KIA TOPS J.D. POWER’S INITIAL QUALITY NAMEPLATE RANKINGS FOR SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR

Five Kia Vehicles – the Most of Any Nameplate – Earn IQS Segment Awards; Kia Posts the Lowest Number of Problems in the Last 20 Years of the J.D. Power Study

• After ranking highest in the entire industry in 2016, Kia improved 11 points as owners reported fewer issues with their Kia vehicles within the first 90 days of ownership than all other car and truck brands in the U.S.
• Kia’s Soul, Forte, Cadenza, Niro and Sorento topped their respective categories, with the Cadenza achieving the lowest average number of problems among all models ranked in the study

IRVINE, Calif., June 21, 2017 – Continuing a multi-year string of quality and reliability awards and accolades, J.D. Power’s 2017 Initial Quality Study (IQS) today recognized Kia Motors as the highest-ranking nameplate in the United States for the second year in a row. Kia’s improvement to 72 problems per 100 vehicles marks the best nameplate performance within the last 20 years of the study, driven by five segment awards – the most of any nameplate – for the Soul (Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle), Forte (Compact Car), Cadenza (Large Car), Niro (Small SUV) and Sorento (Midsize SUV). The Kia Soul took home an IQS award for the third consecutive year while Kia’s two newest models, Cadenza and Niro, were outstanding performers in their first model year, with the Kia Cadenza earning the top score among all models ranked in the study. Together with the Optima and Sportage, each of the seven award eligible Kia models included in the 2017 IQS study finished first or second in their respective categories.

“When Kia beat out the entire industry in last year’s J.D. Power Initial Quality Study many people wondered if we could maintain such a lofty position. Today, the answer is loud and clear as Kia owns the top spot for the second straight year with more 2017 segment award winners than any other nameplate,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America. “Our back-to-back chart-topping IQS performances reconfirm Kia’s status as today’s world-class automaker and reflect the exacting standards and craftsmanship our team members instill into every car, crossover and SUV Kia builds.”

The annual report analyzed responses from 77,415 respondents with regards to 243 vehicle models across 26 segments. Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance and a broad range of quality problem symptoms reported by vehicle owners.

About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand.   Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

THREE KIA MODELS EARN COVETED AUTOPACIFIC VEHICLE SATISFACTION AWARDS

 Kia Optima, Cadenza and Sportage Rank Highest in Satisfaction with Latest Awards from AutoPacific

• AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards honor vehicles that best meet buyers’ expectations and requirements
• Optima tops the midsize car category for second consecutive year

IRVINE, Calif., June 13, 2017 – Three of Kia Motors America’s (KMA) highly acclaimed models, the 2016 Optima midsize sedan, the 2016 and 2017 Cadenza premium sedan as well as the 2017 Sportage Compact CUV, have been named segment winners in AutoPacific’s 2017 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) in the midsize car, large car and compact crossover SUV categories, respectively.



“Kia is a leader in design, quality, technology and value, and the AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are another validation of our world-class products and their ability to meet and exceed customer expectations,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America.  “As a two-time winner, Optima illustrates that if you buy a Kia, you are going to love it.  With Cadenza and Sportage also winning their categories, Kia is delivering what buyers are looking for in any size of vehicle.”

AutoPacific’s VSAs identify the most satisfying vehicles on the market, based on more than 54,000 responses from owners of 2016 as well as 2017 cars and light trucks, which were purchased from September through December 2016. These responses measure owner satisfaction by evaluating more than 49 separate attributes ranging from interior comfort and styling to fuel economy and performance.

 “Kia’s performance in our Vehicle Satisfaction Award research shows that Kia’s new products are more-than-competitive in their product segments,” said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. “It is tough to win AutoPacific’s VSA two years in a row and Kia Optima’s performance shows it not only has eye-catching style, but also has the outstanding functionality midsize car buyers require."

