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What if your car could help power your house? At Crain Kia of Bentonville, the future is already here with Kia’s new Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology. This exciting feature, available on the award-winning Kia EV9, turns your electric vehicle into a backup power source for your home. It’s a smart solution for Bentonville families looking to stay prepared and save on energy costs. What Is V2H Technology? Vehicle-to-Home allows your Kia EV9 to send power from the car's battery to your home. Normally, you charge your EV using your house’s electricity. With V2H, the power can go both ways. Your car can charge at night when electricity is cheaper and power your home during the day or during an outage. Why V2H Is Great for Bentonville Residents In Northwest Arkansas, we know how storms, wind, and ice can knock out power. V2H technology helps you stay ready and in control. 1. Backup Power During Outages When the power goes out, your Kia EV9 can keep your fridge, lights, and devices running. 2. Save on Electric Bills Charge your EV during low-cost, off-peak hours, then use that energy when rates are higher. It's a smart way to cut your home’s power costs. 3. Use More Clean Energy If you have solar panels, your EV9 can store extra energy during the day and power your home at night or on cloudy days. You’ll use more clean power and rely less on the grid. How V2H Works with Your Kia EV9 To use V2H, you’ll need: A Kia EV9 or other compatible Kia EV with bidirectional charging The Quasar 2 charger, which sends energy both ways This setup requires professional installation, including a site check and full testing. Smart Charging for Smart Homes V2H systems also support smart charging. That means they can: Charge your EV when electricity is cheapest Power your home during peak hours Reduce your carbon footprint If you have solar panels, heat pumps, or other energy tools, your Kia EV9 can work with them to build a more energy-efficient home setup. Why Crain Kia of Bentonville? We’re proud to be your local source for Kia electric vehicles and V2H support. Whether you're interested in the Kia EV9, need help choosing the right gear, or want professional installation help, we’re here to support you. Power the Future Right from Your Driveway The Kia EV9 is more than a great SUV. It’s a clean, modern energy solution for your home. With Vehicle-to-Home charging, you can: Stay powered during storms Cut your electric bill Use more clean energy Come see us at Crain Kia of Bentonville to learn how V2H can work for your home and your family. Looking Ahead: V2H and the Future of Energy As more homes and vehicles become smarter and more connected, Vehicle-to-Home technology is expected to play a big role in how we manage power. With rising interest in renewable energy and the need for reliable backup solutions, V2H helps bridge the gap between clean transportation and smart home energy systems. Whether you're preparing for emergencies or just want to reduce your carbon footprint, adding V2H to your home can future-proof your lifestyle and your wallet. Investing in this now means you’ll be ready for more advanced features and grid-support programs as they become available. Drive electric. Stay connected. Power your home with Crain Kia of Bentonville and the Kia EV9.

Keep Your Kia Updated Without the Hassle At Crain Kia of Bentonville, we’re excited to share how Kia’s Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates make it super easy to keep your car running at its best. Instead of having to visit our Kia dealership for software updates, your Kia vehicle can update itself right from your driveway! Let’s go over how it works and why it’s great for Kia owners in the Northwest Arkansas area. What Are Over-the-Air Software Updates? OTA software updates let you improve and add new features remotely and prevent you from having to take it to a technician. These updates help your car’s engine, battery, and safety features stay up-to-date with the latest technology. That means a smoother, safer, and smarter drive! How Do OTA Updates Work? Automatic Downloads Your Kia downloads the newest updates by itself while parked. OTA updates optimize your powertrain, electric motor, battery management system, and ADAS, keeping your Kia running smoothly without the need to visit a dealership. When the download is done, you’ll get a notification on the Kia Access app or your car’s screen. No need to visit a service center—your car does it all! Easy Installation When an update is ready, a message will pop up on your screen after you turn off your car. Just follow the instructions that appear on your car's infotainment. Make sure your car is in Park, the parking brake is on, the lights are off, and the hood is closed. Since you can’t drive during the update, park somewhere safe like your driveway or garage. Check Progress and Completion You can see the status of your update on your car’s display screen. When it’s done, you’ll get a notification on your phone and a QR code on your screen. Scan the code to see what’s new! These can include better performance, new features, or improved safety technology. How to Start Using OTA Updates Check If Your Kia Can Get Updates Visit Kia’s website and enter your car’s VIN (vehicle identification number) or model to see if it’s eligible for OTA updates. Activate Kia Connect You need an active Kia Connect subscription to get OTA updates. Let Your Kia Handle the Rest Once set up, your Kia will automatically download updates, and you’ll get notifications when they’re ready to install. If you need help, the team at Crain Kia of Bentonville is happy to assist! Why Choose Crain Kia of Bentonville? We love helping Kia owners in Bentonville, Rogers, Pea Ridge, and Cave Springs get the most from their cars. Whether you’re looking for a new Kia or need help with yours, our expert team is here for you! Enjoy a Smarter Drive with OTA Updates Kia’s Over-the-Air updates make owning a car easier than ever. With just a few taps, you can keep your Kia running smoothly and safely with the newest technology. These updates help improve performance, add new features, and upgrade safety systems so your Kia stays in top shape. Want to learn more? Visit Crain Kia of Bentonville at our new location today to see how OTA updates can make your drive even better!

Music can transform any drive, whether it's a quick trip around Downtown Bentonville, a drive to Rogers, or a longer road trip to Branson. A top-notch sound system can make all the difference. At Crain Kia of Bentonville, we offer Kia vehicles equipped with three exceptional sound systems. These include: Harman Kardon, Bose, and Meridian. Each one delivers a unique and immersive listening experience. Let's explore what makes these systems so special. Bose: Crystal Clear Sound Bose systems deliver clear, balanced sound that brings your music to life. These systems are available in Kia models like the Carnival, K5, Seltos, and Sorento. Bose focuses on ensuring every passenger enjoys excellent audio quality, regardless of their seat. What makes Bose special? Centerpoint Technology: This technology transforms regular stereo music into a surround-sound experience. SurroundStage Technology: This feature ensures balanced sound distribution throughout the vehicle. It works hard to ensure everyone enjoys the music equally. If you appreciate hearing every detail in your music, from the highest notes to the lowest whispers, Bose is an excellent choice. It's perfect for family trips, daily errands, and everything in between. Meridian: Superb Audio for Your EV Meridian sound systems are designed for drivers who demand the very best. Found in Kia's electric vehicles, the EV6 and EV9, Meridian delivers a premium, high-fidelity listening experience with cutting-edge technology. Why choose Meridian? Horizon Technology: This expands the stereo sound, creating a more immersive and spacious feel. RE-Q Technology: This technology minimizes background noise, allowing your music to shine through. Intelli-Q: This feature automatically adjusts the sound levels based on your speed and environment. With Meridian, every drive feels like a private concert. It's the ultimate choice for those who want a truly luxurious audio experience. Harman Kardon: Full & Clear Sound Harman Kardon systems are ideal for those who love deep, rich, and powerful audio. You can find these systems in Kia models like the Telluride, Sportage, and Niro. Harman Kardon adds depth and detail to your favorite songs, podcasts, and audiobooks. What makes Harman Kardon great? Clari-Fi Technology: This technology restores the clarity of compressed music files, so your music sounds its best. QuantumLogic Surround (QLS): This creates a realistic surround-sound effect. It makes your music feel more immersive. If you want your music to fill the entire car with rich, vibrant sound, Harman Kardon is a fantastic option. It's perfect for cruising around town or embarking on long highway adventures. Experience These Amazing Sound Systems at Crain Kia of Bentonville Ready to hear these incredible sound systems for yourself? Visit Crain Kia of Bentonville today! Whether you're drawn to the deep bass of Harman Kardon, the balanced clarity of Bose, or the premium sound of Meridian, we have the perfect one for you. Stop by our dealership in Bentonville, AR, for a test drive and discover how incredible sound can enhance your driving experience. Music makes every journey better – let us help you find the ideal sound system for your needs! We're eager to help you find your perfect Kia.

