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If you're looking for an award winner that proves that the claims in the advertisements are true, then the Kia Sportage makes the grade. It combines winning features with results. more Safety While the 2016 version of the Kia Sportage came back with a "good rating" in all-crash testing, except small overlap front, front crash prevention was not available on the 2016 model. Kia went to work, and the 2017 Sportage successfully earned the "good rating" in all five tests. Then, it stepped up its game and received the "superior rating" for the optional system for front crash avoidance and automated emergency braking. The 2017 Kia Sportage won the Top Safety Pick Plus rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This IIHS safety rating is based on scores for various aspects of the crash test and crash avoidance test results. In determining a vehicle's crash worthiness in the trials, IIHS rating categories consist of "good, acceptable, marginal, and poor." These include showings in "moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints." For cars with front crash avoidance systems, the IIHS ranks competitors in ratings of "basic, advanced or superior," based on the results of track testing and types of systems. The new Sportage proved its collision avoidance capabilities at the 12 miles per hour and 25 miles per hour speeds, earning the coveted Top Safety Pick Plus rating. The prerequisite for attaining this status is that a vehicle must feature an active mitigation and crash prevention system. Design Kia is no stranger to the coveted Red Dot Award. In 2016, every model in the Kia lineup had a Red Dot. In 2017, it did even better. The Red Dot Award Design Competition evaluates vehicle design. A first-class international jury performs this. It is one of the most highly regarded competitions of its kind in the world. Along with design, additional evaluation takes into consideration innovation, functional effectiveness, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility, and user friendliness. The 2017 Sportage as a Red Dot Award winner attests to Kia's attention to detail. Evaluation proceeds according to the highest standards in the areas of the degree of innovation, durability, functionality, and ergonomics. The 2017 Kia Sportage design marks a fundamental change in development and design of the compact SUV, and so earned the prestigious Red Dot. The essential SUV features of the Sportage combine with its appearance, high clearance, and excellent safety features for elegance and urban elements alike. The Sportage comes equipped with a highly efficient engine and offers possible leading technology and safety feature options so you can personalize it to accessorize your style and needs. The cabin provides security and comfort for driver and passengers. The interior looks just as dynamic and satisfying as the exterior. A winner in many ways, the Sportage makes value and quality a winning combination. This vehicle moves to the front of the line after putting it to the test. Proven winners do more than talk about how great they are. They show it. This photo, " Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi AWD Platinum Edition (III, Facelift) – Frontansicht, 4. Mai 2014, Dusseldorf” by M 93: ,,Dein Nordrhein-Westfalen used under CC BY 2.o. " Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi AWD Platinum Edition (III, Facelift) – Frontansicht, 4. Mai 2014, Dusseldorf " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

The fourth generation Kia Sportage is getting some upgrades that drivers are going to love. This small SUV debuted in the 1990's but the 2017 model has some features and design upgrades that bring it to the top of its class in this popular automobile segment. Here are some reasons that Texas drivers and drivers around the country will love the new Sportage. more The Upgraded Engine The new Sportage comes standard with a 2.4 liter 181 horsepower engine and you can upgrade to the turbocharged four-cylinder engine that sees 240 horsepower if you want some extra kick. Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive is an option. Better Performance Kia created a new design for the suspension and made a more rigid chassis to help improve the quality of your ride. Drivers and their passengers will also notice a significant difference in how quiet the cabin is. Kia added more insulation and thicker glass to make sure that the noise and vibrations are much lower. The Sportage now handles very well on the highway, and on the twists and turns of back roads. Drivers can also switch to Sport mode to tighten up the steering and hold the revs longer for better performance. New Exterior Design The new Sportage is 1.6 inches longer than the previous model. This gives the rear seat passengers more leg room and more head room. The extra length also increases the cargo space to almost 31 cubic feet, so there is more space for gear. The new look, modeled after a jet fighter, includes a newly designed front end that incorporates Kia's signature grille, but with a bolder look. New Interior Design Inside the Sportage, you'll find a five-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth capabilities for hands-free driving. The EX trim level comes with leather seats and a bigger seven-inch touchscreen, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This higher trim also has WiFi capability and Kia's Uvo entertainment system. Fuel Economy The 2017 models see about the same fuel efficiency as the outgoing version. The turbo engine gets about 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The four-wheel drive version will get about 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. A Really Good Value The 2017 Kia offers a lot of vehicle for a relatively small amount of money. There are several trim levels to choose from, including a lower more economical model. If you want to splurge on the higher trim, you'll find yourself with the latest technology, safety features, and power, all in a compact package. The Sportage is one of Kia's longest running vehicles. It started out as a basic utility vehicle and has evolved into a sleek-looking, high-performing crossover. Drivers know what they are getting with a Kia and the 2017 Sportage is no different. The  "Good" safety rating from the IIHS in the small-overlap front collision test makes it even better. This photo, " 2017 Kia Sportage SX SX Turbo 2WD” by Automotive Rhythms used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.o. " 2017 Kia Sportage SX SX Turbo 2WD " is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Before you let someone borrow your car, you should take into consideration the risks involved. It may seem like the nice thing to do if a friend is in need of a car, but make sure you know the laws in your state and your risk of liability before you let anyone take control of your vehicle. Here are some things you should know. more Insurance In most states insurance coverage is on the car, not the driver. This means that if you let someone borrow your car and they get into an accident, it is your insurance that is on the hook to pay. If your car is in an accident even if you are not driving, your premiums could go up. If your liability limits are lower than the damages, then you are legally responsible for paying out any additional money. Owner Liability In some states such as Michigan, owner liability laws state that the owner of the vehicle is responsible for damages in an accident as long as the driver had your consent to drive the car. This means that if someone borrows your car, as long as they had your consent, you are liable for damages in the event of an accident. You could also be held responsible for the actions of the person who drove your car if they committed a crime. Use Without Your Consent It is important to note that the rules change if you have not given your consent for someone to drive your car. If you can prove that you didn't give the other person permission to drive your car and they got into an accident, most likely their insurance will provide coverage. Keep in mind that in many states, family members are assumed to have consent unless it is specifically stated otherwise. Before Lending Your Car There are a few things you should do before you lend your car to someone. First, check with your insurance company to find out their policies and if there are any restrictions. Make sure your friend has a valid license, and check to see if they have any insurance. It is also important to make sure they have not been drinking or are under the influence. Short Term Car Insurance If someone will be driving your car on a regular basis, you can cover them for a short period of time. Contact your insurance company about adding them to your policy temporarily, or shop around for a company that offers temporary insurance. Just remember, it will cost extra to cover them, so you want to work out who is responsible for the payment. Helping someone out by lending them your car is not always a bad idea, but you do want to make sure you are both aware of the risks and responsibilities. You also want to make sure you are lending it to someone who is responsible. Accidents happen even with responsible drivers, so think about it before you lend your car to anyone. This photo, " Kia-” by laurencotie used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.o. "Kia-" is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

You may not think being a passenger in a car is something you need to think about, but the way you act in a vehicle can have a big impact on the ride for everyone in the car.  Here are some tips on being a good passenger. more Don't Be a Backseat Driver Don't try to take control of the ride or give orders to the driver. Unless the driver asks you, don't tell them which way to turn or point out what they are doing wrong. This can put the driver under too much pressure and cause anxiety. If you have helpful information to give to the driver make sure you speak in a calm voice so there is no tension. Let the Driver Choose the Music The driver is in charge of the music. Don't be tempted to change the station or scroll through the playlist to find something you like; let the driver tell you what they want to listen to. This is also the case for the volume. Some people like to blast the music when they drive while others find this distracting. Make sure the person behind the wheel is comfortable with the volume level. Stay Awake It is not polite to fall asleep when you are riding in the car with someone unless you are sick or extremely tired. As a passenger, you should keep the driver company and be there for help with directions if needed. This is very important when you are on the road at night. The later it gets the harder it is for the driver to stay awake too, so if you can help keep their mind occupied, it will be a great assistance to them as they continue driving. You can also