About Kia Optima
The West Point, Georgia-built* Kia Optima midsize sedan offers several compelling features, including award-winning design, comfort, spirited performance and fantastic equipment.  Kia Optima’s stellar features combined with the brand’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty¹ keep it a perennial bestseller. The 2017 Kia Optima is available with three engine choices, including two turbocharged options, and five trim levels LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SXL. The Kia Optima SX boasts standard 18-inch alloy wheels and SXL is now equipped with 18-inch chrome alloy wheels.  In addition, LED dual-projection headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) is standard on SX and SXL.  High-Beam Assist (HBA) is standard on SXL and available in the new SX Technology package. Technology is synonymous with the Kia Optima.  Android Auto² and Apple CarPlay³ are now standard on EX trim.  Meanwhile, advanced driver assistance systems⁴ are now available in the EX Technology package, which include Autonomous Emergency Braking⁴, Forward Collision Warning System⁴, Advanced Smart Cruise Control⁴, Electronic Parking Brake⁴, High-Beam Assist⁴ and Lane Departure Warning System.⁴   The Kia Optima also achieved a Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for vehicles built after March 2017 when equipped with optional front crash prevention and LED headlights with High Beam Assist and comes with Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty¹.

About Kia Cadenza
The 2017 Kia Cadenza boasts luxury refinements with expressive styling, advanced technology, and refined powertrain. Designed at Kia’s California design studio, the second-generation Kia Cadenza is available in three trim levels and comes with Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty¹. The handsomely equipped Premium, Technology and Limited models feature an enhanced 3.3-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. The powerplant comes paired to an efficient, yet responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, a Kia first for a FWD vehicle.  Standard premium features include leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, 7-inch color display featuring Apple CarPlay³ and Android Auto² capabilities, and dual zone climate control.  The Kia Cadenza offers available advanced driver assistance systems such as Advanced Smart Cruise Control⁴, a Forward Collision Warning System⁴, Autonomous Emergency Braking⁴, a Lane Departure Warning System⁴ and a Smart Blind Spot Detection System⁴.  The Kia Cadenza also achieved a Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) designation, by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the highest designation possible when equipped with optional front crash prevention and LED headlights and comes with Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty¹.

About Kia Sportage
The 2017 Kia Sportage SUV, the fourth generation of Kia Motors America’s longest-running nameplate, wraps a stunning and contemporary design around a structure that is both stiffer and more spacious than ever before. Advanced driver assistance systems, significant suspension and steering improvements, and available intelligent AWD vastly improve the Kia Sportage’s driving dynamics while premium materials and world-class craftsmanship create a class-up experience in an otherwise utilitarian segment. The Kia Sportage boasts a roomier, more luxurious cabin featuring an impressive level of craftsmanship, with high-quality, soft-touch materials and a range of technologies improving overall comfort, convenience, and connectivity. Updates to the drivetrain provide enhanced efficiency and performance, while changes to the suspension deliver better ride and handling. Kia Sportage is available in three distinct trim levels (LX, EX, SX Turbo) and comes with Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty¹.

About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand.   Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built in West Point, Georgia.*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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1 The Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program includes various warranties and roadside assistance. Warranties include powertrain and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty (Basic). All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for details or go to kia.com.

2 Android Auto is a trademark of Google, Inc

3 Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple. Inc., registered in the US and other countries.

4 These features are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

KIA SOUL NAMED TO LIST OF BEST FAMILY CARS OF 2017 BY PARENTS MAGAZINE AND EDMUNDS

2017 Kia Soul Recognized as Best Budget Vehicle

• Kia’s iconic urban runabout a top pick for value, safety and family-friendly features
• Soul outshines the competition with impressive cargo capacity, a six-speaker audio system and Sirius XM¹ satellite radio and Bluetooth^®2 connectivity 

IRVINE, Calif., June 8, 2017 – The 2017 Soul has been awarded a spot among the 10 Best Family Cars of 2017 by Parents magazine and Edmunds. The parenting and car experts tested hundreds of vehicles, selecting winners based on value, performance, safety and family-friendly features.
“We are thrilled to receive this award from Parents magazine and Edmunds in recognition of the Soul as a top family car,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “Kia is committed to offering tremendous quality, value and user-friendly technology across its entire vehicle lineup, and this latest accolade is a testament to those efforts.”

