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There are few attractions in Fort Smith as popular as the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. It offers a fun-filled day full of great things to see, such as those mentioned here. Streetcars There are nine streetcars on display at the Trolley Museum, including two 1906 electric Brill streetcars, a 1902 American Car Company streetcar, a 1904 St. Louis Car Company streetcar, a 1926 Cincinnati Car Company streetcar, and two 1926 American Car Company streetcars, among others. You won't find a finer collection of electric streetcars anywhere in the nation! Passenger Cars A variety of passenger cars are also on display at the museum. These are various train cars, including a 1938 American Car and Freight passenger car, a Pullman passenger car, and a 1966 Darby caboose. Train cars can bring you back to the past as you see how people traveled before airplanes became the preferred method of transportation for long trips. more Freight Cars Three freight cars call the Trolley Museum home, which are two American Car and Freight cars, one built in 1971 and the other of unknown age, and a 1956 Pullman freight car from the St. Louis - San Francisco Railway. These freight cars resemble those that people used to jump on and travel for free as stowaways in the early- and mid-1900s. Locomotives One of the best parts of the Trolley Museum is the historic locomotives it has on display. The oldest locomotive is a Plymouth gas-mechanical locomotive built in 1940 from the Augusta Railroad in Augusta, Arkansas. There is a Whiting locomotive as well, that is of unknown age, but has been modified to rearrange streetcars in the train yard. A 1942 Vulcan locomotive, also from the Augusta Railroad is another star of the exhibit. Work Equipment More than just trains and trolleys are on display at the Trolley Museum. There are also various pieces of equipment that were once used in train yards to make the jobs of trainmen easier. For example, there is a 1951 Fairmont A5-C 3-2 that is actually still in operation at the museum today. A 1973 Fairmont M19 Speeder is also still used by the museum to allow maintenance workers to speed down the tracks to areas that need repair. Motor Buses You can also see several motor buses at this museum, even though they are not the primary attraction. The oldest motor bus on site is a 1937 Yellow gas bus that was once owned by the Twin City Coach company. A 1939 Twin Coach gas motor bus that was initially owned by Capital City Company is another bus that garners a lot of attention. Trolley Rides At the Trolley Museum, you don't just have to look at the trolley cars, trains, and buses. You have the opportunity to ride a trolley as well. Adults can jump on a trolley for just $4.00 each and kids can ride for $2.00 each. Trolley Cats Five cats call the museum home and you're sure to see them wandering around the yard. They are all spayed or neutered, but just love both trains and visitors. Be on the lookout for KCS "Casey," Uncle Pete, Daylight, Narrow Gauge, and Midnight as you stroll through the museum. The Trolley Museum is an excellent choice for avid train fans, or even just those who are interested in the history of the railroad in Arkansas. If trains aren't your thing, though, come on by Crain Kia, and our employees will provide you with other attractions in the area that might interest you more. Image via Pixabay

The 2020 Kia Soul is the kind of subcompact SUV that can go from running city errands to taking a family road trip without skipping a beat. It was the winner of the 2020 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money award, showing that the total redesign for the 2020 models was efficiently conceptualized and well-executed. There is plenty to like about the 2020 line. There are 7 different trim lines to choose from with the base model starting at $17,500. This wide selection helps to make sure that there is something for everyone, no matter what it is that you are looking for. Standard Technology Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across all of the trim lines. This is a great feature option because most car manufacturers include this feature in their higher-end trim lines and are definitely going to tack on to the price for it. The standard screen is a 7" infotainment screen, and there is a 10.25" screen in the EX and GT models. There is also an optional Harman Kardon 10-speaker stereo system. more Cargo Space There is an overall increase of 25% in the available cargo space. There is also 23.8 cubic feet in the rear cargo area. They also optimized space in the door panels and even created extra space by adding cubbies into the dashboard. This increase helps to make it perfect for all the luggage and supplies needed for those long road trips or those simple trips to the local farmers' market. Engine Options The 2020 Kia Soul comes with a new 2.0 liter, 147 horsepower engine. The best engine improvements come in the high-end GT trim line with a 1.6 liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine that pushes out 201 horsepower that is transferred to the wheels by a continuously variable automatic transmission. The 5 middle trim lines all come with an automatic transmission, and the base model comes with a manual transmission. Safety Features The newly redesigned Soul comes with a variety of new safety features including rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. These features are offered in different mixes across the various trim lines. Make sure that the trim line that you are looking at has the safety features that you want. Electric Version (EV) They also made sure to create an electric model that has a 243-mile range. This range makes it a strong competitor with other electric vehicles in its' class like Chevy Bolt. The only downfall to this is that it is only available in California and other select markets. Kia is smart enough to recognize what has made them successful and what they need to improve on in order to stay competitive in an incredibly competitive market. They held on to their edgy look, great fuel economy, and fun interior light show. Come down to Crain Kia in Fort Smith to schedule a test drive and see for themselves everything that the Soul has to offer.

