The EV9 Wins MAMA's Favorite Plug-In Vehicle Award

Kia continues to show that stylish design, advanced technology, and long-term value don’t have to come with a price that breaks the bank. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money Awards, seven Kia models were recognized for delivering exceptional value and reliability. At Crain Kia of Fort Smith, we’re proud to offer these award-winning Kia models to drivers across the River Valley. These honors reinforce why Kia remains a smart choice for drivers who prioritize affordability, reliability, and peace of mind behind the wheel. What Are the U.S. News Best Cars for the Money Awards? The U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money Awards are presented each year to vehicles that offer the best balance of quality and affordability in their respective classes. Winners are selected using two key criteria: Quality – measured by overall scores in the U.S. News Best Car Rankings, including safety, performance, and expert reviews Value – based on real-world transaction prices and projected ownership costs over the first five years This methodology highlights vehicles that perform well today while remaining dependable and cost-effective over time. Best Kia Models for the Money for 2026 Kia earned Best Cars for the Money awards across multiple segments for 2026, showcasing strength across gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles: 2026 Kia EV9 – Best Midsize Electric SUV for the Money 2026 Kia Sorento – Best Midsize Three-Row SUV for the Money 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid – Best Midsize Hybrid SUV for the Money 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid – Best Compact Hybrid SUV for the Money 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid – Best Compact Plug-in Hybrid for the Money 2026 Kia Niro – Best Subcompact Hybrid SUV for the Money 2026 Kia K4 – Best Compact Car for the Money From family-ready SUVs to efficient hybrids and a modern compact sedan, Kia’s lineup offers something for every kind of driver in Fort Smith. Why This Matters for Fort Smith Drivers Drivers in Fort Smith and the River Valley need vehicles that can handle daily commutes, highway travel, and weekend getaways with ease. Kia’s award-winning lineup is built for exactly that kind of versatility. Fuel-efficient models like the Sportage Hybrid, Sorento Hybrid, and Niro help drivers save at the pump without sacrificing comfort. For families or those needing extra space, the Kia Sorento and all-electric Kia EV9 offer flexible seating, advanced driver-assist technology, and confidence for longer trips. The Kia K4 rounds out the lineup with a stylish, affordable option for commuters and first-time buyers, delivering modern features and strong value in a compact design. Kia’s Commitment to Value and Innovation These awards highlight Kia’s continued focus on delivering advanced technology at an accessible price point. Across the lineup, Kia vehicles offer impressive standard features such as advanced driver-assist systems, intuitive infotainment technology, and available electrified powertrains designed to improve efficiency without sacrificing performance. By combining modern design, smart innovation, and strong reliability ratings, Kia continues to offer vehicles that provide long-term value, not just at purchase, but throughout ownership. The Crain Commitment At Crain Kia of Fort Smith, our commitment extends beyond the sale. We proudly offer Kia’s industry-leading 10-year / 100,000-mile warranty along with a 100-hour Love It or Leave It exchange policy. Our team is dedicated to providing a transparent, supportive, and customer-focused experience — from helping you choose the right Kia to keeping it running strong with trusted service. Visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith If you’re ready to experience one of Kia’s 2026 Best Cars for the Money, visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith. Explore our selection of award-winning vehicles, take a test drive, and see why drivers throughout Fort Smith and the River Valley continue to choose Kia for quality, value, and confidence.

