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New Kia Steering Wheel with AI Assistant

Meet the New Kia AI Assistant at Crain Kia of Fayetteville

If you’re looking for a smarter, safer, and more fun way to drive in Fayetteville and all across Northwest Arkansas, you need to check out the new Kia AI Assistant, available now in several cars at Crain Kia of Fayetteville. This powerful new technology brings next-level voice control to your vehicle, powered by advanced technologies that enhance connectivity, convenience, and safety. Whether you’re cruising through Fayetteville, heading to Bentonville or Springdale, or taking a road trip through the Ozarks, Kia’s AI Assistant helps you stay focused on the road while keeping you connected. What is the Kia AI Assistant? The Kia AI Assistant is a smart voice system that lets you talk to your car like you would a person. Built using advanced artificial intelligence (AI), it understands natural speech and can understand your intent and context, so you don’t have to memorize special commands. You just say something like “Hey Kia, turn up the AC,” and the system responds instantly. The assistant can answer a wide range of questions, from simple requests to more complex, open-ended questions, demonstrating its ability to deliver detailed and context-aware responses. Want to know the weather in Farmington? Need directions to a restaurant in downtown Fayetteville? Just ask your Kia. The assistant is capable of providing personalized content and information based on your requests, enhancing your experience with relevant and helpful features. Easy-to-Use Voice Commands Using the AI Assistant is super simple, allowing users to easily interact with the system: Say “Hey Kia” or press the voice button on your steering wheel. Ask for what you need. Users can choose from a variety of commands or preferences, like: “Play my road trip playlist.” “What’s the weather like in Fayetteville?” “Find a gas station near me.” Get results fast, with no need to take your hands off the wheel. This makes driving in Northwest Arkansas safer and more relaxing, especially with busy traffic or while navigating those scenic back roads. The system is designed to help drivers maintain vehicle control and safety while using voice commands. What Makes It So Smart? The Kia AI Assistant uses cutting-edge Generative AI, the same type of tech found in smart speakers and digital assistants like Siri or Alexa. It’s built into Kia’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system, which is included as a standard feature on select models like the Kia K4. This new sedan is available now at Crain Kia of Fayetteville, and more are coming soon. And if you already own a Kia with the ccNC system, you may be able to get the AI Assistant through a free over-the-air ( OTA) update. A compatible model and the latest software version are required to receive this update. Designed for Life in Fayetteville, Arkansas The Kia AI Assistant is perfect for drivers in Fayetteville, Springdale, Lowell, and all across NWA. Whether you’re a student at the University of Arkansas, a commuter heading to work, or a weekend adventurer, the AI Assistant helps you stay connected without distractions. The AI Assistant enables customers to interact more naturally with their vehicles, making it easier to access advanced features and enjoy a seamless driving experience. Here are a few ways locals are already using it: “Navigate to the Razorback Stadium.” “Where’s the best BBQ near me?” “Text my wife I’m on the way home.” We are committed to deliver excellent service to all our customers. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact our team for support. Try It Today at Crain Kia of Fayetteville Want to experience the Kia AI Assistant for yourself? Come take a test drive at Crain Kia of Fayetteville, located right here in Northwest Arkansas. Our friendly team will walk you through all the smart features and help you find the right Kia for your lifestyle. When you purchase a Kia with the AI Assistant, you can take advantage of special offers that may include exclusive features or incentives. 💻 Explore our inventory 🚗 Schedule a test drive Your Smarter Drive Starts Here The future of driving is already here in Fayetteville. The new Kia AI Assistant brings technology, convenience, and safety together in one smart system. Whether you're headed to Dickson Street or driving through Bella Vista, let your Kia help you along the way. Stop by Crain Kia of Fayetteville today and discover how smart driving can really be.