When looking for an affordable midsize SUV that offers performance, a stylish interior, and unmatched safety and reliability, the 2020 Kia Sorento is an absolutely perfect choice. An Interior That Checks All the Boxes The Kia Sorento is the SUV that is ready for whatever your imagination can throw its away. With seating for up to 7 plus incredibly versatile storage options, you can take everyone and their gear along with you for the ride. The second row of seating offers a 40/20/40 split-folding system, and the third row offers a 50-50 split. In combination, this system of seating offers endless flexibility to take any combination of passengers and gear along on the trip. The Sorento offers an available V6 engine that gives you 290 hp of pure power to tackle any road. When you add in the optional fully active all-wheel-drive, you can drive easy knowing there is no trip that is beyond the Sorento's abilities. more The Sorento Offers Power and Performance The Sorrento and its available V6 engine offers an impressive 290 hp. When paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission, the Sorento can tackle any driving adventure you can throw its way. With a towing capacity of up to 5000 pounds, it is more than capable of hauling anything you need to carry. The Dynamax all-wheel-drive system is a fully active system that monitors driving and road condition to help drivers anticipate any situation that can occur. The smart shift and drive system will automatically select the perfect driving mode based on the driving condition it senses. It is no wonder then that J.D. Power reports that the Kia Sorento received the lowest number of reported problems from new owners in this class a vehicle in 2020. Amazingly Purposeful Technology At the heart of the Sorento's technology suite is the UVO link that syncs with the Kia Access app to let you access a host of features of your Kia from your smartphone. This system allows you to start the car as well as set the climate control before you ever step foot in the vehicle, and it also lets you lock and unlock your car remotely. The system will even help you find your car if you can't happen to located in a giant, crowded parking lot. The Sorento offers a host of driver-assist technologies, including things like a Blindspot Collision Avoidance System, a Forward Collision Avoidance System that also detects pedestrians, as well as a Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance System, that warns you of objects that might be behind you while you are operating in reverse. All in all this suite of technology keeps you and everyone around your Sorento safe. The Kia Sorento is the midsize SUV that offers an amazing combination of power, luxury, and safety at a very reasonable price. Visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith today to see their full line of 2020 Sorentos in stock and see why this is the SUV of your dreams.