Parents magazine and leading car shopping and information network Edmunds have partnered for 10 consecutive years to share the awards, which serve as a reliable source for families interested in purchasing a new car. This year’s winning vehicles are equipped with features that support the needs of both parents and children, and suit a variety of lifestyles.

"The Kia Soul offers more than just unique styling at a reasonable price," said Ed Hellwig, Edmunds senior editor. "It's also a practical hatchback that packs plenty of useful features into a surprisingly spacious cabin."

The popular 2017 Kia Soul is available in three trim levels, including Base with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission, Soul Plus with a 6-speed automatic and the new 201-horsepower turbocharged Exclaim³. Prices start at $16,100⁴. With options⁵ for desirable features such as premium touch points, an 8-inch scrolling capacitive touch screen, LED mood/music lighting and a panoramic sunroof, the Soul continues to provide value to loyal fans of the funky people mover.

About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. Recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand, Kia proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and crossovers built at North American manufacturing plants in West Point, Georgia* and the municipality of Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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1 SiriusXM service requires a subscription, sold separately, after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase. If you decide to continue your SiriusXM service at the end of your trial subscription, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call Sirius XM at 1-866-635-2349 to cancel. See Customer Agreement for complete terms at www.siriusxm.com. Programming subject to change. Sirius satellite service is available only to those at least 18 and older in the 48 contiguous USA, D.C., and PR (with coverage limitations). Traffic information not available in all markets. See siriusxm.com/traffic for details. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc.

2 The Bluetooth® word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use of the mark by Kia is pursuant to license. A Bluetooth® enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.

3 Quantities are limited.

4 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

5 Not all optional features are available on all trims.

KIA SOUL NAMED TO LIST OF BEST FAMILY CARS OF 2017 BY PARENTS MAGAZINE AND EDMUNDS

2017 Kia Soul Recognized as Best Budget Vehicle

• Kia’s iconic urban runabout a top pick for value, safety and family-friendly features
• Soul outshines the competition with impressive cargo capacity, a six-speaker audio system and Sirius XM¹ satellite radio and Bluetooth^®2 connectivity 

IRVINE, Calif., June 8, 2017 – The 2017 Soul has been awarded a spot among the 10 Best Family Cars of 2017 by Parents magazine and Edmunds. The parenting and car experts tested hundreds of vehicles, selecting winners based on value, performance, safety and family-friendly features.

“We are thrilled to receive this award from Parents magazine and Edmunds in recognition of the Soul as a top family car,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “Kia is committed to offering tremendous quality, value and user-friendly technology across its entire vehicle lineup, and this latest accolade is a testament to those efforts.”

Parents magazine and leading car shopping and information network Edmunds have partnered for 10 consecutive years to share the awards, which serve as a reliable source for families interested in purchasing a new car. This year’s winning vehicles are equipped with features that support the needs of both parents and children, and suit a variety of lifestyles.

"The Kia Soul offers more than just unique styling at a reasonable price," said Ed Hellwig, Edmunds senior editor. "It's also a practical hatchback that packs plenty of useful features into a surprisingly spacious cabin."

The popular 2017 Kia Soul is available in three trim levels, including Base with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission, Soul Plus with a 6-speed automatic and the new 201-horsepower turbocharged Exclaim³. Prices start at $16,100⁴. With options⁵ for desirable features such as premium touch points, an 8-inch scrolling capacitive touch screen, LED mood/music lighting and a panoramic sunroof, the Soul continues to provide value to loyal fans of the funky people mover.

