterpart. Torque and Horsepower When you push back into the seat while accelerating from a stop, that is torque. Big rigs require torque to initiate movement. Horsepower defines how much continuous work a car can perform. Generally, larger engines produce more torque while smaller engines provide horsepower. A racing car needs good torque to catapult off the starting line and requires horsepower to sustain its speed over the course of the race. The Kia's turbo engine submerges the competition with 260 horsepower compared to the competition's 175 horsepower. Its 269 pound-feet of torque boost it past the Tucson's 195 pound-feet of torque. While the 2016 Kia Sportage and the 2016 Hyundai Tucson can each stand on their own four wheels, the Hyundai lacks something essential – power. Because the most important part of selecting a car is surveying what's under the hood, a vote for the Hyundai would act contrary to common sense. The Kia moves quicker and stays at its optimal speed longer than its rival. Since the purpose of a car is to maximize commuting time, select the one that does just that.   Photo by Kia

Get ready for the car of the year before it rolls off the assembly block. The 2017 Kia Sorento offers an improved ride, more cargo and seating room, and more luxury options than ever before with a lower price than other crossover SUVs in its class. Pick a 2.4L four-cylinder engine or a 3.3L V6 engine when you make this car the newest member of your family. Roomy Interior Built to fit a maximum of 7 passengers, this vehicle gives you options. The second and third-row seats fold flat to allow for extra cargo space, and because of the divided seats, you can tuck one seat at a time if you need to haul lumber or separate siblings for a long road trip. In addition, Remote Release allows you to lay the second row down while inserting cargo through the trunk area. Rolling second-row seats offer the choice of extra leg room or cargo space. more Intelligence Kia took hands-free to a new level with the Smart Power Liftgate. The rear door opens without hand or feet involvement when it recognizes your smart key. You can also adjust the height of the gate, and the car will remember it. Say goodbye to bumping your head.  Smart Welcome Lighting system turns on the door lights and releases your mirrors from their storage position when you near the vehicle. Safety Features Advanced Smart Cruise Control system assesses the distance between you and the car in front of you. Lane Departure Warning System notifies you if you leave your lane. Back-Up Warning System detects objects near the rear of your car. Rear Cross Traffic Alert notifies you if something crosses your path, and Blind-Spot Detection prepares you to change lanes safely. Select the Surround View Monitor for a 360-degree display of your vehicle to enable the safest exit from every situation. Options From consumers who want an inexpensive crossover SUV to those who want to live in the lap of luxury, the 2017 Kia Sorento has it all. Bluetooth capabilities for telephone and audio, stain-resistant upholstery, USB jacks, and LED headlights come standard. The LX offers substantial upgrades like Uvo eServices, heated driver and passenger seats, and a touchscreen interface. One more step up to the EX provides the keyless ignition and entry, leather seats, the hands-free liftgate, and much more. The top-of-the-line SX has heated second-row seats and lane departure warning and mitigation. Convenience Organize yourself with the storage compartment located under the floor screen in the cargo area. Plan your week with hands-free calendar scheduling, and keep your life managed with ample storage between the front seats. Upgrade to include Dual-Zone Climate Control in the first row and an independent AC control for row 3. Find relief on hot days with the option of ventilated front seats. Choose the 10-speaker Infinity Audio System to get the best listening experience. For those who take long trips, consider the available leg extender cushion that gives you a relaxing and comfortable driving experience. With so much to offer, the 2017 Kia Sorento is going places.   Photo by Kia