The 2020 Kia Optima is not only loaded with desirable features, but it also has an attractive appearance. With a variety of engines to choose from, hybrid options, and the latest tech features, it really is a standout in its class. Compelling Performance The base Kia comes with a four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission, this can be upgraded to the turbocharged 1.6 Liter and seven-speed transmission model. Even further up the ladder is the turbocharged 2.0 Liter, which puts out 245 horsepower and 260-foot pounds of torque. This model also features a sport-tuned suspension. more Eco Friendly The Kia features several models of Sorrento hybrids, which supplement gas consumption with electricity. The plug-in version gets 41 miles per gallon, so it's easier on the environment and easier on your wallet. Comfort The standard interior of the Optima is comfortable and spacious, but there are many available features so you can customize it just the way you like it. Heated and ventilated front seats are available on some models to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The red and black leather interior on the Optima SX is comfortable and stylish. The available leather-wrapped steering wheel even features shifting paddles on the steering wheel so you can shift while keeping both hands on the wheel. The Latest Technology The standard 8.0-inch touchscreen puts the world at your fingertips and can connect to Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It can also be used for an optional navigation system. The available Harmon and Kardon Sound system features 7.1 channel surround sound with 10 speakers and 630 watts of clear, crisp power. A wireless charging system allows you to charge your phone by simply placing it in the front console. The smart welcome system has a number of features to make starting your car feel effortless and natural. As you approach the vehicle, it will automatically detect your key and turn on pocket lights to make it easier to find your steps. Stand behind the car and the trunk will open automatically. Great for when you're carrying something big and don't want to be juggling that while you search through your pockets for your keys. Safety The 2019 Optima was a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. This year's model features even more ways to safeguard you and your car, such as Advanced High Strength Steel for protection in a crash. The body has also been reinforced in key areas. The Traction Control System reduces wheel spin while accelerating, and the Brake Assist System detects emergency situations and will increase brake pressure. All the driver-assist features you'd expect are also included or available. These include Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assistance with Pedestrian Detection, which not only detects danger but will even apply the brakes if needed. The lane-keeping system will also detect you leaving your lane unintentionally and will provide steering assistance. Give us a call at Krain Kia Smith to learn more. We'll not only help you buy the Kia of your dreams, but we'll also be there to service and repair it for you.

The release of the new 2021 Kia Soul has people excited, and for many good reasons. This subcompact SUV has many excellent features, making it an ideal candidate for a new vehicle in 2021. The latest feature includes a new rear-seat alert. Find out why you should test drive this new vehicle today. Lengthy Warranty This vehicle comes with a basic warranty of 60 months or 60,000 miles, much lengthier than other competitor warranty packages. It also comes with the following warranty options: Drivetrain: 120 months or 100,000 miles Corrosion: 60 months or 100,000 miles Roadside Assistance: 60 months or 60,000 miles This information is helpful to know because if you test-drive the vehicle and fall in love, you know you'll have a long, extended warranty if you decide to purchase! more Roomy, Comfortable Vehicle with Ample Cargo Space This subcompact SUV comfortably seats five passengers with cushioned cloth seats. All passengers have plenty of room to stretch out. The driver even has a driver's footrest for extra comfort. The front seats are adjustable in six different ways, including recline, height, and forward/backward motion. The passenger seats are adjustable in four different ways, including recline and forward/backward motion. All headrests and armrests are also flexible to accommodate passenger comfort. Another perk of this vehicle is its roomy cargo area. Not only does the cargo offer plenty of room, but it provides additional storage options. The cargo has a concealed storage container to allow for extra cargo space and storage options. The back seat also manually folds forward, allowing even more cargo space to haul larger objects. Easy to Use Infotainment System This SUV's infotainment system requires little-no looking at instruction manuals to figure out its use. Everything is available on one seven inch touch screen at the front of the vehicle, all under a straightforward menu. The infotainment system gives you access to the following: Apple CarPlay Android Auto AM/FM/MP3 Radio with seeking and scan functions Bluetooth connection Volume controls In this vehicle, volume controls and radio seek and scan functions are also accessible through the steering wheel controls. Bonus features of this vehicle's infotainment system include multiple auxiliary jacks and USB ports and six quality surrounding speakers. Stylish Exterior This subcompact SUV has a trendy hatchback style that buyers love. The colors available for next year are beautiful, bold, and complemented by a sleek black trim. This car will come in the following clearcoat paint colors: red, silver, white, black, dark orange, gray, dark green, dark orange and black, blue, and blue and black. Lots of gorgeous colors to choose from! This quality SUV is a hot commodity with several outstanding features to look forward to next year. Its lengthy warranty options, roomy interior and cargo space, easy infotainment system, and stylish exterior are all great reasons to test drive this subcompact SUV. Call or visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith to schedule your test drive today!

