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There’s a certain type of award that feels more like a formality, and then there are the ones that actually say something about how a car fits into real life. MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Awards tend to fall into that second category because they’re based on driving, testing, and comparing more than 150 vehicles across the market. So when the 2026 Kia K4 was named Best Family Car, it wasn’t because it checked one or two boxes. It stood out in the areas that actually matter once you’ve been living with a car for a few months, like comfort, usability, space, and how it feels to drive when it’s not trying to impress you. What does “Best Family Car” actually mean when it comes from MotorWeek? MotorWeek isn’t looking for the flashiest vehicle in the segment. Their process leans heavily on how a car performs across a mix of everyday priorities, including technology, fuel efficiency, practicality, and overall value. That’s what makes the K4’s win interesting. In a market that’s heavily focused on SUVs, a compact sedan had to do something noticeably right to stand out. The K4 didn’t just hold its own, it delivered enough space, comfort, and driving refinement to feel like a real alternative instead of a compromise. Why are people calling the 2026 Kia K4 a “family car” when it doesn’t feel like one? Part of what makes the K4 work is that it doesn’t lean into the usual “family car” identity. It has a fastback-inspired design that feels more like something you’d expect from a sport sedan, and that changes the first impression immediately. Once you’re inside, the priorities shift. There’s more space than most people expect from a compact sedan, especially in the rear seats, and the layout feels intentionally designed instead of just functional. It’s the kind of interior you notice on longer drives, not just the first time you sit in it. MotorWeek specifically called out how smooth and comfortable the K4 feels on the road, which is one of those things that doesn’t show up in a spec sheet but becomes obvious after a week of commuting, errands, and everything in between. How much tech does the 2026 Kia K4 actually give you for the price? This is where the K4 starts to feel like it’s punching above its class. Available nearly 30 inches of combined digital display space stretches across the dash, and it’s paired with features that people tend to look for in more expensive vehicles, like a Harman Kardon premium audio system, heated and ventilated seats, and Digital Key 2.0. What makes it work is that the technology feels usable instead of overwhelming. The layout is clean, the screens are responsive, and the features don’t require a learning curve just to do simple things. That balance is part of why it scored well in real-world testing instead of just standing out on paper. Is the 2026 Kia K4 actually safe enough for a daily family routine? Safety is one of the areas where the K4 quietly does a lot of heavy lifting. It comes standard with 11 advanced driver assistance features, and depending on the trim, that number can expand to as many as 29. That includes systems like a 360° Surround View Monitor, lane keeping assistance, and other features that are designed to reduce the small moments of stress that come with daily driving. It’s not about making the car feel overly automated. It’s about giving you an extra layer of awareness when you need it. For a lot of people, that’s the difference between a car that feels fine during a test drive and one that continues to feel comfortable months later. Why does the 2026 Kia K4 feel more fun to drive than most compact sedans? MotorWeek’s take on this was pretty direct. They described it as packing something closer to a midsize sport sedan driving experience into a compact footprint. That shows up in how the K4 handles everyday situations. Acceleration feels responsive without being aggressive, and the overall ride stays composed without feeling overly stiff. It’s the kind of balance that makes a difference on longer drives or even just when traffic starts to get frustrating. You’re not buying it as a performance car, but it doesn’t feel like you’re giving anything up in return for practicality. See the 2026 Kia K4 in person at King Kia of Laurel Awards like this help narrow your options, but they don’t replace actually sitting in the car, adjusting the seat, and seeing how everything feels when it’s your drive. If the K4 is on your list, you can start by browsing current inventory, checking available offers, or getting pre-approved online to make the process easier before you visit. From there, it’s worth taking the time to drive it yourself and see how it compares to what you’ve been considering. That’s usually the point where it either clicks or it doesn’t, and with the K4, most people figure that out pretty quickly.