Stay connected while you're on the move with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Use your phone safely without the need to look down. Whether you want to make a call, pull up directions, or switch up the music, these features make it simple. At Crain Kia of Bentonville, we're excited to demonstrate why these tools are ideal for every Kia driver. Connecting Your Smartphone Connecting your phone to your Kia's infotainment system is easy and hassle-free. Some Kia vehicles provide a wireless connection for up to six devices, perfect for families who want to share their media. Keep in mind, though, that certain models might require a physical cable for connection. Once your smartphone is connected, you can quickly access apps and features right on your car's infotainment screen. Are you shopping for an SUV in Northwest Arkansas? Click here to learn about the 2025 Sportage. Voice Commands Thanks to their voice command features, driving becomes simpler and safer when you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. With Siri or Google Assistant's assistance, you can navigate, listen to music, or text without having to touch your phone. This allows you to keep your attention on the road, ensuring a safer journey. Easy Access to Your Favorite Apps You can effortlessly access your phone's applications right on your car's display screen by linking your phone through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to your Kia's display system. This setup allows you to safely make phone calls, send messages, and navigate without needing to handle your phone. Calling and Texting: You don't have to take your hands off the steering wheel to make calls or send texts. Simply ask Siri or Google Assistant to do it for you. Changing Your Tunes: Enjoy your favorite playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks on the go. Thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessing your favorite music apps like Spotify and Apple Music is a breeze while you're out and about. Navigation: You no longer have to fumble with your phone for directions anymore. Use apps like Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze to get directions right on your car's screen. These apps can also update you on real-time traffic conditions, helping you avoid delays. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Tips Here are some easy tips to maximize the benefits of your App Connect functionalities: Check Compatibility: Check if your smartphone is compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Although most new models support these features, it's a good idea to confirm. Read Your Car's Manual: Every Kia model operates differently. For precise setup guidance, refer to the specific owner's manual. Ensure Your Phone is Updated: Keep your phone and its applications up to date for the best experience. Visit our blog to learn about leasing a Kia. Use Kia App Connect Today! Driving becomes more fun and much safer with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These technologies help you keep in touch, enjoy your favorite music, and access information safely while keeping your eyes on the road. Connect your device wirelessly or using a USB cable to experience smarter driving. Stop by Crain Kia of Bentonville to see how Kia App Connect can improve your drive, or shop our selection online.

Kia has exciting news for all you basketball fans out there! Earlier this year, the car manufacturer launched a new feature to its Digital Features and Services platform, coming just in time for the NBA playoffs. Owners of the 2024 Kia EV9 now have the opportunity to personalize their dashboard's 12.3-inch display with the vibrant colors and logos of any of the NBA's 30 teams. This exciting feature will eventually be available to other Kia models equipped with the latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system. In turn, this will allow an even larger number of fans to proudly display their team loyalty. Interested in these features? The staff at Crain Kia of Bentonville in Bentonville, AR can help you find a vehicle that meets your needs. Our team of experts can assist you in finding a ride with these features and more, ensuring that your vehicle is tailored to your preferences. Are you looking for a fully-electric vehicle in Northwest Arkansas? Click here to shop our selection of EV9s in Bentonville, AR. Fans can now express their dedication to their favorite NBA teams, like the Golden State Warriors or the Chicago Bulls, directly in their cars. Select EV9 models have special sounds when you start and stop the car, making it a unique way to show team spirit. This level of personalization in the instrument cluster and infotainment screens enables you to demonstrate your team loyalty to the fullest. The 2024 Kia EV9 represents the brand's cutting-edge technology, offering the capability for remote updates through Over-the-Air (OTA) technology. This allows for continuous improvement of its performance, entertainment features, and more. The vehicle will debut NBA-themed display options, which will eventually be accessible on other Kia models equipped with the advanced ccNC infotainment system. Fans will have the opportunity to personalize their vehicles with their favorite NBA team themes, available for purchase at $39.99 each through the Kia Connect Store, accessible within the Kia Access app or on the Kia Owner Portal. "As avid basketball enthusiasts, we're thrilled to introduce our latest available OTA update, which combines the thrill of the NBA with the opportunity to personalize your Kia vehicle," said COO and EVP of Kia America, Steven Center. "This is just the tip-off, as we're committed to enhancing the ownership and driving experience with more exciting themes, collaborations, and digital features to be introduced in the future." About the EV9 The 2024 Kia EV9 is an award-winning three-row electric vehicle that's quickly making a name for itself! This car was named both World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle at the 2024 World Car Awards, Best of the Best in Edmunds Top Rated 2024 list, and Top Gear's 2023 Family Car of the Year. We have a great selection of 2024 EV9s at Crain Kia of Bentonville! Stop by our dealership today to find yours, or custom order yours on our website. Crain Kia of Bentonville is a CarFax Top-Rated Used Dealer! Click here to learn all about this award and what you can expect from our dealership!