The 2020 Kia Sportage is the modern and progressive SUV of the new decade. With a fresh, new exterior, multiple trim levels, and a bunch of standard driver-assistance features, the Sportage will be your new standard for how an SUV should be built. 1. Iso-Structure™ Construction The Kia Sportage is built using high-tensile strength steel alloys. This has been proven to improve rigidity. 2. Stability and Traction Control Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control are advanced systems that improve the traction and stability of your vehicle. 3. Downhill Brake Control (DBC) When driving in off-road conditions, active Downhill Brake Control to apply pressure individually to the brakes to control your speed down steep hills or during slippery or wet road conditions. more 4. Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW) Blind Spot Collision Warning will send out audio and/or visual cues via the radar-based detection system to alert you of objects or other vehicles that are in your blind spot. 5. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist will alert the driver with audio or visual cues if a potential upcoming collision is detected. This can detect other vehicles, objects, and pedestrians. If an imminent collision is detected, in some cases, the FCA will even attempt to stop the car. 6. High Beam Assist (HBA) The High Beam Assist system switches from high beams to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is detected. After passing the vehicle, HBA will automatically switch back to the high beam setting. 7. Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC with S&G) Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go can uphold a safe distance from vehicles in front of you that it detects. With a gentle push on the accelerator, the Sportage can bring you to a full stop and begin accelerating again as needed. 8. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning scans for vehicles passing as you are reversing. If a vehicle or object is detected outside of your field of view, you will be notified via audio or visual cues. 9. Roadside Assistance and 911 Connect The Kia Access app and UVO link give your smartphone remote access to vehicle functions such as Roadside Assistance and 911 Connect. The Roadside Assistance feature gives you 24/7 support so you'll never be stranded should you pop a tire or run out of gas. With 911 Connect, should your airbags deploy for any reason, your phone will automatically attempt to call 911. The 2020 Kia Sportage is comfort, safety, and performance all-in-one. In short, it is the full package. But this is something you've got to see for yourself. Come visit Crain Kia in Fort Smith to test drive one today. After exploring the different trim levels, we are sure you will find something that fits your needs.

With so many small-sized cars to choose from, it might be difficult to know which models are the best. Factors such as safety, dependability, comfortable seating, and cost-effectiveness are key when deciding what to buy. With this in mind, you're going to want to put the 2020 Kia Forte on your list of cars to test-drive. If you're familiar with previous Kia Forte models, you'll be delighted by the added features in 2020. Seating Is Exceptionally Comfortable You have to drive the Kia Forte for yourself to experience the spacious interior of this small car. Many compact cars can make drivers and passengers feel cramped, but the Forte gives you lots of legroom. The seats themselves are comfortable enough to ride in for hours at a time, so this will be your go-to car when it comes to long road trips as well as errands around town. You'll Save on Gas Gas mileage matters and savvy shoppers want a car that isn't going to cost a fortune to drive. The 2020 Forte fits the bill, getting an average of 31 miles to the gallon. Few cars can deliver that kind of effective energy use, and this car is sure to send your gas bill plummeting. more Safety Features Are Standard Even at a low price-point, you need a car that keeps your passengers safe. The 2020 Forte model offers more standard safety features than any previous model, so you can drive with confidence knowing that your family and friends are protected. This commitment to safety also makes the Forte ideal for a young driver in your household or for someone who is learning to drive. This is some of the safety technology that comes standard on this car. Warning system for drifting out of your lane Automatic braking when an obstacle is in front of the car Emergency signal lets cars know when you are suddenly braking Stability management keeps you in control It's a Smart Financial Option Getting more for less is important when car shopping and the 2020 Forte is the perfect choice for people who want a great car without the overwhelming cost. This little powerhouse boasts dependability, a sporty look, and a low price tag. That means you can spend your money on adventures instead of spending it on your car. When looking for a small car that offers big benefits, give yourself an advantage by checking out the Kia Forte. Whether you are looking for something to drive to work, a car for your child to take to college, or a vehicle for the family, you will love the reliability, safety, and low price point. Call Crain Kia in Fort Smith to schedule your test drive today and discover what this car can do for you.