If you are shopping for a three-row SUV, chances are your life does not travel light. Kids bring friends. Friends bring gear. Road trips bring coolers, bags, and bikes. And if you are choosing an electric vehicle, you want all of that space without sacrificing range, comfort, or sanity. That is exactly why the all-electric 2026 Kia EV9 has been named Cars.com’s “Top Pick: 3-Row Electric SUV” for the second year in a row. At King Kia of Laurel, we see it clearly. The EV9 is not just a great EV. It is a great family SUV that happens to be electric. Why Cars.com Chose the EV9 Again Cars.com editors evaluate vehicles the same way families do: usability, comfort, driving enjoyment, charging convenience, and value. In a competitive field of three-row electric SUVs, the EV9 stood out by delivering on all of those fronts without asking drivers to compromise. Editors praised the EV9 for its real third-row usability, generous cargo space, competitive driving range, and fast charging capability. In other words, it checked the boxes that actually matter when you are driving people instead of just ideas. As Cars.com put it, the EV9 is not only a great EV, it is a great three-row SUV, period. Designed for Families Who Actually Use All Three Rows The 2026 Kia EV9 was built with real passengers in mind. Its spacious three-row cabin comfortably accommodates adults and kids alike, making it ideal for carpools, weekend sports schedules, and family road trips where everyone wants legroom. Fold seats down and the EV9 transforms into a cargo-hauling machine, ready for camping gear, luggage, strollers, or a full Costco run. Whether you are packing for a long weekend or loading up for everyday life, the EV9 adapts easily. This is the kind of space families usually associate with gas-powered SUVs, now delivered in a fully electric package. Electric Power That Fits Busy Schedules One of the biggest concerns families have about EVs is charging. The EV9 answers that with confidence. Powered by a standard 76.1-kWh battery, with available upgrades to a larger 99.8-kWh battery and dual-motor all-wheel drive, the EV9 offers strong performance and flexibility. When connected to a 350kW DC fast charger, it can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in under 25 minutes, making road trips far more manageable. With access to Tesla’s charging network and competitive range, the EV9 fits into busy routines without forcing major lifestyle changes. Smart Tech That Makes Family Life Easier The EV9 brings Kia’s latest technology into a family-friendly environment. Over-the-air updates help keep systems current without dealership visits, while Digital Key functionality allows easy access and sharing for households with multiple drivers. From navigation to entertainment to driver-assist features, the EV9 is designed to reduce friction, not add it. Everything feels intuitive, thoughtful, and ready for daily use. Why the EV9 Makes Sense for EV-Conscious Families Choosing an electric Kia vehicle is often about values as much as practicality. Families who care about efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value will appreciate that the EV9 delivers all three without asking them to downsize or compromise. It offers the space of a traditional three-row SUV, the performance and tech of a modern EV, and the peace of mind that comes with industry recognition from trusted reviewers. Winning Cars.com’s Top Pick for 3-Row Electric SUV two years in a row is not about trends. It is about consistency. See the 2026 Kia EV9 at King Kia of Laurel If you are ready to explore an electric SUV that truly fits family life, the 2026 Kia EV9 deserves a closer look. Visit King Kia of Laurel at 14921 Baltimore Ave in Laurel, MD to experience the EV9 in person. Our team is here to help you explore trims, charging options, and features so you can decide if the EV9 is the right next step for your household. Because when your vehicle needs to carry more than just you, choosing the right one matters.

