Kia EV9 Earns Top Safety Rating from IIHS

Kia continues to prove that great design, advanced technology, and long-term value don’t have to come with a premium price. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money Awards, seven Kia models were recognized for offering outstanding value for the money. For drivers in Fayetteville and throughout Northwest Arkansas, these awards underscore why Kia continues to be a top choice for drivers who value affordability, reliability, and innovation. 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 annually to vehicles that deliver the best balance of quality and affordability in their respective classes. Each winner is selected based on two key factors: Quality, measured by a vehicle’s overall score in the U.S. News Best Car Rankings, which include safety, performance, and an analysis of expert reviews. Value, determined by the vehicle’s transaction price and how much it costs to maintain for years to come. This approach highlights vehicles that not only perform well today, but also remain affordable and dependable over time. Kia Vehicles Recognized for 2026 Kia earned Best Cars for the Money honors in a wide range of categories for the 2026 model year, reflecting the brand’s 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 family-friendly SUVs to efficient hybrids and an all-new compact sedan, Kia’s award-winning lineup offers options for nearly every type of Fayetteville driver. Why it Matters For Fayetteville Drivers Fayetteville and NWA drivers need a vehicle that can handle a bit of everything, like daily commutes, campus traffic, weekend road trips, and unpredictable weather throughout the year. That’s where Kia’s lineup stands out. Fuel-efficient options like the Kia Sportage Hybrid, Sorento Hybrid, and Kia Niro are ideal for daily driving around Fayetteville and Springdale, helping you save money on gas without sacrificing comfort. For growing families or drivers who want more space, the Kia Sorento and all-electric Kia EV9 offer flexible seating, modern tech, and confidence for longer drives. The Kia K4 rounds out the lineup with an affordable, well-equipped option for commuters and first-time buyers in Northwest Arkansas and beyond, delivering strong value in a compact, modern design. Kia’s Commitment to Value and Innovation These awards highlight Kia’s focus on affordability, reliability, and innovation. Across the lineup, Kia designs vehicles known for offering strong standard features, advanced safety technology, and modern infotainment systems, all while offering incredibly competitive value. The Crain Commitment The Crain Commitment includes our industry-leading 10-year / 100,000 mile warranty, as well as a 100-hour love-it-or-leave-it exchange policy. At Crain Kia of Fayetteville, our team works to make the car-buying experience transparent, informative, and customer-focused, from helping you find the perfect Kia model to supporting you throughout ownership with trusted service and maintenance. Visit Crain Kia of Fayetteville If you’re ready to experience one of Kia’s 2026 Best Cars for the Money for yourself, we invite you to visit Crain Kia of Fayetteville. Explore our selection of award-winning Kia models, take a test drive, and see why so many drivers across Northwest Arkansas continue to choose Kia for quality, value, and peace of mind.

