A car can be a large expense, especially for a growing family. Between fuel, car payments, insurance costs, repairs, and maintenance, the costs of owning a vehicle can add up quickly. The number exponentially goes up when you considering the purchase and maintenance of two. These expenses have many families asking the question, could they possibly survive with having only one family vehicle? To help determine whether you can become a one car family, consider the questions listed below.
When Kia made a bold move into the eco-friendly realm of electric cars, they quickly established themselves as contenders in the field. This year they have built on that success with the release of the 2018 Kia Niro plug-in hybrid. The Niro comes in a dynamic and practical package and has the benefit of being faster than the average hybrid, and gives the Prius Prime a run for its money.
The updated plug-in Niro boasts an impressive 8.9 kWh battery, considerably larger compared to the 1.6 kWh of its predecessor. In addition, it has a more powerful electronic motor with 60 horsepower that enables it to run on electric power alone more often. A full charge will get you 26 miles before you need to fire up the Atkinson-cycle 1.6-liter inline-four engine. Keep reading to learn more about the exciting features of the 2018 Niro.
Increased Power
The new plug-in Niro piles on the pounds, with extra hardware increasing the weight by 177 lbs compared to the standard Niro. Although it only carries the same combined torque and power of 95 lb-feet and 139 horsepower, it’s still 0.6 seconds faster when going from 0 to 60 mph even with the extra weight.
With key safety features including front and rear head and front side airbags for the driver and passenger, as well as 4-Wheel ABS, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, and Brake Assist, it’s easy to see why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2018 Kia Sorento a 5-star rating. The new model also received a Superior rating for front crash prevention from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as well as Good ratings across the board on crash-worthiness.
Other safety features of the new Kia include:
- Electronic Stability Control
- Child Safety Locks
- Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
- Traction Control
But there are few key aspects of the new model that really make it a safe ride, so here’s a rundown of the top four essential safety features of the 2018 Sorento.
Gay Family Kia – 5 Best Hikes in the Houston Area
Everyone needs to escape the city occasionally, walk in the wilds for while, recharge, and get some fresh air and sunshine. There are a surprising number of beautiful trails near Houston providing you with ample opportunities to get back to nature. Here are our picks for the five best hikes in the Houston area.
Karankawa And Armand Bayou Martyn Trails
One of the best hiking spots in Houston is the Karankawa and Armand Bayou Martyn trails, which boast more than five miles of adventure. Explore all the ecosystems Houston has to offer, from the forest to the prairie and bayou. While you’re out there, don’t miss the stunning beauty of the prairie’s wildflowers.
You can’t beat authentic Mexican cuisine, and if you’re in the Dickinson area there are plenty of great spots to find delicious food. From tacos to tostadas and quesadillas to mole, here are our top four places to find great Mexican food in and around Dickinson.
Los Balones Mexican Grill
A lovely local eatery, Los Balones Mexican Grill is a wonderful place to get a bite of Mexican spice. Offering both eat-in and takeaway food, it’s both a convenient way to grab a quick, delicious meal and a good spot for a cozy dinner. With friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, Los Balones is a wonderful way to get legitimate Mexican food in Dickinson, with little details like homemade flour tortillas completing the experience.
While the decor is a little quaint, the food is delicious, made with fresh ingredients and full of flavor; it’s highly recommended.
If you are looking for a hybrid SUV this year, look no further than the 2018 Kia Niro. Voted as Green Car Journal’s 2018 Green SUV of the Year, this crossover is versatile, economical, and fun to drive. The features that contributed to the Niro being named Green SUV of the Year include the full parallel hybrid system, the dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the regenerative braking system. When working together, these features provide superior fuel economy for the Niro, which might be the best feature of all.
Three Best Breakfast Stops in Dickinson
Everyone loves a good breakfast, no matter what day of the week it is. Dickinson, Texas, has some great breakfast restaurants that offer a wide variety of options. Whether you want something quick, a weekend brunch, or something a little different, Dickinson has a restaurant for you.
Four Best 2018 Technological Kia Features
Every year, Kia works hard to provide the best features possible in their vehicles. Here are four of the best technological features that Kia offers in their 2018 lineup.
Dickinson, Texas, known as the “best-kept secret on the Gulf Coast,” offers gorgeous parks, beaches, and outdoor recreational spaces, a variety of events and activities year round, and easy access to Houston and Galveston.
4 Reasons Kia’s UVO Is the Best Infotainment System
We would like to introduce you to something special — UVO. UVO is Kia’s infotainment center, and we think it’s extra special. Every driver has their own personality, and so does every Kia. That’s why Kia was smart enough to create different UVO suites, including eServices, eco, and luxe. Each suite was designed with its own unique set of services and features.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.