When you shop for an SUV, you expect comfort, versatility and smart technology. What you may not think about is the moment you hope never arrives. The truth is that no one plans for a crash, but the 2026 Kia Sportage is engineered to step up in the moments you cannot predict. That dedication to protection has earned the 2026 Sportage the 2025 Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the highest safety recognition the organization awards. If you have been considering an upgrade, King Kia of Laurel invites you to explore how the Sportage delivers the kind of security that brings real peace of mind to your daily drive. Kia’s 2026 Sportage Earned IIHS’s Highest Rating The Sportage reached Top Safety Pick Plus status by earning the highest possible Good rating across every major IIHS crash test, including the small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front and updated side evaluations. These tests simulate real world crash scenarios and demand exceptional structural strength and occupant protection. The Sportage also met the expanded requirements for rear occupant safety, one of the newest and toughest IIHS standards introduced for the 2025 evaluation year. Not only does the Sportage protect passengers in a collision, it also helps drivers avoid one. The model achieved Acceptable or Good results in pedestrian front crash prevention, demonstrating the effectiveness of its forward sensing technology in predicting and helping respond to hazards. Why the Sportage’s Testing Matters More in 2026 Safety testing evolves every year, but this year’s IIHS standards raised the bar in key areas. To earn a Top Safety Pick rating, a vehicle must now demonstrate stronger performance in both front and side crashes, maintain effective pedestrian detection technology and include standard headlights that meet Acceptable or Good criteria. To reach Top Safety Pick Plus, a vehicle must exceed these benchmarks with consistent top tier results across the full testing lineup. The 2026 Kia Sportage does exactly that. Its high rigidity chassis, advanced airbag systems and optimized crash energy distribution help create a strong safety foundation. Kia has also invested heavily in active driver assistance features that support better awareness in crowded streets, unpredictable conditions and low visibility environments. The result is a compact SUV that meets the newest expectations for modern protection. Designed for Real Life Moments The 2026 Sportage blends advanced protection with the comfort, technology and efficiency that everyday driving demands. Whether you are commuting on I 95, navigating city streets around Laurel or loading up for a weekend road trip, it is reassuring to know your vehicle was engineered for the unexpected as much as the expected. This is the kind of SUV that gives families and daily drivers confidence, even before they start the engine. See the Top Safety Pick Plus Sportage at King Kia of Laurel If you are searching for an SUV that puts your safety first without sacrificing style or capability, Kia’s brand new 2026 Sportage deserves a closer look. King Kia of Laurel at 14921 Baltimore Ave is ready to help you explore trims, features and current offers so you can experience its award winning protection for yourself. Visit us to take a test drive and see why so many Maryland drivers trust Kia to keep them safer on the road.

At King Kia of Laurel, we know that smart business decisions start with vehicles that deliver long-term value. Whether you manage a growing company fleet or simply want to maximize your investment, Kia’s award-winning lineup offers the perfect balance of innovation, reliability, and cost efficiency. Now, with the 2025 Kia EV9 Light SR RWD earning the Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America Award, Kia continues to prove why it’s a top choice for business and fleet owners nationwide. Recognized for Value and Low Ownership Costs Each year, the Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America Awards identify the vehicles and trims that deliver the lowest total cost of ownership across 28 different lifecycle cost scenarios. The 2 025 Kia EV9 Light SR RWD stood out as a clear leader, topping the Luxury Midsize SUV segment and outperforming 125 competing trims. Vincentric analyzed more than 2,000 vehicle configurations based on real-world fleet use, measuring eight critical cost factors including depreciation, fuel or charging costs, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and more. The EV9’s performance was outstanding, offering the lowest overall repair costs and leading in 11 of the 28 scenarios examined. “This award demonstrates the depth of our product lineup and the business value we provide to all of our customers, no matter their needs,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. The 2025 Kia EV9: Premium Power and Practical Performance The 2025 Kia EV9 isn’t just a luxury midsize SUV, it’s a turning point in electric fleet innovation. With spacious three-row seating, a commanding all-electric range, and advanced driver-assistance technology, the EV9 proves that going electric doesn’t mean compromising on capability or comfort. Its Light SR RWD trim combines efficiency and performance with Kia’s renowned build quality, making it ideal for fleets seeking a modern, sustainable solution with premium appeal. From corporate executives to small business owners, the EV9’s balance of power, range, and value helps businesses lower operational costs while enhancing their brand image. Why Businesses Choose Kia Fleet Vehicles Beyond the EV9, Kia offers a diverse and flexible lineup of vehicles tailored to meet business needs, from fuel-efficient sedans to capable SUVs and fully electric options. Businesses benefit from: Industry-leading warranties and reliability Low total cost of ownership and strong residual values Innovative safety and technology features Eco-friendly options for a greener fleet strategy Whether you’re looking to electrify your company vehicles or expand your fleet with dependable gas-powered models, Kia’s combination of performance, efficiency, and affordability makes it a standout choice in every segment. Build Your Kia Fleet at King Kia of Laurel Located at 14921 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20707, King Kia of Laurel proudly serves businesses throughout the greater Baltimore–Washington D.C. area. Our fleet and commercial specialists will help you explore the full range of Kia fleet solutions, customize your order, and secure the best financing terms for your business. Discover firsthand why more companies are choosing Kia for their fleet vehicles, and why the 2025 Kia EV9 is redefining what value looks like in the luxury midsize SUV class. Visit or contact King Kia of Laurel today to learn more about building a smarter, more efficient fleet with Kia.