EV9 V2H Technology

Kia’s New V2H Technology Is Coming Soon to Crain Kia of Fayetteville

Big news is coming to Crain Kia of Fayetteville! Kia is rolling out a smart new feature called Vehicle-to-Home (V2H). This new tech will be available first in the all-electric Kia EV9. It lets your car power your home during an outage or emergency. This means your Kia can do more than just drive. It can help keep your lights on when the power goes out. V2H will be available soon, and Crain Kia of Fayetteville is your local place to learn all about it. What Is V2H? V2H stands for “Vehicle-to-Home.” It lets electric cars send power back to your house. When it’s parked and plugged in, the award-winning EV9 can power your home if the lights go out. You can use it during a storm or when there’s no electricity. It’s like having a backup battery — but on wheels! How Does It Work? To use V2H, you’ll need a special unit called the Wallbox Quasar 2. This device can send power both to and from your car. This set will come with a Power Recovery Unit. This device helps move energy from the car into your home’s electrical system. Why This Is Great for You There are many reasons why V2H is a big deal for families in Fayetteville, Arkansas and nearby cities like Springdale and Lowell: Keep the Lights On: If the power goes out, your Kia EV9 can keep things running — like your fridge, Wi-Fi, or phone charger. Save Money: Charge your EV9 at night when electricity is cheaper. Then use the stored power during the day. Good for the Planet: V2H helps you use less power from the grid. You can even store solar energy if you have solar panels. The EV9’s battery is big — about 99.8 kWh. This will in handy if you ever need to power your home! When Can You Get It? The Wallbox Quasar 2 is now available for pre-order. The first shipments are expected soon. You will also need a professional to install the charger and set it up with your home. It may also need approval from your electric company. So don’t wait — start planning now! Visit Crain Kia of Fayetteville to Learn More At Crain Kia of Fayetteville, we’re here to help you get ready for the future. We are your local Kia dealership, proudly serving Northwest Arkansas. Our friendly team can answer your questions about V2H and the new Kia EV9. We’re located in Fayetteville, just off I-49, and close to Springdale and Bentonville. Come by and take a look at the Kia EV9 and learn how V2H can help your home stay powered and safe. Don’t Miss Out on This New Technology Kia is leading the way in smart, clean energy. The EV9 and V2H are just the start. If you want to save money and help the planet, now is the time to learn more. Crain Kia of Fayetteville is proud to bring you the latest from Kia. Come see us soon — the future is just around the corner.

Kia Over-the-Air update Notification

Kia’s OTA Software Updates Simplify Driving in NWA

Keep Your Kia Updated Without the Hassle At Crain Kia of Fayetteville, we’re excited to share how Kia’s Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates make it easier than ever to keep your car running at its best. Instead of taking your car to the dealership for updates, your Kia vehicle can upgrade itself right from your driveway! Let’s explore how this technology works and why it’s a game-changer for drivers in Northwest Arkansas. Whether you're in Springdale, Lowell, or Farmington, we're here to help! Shopping for a new ride in NWA? Click here to view our selection! What Are Over-the-Air Software Updates? Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates allow your Kia to improve performance, upgrade features, and enhance safety without a trip to the service center. Your car automatically downloads and installs updates, ensuring you always have the latest technology for a smoother and safer driving experience. How Do OTA Updates Work? Automatic Downloads Your Kia downloads the latest updates while parked, keeping your powertrain, battery management system, and safety features running optimally. You’ll get a notification on the Kia Access app or your car’s infotainment screen when an update is ready. Easy Installation Once an update is available, a message will appear on your infotainment screen. Follow the instructions to install it. Just make sure your car is in Park, the parking brake is on, and the lights are off. Since you can’t drive during the update, it’s best to do it while parked at home, work, or another safe location. Monitor Progress and See What’s New You can track the progress of updates on your vehicle’s display. Once complete, you’ll get a notification and a QR code to scan for details on what’s changed, whether it’s improved performance, new features, or enhanced safety technology. How to Enable OTA Updates on Your Kia Check Your Kia’s Eligibility Visit Kia’s website and enter your VIN (vehicle identification number) or model to see if your car supports OTA updates. Activate Kia Connect To receive OTA updates, you need an active Kia Connect subscription. If you’re unsure how to activate it, our team at Crain Kia of Fayetteville is happy to help. Let Your Kia Do the Work Once everything is set up, your Kia will download updates automatically, and you’ll get a notification when it’s time to install. If you need assistance, our experts are always available. Click here to learn all about Kia Connect on our blog! Why Fayetteville Drivers Choose Crain Kia We’re dedicated to helping Kia owners in Fayetteville, Springdale, Farmington, and beyond get the most from their vehicles. Whether you need assistance with OTA updates or are searching for a new Kia, our experienced team is here to help! Stay Ahead with Kia’s OTA Updates With Kia’s Over-the-Air updates, car ownership is more convenient than ever. Keep your vehicle performing at its best, enjoy the latest technology, and enhance your driving experience—all without a trip to the dealership. Want to learn more? Visit Crain Kia of Fayetteville today and see how OTA updates can make driving even better!

