Kia EV9 Takes Safety to the Next Level with IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

Kia continues to show that stylish design, advanced technology, and long-term value don’t have to come with a price that breaks the bank. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money Awards, seven Kia models were recognized for delivering exceptional value and reliability. At Crain Kia of Bentonville, we are proud to bring these award-winning models to Northwest Arkansas! These awards highlight why Kia remains a top choice for drivers who prioritize affordability, reliability, and peace of mind behind the wheel. What Are the U.S. News Best Cars for the Money Awards? The U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money Awards are given each year to vehicles that offer the best balance of quality and affordability in their class. Winners are selected based on two main factors: Quality – evaluated through overall scores in the U.S. News Best Car Rankings, which include safety, performance, and expert reviews. Value – measured using actual transaction prices and projected ownership costs over the first five years. This approach identifies vehicles that not only drive well today but stay dependable and budget-friendly for years to come. Best Kia Models for the Money for 2026 Kia earned Best Cars for the Money awards across a variety of segments in 2026, showcasing strength across gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles: 2026 Kia EV9 – Best Midsize Electric SUV for the Money 2026 Kia Sorento – Best Midsize Three-Row SUV for the Money 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid – Best Midsize Hybrid SUV for the Money 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid – Best Compact Hybrid SUV for the Money 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid – Best Compact Plug-in Hybrid for the Money 2026 Kia Niro – Best Subcompact Hybrid SUV for the Money 2026 Kia K4 – Best Compact Car for the Money From spacious family SUVs to efficient hybrids and a versatile compact sedan, Kia’s lineup offers something for nearly every Bentonville-area driver. Why This Matters for Bentonville Drivers Drivers in Northwest Arkansas need vehicles that can handle everything from daily commutes to weekend trips and unpredictable weather. That’s where Kia’s 2026 lineup stands out. Fuel-efficient models like the Sportage Hybrid, Sorento Hybrid, and Kia Niro are perfect for daily driving around the city while helping you save money on gas. Families or drivers who need extra space will appreciate the Kia Sorento and all-electric Kia EV9, offering flexible seating, modern tech, and confidence for longer drives. The Kia K4 rounds out the lineup with a stylish, affordable option for commuters and first-time buyers in Bentonville and nearby cities, delivering strong value in a compact package. Value and Innovation These awards highlight Kia’s continued focus on affordability, reliability, and innovation. Across the lineup, Kia vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features, modern infotainment systems, and premium amenities that come standard, all while delivering competitive ownership costs. The Crain Commitment At Crain Kia of Bentonville, our commitment goes beyond the vehicle. We offer an industry-leading 10-year / 100,000-mile warranty and a 100-hour Love It or Leave It exchange policy. Our team ensures the car-buying process is transparent, supportive, and customer-focused, from helping you select the right model to providing trusted service and repairs throughout ownership. Visit Crain Kia of Bentonville If you’re ready to experience one of Kia’s 2026 Best Cars for the Money for yourself, visit Crain Kia of Bentonville. Explore our selection of award-winning vehicles, take a test drive, and discover why drivers in Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and across Northwest Arkansas continue to choose Kia for quality, value, and peace of mind.