If you’re shopping for a vehicle that delivers award-winning performance, style, and innovation, look no further than King Kia of Laurel. This year, Kia is turning heads across the industry with an impressive seven models named to the 2025 Car and Driver Editors’ Choice Awards —a powerful reminder that Kia continues to lead the way in every category, from hybrids to EVs to SUVs. These 7 Kia Models Made the Editors’ Choice “Honor Roll” Selected from over 450 vehicles tested across 45 market segments, Kia’s winners showcase the brand’s ability to meet drivers’ needs across the board. The award-winning lineup includes: Kia K5 – A bold, turbocharged midsize sedan that blends athletic handling with head-turning design. The Kia EV6 – A sleek, all-electric crossover that delivers instant torque, fast charging, and futuristic style. Kia’s Niro Hybrid – Compact, versatile, and fuel-efficient, the Niro Hybrid is ideal for eco-conscious commuters. The EV9 – The electric SUV that’s redefining family travel with three rows of space and zero emissions. Kia’s Carnival model – The MVP of MPVs, offering SUV-inspired design with minivan practicality and comfort. Carnival Hybrid by Kia– New for 2025, this model brings hybrid efficiency to the ultimate family vehicle. The Kia Telluride – A six-time Car and Driver 10Best winner, and still the reigning king of three-row SUVs. What the Awards Say About Kia According to Car and Driver, the Editors’ Choice Awards recognize cars that “combine value, performance, and mission fulfillment.” Only vehicles tested and reviewed by their editorial staff are eligible, which means each of Kia’s seven winners earned its spot through real-world performance and in-depth evaluation. Kia America COO & EVP Steven Center summed it up perfectly: "This achievement reinforces our commitment to delivering cutting-edge design, quality, and performance across our entire lineup." From plug-in hybrids to electric SUVs and everything in between, Kia is proving that innovation and dependability aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re part of the same DNA. Drive Award-Winning Excellence at King Kia of Laurel Here at King Kia of Laurel, we’re proud to offer the award-winning Kia lineup that’s getting national recognition. Whether you're after the bold efficiency of the Niro Hybrid, the electric excitement of the EV9, or the rugged luxury of the Telluride, you’ll find it on our lot—ready for your next adventure. Come visit us at King Kia of Laurel, where the best of 2025 is already waiting for you. Experience why Kia’s not just winning awards—it’s redefining what today’s drivers expect from their vehicles.

At King Kia of Laurel, we’re excited to announce that the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid has earned top honors from PARENTS magazine, being named “Best Hybrid Minivan” in their highly anticipated 2025 Best Family Cars Awards. With more than 180 cars, trucks, and SUVs evaluated by an expert panel of auto industry professionals (who are also parents), this award speaks volumes about how well the Carnival Hybrid meets the needs of today’s families. The new Kia Carnival Hybrid is proving itself to be the perfect family vehicle for Laurel, MD parents who want it all—efficiency, space, style, and safety. Why the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid Stands Out The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is built for families who refuse to compromise. It offers a premium driving experience, a spacious cabin with advanced technology, and the fuel efficiency of a hybrid powertrain. But it’s not just about efficiency—Kia has packed the Carnival Hybrid with thoughtful features that make everyday life a little bit easier. Here’s why it caught the eye of the PARENTS magazine panel: Incredible Space & Comfort: The Carnival Hybrid is designed with busy families in mind. It boasts up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which means you can load up everything you need for a weekend getaway to the National Wildlife Visitor Center or a day trip to Six Flags America without feeling cramped. Flexible Seating for Maximum Convenience: With seating for up to eight passengers, the Slide-Flex seating system makes it easier than ever to access every row. The sliding second-row center seat lets you reach the back seats without a hassle—a true lifesaver for parents dealing with child seats or fidgety kids. Advanced Safety Features: Safety comes standard in the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid. Features like Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist provide peace of mind during even the most hectic days. Whether you’re making the school run or navigating traffic on Baltimore Ave, the Carnival Hybrid’s suite of safety features has your back. Eco-Friendly Performance: Combining space and comfort with hybrid efficiency, the Carnival Hybrid delivers a smarter way to travel. Less time spent filling up the tank means more time spent doing the things that matter most—whether that’s running errands around Laurel or hitting the road for a family adventure. Keeping Families Connected with Kia’s Next-Generation Technology On top of its award-winning design, the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid includes Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) —recognized by PARENTS magazine as the “Best In-Car Multimedia/Entertainment System.” This cutting-edge infotainment system offers Quick Controls for convenient access to your favorite features and over-the-air updates to keep everything running smoothly without unnecessary trips to the dealership. A Family Vehicle That Does It All From the grocery run to road trips and everything in between, the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is made to handle whatever your family throws at it. When PARENTS magazine recognized it as the “Best Hybrid Minivan,” they confirmed what many Kia owners already know—this minivan is designed for real life. At King Kia of Laurel, we’re thrilled to offer a vehicle that checks all the boxes for local families. Visit us at 14921 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20707 to experience the award-winning 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid for yourself. Whether you’re cruising around Laurel or taking the family on a well-deserved getaway, this minivan is ready to impress.