If you’re searching for a vehicle that blends personality and reliability with an affordable price tag, the 2025 Kia Soul deserves a spot at the top of your list. Cars.com just announced its roundup of the Best New Cars for $30,000 or Less, and the Soul made the cut, once again proving why it’s one of the smartest buys for Northwest Arkansas drivers. The Soul has always been a favorite among locals who want something efficient, flexible, and fun without stepping into big-SUV pricing. This latest recognition just confirms what our customers at Crain Kia of Fayetteville already know. What Makes the 2025 Kia Soul a Top Pick Cars.com highlighted the Soul for offering something that’s becoming increasingly rare: true value without compromise. Here are a few of the reasons it stood out: A surprisingly spacious cabin with a tall seating position and flexible hatchback storage Pricing that typically falls between $21,625–$25,868, keeping it comfortably under the $30k mark Strong long-term reliability, making ownership cost-friendly Loads of standard safety tech, even on entry trims Excellent maneuverability and fuel efficiency for daily driving A memorable, standout design that doesn’t blend into traffic For many Fayetteville drivers, the Soul is the perfect bridge between a compact car and an SUV, offering the utility you want with the price tag you need. A Smart Alternative to Today’s Rising SUV Prices If you’ve been comparing small SUVs around Fayetteville, you’ve probably noticed one thing: prices are climbing. That’s where the Soul brings a refreshing twist. Even though it’s not a traditional SUV, it still delivers several SUV-like advantages: The upright visibility drivers love An easy-to-use cargo area with great vertical space A practical, roomy cabin that’s ready to handle anything A higher “command-style” seating position compared to most compact cars For buyers wanting SUV functionality without paying SUV money, the Soul hits a rare sweet spot. Why This Recognition Matters for NWA Drivers When a respected source like Cars.com names the Soul one of the Best New Cars Under $30k, it gives buyers an extra layer of confidence. Fayetteville drivers can feel good knowing they’re choosing a vehicle that delivers on: Real-world usefulness, not just specs Modern technology without upgrade overload Comfort and versatility in everyday driving Long-term reliability and low ownership costs And among cheap new cars (in the good way!), the Soul stands out by offering features and refinement you wouldn’t expect at this price. ⭐ Key Features NWA Appreciates Available 10.25-Inch Touchscreen It’s easy to navigate and one of the largest displays in its class. Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ Simple, seamless smartphone integration on most trims. Kia Drive Wise Safety Suite Includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, plus available Blind-Spot Collision Warning. Versatile Interior Layout The Soul makes the most of its footprint with excellent headroom, easy entry/exit, and a cargo area that adapts to everyday life. Great Fuel Economy Efficient without being slow, making it perfect for commuters, students, and families. Iconic Exterior Style Fun, memorable, and unlike anything else on the road. Experience the 2025 Kia Soul at Crain Kia of Fayetteville If you're shopping for an affordable vehicle that doesn’t feel bare-bones, the 2025 Kia Soul is absolutely worth a test drive. Whether you're comparing compact SUVs, looking for a first car, or simply want something budget-friendly and packed with personality and tech, the Soul delivers fantastic value. Visit Crain Kia of Fayetteville to explore trims, features, and current offers, and see for yourself why the 2025 Soul earned a spot on Cars.com’s Best New Cars Under $30k list.

Fayetteville drivers in the market for a new hybrid SUV should have the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid at the top of their list. It delivers excellent fuel economy, advanced technology, and a roomy interior, all at an affordable price, making it an easy pick for those who want both innovation and practicality. Being named by Cars.com one of the Best Hybrids for the Money, the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid delivers exceptional value without compromise. Experience it firsthand at Crain Kia of Fayetteville. National Recognition for Efficiency and Value Cars.com compared the top hybrid SUV models across the U.S. by price and fuel economy, and the 2025 Sportage Hybrid led the pack in the compact SUV category. It’s the second year in a row this model has earned the title. This honor reflects Kia’s ongoing commitment to delivering reliable and affordable hybrid options. Built to Keep You Going The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid is engineered for maximum efficiency. With up to 44 MPG highway and 38 MPG combined with all-wheel drive, it combines fuel savings and performance in one sleek design. Built with Kia’s reputation for long-term reliability, the Sportage Hybrid is made to perform year after year, so Fayetteville drivers can count on fewer stops, more savings, and more time doing what they love. Power Meets Efficiency The Sportage Hybrid automatically adjusts between gas and electric power to get the best mileage and fewer emissions. A turbocharged engine, electric motor, and 6-speed automatic transmission mean quick acceleration and a smooth drive wherever you go. Smart Safety and Technology Innovation, safety, and comfort live inside the cabin of the Sportage. Available tech and safety features include: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Blind-Spot View Monitor Lane Keeping Assist Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist You’ll also enjoy an available 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and a premium sound system that keeps you connected on every drive. Why Shop at Crain Kia of Fayetteville? Large inventory of new and used vehicles for every lifestyle Flexible financing for everyone Certified Kia service and parts department Conveniently located for drivers across Northwest Arkansas Find Your Sportage Hybrid at Crain Kia of Fayetteville Crain Kia of Fayetteville proudly serves drivers from Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, and all across Northwest Arkansas. Our friendly team is ready to help you find the perfect Sportage Hybrid for your lifestyle. Schedule your test drive today and see why this award-winning hybrid stands out for both value and versatility.