2019 Kia K900

2019 Kia K900

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2019 Kia K900. After a year-long hiatus, thankfully it’s back. But they took time off to upgrade it to the Genesis G90 Platform to be wider, roomier and generally all around more luxurious. The competition is good but the K900 is special for me because I appreciate having a real capable competitor to the old-line leaders in the luxury field.

The last time I reviewed the K900 was 2015 and this revisited model is noticeably enhanced to be a major threat to the entrenched leaders noted here. This addition to the class will surely keep the others on their toes. Ain’t competition great in this capitalist marketplace.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Hwangmyeong, Korea; Parts- US/Canadian 1%, Korea 93%; Engine and transmission- Korea; Classification is- Large Cars; Cars from Kia- Cadenza, Forte, Forte 5, K900, Niro, Optima, Rio, Rio 5-door, Sedona, Sorento, Soul, Soul, Sportage and Stinger.

Handling & Performance:

Superb. It is elegantly (smoothly) fast. This is an area where there is a departure from the American car makers traditional ‘Muscle Car Mentality’. I’ve come to appreciate the difference between quiet or subtle performance and loud performance. Loud performance works with Camaro, Mustang, Charger and other ‘hot rod’ performers but it doesn’t work in the luxury class.

Styling:

The styling hasn’t changed much from the 2015 model because it wasn’t needed to be changed. It was a winner then and still is now. Very nice option for the discerning luxury car owner who isn’t impressed with Badge alone.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent look and feel. Really special in my opinion.

Cost:

Cost is essentially the same as the 2015 version, so it is even more competitive with the marketplace.

Conveniences and comfort:

Nearly all the high-tech features for safe and comfortable driving experience.

Consumer Recommendations:

When looking at the competition I find at the top of the heap. Love this car.

Recognized Competition:

Good News:

Classy option to the old guard, top of the heap quality in a luxury class.

Bad News:

The only bad news is from the competition point of view.

Standard Equipment:

3.3 liter twin turbo V6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, AWD, drive mode select, electronically controlled suspension, front and side & side curtain airbags, stability control, dual zone climate control, 7 surround audio system, Nav system with 12.3” touch screen, Android Auto a& Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Sirius XM, Nappa leather seat trim with heated & ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and rear outboard seat cushions, wireless charger, smart key with push button start, surround view monitor and Heads-up display, smart cruise with stop and go, power rear window and manual side sunshades, blind spot collision warning, and view monitor, driver attention warning, forward collision warning and avoidance assist, lane departure warning and lane following assist, parking distance warning both forward and reverse, rear cross traffic collision warning, safe exit assist, LED headlights with high beam assist, power sunroof, auto rain sensing wipers, power trunk.

Gas Stats:

$3.15-Gal avg. December 31, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

18 City and 25 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $ 59,900.