Cars.com just released its newest list of the Best New Cars for $30,000 or Less, and the 2025 Kia Soul made the rankings, proving once again that great value doesn’t have to mean giving up comfort or exciting features. At Crain Kia of Bentonville, we see why the Soul wins over buyers every day. It’s efficient, reliable, surprisingly roomy, and has its own personality. And with pricing well below $30k, it hits that rare balance of being both cheap and providing excellent value. How the Soul Earned a Place on the List The 2025 Kia Soul delivers the things real drivers care about. Cars.com highlighted several strengths that help it stand out in an increasingly crowded compact segment: More interior space than you’d expect Practical hatchback cargo room with tall vertical clearance A price range between $21,625–$25,868 Strong reliability and low long-term ownership costs Safety tech that comes standard A distinctive design that turns heads It’s the kind of vehicle that makes sense whether you’re buying your first car, looking for something fuel-efficient, or wanting the usefulness of an SUV without stretching your budget. Affordable and Functional Bentonville drivers often want the visibility and everyday versatility of an SUV without the growing price tag. That’s where the Soul comes in. While it’s not a traditional SUV, the Soul delivers a lot of the same advantages: A taller seating position that feels confident in traffic Easy access and upright cabin ergonomics Cargo flexibility that works for shopping, gear, kids, or pets The maneuverability of a smaller vehicle (good for NWA traffic + parking) It’s a smart choice for anyone comparing compact SUVs but hoping to keep their payments affordable. Why This Matters for Bentonville Drivers Cars.com’s list highlights vehicles that offer quality for cheaper, and the Soul ranks because it delivers: Advanced tech without inflated pricing Comfort for commutes and weekend trips A reputation for reliability Features that usually appear on more expensive models Among cheap new cars, it stands out by feeling polished, modern, and fun to drive. ⭐ 2025 Kia Soul Features NWA Drivers Love Flexible Cabin Layout Generous headroom, easy entry, and cargo space that adjusts to your daily life. Excellent Fuel Efficiency Perfect for commutes across Northwest Arkansas or longer drives down I-49. Kia Drive Wise Safety Technology With features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and available Blind-Spot Collision Warning. 10.25-Inch Available Touchscreen A crisp, intuitive display that elevates the interior feel. Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ Stay connected without fighting with cables. Iconic Styling The Soul stands out for its memorable exterior, making driving it that much more exciting. Experience the Soul at Crain Kia of Bentonville If you’re looking for practicality, value, and personality all under $30k, the 2025 Kia Soul should be on your test-drive list. Our team will walk you through available trims, features, and current incentives to help you find the perfect fit!Stop by Crain Kia of Bentonville and experience what landed the Soul on Cars.com’s Best New Cars Under $30k list and discover why so many NWA drivers choose it every year.

If you are looking for a safe, family-friendly SUV in Bentonville or Northwest Arkansas, Crain Kia of Bentonville has exciting news. The 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Kia EV9 both won the Top Safety Pick+ award. This award is from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is the highest safety award from IIHS, showing that Kia builds safe and reliable vehicles that families can trust. 2025 Kia Telluride: Three Years of Recognition The 2025 Kia Telluride builds on its reputation for safety, comfort, and reliability, earning the Top Safety Pick+ award for the third consecutive year. Each year IIHS raises its standards, and Kia continues to exceed expectations. Key safety features include: A strong body structure for passenger protection Driver-assistance systems such as forward collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring Standard headlights rated for good performance at night High scores in updated crash tests, including those for backseat safety The Telluride continues to prove its safety year after year. 2025 Kia EV9: All-Electric and Award-Winning The Kia EV9 is the first all-electric three-row SUV from Kia. For 2025, it’s been upgraded to a Top Safety Pick+ award, joining the Telluride with the highest rating available. Key safety features include: Multiple airbags to protect all seating positions Safety technology such as pedestrian detection and collision warnings A large interior with modern design and quick-charging capability The EV9 shows drivers that they can choose electric without compromising on safety and practicality. What the Top Safety Pick+ Award Means The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ is the most demanding safety award in the auto industry. To earn it, vehicles must: Perform well in multiple crash tests Protect both front and backseat passengers Have headlights that work well at night Include crash-prevention technology that works day and night Both the Telluride and EV9 meet these standards. The Telluride delivers trusted performance year after year, while the EV9 introduces a bold all-electric option. Each gives Bentonville drivers award-winning safety, dependable power, and modern style. Along with these features, every new Kia also comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for added peace of mind. Visit Crain Kia of Bentonville Visit Crain Kia of Bentonville today to take a test drive and discover why Kia continues to set the bar for safe, stylish, and family-friendly SUVs.