Located in Downtown Fort Smith, Creekmore Park is chock full of outdoor activities guaranteed to entertain the entire family. At the crossroads of Rogers & South 31st Street, the park offers fun for any age group. Whether you are an adult or looking to entertain a toddler or teen, everyone can enjoy these popular activities found at Creekmore. 1. Creekmore Express Train The locomotive is free to ride, but donations are always welcome. Creekmore Park is home to three miniature trains that parkgoers of all ages are sure to love. The park is also home to a standard diesel train, the Creekmore Express. Funds are being raised for the restoration of a steam engine. 2. Miniature Golf Course Challenge your friends and family to a hole-in-one with the park's put-put! For only $2.50 per person, you can partake in 18 holes of mini golf per game at Creekmore Park Putter. The rate includes a putter, ball, and scorecard. more 3. Creekmore Holiday Express During December, Creekmore Park offers evening train rides that will fill you with yuletide cheer. Visitors can ride the rails while enjoying twinkling displays of hundreds of animated lights. 4. Creekmore Swim & Dive Complex Creekmore Park aquatic area is sure to beat the summer heat. The park offers an Olympic-size outdoor lap pool, a large community pool, and a diving facility The kiddos will have no shortage of watery fun. Amenities include a shallow splash area designed specifically for smaller children and Wibits inflatable obstacles. 5. Tennis Center & Courts Creekmore Tennis Center and courts have everything you need to perfect your serve and improve your game. The park offers eight public tennis courts. Group clinics, league teams, and private lessons for all age ranges are available through the tennis center. 6. Playgrounds There is no better place in Fort Smith to spend a nice, sunny day with the kids than at the playgrounds in Creekmore Park. Your youngsters will stay busy for hours, sliding, swinging, and climbing. 7. Walking Trail The Creekmore Park Loop is a 0.6-mile trail that perfect for walking, hiking, or trailing running while providing scenic views of the park's natural beauty. In the fall, the path transforms into a colorful display of foliage as the leaves on the trees start to change colors. K-9 companions are welcomed on the trail but must remain on a leash. 8. Community Events Visit any time of year, and you are bound to attend one of the area's many events at the park, such as City Play Day, Pop Up Play Day, Pooch Plunge, or Craft at Creekmore. In Spring and Summer, grab a blanket, some snacks, and visit Creekmore for Movies in the Park. The event is free, and past movies include How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World and Flubber. Open from dusk until dawn, Creekmore Park offers visitors a full day of activities. Visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith today to speak with a member of our honest and knowledgeable sales staff that can match you with a vehicle to fit your needs for any activity.

Around Fort Smith, Arkansas, you can find some amazing pieces of public art. From monuments to murals and from sculptures to transformed buildings, you can find art at almost every corner. Here are six of the city's outstanding artworks and projects. Darby Legacy Monument Located in Cisterna Park on Garrison Avenue, the Darby Legacy Monument celebrates Fort Smith hero William Orlando Darby. He is credited with establishing the U.S. Army Rangers, which became known as Darby's Rangers. In World War II, the elite combat unit distinguished itself in Europe and North Africa. Shortly before the end of the war in 1945, Colonel Darby was killed in action in Italy. He was posthumously promoted to brigadier general in recognition of his gallantry in combat. Initially buried in Cisterna, Italy, his remains were later returned to his home town and reinterred in Fort Smith National Cemetery. more The Unexpected The Unexpected is a project to revitalize downtown Fort Smith through urban and contemporary art. The project started in 2015 and has grown to a collection of more than 30 pieces of permanent and semipermanent outdoor art. Downtown Fort Smith has been transformed by artwork by renowned international artists such as Maser, Bordalo II, D'Face, Okuda San Miguel, Askew, and Ana Maria. The culmination of The Unexpected is a week-long annual festival in October that explores art, music, dance, and thought-provoking activities. The Rainbow Embassy Artist Okuda San Miguel, one of today's most recognized street artists, carried out the complete makeover of an unassuming abandoned house on North G Street. The resulting artwork is called the Rainbow Embassy. The colorful murals and geometric designs make for a bright and playful addition to the neighborhood. American Heroes American Heroes is a piece of work created by Australian artist Guido Van Helten on the towers of a feed mill at 700 B Street. The artwork depicts Fort Smith locals, including a Navajo man, an African American woman who is a local business owner, and a WWII veteran who was employed at the feed mill until his retirement. Catira by Bicicleta Sem Freio Bicicleta Sem Freio, which translates as bicycles without brakes, is a Brazilian duo. These artists specialize in large-scale expressive artwork using vibrant and expansive color palettes. Catira is a large mural on a building at 802 Garrison Avenue. It represents a typical Brazilian dance that is performed in rural areas by farmers and ranchers. Gateway Park Gateway Park on Garrison Avenue has been created to act as the gateway to the downtown area of Fort Smith and features statues of prominent community leaders. The central sculpture is of the frontier judge, Isaac C. Parker, who represents law and order. Alongside Judge Parker is John Carnall, who stands for public education. Joining these esteemed gentlemen is Mother Superior Teresa Farrell, who represents the establishment of healthcare. The park offers the opportunity for residents and visitors to learn about the contributions made by these three important citizens. These are just a few of the stunning and inspirational works of art in downtown Fort Smith. A little exploration of the city will reveal many more. Image via Pixabay

If you're looking for a powerful compact sedan, the 2020 Kia Forte GT is an excellent choice. The GT trim level is the high-performance model of the Kia Forte, and with it, you'll not only gain increased power but also several high-tech exteriors, interiors, and safety features. Learn four reasons why the Kia Forte GT is worth the upgrade. Increased Power Output The Kia Forte GT is equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine that cranks out 201 horsepower and 196 pound-feet of torque. The accompanying seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters is designed to shift quickly, making your drive feel both powerful and effortless. more In comparison, all the lower-range models of the Forte are equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This 2.0-liter engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an intelligent variable transmission. So, if you're looking for maximum power, upgrade to the Forte GT. Sleek Exterior Features The Kia Forte GT model comes with signature GT wheels. You can't miss the 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels on any of the GT models. You'll also notice a striking black gloss feature on several areas of the GT's exterior, including the outside mirrors, sport grille, side sills, rear truck lid spoiler, and sport bumper accents. In addition to its sleek style, the GT comes with several functional exterior features, such as front fog lights, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights with auto-leveling, LED rear combination lamps, mirror-mounted LED turn signal indicators, and heated outside mirrors. You'll also appreciate the power sunroof, solar control glass, and perimeter approach lighting that activates LED lights near the door handles when you approach the vehicle. Convenient Interior Features You'll feel ready to drive anywhere once you get behind the wheel of the Kia Forte GT. The driver and front passenger seats feature sport seats with SOFINO cloth or leatherette seat trim and GT-exclusive red stitching. The D-shaped leather-wrapped steering wheel also showcases the GT red stitching. Regardless of whether it's sweltering hot or freezing cold outside, you'll feel comfortable on every drive with the heating and ventilation functions on the front seats. The infotainment system is laden with high-tech features that can easily connect to your smartphone and allow you to access several applications with little effort. These features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, UVO eServices, Bluetooth audio streaming, a USB/auxiliary input jack, a wireless phone charger, an 8-inch touch-screen display, and voice recognition. Excellent Safety Tech Maintaining Kia's reputation for safety, the Kia Forte GT is equipped with a host of active safety technology. You'll be safer on the road with these standard features, namely blind-spot collision warning, driver attention warning, forward-collision warning, and collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane change assist, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision warning, and smart cruise control. This driver-assistive technology keeps an eye on the things you may not be able to see while driving. The 2020 Kia Forte GT is the commuter car you've been waiting for. Stop by Crain Kia of Fort Smith today, and we'll help you get behind the wheel of a Forte GT.

