Kia Wins Three Categories During Cars.com Best Cars of 2023 Competition

What’s the easiest way consumers can learn about the best car(s) available in the auto industry? Many resources can provide excellent research, whether it’s a review from a trusted source like Kelley Blue Book (KBB), a months-long study by J.D. Power, or an awards competition like the many held every year. Sometimes, it’s as simple as finding a “Best of” list and reading on the best model for each car segment. That brings us to another well-known automotive online publication, Cars.com. The URL is simple to remember, and millions of consumers read up on new cars at Cars.com every day. That’s why when listing the winners for the “Best Car of 2023”, Kia knows Cars.com will give the automaker plenty of time to shine with three models winning this year.

“The 2023 Niro HEV rises to the top of our rankings because of its affordability, fuel economy, functional Aero Blade, and stand-out styling inside and out…Available in three powertrains, the Niro is offered as an EV, plug-in hybrid or hybrid, which is our favorite. Its EPA-estimated 53 mpg combined left our editors impressed. The five-seat compact hatchback sports an SUV-like profile. The dynamic dashboard design, padded surfaces and satin-finish accents give the Niro a classy ambiance, and the interior features innovative materials. For shoppers that want a little customization without the cost, the ‘Aero Blade’ accent panels are available in different colors. The 2023 Niro’s innovation proves affordable alternative-fuel vehicles can come with style.” – Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jenni Newman

Not to be confused with other vehicles, “HEV” now stands for “hybrid-electric vehicle”, not a “plug-in hybrid electric vehicle” or “PHEV”. The two are very different, especially so since the Kia Niro is the world’s first hybrid crossover since its debut in 2016. The popular crossover then spawned the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid and the Kia Niro EV, the latter of which is the most recent launch, made official on 2 5 January 2022, with the second-generation Niro EV launching in April 2022. Going back to the original crossover that started the craze, the Kia Niro (HEV) was named Cars.com’s Best Car of 2023. Five finalists were chosen for the top spot, but the Kia Niro won over the staff and editors this year.

Also taking home some gold is the 2023 Kia Carnival, named “Best Family Car of 2023”. The Kia Carnival , also known as a “Multi-purpose Vehicle” (MPV), is the luxury segment entry for the Kia Corporation after so many successful years in the mass-market. Starting at $32,100 (plus destination fee), the new MPV features a dual-seat entertainment system for rear passengers, dual 12.3-inch displays stretch across the entirety of the dashboard, a 12-speaker Bose stereo sound system, and advanced safety features such as 360-degree camera system, highway drive assist, smart cruise control, forward and rear-cross collision avoidance, and more. Being an MPV, this vehicle can also tackle tough jobs with its impressive 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The third model to get some bragging rights is the 2023 Sorento, nominated for Best SUV of 2023. A total of six categories, Cars.com’s automotive experts choose the Best Car of 2023 winners based on three factors: quality, innovation, and value. The six categories are: Best Car, Best SUV, Best Pickup Truck, Best Family Car, Best Luxury Car and Best Electric Vehicle. A new category for Cars.com, with “cars” being the main focus of the publication, it’s a double-win for Kia to not only land on the list, but also being a finalist for the first time the SUV category has been added. Maybe better luck next time? The SUV is a little outdated, but still popular enough that Kia added a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid Kia Sorento variant to the lineup. Want to find these and more award-winning vehicles? Find your new Kia at Miami Lakes Automall today.

Photo Source/Copyright: Kia

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