By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

It's big, bold, blocky and just a downright beautiful large sport utility crossover. We are speaking about the all-new first-time-out 2020 Kia Telluride. In fact, it's the biggest vehicle Kia has ever manufactured, nearly eight inches longer than its stablemate, the Sorento. Kia designers say it is "boxy on purpose" yielding more room on the inside.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

More than a decade ago several sub-compact imports hit the marketplace defying classification. We called them boxes on wheels. The Honda Element and Scion xB in 2001 were among the first such vehicles to hit our shores followed by the Nissan Cube in 2009 and Kia Soul in 2010. They had charm and enormous interior space for their little size.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The all-new Kia Forte makes a big statement — the sedan is not dead yet. With the compact Forte and its good looks, pleasing driving demeanor, and more available features than some entry level luxury cars, we see hope for a sedan revival. Kia appears to be a car company that has not relegated its sedans to second-rate status in favor of crossovers.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The Korean auto company known for its nondescript economy cars of the '90s has surprised the automotive world over the past decade with new, fresh, head-turning designs including a revitalized mid-sized Optima sedan that now competes with the best of the segment; a funky little Soul hatchback that will wow you over with its driving demeanor, and the mid-sized Sorento crossover that has earned numerous awards.

By David Finkelstein

If you want to attract new SUV buyers in this competitive global industry, you've got to keep reinventing the vehicle. That said, it's evident that Kia Motors got the message as it now features a heavily refreshed Sorento for the 2019 model year.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Over the years the Kia Rio has conjured up images of a very entry-level car that relates to first-time buyers, struggling college students, families seeking basic transportation in a second run-around-town car, and the budget side of rental fleets. This perception — while not completely on target — pretty much nailed the little subcompact.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Hybridization seems to be the immediate future of the automotive industry as we await further development of hydrogen fuel cell cars and all-electric vehicles. A hybrid vehicle has both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor endowing it with exceptional mileage — and virtually all automakers now have hybrid variants of some of their vehicles in an effort to meet mandatory mileage standards.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

The all-new Kia Niro competes in the small crossover segment against such players as the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, and Mazda CX-3, but it possesses one big advantage, the Niro is propelled by a fuel-stingy hybrid drivetrain. Gas mileage ranges toward the 50 mpg mark putting it squarely in the crosshairs of the Toyota Prius hatchback. It can live in both worlds quite well, so is this the beginning of a new sub-segment of small dedicated hybrid crossovers?

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Honda and Volkswagen have done it for years, and it has become a popular tactic of other automakers this year — offer a special edition of their popular compact sedans and hatchbacks with more horsepower and an extra measure of driving performance in an effort to generate interest in the brand.