Premium Harman Kardon Speakers

Best Sound System for Your Kia in Northwest Arkansas

At Crain Kia of Fayetteville, we know that good music makes every drive more fun. Whether you're driving through Fayetteville, heading to Bentonville, or taking a road trip to Branson, a quality sound system can turn your Kia into your ideal entertainment center. Kia has three awesome audio systems—Harman Kardon, Bose, and Meridian. Each one offers a unique listening experience. Let’s check them out! Harman Kardon: Feel the Beat in Your Kia If you love music, Harman Kardon is a great choice. It’s available in Kia models like the Niro, Sportage, and Telluride. This system makes every song sound rich and powerful. What makes Harman Kardon special? It has Clari-Fi technology, which enhances compressed music files so they sound clearer and more detailed. It also has QuantumLogic Surround (QLS), which makes the music feel like it’s all around you—just like at a live concert. Whether you're driving through Springdale or heading to a Razorbacks game, Harman Kardon makes every trip more exciting. Bose: Clear Sound for Every Seat Bose gives you clear, balanced sound, so everyone in the car can enjoy your tunes. You’ll find Bose speakers in Kia models like the Carnival, K5, Seltos, and Sorento. These speakers come with Centerpoint technology, which makes your stereo music into surround sound. Bose also has SurroundStage technology, making sure every seat in the car gets the same awesome sound. Whether you're heading to Crystal Bridges in Bentonville or exploring the trails in Springdale, Bose will make your drive more enjoyable. Meridian: Premium Sound for a Luxury Experience If you strive for fine audio quality, Meridian is the way to go. You’ll find this high-end system in Kia’s EV6 and EV9 models. Meridian uses Horizon technology to turn normal stereo sound into an immersive experience. It also has RE-Q technology, which cuts out background noise so you only hear what matters. Another great feature, Intelli-Q, adjusts the sound based on your speed and surroundings. That way, your music always sounds amazing—whether you're cruising through Downtown Fayetteville or driving out to Beaver Lake for the weekend. Why a Great Sound System Makes a Difference A good sound system isn’t just a fancy feature—it makes driving more fun. Whether you're jamming to your favorite songs, listening to a podcast on the way to work, or enjoying a road trip through the Ozarks, high-quality sound makes every trip better. With Kia’s Harman Kardon, Bose, and Meridian systems, there’s a perfect option for everyone. Test Drive a Kia with an Amazing Sound System at Crain Kia of Fayetteville Want to hear the difference for yourself? Come to Crain Kia of Fayetteville! We’ll help you find the perfect Kia with the best sound system for your style. Take a test drive and experience the deep bass of Harman Kardon, the crystal-clear sound of Bose, or the high-end quality of Meridian. No matter what you choose, we have the perfect Kia for your Northwest Arkansas drives. Don’t wait—stop by Crain Kia of Fayetteville today and upgrade your ride with the perfect sound system. Your daily drives and road trips will never be the same!

Apple CarPlay / Android Auto with Kia Infotainment

Discover Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at Crain Kia of Fayetteville

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep you connected while on the go. Now, you can use your phone in the car without looking down. Need to place a call, pull up directions, or change a song? This feature lets you control these functions with ease. We at Crain Kia of Fayetteville are excited to explain why they're fantastic for any Kia owner. Connect Your Smartphone Linking your phone with your Kia's infotainment system is simple. You can connect as many as six devices without wires, making it ideal for families or passengers wishing to share their content. However, be aware that some models will need a cable to connect. Regardless of how you connect your smartphone, you'll gain immediate access to your apps and functionalities directly on your car's infotainment screen. Easy Access to Your Favorite Apps Connecting Apple CarPlay or Android Auto lets you easily use your phone's apps on your Kia's infotainment screen. This way, you can make calls, send texts, and get directions safely without having to pick up your phone. Calling and Texting: You can make calls or send messages without ever needing to remove your hands from the steering wheel. Simply ask Siri or Google Assistant for assistance. Start Audio: Listen to your favorite playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks while you're out and about. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can use your preferred media applications, such as Spotify and Apple Music, effortlessly. Navigation: No need to struggle with your phone to navigate. With apps like Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze, you can easily follow directions on your car's display. You also get updates on traffic in real-time, so you can steer clear of any hold-ups. Click here to see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against the Kia Sportage. Voice Commands Using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto makes driving easier and safer with voice command capability. With the help of Siri or Google Assistant, you can get directions, play your favorite tunes, or send messages without ever needing to pick up your phone. This means you can stay focused on the road ahead, making your trip smooth and safe. App Connect Tips Here are a few quick tips to help you get the most out of your App Connect features: Check Compatibility: Before using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, ensure your smartphone supports these features. While most recent models do, it's best to verify. Read Your Car's Manual: Each Kia vehicle works differently. Check the owner's manual for exact setup instructions. Keep Your Phone Updated: Regularly update your phone and apps for a consistent connection. Click here to learn about other Kia Connect features. Use Kia App Connect Today! Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make your drives more enjoyable. These features allow you to stay in touch easily, play your tunes, and get information safely without taking your focus off the road. You can connect your device wirelessly or with a USB cable for a more intelligent and secure driving experience. So, when you're driving next, let these handy features from Kia make your trip easier. Crain Kia of Fayetteville is committed to supporting the community. Check out our blog to read about our recent initiatives for back-to-school season.