About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. Recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand, Kia proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and crossovers built at North American manufacturing plants in West Point, Georgia* and the municipality of Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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1 SiriusXM service requires a subscription, sold separately, after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase. If you decide to continue your SiriusXM service at the end of your trial subscription, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call Sirius XM at 1-866-635-2349 to cancel. See Customer Agreement for complete terms at www.siriusxm.com. Programming subject to change. Sirius satellite service is available only to those at least 18 and older in the 48 contiguous USA, D.C., and PR (with coverage limitations). Traffic information not available in all markets. See siriusxm.com/traffic for details. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc.

2 The Bluetooth® word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use of the mark by Kia is pursuant to license. A Bluetooth® enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.

3 Quantities are limited.

4 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

5 Not all optional features are available on all trims.

KIA SOUL NAMED TO LIST OF BEST FAMILY CARS OF 2017 BY PARENTS MAGAZINE AND EDMUNDS

2017 Kia Soul Recognized as Best Budget Vehicle

• Kia’s iconic urban runabout a top pick for value, safety and family-friendly features
• Soul outshines the competition with impressive cargo capacity, a six-speaker audio system and Sirius XM¹ satellite radio and Bluetooth^®2 connectivity 

IRVINE, Calif., June 8, 2017 – The 2017 Soul has been awarded a spot among the 10 Best Family Cars of 2017 by Parents magazine and Edmunds. The parenting and car experts tested hundreds of vehicles, selecting winners based on value, performance, safety and family-friendly features.

“We are thrilled to receive this award from Parents magazine and Edmunds in recognition of the Soul as a top family car,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “Kia is committed to offering tremendous quality, value and user-friendly technology across its entire vehicle lineup, and this latest accolade is a testament to those efforts.”

Parents magazine and leading car shopping and information network Edmunds have partnered for 10 consecutive years to share the awards, which serve as a reliable source for families interested in purchasing a new car. This year’s winning vehicles are equipped with features that support the needs of both parents and children, and suit a variety of lifestyles.

"The Kia Soul offers more than just unique styling at a reasonable price," said Ed Hellwig, Edmunds senior editor. "It's also a practical hatchback that packs plenty of useful features into a surprisingly spacious cabin."

The popular 2017 Kia Soul is available in three trim levels, including Base with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission, Soul Plus with a 6-speed automatic and the new 201-horsepower turbocharged Exclaim³. Prices start at $16,100⁴. With options⁵ for desirable features such as premium touch points, an 8-inch scrolling capacitive touch screen, LED mood/music lighting and a panoramic sunroof, the Soul continues to provide value to loyal fans of the funky people mover.

About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. Recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand, Kia proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and crossovers built at North American manufacturing plants in West Point, Georgia* and the municipality of Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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1 SiriusXM service requires a subscription, sold separately, after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase. If you decide to continue your SiriusXM service at the end of your trial subscription, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call Sirius XM at 1-866-635-2349 to cancel. See Customer Agreement for complete terms at www.siriusxm.com. Programming subject to change. Sirius satellite service is available only to those at least 18 and older in the 48 contiguous USA, D.C., and PR (with coverage limitations). Traffic information not available in all markets. See siriusxm.com/traffic for details. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc.

2 The Bluetooth® word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use of the mark by Kia is pursuant to license. A Bluetooth® enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.

3 Quantities are limited.

4 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

5 Not all optional features are available on all trims.

2017 KIA OPTIMA RECEIVES TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS RATING FROM THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY

2017 Optima Earns the Prestigious Safety Award Under New Headlight Testing Standards

IRVINE, Calif., June 1, 2017 – Kia Motors America’s (KMA) top-selling sedan, the 2017 Optima, has earned the highest designation possible – Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) – from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for vehicles built after March 2017 when equipped with optional front crash prevention and LED headlights with High Beam Assist. The rating reflects top scores in each of five crashworthiness tests as well as the integration of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)¹ for crash prevention and new headlamp testing standards which were introduced this year. Aside from earning “good” crashworthiness ratings and a superior rating for the optional front-crash prevention system, the 2017 Optima achieved a “good” rating in IIHS headlamp testing².