keep an eye out for gas stations or rest stops when the time comes to fill up or take a break. Only Use Your Phone When Needed If it is just you and the driver in the car, you want to keep your phone calls to a minimum. Only take a call if it is important. It is distracting for the driver to have the person next to them talking to someone else and if you get loud it is even worse. When you do take a call make sure to keep your voice calm and quiet. Be The Designated Text Reader and Writer If the driver wants you to, you can read their texts for them and reply when needed. The driver might feel more relaxed if they know they won't miss an important message if they have someone to keep an eye on their phone. They can concentrate on the road while you take responsibility for keeping up with their texts and calls. There are a lot of things you can do while riding in the car to make sure you are a good and helpful passenger. Whether the driver is new or experienced you can make the trip easier for them until it is your turn to take over the wheel. This photo, " Road” by Lara Eakins used under CC BY-NC 2.o. "Road" is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Most kids are pretty hungry by the time they get out of school. You can keep them all occupied and happy during the carpool ride home with some healthy and fun snacks. Here are some carpool snack hacks you can put together before picking up the kids. more Use Takeout Containers Fun takeout containers such as cardboard Chinese style boxes are easy to fill and easy to carry. Fill them up with a mixture of whole wheat cereal, yogurt covered almonds or raisins, roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, and any other mixture of dried fruits that your kids like. Fold the tops and carry them to the car to hand out as the kids take their seats. The Go Bag Use a large gallon Ziploc bag and fill it with a variety of choices. You can keep a couple of these in the front with you and let the kids choose what they want, or pack up one for each child. You can put anything you want in the bags from individual applesauce containers to small bags of cereal and granola bars. You can also put in some raw baby carrots for a crunchy treat or some mixed berries for something sweet and healthy. The Snack Bin Use a medium sized storage bin to hold a variety of snack options for the kids. Use smaller sandwich bags and cups to organize the different foods. Fill some small snack or sandwich size individual bags with pretzels, popcorn, and crackers, and use a plastic cup filled with granola bars or other snack bars so the kids can just pull one out. Put some individual snack size cups of peanut butter such as Skippy singles in the bin for the kids to grab. Fill A Cooler When the weather turns warmer you can fill a cooler with refreshing snacks. Fill the bottom with cold packs and then add drinks, cheese sticks, yogurt, some crisp veggies, and cups of fruit salad or mixed berries. You could also add juice boxes and even freeze some yogurt sticks so they have some time to thaw before the kids get in. Kid-Friendly Trail Mix Pop up some popcorn and add pretzels, some Cheerios, and your favorite Chex for an easy trail mix. Add some M&M's to the mix and then divide it up into individual bags for the kids to snack on while they ride. They'll love the mix of salt and sweet, and the bite size pieces will keep them busy and quiet until they get home. Dried Fruit Dried fruit is a good option when you don't have a cooler to keep things cool and you have limited space. These are a nice sweet treat while still providing the healthy nutrients from fruit. Whether your carpool ride is a long one with lots of kids and many stops, or just a short drive down the road, having a healthy assortment of snacks will make it a better experience for everyone. This photo, " after school snacks” by Nicole used under CC BY-NC 2.o. "after school snacks" is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

With so many exciting events coming up in and around Dickinson, Texas, your family weekends are sure to stay booked all spring. Whether you're interested in art, music, food, or wine, the greater Houston area offers a springtime festival that's right up your alley. more Sugar Land Art Fest Held at Sugar Land Art Center & Gallery on April 30, the Sugar Land Art Fest is a daylong exhibition featuring work by local artists. A diverse range of artistic perspectives and styles will be on display. The event will also feature craft activities for kids and an art booth where you can purchase your favorite pieces. While the event itself is free, all proceeds from art sales will benefit the Sugar Land Art Center & Gallery. Texas Crawfish & Music Festival You'll have two weekends to visit the Texas Crawfish & Music Festival, scheduled for April 29 to May 1 and again from May 6 to May 8. Located in Old Town Spring less than an hour from Dickinson, the festival will showcase all types of local eats, including barbecue, Cajun food, boiled crawfish, sandwiches, burgers, ice cream, and more. You'll also have a chance to sample beer and wine. The festival will also feature live music performances, midway games, a carnival, alligator wading pool, exotic birds, pony rides, a petting zoo, and arts and crafts vendors, making it an ideal excursion for the entire family. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for kids ages six to 12. Kids under five get in for free. Red, White, & Bayou Crawfish and Texas Music Festival If you can't drive across Houston for the Texas Crawfish & Music Festival, Dickinson is hosting a similar event on May 21. The seventh annual Red, White, & Bayou Crawfish and Texas Music Festival will feature a KidZone with rides and activities as well as local vendors and of course, some of the best crawfish you've ever tasted. As always, the main attraction is the popular crawfish racing. Country music artist Kevin Fowler will headline the event. Purchasing your tickets in advance online, at the Dickinson Historic Railroad Center, or Dickinson City Hall will save you $5 off regular admission. Tickets at the gate are $10. Vine's Vast Varietal Tasting Wine lovers will want to head to the Vine Wine Room in Houston on May 4 for Vine's Vast Varietal Tasting. Known as the biggest wine tasting event in the region, the festival will feature more than 50 wine sommeliers and connoisseurs showcasing their favorite wines, gourmet food, and live music. An RSVP is required for this event, and tickets are $59 per person. Wine club members save $10 off the ticket price. Houston Polish Festival Whether you're celebrating your Polish ancestry or you're simply interested in the Polish culture, you'll want to visit the Houston Polish Festival from May 6 to 8. The event will feature authentic Polish music, dancing, and food, as well as a prize raffle. Admission is just $5 for adults, and kids and seniors get in free. With so many upcoming events in the greater Houston area, weekends this spring will never be boring. Start marking your calendars today! This photo, " Bug Boil” by Hobie Caldwell used under CC BY 2.o. "B ug Boil " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Dickinson, TX has some luxurious, worthwhile bed-and-breakfast style hotels made from historical structures or on beautiful land (sometimes both). If you want to take someone special on the perfect getaway trip, or if you're just especially picky on lodgings, these places will not disappoint. They're organized from lowest to highest average room price, and there are options for almost every budget. more Come Friday Cottages on The Bay Located on Bayshore Drive, Come Friday Cottages has amenities that range from practical (microwaves) to romantic (fireplaces). There are free fresh-baked muffins every day, and tons to do thanks to the bay and nearby golf courses. Some rooms at Come Friday Cottages are as low as $90 per night, making it one of the most affordable ways to get serene views of the bay and short piers. Beacon Hill Bed and Breakfast Loved by honeymooners, the views at Beacon Hill match the varied and lovely interiors. The grounds have an overall feel of a good-sized house repurposed by passionate owners into a special stop for travelers. What's more, the breakfast served every morning is hot and classic, going well beyond cereal and other cold continental fare. Rooms at Beacon Hill Bed and Breakfast start at around $100 per night, but don't typically reach $200. The Old Parsage Guest House With only two rooms, the Old Parsage Guest House is a smaller home similar to an Airbnb deal, but with a more professional focus on service and satisfaction. Like at Beacon Hill, this is literally a house, so don't expect a pool or spa, but this place will perfectly suit couples or visitors with a distaste for the busy hotel environment. Rooms at the Old Parsage go for $105 or more, a very reasonable rate for a place this quaint and cozy. La Maison in Midtown La Maison in Midtown: an Urban Bed and Breakfast is a well-priced hotel with stellar reviews. With its great views of downtown and huge buildings, it makes for a popular business lodging, but the main inspiration is a personal stay in a beautiful part of Dickinson. The rooms have a lot of detail and variety in their structure and furnishings, so there's no problem coming back for a second or third visit. La Maison's rooms begin around $160 per night. Coppersmith Inn Bed and Breakfast Take a short trip to Galveston Island for what might be the best rooms for a down-to-earth couple in the entire state. This B&B oozes personality on the inside and out, with wildly different rooms and an exterior harkening back to 1887. Despite being a smaller, historical home, there is one in-room whirlpool spa for two at one of the bookings. Coppersmith Inn Bed and Breakfast has rooms starting at $160 per night, with the nicest rooms reaching just past $200. With these lovely places in mind, remember that you don't have to go into the heart of Houston to find a hotel with the impeccable service and smaller charm of a bed-and-breakfast. There are many hotels close to or directly within the Dickinson area, so keep an eye out! This photo, " The Parrish House” by Carol Von Canon used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.o. " The Parrish House " is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Having an emergency car care kit in your Kia is essential. Being stranded on the side of the road is a scary prospect, but it's easier to deal with when you're prepared for the worst-case scenario. more Essential Car Care Equipment You should always keep a spare tire, working jack, pipe, and lug nut wrench or tire iron in your trunk or hatchback cargo area in the event that you need to change a tire. If you don't know how to change a tire, keep a list of emergency numbers in your glove box, including a number for roadside assistance. AAA members should always keep their membership card in the glove compartment or center console. Additional