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2017 Kia Sportage gets bigger and gains bulbous new duds

Anyone who's been keeping an eye on our monthly By The Numbers series of posts knows that crossovers are the kings of the automobile world in 2015. That's not likely to change any time soon, at least so long as gasoline remains relatively cheap and lenders remain willing to offer ever-longer loans with reasonable interest rates. Kia looks perfectly positioned to capitalize on the booming crossover trend with its latest Sportage. The 2017 Kia Sportage is a bit more bubbly on the outside than before, and it's got more interior room thanks to a chassis that's been stretched 1.2 inches longer than the previous model. Two powertrains will be available: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbo with impressive figures of 241 hp and 260 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board. All-wheel drive will, of course, be optional, and Kia claims the new Sportage will be more fuel efficient than before. Kia's latest infotainment system will make its debut inside the 2017 Sportage, and it will bring both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a seven- or eight-inch screen, though LX models will have a lesser five-inch display. We don't yet know how much the 2017 Kia Sportage will cost, but we'd bet dollars to donuts that it will be competitive with the rest of the compact crossover segment. There's a lot more information to be gleaned from the press release below. First, though, we suggest you watch the video up above to see Kia's latest cute 'ute for yourself as it struts its stuff at the LA Auto Show. Then, Sportage fans are welcome to geek out to our high-res image gallery. All-new 2017 Kia Sportage makes North American Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show Fourth-Generation Sportage Compact CUV Boasts Sophisticated Design, a Refined Premium Interior and Significant Ride and Handling Improvements - Stiffer structure, new suspension, advanced driver assistance systems, and premium materials take Sportage to the head of the class - Cutting-edge design, engaging driving dynamics and intelligent packaging stand out in a staid compact CUV segment - First Kia to offer UVO3, featuring 14 telematics services, 8 GB of music storage, access to onscreen apps and Wi-Fi tethering capability, all free of charge Los Angeles, November 18, 2015 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the all-new 2017 Sportage at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

2019 Kia Sorento three-row crossover will start at $25,990

Kia's refreshed three-row 2019 Sorento will start at $25,990 and be offered in five trim levels, including all-wheel drive options, when it hits showrooms later this year. Kia first revealed the updated crossover at the L.A. Auto Show in November, showing off more refined exterior features including new front and rear fascias with updated grille, revised headlamps, new rear bumper, tail lamps and a revised lift gate. Seven-passenger seating and a 7-inch touchscreen interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration will both be standard in the 2019 model, while the optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine is no more. In its place is the carry-over base 2.4-liter inline-four with a revised six-speed automatic, plus an optional 3.3-liter V6 with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. A diesel version is also forthcoming. Inside the Sorento there's a new steering wheel, shifter knob and revised air vents and gauges. Options include the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems package on the EX, SX and SX-L trims, which bring lane-keeping assistance and driver-attention warning technologies, and a premium Harman Kardon surround-sound system. The fully loaded SXL trim starts at $44,690 for front-wheel drive and $46,490 for all-wheel drive and includes LED headlights with high- and low-beam assist, LED fog lights, wireless phone charging and front parking sensors, among other perks. A Magna Dynamax intelligent all-wheel-drive system is available on all trim levels except the base front-wheel drive L and features a 50-50 locking center differential and torque vectoring. The new Sorento's starting price is right in line with its 2018 predecessor and keeps it priced competitively with three-row crossover competitors like the Subaru Ascent, which starts at $31,995, and the Volkswagen Tiguan, which starts at $24,595. Sales of the Sorento fell 13 percent in 2017 to 99,684, making it Kia's fourth top-selling vehicle behind the Optima, Soul and Forte. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Kia Sorento: LA 2017 View 12 Photos Image Credit: Kia Kia Crossover kia sorento subaru ascent three-row

Kia chasing dinero using Robert De Niro to sell e-Niro

Robert De Niro is living the ideal blueprint for a respected veteran actor. At age 75, he's continuing to make films (Martin Scorsese and Joaquin Phoenix films nonetheless), he's set to be honored at the Marrakech Film Festival, and he's still getting those advertising checks. His newest source of cash flow is coming courtesy of Kia, with the announcement at the Paris Motor Show that De Niro will lead a new advertising campaign for the Niro crossover. The new campaign was introduced in tandem with the European debut of the all-electric version of the Kia Niro. Likewise, the De Niro campaign will strictly be used for the European market. It will include not only TV spots, but digital and print advertising, as well. In a culture that is so dependent on social media that is fueled by memes, the Niro connection seems like a no-brainer. "The communication plan for the e-Niro will be as special as the car itself," Vice President for Marketing and Product Planning at Kia Motors Europe Artur Martins said in a press release. "These advertisements will draw on Robert De Niro's unique ability to entertain, as he educates drivers about the e-Niro — a car that breaks down many of the obstacles to electric vehicle ownership in a way that few others have." The e-Niro, which claims a 301-mile range on a single electric charge by European measurements (280 miles in the U.S.), is part of a larger Niro family. In the U.S., Kia currently offers a hybrid variant, as well as a plug-in hybrid variant, and is expected to launch the all-electric version in the future. Related Video: