Kia Archives - Whitney Nic James

#WNJDrives | 2017 Kia Sportage SX Review

July 29, 2016 by Whitney 3 Comments

All summer long I’ve been test driving some pretty awesome cars! My latest test drive was with the 2017 Kia Sportage SX. I feel like each time I drive a Kia I want one even more! This time was no different; I truly enjoyed my week with the this midsize beauty. I mean just by looking at this car I fell in love! Body-wise it’s incredibly sleek and the color is perfection!

* See Also: 2016 Kia Sorento Review

The Sportage SX dives very well and has a slight luxurious feel once inside. For a while, I forgot I was driving a Kia! For the most part just my husband and I rode in the car, but there was room in the backseat for 3 more passengers. The trunk also has plenty of room for storage, which came in handy on grocery shopping day. I also enjoyed riding with the the panoramic sunroof open. Check out some more features:

– Lane Departure Warning & Automated Emergency Braking

– Dual Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags

– Heated & Cooled Leather Front Seats

– Handsfree/Bluetooth Capability

– Audio Controls on Steering Wheel

– Touchscreen Display Screen

– Daytime Running Lights

– Blind Spot Detection

– Panoramic Sunroof

– Rearview Camera

* See Also: 2016 Kia Optima Review

I must say that I appreciated the Blind Spot Detection feature. Granted I’m a safe driver, but it’s quite the necessary feature for someone like me who drives on the highway quite often. Because of the size, I can see the 2017 Kia Sportage SX being purchased and driven as a family car. I can definitely see this being one of the cars on our list when hubs and I have a baby.

Even if you don’t have children the Sportage SX is a great choice for those who don’t want a big truck, but crave the space and feel of an SUV. Like an SUV, this car is sturdy, safe and spacious. Unlike (some) SUV’s, this car is much easier to maneuver in and out of parking spaces. For me, that was a definite plus!

So tell me, what do you think about the 2017 Kia Sportage SX? Let me know!

As always, thanks so much for reading and commenting. Until next week, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Snapchat // Facebook // Newsletter

* Drive Shop USA provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own.*

#WNJDrives | 2016 Kia Optima Car Review

February 11, 2016 by Whitney 4 Comments

Just before the New Year I had to opportunity to test drive a 2016 Kia Optima LX Turbo. Hubs and I aren’t in the market for a new car immediately, however we plan to purchase a new car within the next 2 years. So whenever I have a chance to test drive a vehicle, I’m excited! I’ve become very found of the Kia brand over the past year and after driving the Optima for a week, it’s safe to say that a Kia purchase just might happen in the near future.

I put this car to the test, traveling up and down 95 for meetings and other wok related events, as well as driving my usual routes in and around Howard County. The sleek and sophisticated design caught my eye at first glance and once inside, I was very impressed with the space. The car is compact, but not so small that you don’t feel comfortable. Once I became acclimated with the car, I noticed one thing for sure – this car gets OUT! Now of course I wasn’t speeding recklessly, but the need for speed was met while cursing down 95. Below are a few important features of the 2016 Kia Optima:

– Push Button Start / Smart Key & Trunk

– Dual Front Advance Airbags

– SIRIUSXM Satellite Radio

– USB/Auxiliary Input Jack

– Steering Wheel Controls

– Rear Parking Assistance

– Bluetooth Capabilities

– Navigation System

– 12 Volt Outlet

Again, I’m not usually a fan of compact sport-like cars, but driving this Kia swayed me a bit. I had plenty of room to stretch and felt very safe while driving. Because I’m constantly on-the-go, I’m always pleasantly surprised when there’s a place to charge multiple electronic devices in a vehicle. Hubs and Mom were equally impressed with the features and also loved the chic design and Platinum Graphite color.

The 2016 @Kia Optima is perfect for young professionals and college students! #wnjdrives

Click To Tweet

I can definitely see this car being a great option for a young professional on-the-go, or even a college student. The price of this model, including the features mentioned and a few others, is $27,415. With all the driving I did I was surprised that I din’t have to fill up the tank. The Fuel Economy is listed at 32 MPG. Not bad, at all!

So tell me, have you ever driven a 2016 Kia Optima or another Kia model? Let me know!

As always, thanks for reading and commenting. If you’re in the market for a new ride I highly suggest you checking out the Optima, or another Kia model. The more I drive these cars the more I understand the high satisfaction rate among many consumers. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

P.S. Don’t forget to link your recent outfit to my Personal Style Linkup, HERE!

Keep Up With Me

Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Newsletter

* Drive Shop provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *

#WNJDrives | 2016 Kia Sorento Review

December 15, 2015 by Whitney 7 Comments

As mentioned in this post, hubs and I traveled to his home state of Delaware for Thanksgiving. The following weekend, we headed back to Delaware for a baby shower. Aside from road tripping, we’ve both been quite busy for the past few weeks. Because of that I wanted to make this trip as comfortable and stress free as possible, for the both of us. I also wanted a smooth and easy drive so at the last minute, I reached out to the lovely people at Drive Shop. Thankfully I was provided with a beautiful 2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD the next day, just in time for our road trip.