Kia EV9 NBA Theme

Deck out your Dash with your NBA Team!

Kia is bringing something special for basketball enthusiasts! The company rolled out a fun update earlier this year. If you own a 2024 Kia EV9, you can customize its 12.3-inch instrument cluster display with your favorite NBA team's colors and logo. And it doesn't stop there – this neat feature is set to be included in other Kia models that have the latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system. That means more fans will get to show off their team spirit right from their cars. Click here to shop our selection of Kia EV9s, available now at Crain Kia of Fayetteville! Now, fans have a fun new way to represent their favorite NBA teams, like the Golden State Warriors or the Chicago Bulls, right in their very own cars. Some EV9 models come with welcome and goodbye sounds, letting you show off your team pride in a special way. This lets you really show how much you love your team. "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." The 2024 Kia EV9 is at the forefront of Kia's technology, offering updates that can be installed remotely via Over-the-Air (OTA) technology. This means the car can improve over time, in areas like performance and entertainment options. The new NBA themes will be available for other Kia models with ccNC infotainment system capability in the future. Fans looking to show their team spirit can buy display themes of their favorite NBA teams for $39.99 each. These are available for purchase through the Kia Connect Store, which can be accessed via the Kia Access app or the Kia Owner Portal. The All-New 2024 Kia EV9 The 2024 Kia EV9, an electric vehicle with three rows, has quickly gained popularity and several awards. It earned World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle titles at the 2024 World Car Awards. Additionally, it was recognized as the Best of the Best in the 2024 Edmunds Top Rated list, and Top Gear named it the 2023 Family Car of the Year. We at Crain Kia of Fayetteville have an impressive lineup of 2024 EV9s ready for you to check out! Visit our dealership to pick one out, or place a custom order on our website today. We're located at 2277 Foxglove Drive in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Kia is going green! Click here to learn more.

Kia Connect on Smartphone

Explore All of Kia Connect's Features

Explore the benefits of Kia Connect! Previously dubbed UVO link, this technology suite enhances your drive, making it both safer and more enjoyable. Want to transform your daily travels? Keep reading! Find My Car Easily find where you parked with the Find My Car feature. This tool can locate your vehicle and take you right to it. Remote Lock and Unlock Worried that you left your car unlocked? No problem! With Kia Connect, your phone lets you lock or unlock your vehicle nearly anywhere. Plus, if you accidentally lock your keys inside, you can get them out in no time. Digital Key With the digital key feature, you can use your smartphone or smartwatch to unlock and drive your Kia vehicle. Plus, it makes sharing your car with friends and family a breeze. Rear Occupant Alert Enjoy peace of mind with the Rear Occupant Alert system. It's here to make sure you never forget your child or pet in the back seat. If you lock your car and there's any movement in the back, you'll get a quick alert on your phone through the Kia Connect app. Are you searching for a new family vehicle? Click here to learn about the refreshed 2025 Kia Carnival MPV. Climate Control With Kia Connect, you can adjust your car's temperature from outside the cabin, ensuring it's always the perfect temperature for your drive. Whether it's a cold winter morning or a hot summer day, Kia Connect keeps you regulated. Driving Score and Usage-Based Insurance See how well you're operating your vehicle with your Driving Score! Improving your score may help lower insurance rates. Did you know that each new Kia vehicle comes with a warranty? Click here to learn more about this program. Wi-Fi Hotspot Keep connected on your journeys with in-car Wi-Fi. Provided by Verizon, this feature lets everyone in the car use the internet to stream and surf without dipping into their cell phone data. Smartwatch App: IOS and Android With the Kia Access app on your smartwatch, you can now easily remotely control your car's features. The EV9 is an all-new, award-winning EV! Click here to learn about this fully electric vehicle's achievements. Stolen Vehicle Recovery If your car gets stolen, Kia Connect can help the police locate and recover it. They'll work alongside law enforcement, using features such as tracking. This team also can control the car's horn, lights, and locks. They can even immobilize the vehicle from moving. Kia Connect offers tools that put you in complete control of your car, even when you're far away. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the Crain Kia of Fayetteville sales team, and visit our location at 2277 Foxglove Drive in Fayetteville, AR. Want to learn about Kia technology? Click here to visit our Kia Drive Wise blog.

