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If you’re looking for a beautiful, powerful, economic, and safe vehicle, consider the 2021 Kia Forte. It’s an incredible compact sedan that’s packed with amazing features. Here are a few of our favorites:

9 Great Features of the Kia Forte

1. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is a standard system that can help you avoid accidents. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist will engage the brakes to prevent frontal collisions. If you want extra assistance, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection is optional on the Forte GT trim.

2. Smart Trunk

With the available Smart Trunk feature, you won’t have to worry about how you’re going to open your trunk when your hands are full. If you stand behind the trunk with your key fob, the Smart Trunk will open automatically. You don’t even have to wave your hands or your feet!

3. Traction Control System and Electronic Stability Control

Traction Control System and Electronic Stability Control come standard with the six Forte trims. With these systems installed, your Forte will have reduced wheel spin, which will give you more control.

4. 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat

With the 60/40 split-folding rear seat, your Forte’s space is incredibly flexible. You’ll be able to seat everyone you need or fit all your luggage and groceries in the back.

5. UVO Link

With the available UVO link, you can sync your Forte with your phone. You’ll be able to start your Forte remotely and ensure that your cabin is at the right temperature. If your airbags deploy, it will automatically call 911, and you can receive real-time traffic data as well as historical data, so you can take the most efficient route to your destination.

6. Smart Cruise Control

The available Smart Cruise Control system detects vehicles with radar sensors. Once other vehicles have been detected, Smart Cruise Control will accelerate or slow down your Forte to keep a predetermined distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.

7. Comfortable Seats

You’ll always be comfortable in your Forte! The available 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat offers 2-way power lumbar support. Heated and ventilated front seats are also available.

8. Safety Features

The Forte has a 54% advanced high-strength steel body, so you can feel confident while on the road. This reinforced body gives your Forte extra stability and structural strength.

The Forte also has an advanced six-airbag system. This system uses sensors that monitor the impact’s severity in order to deploy the airbags intelligently.

9. Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning

Lane Keeping Assist comes standard on all six Forte trims. If you start to drift out of your lane, Lane Keeping Assist can gently apply corrective steering actions to ensure you stay in your lane.

Lane Departure Warning will let you know when you’re edging out of your lane so you can take corrective action and avoid an accident.

Stop by Crain Kia of Fort Smith in Arkansas today to check out the Forte’s incredible features for yourself. Our finance team can help you find the best rates, and our amazing service department can keep your Kia running smoothly for years to come.

For the best new sporty car of the year, the 2021 Kia Stinger is surely in the running. This car has trendsetting style, luxurious accommodations in the cabin, and intelligent technology to keep you safe and connected. At Crain Kia of Fort Smith, we want to show you why the 2021 Stinger is a great investment.

Basics About the 2021 Kia Stinger

The South Korean car company Kia’s first Stinger made its debut in 2011. This mid-size sports sedan is great for anyone who loves an athletic adventure, a smooth and powerful drive, or a car with a sporty, stylish look.

Pricing

This sports car comes in four different trim options so you can choose the features that are the best fit for you. The GT Line is the least expensive trim and has a starting MSRP of $33,090. The GT trim is a car with a more powerful engine and stylish 19-inch Alloy Wheels with Michelin Tires. It starts at $39,590.

The two top-tier trims are the GT1 and the GT2. These trims come with the most premium features and designs. They have features like the Sunroof with Power Sunshade and a Nappa Leather Seat Trim. The Stinger GT1 starts at $45,490 and the GT2 starts at $50,390.

Dynamic Features

Daring and Aerodynamic Design

The 2021 Stinger is back with an even sleeker, refined, and powerful look. The cabin tucks close to the ground, the hood is elongated and sophisticated, and the rear of the car looks dominating with wide fenders and unique LED taillights. This car is designed to look and perform with athleticism and aerodynamics in mind.

Sophisticated and Convenient Interior Cabin

The cabin of your Stinger is utterly unique. It is designed to resemble the cockpit of an airplane with a wing-like shape of the dashboard and circular air vents. The bucket seats are designed to be ergonomic and comfortable and come standard with leather trim.

Intelligent Remote Connectivity from Your Computer or Smartphone!

You have access to available UVO eServices, which allows you to access your Stinger from afar with the use of an app. You can access an intuitive pre-set navigation system, schedule a maintenance appointment, and even check in on your car when other drivers take it out on the road.

