2023 Kia Sportage Lx on 2040-cars

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Minivan market not what it used to be, but margins make up for it

Residual values for last year's minivans are higher than they were in 2000.
Much like the station wagon was the shuttle of Baby Boomer generation, the minivan has been the primary means of transport for Generations X and Y. Just as the boomers abandoned the Country Squire, though, those kids that were toted around in Grand Caravans and Windstars are adults, and they certainly don't want to be seen in the cars their parents drove.

2021 Kia Seltos fuel economy revealed at up to 31 mpg combined

The 2021 Kia Seltos made its official debut in the U.S. just a couple months ago at the L.A. Auto Show. Now its fuel economy numbers have been published by the EPA. The compact crossover's numbers are roughly on par with its smaller Soul sibling and significantly better than the larger Sportage. The Seltos is available with two different engines, a 146-horsepower naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder coupled to a CVT, and a 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a dual-clutch transmission. The former is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the latter only comes with all-wheel drive. Unsurprisingly, the most efficient model is the front-drive 2.0-liter with city fuel economy of 29 mpg, highway economy of 34, and 31 combined. Adding all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 27 in town, 31 on the highway, and 29 combined. The turbo Seltos brings up the rear with 25 mpg in the city, 30 on the highway and 27 combined. Compared with its smaller sibling, the Soul, the Seltos performs impressively, with the front-drive model matching the Soul Eco Dynamics combined fuel economy of 31 mpg. On the other hand, the turbo Soul's 29 mpg combined rating is better than the turbo Seltos. The turbo Seltos does have all-wheel drive, which the turbo Soul lacks. In fact, no Soul is available with all-wheel drive, a worthy selling point for the Seltos. When comparing the Seltos numbers to the bigger Sportage, which also offers all-wheel drive, every version of the Seltos outperforms the best Sportage's combined fuel economy number of 26 mpg. Comparing the Seltos with other small crossovers, it fares well. Looking at front-drive competitors, only the much more expensive Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and the smaller, cheaper Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue top the Seltos in fuel economy. The Buick Encore ties it. With all-wheel drive, the Seltos is also competitive. The non-hybrid Subaru Crosstrek's 30 mpg combined beats the Seltos by just one, and the Honda HR-V is tied with the Kia. The 2020 Kia Seltos will go on sale early this year. The base price will be below $22,000. Related Video:

2020 Kia Soul EV earns 243-mile EPA range rating

Kia is diving head first into the world of electric cars, and now we know how far its new Soul EV can go on a full charge: 243 miles, according to its EPA rating. This officially makes it the longest-range EV in Kia's lineup, because the Niro EV is rated for 239 miles. The Hyundai Kona bests them all with a 258-mile range, though. We got to see the Soul EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year for the first time, but could only guess at the range then. It was expected to see huge gains compared to the first electric Soul, which is rated at 111 miles in its last year of duty here in 2019. Range similar to the Niro and Kona is no surprise, as it borrows the powertrain out of those cars. A 64 kWh battery pack provides juice for an electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. DC fast charging is standard and you can adjust the brake regeneration power via paddles behind the steering wheel. Anyone looking at an EV from Kia or Hyundai is going to have to make a choice when it comes to bodystyle, because they won't lose or gain much on the powertrain and efficiency side of things. A 243-mile range is more than sufficient to compete in the electric vehicle world right now, especially if you can get that range on the quirky but lovable Soul. The Bolt EV is sitting at 238 miles of range, and the new Nissan Leaf E+ can go 226 miles before fully depleting its battery. You'll be able to choose between the normal Soul EV or the Soul EV Designer Collection at launch. The Designer trim gets a two-tone paint scheme along with other additions like a leatherette interior, 10-speaker audio system and wireless charging. Pricing isn't available yet, but will be announced closer to the on-sale date. Kia says to expect it in the first half of this year. Related Video: