Disclosure: I have been provided with compensation for this post about our Kia Ride and Ride experience by Kia. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Our current compact car is more than 1o-years-old and it’s been giving us some trouble. We’ve been thinking it’s time to start thinking about a new family car. We’ve loved our past experiences with the Kia Soul and the Kia Sedona SX-L so when invited to participate in the Kia Ride and Drive experience, we jumped at the chance.
Especially Joseph because he loves cars and he’ll take any opportunity to test drive a brand new vehicle. He’s had his eye on the K900 for quite some time. But I’ll get to that…
When I used to work in retail, I hated having to push a sale. It’s one of the things that makes me uncomfortable about buying a new car. No one likes a pushy salesperson and no one wants to be pressured about making such a big investment.
The Kia Ride and Drive was far from a sales pitch. It was an experience to just have fun and test drive a brand new Kia without any of the pressure.
The Kia staff was friendly, knowledgeable, patient and super accommodating. You could tell that it was more than just another Sunday at work, they truly loved their job and Kia.
During our Kia Ride and Drive experience, we were able to test drive 4 cars: the Kia Soul EV, Optima SXL Turbo, the Sorento, and the K900.
Safety first: Before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, you are required to show a valid drivers license and take a breathalyzer test.
I loved sitting in the backseat and being chauffeured around. And Norrin loved how much room he had in the backseat and all the gadgets and cup holders. But you probably want to know what the drive experience was like.
Here’s what Joseph had to say about his Kia Ride and Drive experience with each of the vehicles:
The Soul EV like most electric cars is eerily quiet but unlike other electric cars is much more fun. It has the same Infinity sound system that is so popular with the non electric Soul and it is just as rich and clear. With a range of 200 miles on a full charge the Soul EV can maintain a charge in stop and go traffic, which is useful if you do a lot of city driving.
The Sorento has the size and comfort any family would look for in an SUV. It’s stylish and fun to drive. It handles easily in and out of turns. Never feeling too big it has the feel of a vehicle that is much smaller. The MPG is great for those looking for an economical ride, while getting the benefits of an SUV. It’s the perfect everyday driver.
I’m digging the panoramic sun roof of the @kia Sorento. Can you tell? #DiscoverKia #ad pic.twitter.com/bHfpTeLW7G
— LisaQF (@LaliQuin) June 19, 2016
The Optima SXL Turbo is the perfect car for those looking for performance and not looking to break the bank. The steering is responsive and the 2.0 liter Turbo packs enough power to make those with a heavy foot pretty giddy.
The K900 is as nimble as it is posh. It accelerates like a car half its size and turns on a dime. All while making you feel as pampered as someone who would spend twice as much for that privilege.
I mean…who wouldn’t want to sit in the back seat of a @Kia K900 & get a massage? #DiscoverKia #ad pic.twitter.com/hoAQ3dehxw
— LisaQF (@LaliQuin) June 19, 2016
As a thank you, Kia gave out $10 Starbucks gift cards to all participants and take a picture GIF. Sure there was also literature on all the vehicles but that was it, there was no pressure, no sales pitch – they let the vehicles and the experience speak for itself. If you’re out and spot a Kia Ride and Drive experience – go for it! Test drive one car or all of them. It’s totally worth the time to get behind the wheel and discover Kia for yourself.
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