Are you letting your teen drive your new car for the first time? You don’t have to worry, because you can monitor your car’s location and set speed limit and curfew alerts to detect any poor decision making.

Modern and Advanced Safety Technology

Keep your mind at ease while you drive around your precious cargo in your new Stinger. It comes with Kia Drive Wise, which has many features that help protect you and your passengers from harm. Surround View Monitor helps you see from multiple angles with four intuitively located cameras. Lane Keeping Assist keeps track of your placement in the lane and lets you know when you’re encroaching on the lane beside you.

Do you want a more detailed look at the features of this new sports car? Then give us a call at Crain Kia of Fort Smith today!

Kias are great, reliable cars that can last you a long time. If you’re looking for the very best quality possible, then it’s important to consider where you’re getting your car from. If you’re in the market for your new vehicle, here’s why you should visit your Kia dealer.

Top 4 Reasons to Buy Your Car at a Kia Dealer

1. Buying from a Dealer Is More Convenient 

The concept of buying your new car from a private seller might seem convenient. After all, when you buy your car through a private seller, there’s a whole world of options for you, right? Well, in reality, those options are spread pretty thin, and you might have to go further out of your way than you’d like to get the car you want.

But when you go to a dealership, all the vehicles are in one location for you. If you’re looking for a specific model, your dealership is likely to have it!

2. The Staff at a Dealer Are Knowledgeable

Buying a car often comes with a lot of questions, and it’s important to ask those questions! The problem with a private seller, however, is that their answers to your questions may not always be honest. They want to sell you a car, not necessarily provide you with the best customer service.

Dealerships, on the other hand, are customer-oriented. And since they work exclusively with this brand of car, they’ll have all the answers to your questions. If you have any concerns about a particular model, they’ll be more than happy to address them.

3. You Can Trust the Quality

Since most of the time private sellers are just in it for the sale, you can’t necessarily count on the car they’re trying to sell you being good quality. This means that you might end up with a car that doesn’t last you nearly as long as it should.

But if you go to a dealership, you can trust the quality of the cars. Dealerships are proud of the cars they sell and want to make sure they’re providing you with the very best. Their whole reputation is on the line when they sell a car, and they want you to come back and get your service from them, too. They have every reason to give you the best.

4. Dealerships Offer Warranties

You’ll rarely find a private seller offering a warranty of any sort. And since you can’t necessarily trust the quality of the cars coming from private sellers, this means that if something goes wrong, it’s your money on the line.

Dealerships will provide you with a warranty. Even though dealerships offer high-quality cars, sometimes the unexpected happens! And if it happens to you, you’ll be grateful that your warranty is keeping you and your wallet safe.

Getting a car can be a confusing, stressful process. The good news is that if you buy your car at a dealership, you’re eliminating the most stressful parts of buying a car. So if you’re ready to start shopping for your new Kia, visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith today!

The Fort Smith National Historic Site is a must for every Wild West fan. Whether you live in the local area or are just passing through, you’ll want to see this fascinating piece of history. Read on to discover everything you need to know before your trip.

4 Things to Know About the Fort Smith National Historic Site

1. There Are Three Intriguing Historic Locations to Visit 

The first Fort Smith was built in 1817 and lasted until 1824. Called Belle Point, the location offers a scenic view of the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers, and visitors can walk around the remains of the original fort. Next, if you stroll along the Arkansas River, you will see many exhibit panels detailing how five Native American tribes were removed from the territory. This ‘Trail of Tears’ is directly accessible from the parking lot.

The third fascinating historic landmark is the Commissary, which is the oldest remaining building in the area. Here, you’ll be thrown back to the year 1850, when military troops were fed inside the property. What’s more, there’s a replica of the Fort Smith Gallows on the grounds, so you can discover how many of the local criminals met their end.

2. You Can See the “Hell on the Border” Jail in the Visitor Center

As the name suggests, the barracks/courthouse/jail building had many different purposes over the years. Originally, it was constructed as barracks, but by the mid-1870s, the local court had repurposed it as a courthouse and jail. A few years later, a second jail building was constructed next to it.

You can tour both properties and see what the jails would have looked like 150 years ago. With its interesting architecture, plenty of replications, and educational videos, there is something for everyone.

3. It’s Easy to Access Other Attractions From Here

When you’ve explored this historical site to your heart’s content, you don’t have to leave the area. There’s plenty to do within a 0.1-mile radius. Why not combine your trip with a visit to the Fort Smith Museum of History, Bass Reeves Monument or the Farmer’s Market? If your adventure has made you hungry, stop by at Rolando’s Nuevo Latino Restaurante and enjoy their exciting and delicious Latin American dishes. 

4. It’s Open Every Day 

The National Historic Site is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, even on weekends, so your visit is easy to fit into your busy schedule. If you live in the area, you might consider purchasing an annual visitor pass for $30, which lets you access the site whenever you have some spare time. One-time admission costs $6, and free parking is available.

Whether you’re planning to take your whole family to Fort Smith’s National Historic Site, or you prefer to take a solo trip, the many indoor and outdoor attractions in this area will be sure to delight. While you’re nearby, pop in at Crain Kia of Fort Smith to learn about our range of reliable cars and SUVs. Our salespeople will be delighted to answer your questions and show you around.

Your car’s brakes are a critical safety feature that prevents you from colliding with other objects. If they don’t perform as they should, you could be endangering everyone in your car, as well as other drivers. Fortunately, you can recognize the signs you need a brake repair and get them fixed before a tragedy occurs.

Does Your Car Need a Brake Repair? Six Common Signs

Squealing, Squeaking, or Grinding

The most common sign that your vehicle needs to get its brakes repaired is that you hear a squealing, squeaking, or grinding noise coming from your wheels when you drive. Brake pads are usually equipped with “wear indicators,” which make a squealing or squeaking noise when your brake pads need to be replaced.

If you ignore those warning sounds, eventually you’ll hear a grinding noise, which means your rotors will need to be replaced too.

Vibrations

If your car shudders or vibrates when you press on the brake pedal, it’s likely that your brake pads are worn too thin and you need to have them replaced. This can happen if the brake pads you currently have on your car don’t have wear indicators.

It’s always a good idea to pay attention to any difference in how your car operates when you’re driving, and have it inspected by a trained technician to determine the root issue.

Spongy Brake Pedal

When your brake pads are worn out, you might find that it takes more effort to stop your vehicle and that when you press on your brake pedal, it feels spongy or it goes down further than it should.

This is a dangerous situation because it means you have to allow yourself more stopping distance than you’re used to. If the brake pedal feels different than it normally does, you’ll want to have your braking system checked out immediately.

Pulling

If you notice that your car pulls hard to one side or the other when you step on your brakes, it’s likely that your brakes are wearing unevenly, causing your car to have to apply more pressure on one side.

This will send your car “pulling” to the side that needs more pressure to stop the wheel. The only way to fix this is to have your brakes replaced so that they can wear at the same rate.

Burning Smell

It’s never a good thing if you smell something burning while you’re driving, and if the smell is coming from your brakes, there’s a good possibility they could stop working altogether.

A burning smell usually means your brakes are hot, and if they heat up too much, they won’t work. This is specifically an issue when you’re driving down a steep hill. Pull over and let them cool down, then get your car to a service center right away.

Brake Light Illuminates

This is the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your brakes and that you need to have them inspected. Not all brake issues trigger this light, but if it comes on, bring your vehicle into a service center as soon as you can.

Don’t let your brakes get too worn. Watch for these signs and bring your car into Crain Kia of Fort Smith to have them repaired.

The 2021 Kia Sedona is an incredible minivan. With a standard 8-passenger seating configuration, it’s perfect for the whole family! It’s also packed with many incredible features that make driving the Sedona a fun, safe, and convenient experience. Here are a few of the Kia Sedona’s best features.

8 Amazing Features of the 2021 Kia Sedona

1. Tri-Zone Climate Control and Heated/Ventilated Front Seats

Everyone has different temperature preferences and, with Tri-Zone Climate Control, the driver, the front passenger, and the rear passengers can establish their own temperature settings.

For even more customizable comfort, there are available heated and ventilated front seats. These seats have three heating levels and three fan settings.

2. Harman Kardon

With the available surround sound audio, an external amplifier, and a subwoofer, the Sedona offers an incredible audio experience with its eight speakers. Thanks to Clari-Fi technology, your digital audio files will be analyzed in real-time and will include many beautiful audio details that are often lost when listening to digitally compressed music.

3. The Anti-Pinch Sliding Doors

With the Sedona’s Anti-Pinch Sliding Doors, you no longer have to worry about accidentally jamming your fingers in the door. These sliding reward doors use built-in sensors to detect when an object is in the way and they’ll automatically stop to avoid pinching something.

4. The Smart Power Liftgate

The available Smart Power Liftgate is perfect for when you have your hands full with luggage or groceries. When the Sedona senses your Smart Key, the Smart Power Liftgate will automatically open.

5. Standard Slide-N-Stow Seating

The Sedona’s interior is incredibly flexible thanks to its Slide-N-Stow Seating. You don’t even have to remove any of the seats to get extra space. The second rows of seating will fold upright and the third row will stow under the floor.

6. The Cooling Glove Box

This wonderful feature is great for storing any items that need to be kept cool. With the Cooling Glove Box, you can keep your refreshments cool.

7. Surround View Monitor 

With four mounted cameras, the Surround View Monitor can project a bird’s-eye view of your Sedona onto your screen, giving you a 360-degree perspective of your position. With the Surround View Monitor, parking and navigating in close quarters is much easier.

8. Smart Cruise Control With Stop & Go 

The available Smart Cruise Control With Stop & Go system will help you adapt to your surroundings. In order to maintain a predetermined distance between your Sedona and the vehicle in front of you, this feature will automatically apply the accelerator or the brakes.

Visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith today for an amazing selection of reliable new and pre-owned Kia vehicles. Our friendly and knowledgeable team members can help you find the perfect Kia for your driving needs and budget. Our dealership also has an exception Kia Service Center and genuine Kia parts and accessories. At our service center, we offer oil changes, engine diagnostics, tire rotation, transmission repair, and brake replacement so you can continue to enjoy your Kia for many years.

Another great thing to do in the city is to visit Rock Town Distillery. You can find it in the heart of downtown. Spend some time tasting their whiskey and various cocktails. Alcohol is intended only for those of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

2: Tulsa, Oklahoma

About 118 miles from town is Tulsa Oklahoma. Tulsa is a perfect road trip destination less than two hours from starting point to the endpoint. You can plan to see a baseball game at Oneok Field downtown or go to the Philbrook Museum of Art. You can even do both if you plan to stay longer than a day. There are plenty of waterfront parks on the Arkansas River to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

3: Hot Springs, Arkansas

If you’re looking to spend some time in the great outdoors, head to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Hot Springs is home to Hot Springs National Park. Here you’ll find numerous thermal springs located throughout the park that you can relax in.

There are also 26 miles of trails located within the park that you can explore. While you can have an eventful time here in only one day, if you’re interested in spending more time here, check out some of their campgrounds.

4: Joplin, Missouri

Roughly 140 miles north of Fort Smith, and on Route 66, you’ll find Joplin, Missouri. You can spend your day perusing the streets of downtown while shopping in the various storefronts.

Located on Route 66: why not see a movie at their Route 66 Drive-in theater? If you’re interested in visiting wineries, there are multiple in the area where you can tour and taste their creations. Please don’t drink and drive.

5: Russelville, Arkansas

Less than an hour from your starting point is Russelville, Arkansas. In this small town, you’ll find the entrance to Ozark National Forest. You’ll wander around the trails, surrounded by the Ozark Mountains. You can spend your day chasing waterfalls throughout the park and hiking along creek beds.

Even if you don’t want to hike very long, there are plenty of other activities to participate in. If fishing is more your speed, you’ll find creeks and bodies of water to do so.

Finding time to get away from your typical day to day can be soothing for the soul. Whether you’re looking for a city escape or a mountain one, you’ll find plenty of options not far from Fort Smith. Once you get back from one of these amazing trips, stop by Crain Kia for even more road trip recommendations.

Looking for a new car? Kia Motors is a leader in car manufacturing, and the 2021 Kia Sorento is a testament to that. Here are just a few things that drivers love about this car.

Why Drivers Love the 2021 Kia Sorento

The Basics of the 2021 Sorento

The Kia has gone through a few changes this year. While past versions of the Kia Sorento have relied on smooth, sleek lines, the 2021 Sorento is all about a more muscular and durable aesthetic. This is a car that works hard—and looks like it, too.

Kia Motors, based out of South Korea, is known for its functional, stylish cars. The 2021 Sorento, a 3-row SUV, is no exception.

Pricing

The basic 2021 Sorento, the LX, will cost you about $29,835, but you do have other options besides that. One step up from the LX you have the S, which costs around $32,335, and then the EX which will run you around $35,435. Finally, the last two options are the SX, which goes for around $38,435, and then the SX Prestige for $41,035.

No matter which model you go with, you might want to consider adding on Kia’s all-wheel-drive option, especially if you live in colder climates where it gets damp or icy. It’s only an additional $1,800—well worth the price for that extra control and safety.

Performance

This car is all about getting the job done and getting the job done right. The Sorento has gone through a few upgrades this year to make it even more functional.

The base vehicle comes with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, but you can upgrade to a 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. If you’ve got something heavy to tow, don’t worry. The 2021 Sorento can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Interior and Comfort

It’s one thing to have a functional car, but if it’s not comfortable to be in you won’t want to be in it for long. Luckily, the 2021 Sorento is all about comfort. The real leather upholstery feels good to sit in and offers a classy look to the inside of the vehicle. There’s also lots of room for storage, and the second-row seats can be moved or folded over for even more storage options.

The base vehicle comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that you can connect easily to your Apple or Android phone. If 8 inches isn’t big enough for you, you can also upgrade to the 12-inch option.

Safety

With any vehicle, safety is one of the most important aspects. The 2021 Sorento’s safety features are top of the line and work hard to protect you. The standard Sorento comes with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, along with Blind Spot Assist and Safe Exit Assist. The fame of the vehicle itself is made of lightweight but durable steel, and there are airbags throughout.

The 2021 Sorento is a fantastic car. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle to take on adventures, or you just need something reliable for your daily commute, the Kia Sorento has got you covered. If you’re ready to test drive one of these amazing cars, just visit Crain Kia of Fort Smith to give the Sorento a try for yourself.

Are you looking for a great family SUV that can fit all the kids and their stuff, has impressive connectivity features that come standard, and offers tons of safety assistance features to give you confidence on the road? You can stop your search because we have the perfect car for you. It’s the 2021 Kia Sportage, and it’s the perfect small SUV for your family.

4 Reasons to Test-Drive the 2021 Kia Sportage Today

1. Advanced Safety Assistance Technology

The available safety assistance features offered with Kia Drive Wise are perfect for giving you peace of mind on the road. High Beam Assist helps to maximize everyone’s visibility on the road at night by taking control of the high beams. Blind-Spot Collision Warning prevents collisions when you’re changing lanes on the highway by alerting you when a car is traveling in those hard-to-see spots.

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning monitors the road or parking lot behind you to make sure you don’t back into an oncoming vehicle, pedestrian, or animal. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection notifies you if it detects a potential hazard ahead of you while you’re traveling down the street, and can even apply the brakes for you if you don’t do so fast enough to prevent a collision.

2. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Get connected on the go in your 2021 Sportage with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration systems. You can connect your compatible smartphone to your car’s information center to access important apps from your phone on your car’s center touch screen display and through its audio system. This means you can make phone calls, find directions to your destination, and play your favorite music while you’re on the road with ease.

3. Impressive Storage Features

Your cargo area has a ton of space for all of your stuff. You get 60/40 split rear folding seats so that you can fit the whole family while maximizing your luggage space to optimize the room available in your 2021 Sportage. There’s even an available removable tray on your cargo area’s floor that provides organized and secure space for smaller items.

You can even opt for the available Smart Power Liftgate to access your cargo area. Now, when you approach your car with your Smart Key, the liftgate opens automatically. Now you never have to set your groceries down to rummage for your key before opening your trunk.

4. Simple and Convenient Wireless Charging

Are you tired of slamming long charging cables in your car’s doors? Do you often find yourself aimlessly searching for the end of your charging chord while behind the wheel? You’ll never have to deal with any of that again if you choose the available wireless phone charger to be included in your 2021 Sportage. Simply place your phone on the wireless charging pad located on your center console, and your phone’s battery will increase in no time!

Call Crain Kia of Fort Smith today for more information on the excellent 2021 Sportage!

Trolley in Fort Smith Arkansas



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.

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