Finding an affordable vehicle that actually delivers strong value can be tough these days, but the 2025 Kia Soul continues to stand out. Cars.com recently released its Best New Cars for $30,000 or Less list, and the Soul earned a well-deserved place among the top picks. At Crain Kia of Fort Smith, we weren’t surprised. Drivers across the River Valley have always appreciated the Soul’s charm, reliability, and efficiency, and this recognition highlights just how much it offers for the price. What Makes the Kia Soul Such a Good Buy? The article focused on models that bring comfort, features, and affordability together without feeling “cheap,” and the Soul checked every box. Some of the qualities they highlighted include: A surprisingly spacious cabin with great visibility Affordability that typically falls between $21,625 and $25,868 Proven long-term reliability A long list of standard safety technologies Easy, efficient driving, ideal for Fort Smith commutes A fun, head-turning exterior design It’s the kind of car that delivers far more than you might expect at this price point. A Smart SUV Pick A lot of buyers visit us looking for an SUV that doesn’t stretch their budget. While the Soul isn’t a traditional SUV, it offers many of the same qualities drivers want: upright seating, flexible cargo space, and all-around versatility, and an unbeatable price point. For those cross-shopping compact SUVs, the Soul often becomes the unexpected front-runner due to its spacious interior, easy maneuverability, and compact style. This balance of price and functionality is why the Soul continues to thrive in this segment. Why it Matters for River Valley Drivers Seeing the Soul recognized by a respected automotive publication gives shoppers confidence that they’re choosing wisely. And for local drivers, that reassurance goes even further: It’s a vehicle known for its real-world usefulness You get modern tech for less Ownership costs are low and predictable Comfort and reliability come standard, not as upgrades In a market where SUV labels often come with increasingly inflated prices, the Soul delivers a refreshing middle-ground: a practical, affordable option that doesn’t feel stripped down or basic. 🌟 Key Features That Set the 2025 Kia Soul Apart 1. 10.25-Inch Touchscreen (Available) Clear, intuitive, and one of the largest displays you’ll find in this price bracket! 2. Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ Easily connect your device without the hassle of cords. 3. Advanced Kia Drive Wise Safety Features Including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and available Blind-Spot Collision Warning. 4. Flexible Interior Layout A comfortable cabin with great visibility and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. 5. Excellent Fuel Efficiency A go-to for commuters wanting to save at the pump. 6. Distinctive, Character-Driven Styling A refreshing break from the typical compact vehicle look. Test-Drive the 2025 Kia Soul at Crain Kia of Fort Smith Whether you’re searching for your next daily driver, a starter vehicle, or a budget-friendly alternative to higher-priced small SUVs, the 2025 Kia Soul deserves a spot on your list. Visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith for a test drive or to explore available trims, compare features, and see firsthand why Cars.com named the Soul one of the Best New Cars for $30,000 or Less. Drivers throughout Fort Smith, Van Buren, and the surrounding River Valley continue to choose the Soul for its value, versatility, and reliability.

The Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has been awarded to the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Kia EV9. These awards are reserved for vehicles that meet the strictest safety standards from the IIHS. This highlights Kia’s commitment to designing safe and family-friendly vehicles that Fort Smith and River Valley drivers trust. 2025 Kia Telluride This is the Telluride 's third year in a row winning the Top Safety Pick+ award. Every year the IIHS raises its safety standards, and Kia continues to elevate with them. Key safety features: Reinforced body structure for added passenger protection Forward Collision Avoidance and Blind-Spot Monitoring Headlights deliver strong night visibility High ratings in modern crash tests, including backseat safety Year after year, the Telluride shows why it is a top choice for SUV safety, giving Fort Smith drivers peace of mind whenever they get behind the wheel. 2025 Kia EV9 Kia’s first all-electric three-row SUV, the EV9, earned the Top Safety Pick+ award for the first time. Key safety features include: Airbags to protect everyone on board Safety features like Pedestrian Detection and Collision Warnings Spacious, modern interior with fast-charging ports The EV9 empowers drivers to go electric without sacrificing safety or practicality. What Top Safety Pick+ Means To earn the Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must excel in crash tests, protect passengers, perform well with headlights at night, and offer 24/7 crash-prevention technology. Both the Telluride and EV9 are top contenders in vehicle safety. The Telluride offers reliable performance, while the EV9 provides an impressive all-electric option. Both models offer Fort Smith drivers award-winning safety, consistent power, and modern style. Additionally, every new Kia model comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, ensuring long-term peace of mind. Why Safety Ratings Matter When choosing a new vehicle, safety ratings are one of the most important factors to consider. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award gives buyers confidence that their vehicle can handle the real-world hazards drivers face. For families, daily commuters, and road-trippers alike, these ratings highlight Kia’s dedication to building vehicles that put safety first. Kia’s Commitment to Safety & Innovation Kia continues to invest in advanced driver-assistance technology (ADAS) and smart engineering that protect drivers on the road. Features like Highway Driving Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and Surround View Monitor are just a few examples of Kia’s robust effort to make safety intuitive and effortless for every driver. Visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith Today Experience the award-winning safety and innovation of Kia. Visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith to test drive the Telluride or EV9 today.