When the driver pulled up with this vehicle, I was immediately impressed. Further examining the Sorento I opened the door and fell in love with the deep red leather seats, the comfortable drivers seat, and the easy to use 8-inch touchscreen display. I remember testing a Sorento a few years back and was rather pleased. However the 2016 model blew me away! Check out some of the awesome features:

– 19” Alloy Wheels

– Blind Spot Detection

-Side Curtain Airbags

(1st & 2nd Row)

-Surround View Monitor

– Full Time AWD (All Wheel Drive)

– Heated & Ventilated Front Seats

– Heated Leather Steering Wheel

– Blue Tooth Wireless Capability

– Navigation System & Sirius XM Satellite Radio

Charging Station & Electrical Outlet Station in Back Seat

Needless to say the drive to Delaware and back was smooth, safe and so relaxing. I even caught hubs napping in the passengers seat a few times – he never falls asleep while I’m driving, lol. On our way home, we stopped to grab a few things from Whole Foods. There was still tons of space left in the trunk after storing our suitcase, a few miscellaneous items, water and 3-4 bags of groceries. Looking back it was as if the trunk was laughing at us like, “that’s all you got?!” LOL!

@Kia’s make safe, family friendly, good looking cars. Read this 2016 Sorento review! #wnjdrives

Click To Tweet

This car was the perfect road-trip companion, to say the least. Kia is easily becoming one of our favorite brands. After riding this beauty for a few days, hubs and I are strongly considering this vehicle as our next car purchase. All weekend I raved about how comfortable and safe I felt. The only negative thing I can say about my experience was that I wish I was able to drive it a bit longer, lol.

So tell me, what are you driving? What do you think about the 2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and be sure to leave your comment below. Until tomorrow, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

Keep Up With Me

Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Newsletter

* Drive Shop provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *

#WNJDrves | Road Trip Essentials + Traveling with the 2015 Kia Optima SX

June 9, 2015 by Whitney 17 Comments

My husband and I are on the road at least two weekends a month. Often, we’re road tripping to Delaware to visit Darrius’ side of the family. That’s exactly where we were this weekend; we had a great time! Our niece graduated from high school Saturday, so of course, we were front and center, cheering her on and showing our support. Without hesitation, we loaded up the 2015 Kia Optima SX, as well as our road trip essentials.

A reliable and safe car is the #1 must-have when traveling on a road trip. This Remington Red Kia was just that! One of my favorite features was the rear-view camera; it’s beneficial when parking and backing out of a parking space. The power-folding outside mirrors also came in handy while traveling. The mirrors alert you by blinking and making a faint beeping sound to tell you when it’s safe to make a move. This feature is one I’d like to see in all cars; it’s so necessary!

Must have road-trip essentials. #wnjdrives

Click To Tweet

Another remarkable feature is the Infinity sound system. Cruising with music while road tripping is a must, and the sound system in the 2015 Optima is on point! From my homemade mix CD’s to the radio to Sirus XM, hubby and I grooved the entire time. The sound pouring from the speakers is crisp, and I could even listen to my iPhone playlists through the speakers.

2015 Kia Optima SX

Aside from a safe and reliable car and good music, here are my five must-have road trip essentials:

1. Sunglasses | When traveling, sunnies need to be on deck, especially during the summer months. Sun visors in the car can help, but wearing sunnies is better and much more stylish.

2. Hand Sanitizer | Eating and snacking on the road is a must, so be sure to pack some hand sanitizer (or wet wipes) to keep those hands nice and clean. The mini ones are great to keep in your glove compartment!

3. Phone Charger(s) | Separate phone chargers, yes, please! There’s nothing worse than your phone dying while traveling—pack at least two phone chargers, as well as an extra wall charger piece. If you have a portable charger, throw that in the bag too. Charging your phone, iPod, and other electronic devices is a must. You can never be too prepared, so pack extras!

Road Trip Essentials - 2015 Kia Optima SX

Spacious Trunk Space!

Rear-view Camera

4. Cash and Coins | If you don’t have an EZ-Pass, you need change for the tolls. Carrying $1 bills, a few $5’s and $10’s is always a good idea. Also, bring a couple of quarters and some other silver coins too. If you stop at a gas station for gas or snacks, it’s always better to pay with cash. Keep the transactions simple and quick.

5. Feminine Products | Every woman should have a few extra feminine care products to take on a road trip. You never know when you may need them, trust me.

So tell me, what are your road trip essentials? Have you ever driven a Kia? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

KEEP UP WITH ME

Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Newsletter

* Drive Shop USA provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *