The award methodology combines professional automotive reviews, safety and reliability ratings, seating and cargo volume figures and the availability of family-friendly features. Within each of 19 categories, the vehicle with the highest composite score is named the Best Car for Families in that category.
“Parents might first look at Kia models for their value, but the Soul and K900 prove there are many other reasons to consider the brand,” said Jamie Page Deaton, managing editor, U.S. News Best Cars. “Features like heated rear seats, proximity key, and Kia’s UVO® system work together to make family life easier and families more comfortable. Excellent safety and reliability ratings make the Kia Soul and K900 cars that families can feel good about driving.”
2015 Kia K900
The 2015 K900 challenges the rear-drive luxury sedan segment with an extensive list of standard equipment, world-class accommodations, premium driving dynamics and stunning design that redefines consumer perception and expectations of the Kia brand.
Offered in two trim levels, Premium and Luxury, the K900’s list of standard equipment features first-class accommodations and advanced technology. The range-topping VIP+ package adds luxury amenities including quilted Nappa leather trim seats available in two new colors: Indigo Blue and Tuscan Brown. For 2015, the K900 Premium features an optional interior Highline Package that includes beige or black Nappa leather and wood-trimmed heated steering wheel.
“The 2015 K900 is the Best Luxury Large Car for Families because it has features families will love, including heated and cooled rear seats and rear climate controls,” noted Deaton. “Features like a power trunk, proximity key, parking sensors and a rearview camera will make driving the family a pleasure.”
2015 Kia Soul
Completely redesigned for 2014, the iconic Soul enters the 2015 model year with select enhancements focused on increasing the hot-selling urban utility vehicle’s fun factor. The signature Soul design is instantly recognizable yet thoroughly fresh. Honoring Soul owners’ fierce individualism, three unique trim levels remain available: Base, Plus and Exclaim.
“Its styling makes the Soul stand out in the pickup lane at school, but the Soul’s excellent safety and reliability ratings are what make it a standout choice for families,” remarked Deaton. “Available features like heated rear seats and the connectivity provided by Kia’s UVO system are the icing on the cake.”
Enhancements to packaging for the Base model include a new UVO2 eServices Package. UVO eServices is a free subscription telematics service available for 10 years/100,000 miles. For 2015, UVO eServices offers four new features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. Many more new technologies for comfort and convenience are featured in the new UVO system, including Siri “Eyes Free” and Local Search – powered by Google – for finding locations, addresses and points of interest.
Sirius XM Travel Link offering access to traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores, stock information and movie times, makes the Soul the perfect companion for those who live their lives on the road with family and friends.
-- Press release courtesy of Kia