When it comes to safety, Kia continues to raise the bar. The 2025 Kia Telluride and all-electric Kia EV9 have both earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) award, meeting and surpassing the organization’s increasingly rigorous standards. As the IIHS tightens its criteria to place greater emphasis on rear-seat passenger protection, Kia’s flagship SUVs prove they are built not only for performance and comfort but also for exceptional safety. Telluride: A Three-Peat Safety Champion For the third consecutive year, the Kia Telluride has secured the IIHS’s highest safety honor. This recognition highlights the Telluride’s advanced engineering, which integrates cutting-edge driver assistance systems, reinforced crash protection, and high-quality construction to safeguard both drivers and passengers. As the IIHS updates its crash testing to evaluate rear-seat safety more rigorously, the Telluride’s ability to excel under these new guidelines underscores Kia’s unwavering commitment to occupant protection. EV9: Elevated Safety for Kia’s All-Electric SUV The 2025 Kia EV9 isn’t just an innovation in electric mobility—it’s a leader in safety as well. This year, the EV9 has upgraded from its previous rating to achieve TSP+ status, proving that electrification and top-tier safety can go hand in hand. Designed with a rigid chassis, advanced collision mitigation technology, and high-performance braking systems, the EV9 delivers a secure and confident ride for families and adventurers alike. Raising the Bar on Vehicle Safety Earning a TSP+ rating in 2025 is more challenging than ever, with the IIHS now requiring vehicles to achieve at least an “acceptable” rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, which evaluates rear-seat protection. Additionally, vehicles must score “good” ratings in small overlap front and updated side crash tests while proving their effectiveness in pedestrian crash prevention—both day and night. Kia’s success in meeting and exceeding these requirements showcases its proactive approach to safety innovation. Kia’s Commitment to Protecting Every Passenger With a focus on intelligent safety technologies, enhanced crash structures, and driver-assist features that actively prevent accidents, Kia ensures its vehicles don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them. The 2025 Kia Telluride and EV9 represent the brand’s ongoing promise to provide uncompromising safety, whether you’re behind the wheel or seated in the back. Ready to experience award-winning safety in a premium SUV? Visit King Kia of Laurel to explore the 2025 Kia Telluride and EV9 today.

We're thrilled to share some exciting news here at King Kia of Laurel! The Kia EV9 has been recognized by PARENTS magazine as the "Best Electric 3-Row SUV" in its prestigious "Best Family Cars" awards for 2024! The Kia EV9 stood out among the competition after rigorous testing by PARENTS experts, who evaluated over 140 vehicles across different categories. Judges assessed each model based on various criteria, including overall safety, child passenger car seat accommodations, technical specifications, family-friendliness, and price. As Kia's first three-row EV SUV, the 2024 all-electric EV9 offers spacious seating for up to seven passengers. Notable features include a 12-inch full-color head-up display designed to project driving information directly onto the windshield, as well as advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and rear occupant alert. With its impressive blend of technology, safety, and comfort, the Kia EV9 is sure to delight families looking for an electric SUV that meets all of their travel, comfort, and safety needs. If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of one of these electrifying models, visit the King Kia of Laurel showroom at 14921 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20707, today to experience the award-winning EV9 for yourself!