The age of smartphones has provided drivers with tons of apps designed to keep them connected and make driving and navigating safer and easier. If you're looking for essential apps for every driver, consider downloading these five. GasBuddy When you need to fuel up and you want to make sure you're getting the cheapest gas in the area, GasBuddy can help. Highly rated and downloaded nearly 90 million times, this app lists the nearest gas stations and their prices, so you're not frustrated by lower prices a few miles after you've left the pump. Its extensive database includes more than 150,000 U.S. gas stations. GasBuddy also offers users special deals, cashback offers, and savings at select stations. If gas prices are about to surge, it alerts you so you can fill up before they do. Download GasBuddy if you want to make your gas money go further. more PlugShare If you drive an electric vehicle and need to find a place to plug-in rather than a gas station, PlugShare's got you covered. It provides drivers with information about more than 300,000 public car charging stations around the world. Use filters such as plug type, network, and station rating to narrow your search. PlugShare also allows users to add charging stations, leave reviews, and upload photos to help other drivers. Depending on the location, you might be able to pay directly through the app as well. Download PlugShare to save time if you're an electric vehicle owner. Parkopedia Easily find the perfect parking spot in the city using Parkopedia. This app has access to more than 70 million parking spaces in 15,000 cities and 50 countries. Simply enter your location, see which parking spots are available, get real-time rates, then receive directions to your chosen space or lot. You can refine your search by parking type — indoor, outdoor, free, paid — and payment method. Download Parkopedia if you want to simplify parking in your hometown as well as when traveling to unfamiliar cities. Roadtrippers Roadtrippers helps drivers plan and navigate road trips in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The app features trip guides and millions of recommendations and reviews for hotels, restaurants, nearby attractions, parks, scenic overlooks, and more. Use the app to plan your itinerary and find great places to visit on your road trip. Download Roadtrippers to create the perfect road voyage and discover incredible sites on your route. Waze Waze offers drivers a revolutionary way to navigate and avoid traffic and road hazards. As a social navigating app, it includes data submitted by other users to provide you with real-time traffic alerts and rerouting options. You can also see where others have flagged things like potholes, construction zones, policing, and even roadkill. Download Waze if you want to improve your driving experience while getting accurate turn-by-turn directions. From cutting-edge navigation to planning a great road trip, a slew of smartphone apps have made driving easier and more efficient. Make sure you use these apps before you hit the road and never while you're behind the wheel. Image via Pixabay

The Kia Seltos is a new addition to the compact SUV market, but this versatile vehicle is already garnering positive reviews for its fresh styling, spacious interior, and agile handling. If the 2021 Kia Seltos isn't already on your radar, discover why it should be. Customizable Exterior The 2021 Kia Seltos is available in five trim levels and up to 12 color combinations, so you can select the one that suits you best. Further customize your ride with two-tone paint options and exterior features such as a sunroof, roof rails, LED lighting, a rear spoiler, privacy glass, and 17- or 18-inch machine finish wheels. Overall, it's a sporty yet rugged small SUV that stands out from the competition. more Fuel Efficiency You can expect class-topping gas mileage from the Seltos. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive gets an estimated 34 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel drive option lowers that figure only slightly to 32 mpg. Fuel efficiency is still around 30 mpg highway on the two turbo trims, which come equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that generates 175 horsepower. Extremely Spacious One of the Kia Seltos' best qualities is the amount of passenger and cargo space it offers for an SUV of its size. Its boxy shape means both front and rear passengers get plenty of head and legroom. Four adults can travel very comfortably and with room to spare. Its 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space balloons to an impressive 62.8 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats down. You can also lower the cargo floor if you need more room to haul things. Interior touches, such as ambient lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, and high-quality materials, give the Seltos a classy feel. Exciting Tech Features This compact SUV comes with must-have standard technology features such as an 8-inch touch screen infotainment display, Apply CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, USB ports, remote keyless entry, and a six-speaker audio system. Upgrade to a higher trim to gain a stunning 10.25-inch center display, an eight-speaker premium Bose sound system, a head-up display, extra USB ports, and navigation. The top SX trim even comes with a sound-connected mood lamp that changes colors and pulses with the beat of the music while you drive. Plenty of Driver Assistance All but the base trim of the 2021 Seltos come standard with the auto manufacturer's Kia Drive Wise suite of safety and driver assistance technologies. Every model includes six air bags, a rollover sensor, tire-pressure monitoring, and hill-start assist. Optional features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning. The 2021 Kia Seltos hits the road this year. If you're in the market for a small SUV that handles like a car but has the carrying capacity of a much larger vehicle, put the Seltos on your list. Experience it for yourself when you stop by Crain Kia of Fort Smith. Image via crainkiaftsmith.com