emergency equipment that will come in handy includes roadside flares, two quarts of oil, jumper cables, one gallon of antifreeze, extra fuses, brake fluid, a flashlight, screwdriver, adjustable wrench, a pair of pliers, a tire inflator, tire pressure gauge, vise grips, a roll of duct tape, an ice scraper, pocketknife, work gloves, a funnel, rags, and paper towels. Store these items in a large, durable canvas bag, tool box, or plastic storage box with a secure lid. This list may seem excessive, but it's a must if you frequently drive in inclement weather or are planning a road trip. For the daily commute, you can reduce your emergency car care kit to the basics. For instance, it's a good idea to always have a flashlight, extra oil, roadside flares, and jumper cables on hand. Personal Comfort and First Aid In addition to a basic emergency car care kit, you should always keep a first aid kit on hand. You can purchase one that's already been assembled or put it together yourself. A basic first aid kit should include Band-Aids, aspirin, backup medications (such as an extra asthma inhaler), antibiotic ointment packets, compress dressing, wipes, scissors, gauze pads, tweezers, and emergency numbers. In addition to first aid, your emergency kit should include a blanket, jacket or coat, change of clothes, bottled water, and snacks. Granola and energy bars are perfect for storing in your emergency kit; just be sure to check the expiration dates often so you can replace items as needed. Mental Preparation Before you end up in an emergency situation, become familiar with the items you've packed. Most prepackaged first aid kits come with inserts on how to perform basic first aid, so study this information before an emergency arises. Along those same lines, there's little point in storing items to change a tire if you're not familiar with the process. If you're not mechanically inclined, ask a knowledgeable friend to show you the basics. Even if you intend to rely on emergency numbers and a good towing company to get you out of a bind, it's important to reduce your chance of injury by pulling off the road safely. You shouldn't try to change a tire on the side of a high-speed freeway, for example, so sometimes your best bet is to just sit and wait. You can't always prevent a tire blowout or other accident, but having an emergency car kit on hand will make the experience much less stressful. This photo, " HA1-000523” by Highways England used under CC BY 2.o. " HA1-000523 " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Texas is more than sand and tumbleweeds, and anyone living in Dickinson can see the many sides of Texas that get less attention. Each of these day trips are convenient for Dickinson residents, and each shows off a unique aspect to Texan life. more Moody Gardens Likely an hour or less from your house, Moody Gardens on Galveston island combines educational family museum and indoor park with a focus on conservation. This is an awesome place compared to the typical chain amusement park that keeps you outside and thirsty. The aquarium and rainforest pyramids are literally cool indoor attractions, packed with sea and land creatures respectively. Moody Gardens even has 4D movie theaters with physical effects, on top of an MG full 3D theater, a Spongebob Squarepants-themed submarine adventure, and more. Brazos Bend State Park A solid hour due west of Dickinson, this nature reserve on a Gulf Coast plain has both hiking and horse riding trails, with opportunities to go boating if you're not afraid of the alligators (just ignore them and don't feed them). It's one of the greenest and swampiest bits of Texas, almost like the Everglades, so anyone who loves to see all new plants and animals will get a lot of great sights out of a day spent here. Note: Brazos Bend State Park was currently closed as of April 25, due to flooding damage. Check in to be sure the park is open again before you visit. Gambling in Lake Charles Heading west, travelers will find the more natural parts of Texas, but to the north up the shore from Dickinson, the Golden Nugget Casino (and hotel) awaits in the neighborhood of Lake Charles. Anyone with a hunger for gambling will appreciate the most popular casino in the area, and the hotel has everything from a spa to golf bookings and pristine, professional restaurants. Guadalupe River State Park This is one of the longer drives, but for nature lovers it can't be ignored. This sandy, wild state park is just what you need to see on the hotter days of the year. The four-mile river is perfect for tubing, rafting, canoeing, and fly fishing, not to mention a bit of hiking before you hit the water. Make sure you don't bring glass bottles or containers of any kind in your picnic or drink storage, as glass isn't allowed at the park. As it's just about 200 miles from some Dickinson areas, it makes for a nice day trip if you start early and pack well, or you could camp for a night on a free weekend and get two or more full days to enjoy this natural wonder. These four day trips give you many ways to get to know and enjoy your location in Dickinson all the better. Despite being on the shore off Houston, you're never locked into only exploring Houston's thriving community. Take time to explore in all directions, and you're bound to find something amazing. This photo, " Guadalupe River State Park” by Allison Meier used under CC BY-SA 2.o. " Guadalupe River State Park " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.