Kia Driver Assistance Technology

Kia Drive Wise: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Travel confidently on the open road with Kia Drive Wise driver assist technology! This suite of advanced driver assistance features offers peace of mind while driving on highways, backroads, or in town. These help you handle various situations. In this blog, we will explore the many driver assistance features that Kia Drive Wise provides and what benefits you can expect from them! Are you looking for a new vehicle near Fayetteville, AR? Click here to see our selection! City Navigation Getting around a crowded city can be difficult with so many vehicles and people on the streets. However, Kia Drive Wise has features that can help you move through town safely. The Auto Emergency Braking feature has sensors that use a camera or radar to detect pedestrians and cyclists and warn you if you're getting too close. Junction-turning technology can also help you avoid accidents when turning corners. The Blind-Spot View Monitor gives you a live view of the lane next to you on your screen when you activate your turn signal. If there's something in your blind spot, you'll be alerted visually or audibly, and the system will help you stay in your lane if you start to turn. These safety features make you feel more confident and secure when driving in the city. Did you know that Kia vehicles come with a warranty? Click here to learn more about this program! Highway Travel Kia Drive Wise also helps you stay safe while driving on the highway. For example, the smart cruise control lets you choose how far you want to be from the car in front of you and can even stop and start your car automatically. Also, if you're driving on certain federal highways, the system can help you keep a safe speed and distance by following the posted speed limits. Parking When parking in a tight spot, you can use a Surround View Monitor to see all around your car. But if it's still too tight, you can use a Remote Smart Parking Assist from outside the vehicle to move your car back or forward into a spot. When you're getting out of your car, a Safe Exit Warning will tell you if there's another car coming, and some models will keep the back doors locked until it's safe to open them. Backing Up Backing out from a parking spot can be challenging, but Kia's safety tech has got you covered. Their Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist will alert you with sound and visual cues if any objects are behind you. If you get too close, the brakes will automatically apply to avoid any potential accidents. It's an amazing safety feature that makes driving safer. Kia Drive Wise has many safety features to keep you safe while driving. Whether in a busy city, on the highway, or in a crowded parking lot, these technologies help you understand your surroundings and make driving safer for everyone. If you're looking for a Kia vehicle with these safety features, come to our dealership in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Want a reliable used vehicle? Click here to learn about our certified pre-owned cars!

kia tech 05

5 Innovative Tech Features You'll Find on Today's Kia Vehicles

Everything about a modern Kia is designed to enhance your driving experience. In modern Kia cars, you'll find clever tech features supporting your driving safety, cabin comfort, navigating convenience, and more. Here are five excellent and innovative technological features you'll find in a modern Kia. See them all in action at your local Kia dealer. 5 Innovative Tech Features You'll Find on Today's Kia Vehicles Remote Start Climate Control It's never pleasant to climb into a car that's become too hot or cold because of the weather. With Remote Start Climate Control, you can ensure that whenever you get behind the wheel, the cabin is at just the right temperature for your preferences and the engine is already nicely warmed up. From anywhere nearby, you can use your phone to remotely start your car's engine and adjust the cabin climate to remembered settings. Noise and Vibration Mitigation Kia engineers have developed a system for mitigating noise and vibrations from the road. An abundance of sound-absorbing materials throughout the car works to totally eliminate harsh noise. Even more cleverly, your Kia can identify the frequency, volume, and tone of sound entering the cabin and emit an inverted sound wave to cancel out that incoming noise. On top of that, sound engineers have contributed to the design of the car in such a way as to make its noises more pleasurable for the human ear to hear. Heads-Up Data Display With Heads-Up Display, vital vehicle info is projected clearly onto the lower portion of your windshield's glass just above the steering wheel. This works like the data display in a fighter jet, allowing you to know speed, navigation, and other important data without having to take your eyes off the road ahead. Remote Smart Park Assist With Remote Smart Park Assist, your Kia can park itself while you watch. All you need to do is hold down the parking button on your key fob and your car will carefully, precisely steer itself into even the tightest of parking spots. Collision Avoidance Systems The various collision avoidance systems on a modern Kia are very advanced. The Front Collision Avoidance With Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Technology, for example, not only notices any collision risks ahead of your vehicle and acts to avoid the crash, but it can even detect hazards when you're turning into a new street or crossing a junction. Ask Your Local Kia Dealer for More Technological Features There are dozens of other advanced tech elements in your Kia, all of which serve the purpose of helping you enjoy an easier, safer ride. Visit your local dealership to get behind the seat of your favorite Kia model and see them all in action for yourself. Enjoy a tour of all that modern Kia cars have to offer today at Crain Kia of Fayetteville. We provide the drivers of Fayetteville and the surrounding area with consistently excellent cars and top-notch customer service.

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