“The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety sets some of the highest standards when it comes to evaluating vehicle safety, and the Top Safety Pick Plus designation is a significant achievement that substantiates Kia’s ongoing effort to improve the quality and integrity of our world-class model line,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “We are pleased that the Optima received strong ratings across all of IIHS’ rigorous testing, validating the high priority we place on safety for our customers.”

To qualify for TSP+, the IIHS testing parameters require each vehicle to earn “good” ratings in five crashworthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention and an “acceptable” or “good” rating in headlight testing.

The 2017 Optima offers a suite of available driver assistance systems³ such Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC),³ Blind Spot Detection (BSD)³ with Lane Change Assist,³ Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA),³ Rear Parking Assist System (RPAS),³ Front Collision Warning System (FCWS),³ Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)³ and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)³.

About the 2017 Optima
Conceived under the watchful eye of Kia’s president and chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, with modern and instantly recognizable design cues, the Optima exudes an athletic and sophisticated identity. Available with three engine choices, including a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), the Optima is highly confident on the road. The Optima’s cabin features an impressive level of craftsmanship that comes standard across five trim levels – LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX and SXL.

About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. Recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand, Kia proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and crossovers built at North American manufacturing plants in West Point, Georgia* and the municipality of Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

2017 KIA SOUL FEATURED ON KELLEY BLUE BOOK’S KBB.COM 10 COOLEST CARS UNDER $18,000 LIST

Soul’s Fun and Funky Personality Recognized Once Again on KBB.com’s Top-10 list

• Stylish urban runabout keeps things cool thanks to being “fun-to-drive and fun to own”
• Soul appears on KBB.com’s annual list for the 6^th year in a row

IRVINE, Calif., May 25, 2017 – Kia Motors America’s funky urban commuter, the 2017 Soul, has again been named as one of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 in 2017, according to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. This year marks the sixth consecutive time the Soul has been selected for the list, which features some of the most fun-to-drive and fun-to-own vehicles on the market. Once again, Kelley Blue Book editors chose the Soul for its unique combination of technology, design, feature content, and excellent value. With a base MSRP price of $16,100¹, the Soul offers crossover practicality, plenty of passenger room, and a feature-rich interior.



“It’s exciting to see that the Soul continues to be recognized as the stand-out vehicle it is,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America. “We’ve really upped the fun factor this year with a new turbocharged model and its personality is infectious regardless of which model a customer buys. The fact that it’s been consistently included on Kelley Blue Book’s list of 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 is a clear indication that the Soul offers the perfect blend of style and substance.”
The 2017 Soul is available in three trim levels: Base with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission; Soul Plus with the 6-speed automatic; and the Exclaim turbo with the new 7-speed DCT.  Redesigned headlights and fog lights, along with front and rear fascias lend a more aggressive appearance while the availability of two dedicated USB charge ports and an 8-way power passenger seat add convenience and comfort.

“The Kia Soul continues to find a spot on our list of 10 Coolest Cars under $18,000, because it delivers so much personality and versatility for the money,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.  “In fact, there are very few vehicles we can think of that offer more usable interior space, features and sheer presence for the money than the Kia Soul. It is truly a car whose value exceeds its cost.”

The Base Soul comes standard with a gasoline direct injection (GDI) 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine that makes 130 horsepower (at 6,300 rpm) and 118 lb.-ft. of torque (at 4,850 rpm). The Plus model enjoys the more powerful 2.0-liter engine with GDI technology.  Power is rated at 161 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 150 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,700 rpm.  Meanwhile, the Exclaim model comes standard with a turbo engine that produces 201 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 195 lb.-ft. of torque (at 1,500-4,000 rpm).

About Kia Motors America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. Recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand, Kia proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and crossovers built at North American manufacturing plants in West Point, Georgia* and the municipality of Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry.  Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new and used cars this week.  The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies.  Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. is a Cox Automotive™ brand.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.