2016 Kia Optima and Sorento named International Cars of the Year

2016 Kia Optima and Sorento named International Cars of the Year 

Road & Travel Magazine (RTM) has named the 2016 Kia Optima its International Car of the Year, and the 2016 Sorento its International SUV of the Year. The awards were announced recently in conjunction with the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. 

RTM jurors praised the all-new edition of Kia’s perennial best-selling Optima for its aggressive design, long list of available features, impressive powertrain options, and great value. The Sorento garnered acclaim for its combination of premium interior amenities, extensive safety features, and all-wheel drive capability. 

“We are near speechless at the level of progress the Kia brand has made in spite of the stiff competition. It is without a doubt the brand that gets the most ‘wows’ from our staff and is truly an industry success story that we can relate to in many ways,” said Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Road & Travel Magazine. 

Together, the awards propelled Kia to an unprecedented fourth consecutive win of the prestigious ICOTY brand award. The ICOTY jurors honored Kia’s K900 luxury sedan in 2015, the Cadenza premium sedan in 2014, and the previous-generation Optima in 2013. 

“We’ve never had one brand win this award four years in a row, but Kia has done it. It goes to show just how exceptional the new Kia models are, providing clear direction of where the Kia brand is headed,” Caldwell added. 

2015 marks the 20th anniversary for RTM’s annual “Of the Year” judging, which includes three awards: International Car, International SUV, and International Family Vehicle of the Year. In addition to product attributes such as style, comfort and performance, award criteria also factor in how well each brand connects emotionally with consumers through its marketing efforts. The winner is chosen by the ICOTY jury, which consists of nationally renowned automotive journalists from respected publications such as Consumer Guide® Automotive, MSN Autos, New Car News Syndicate and RTM. 

“The Optima and Sorento are two of Kia’s best-selling vehicles and both were instrumental in the transformation of the brand,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America. “To win the prestigious ICOTY award four years in a row, with two models winning their categories this year, is a clear indication that our products continue to offer a world-class balance of design, amenities, craftsmanship, safety, and value for today’s savvy consumers.” 

2015 marks the 20th anniversary for RTM’s annual “Of the Year” judging, which includes three awards: International Car, International SUV, and International Family Vehicle of the Year. In addition to product attributes such as style, comfort and performance, award criteria also factor in how well each brand connects emotionally with consumers through its marketing efforts. The winner is chosen by the ICOTY jury, which consists of nationally renowned automotive journalists from respected publications such as Consumer Guide® Automotive, MSN Autos, New Car News Syndicate, and RTM. 

The completely redesigned 2016 Sorento CUV raises the bar with its refinement and first-class amenities, and is larger and more capable than ever with more room for passengers and cargo. Copious standard features and luxurious amenities span the line of five trim levels, and the Sorento is now offered with three engine choices, including a 240-hp 2.0L turbo-charged inline-4. 

2016 Kia Optima 

The all-new 2016 Optima is passionately designed and obsessively crafted with European styling, a refined premium interior and significant ride, and handling improvements. Kia’s best-selling nameplate challenges the midsize sedan segment with three engine choices, including a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), making the Optima more confident on the road than ever before. The roomier, more luxurious cabin features an impressive level of craftsmanship that comes standard across five trim levels.

After seventh straight monthly sales record, Kia sales up 6.9% for 2015 

Propelled by the sale of its six millionth vehicle in the U.S. since arriving in 1994, Kia’s year-long momentum continued with best-ever November sales of 45,553 vehicles, a 1.4% increase over the same period last year. The brand’s seventh straight monthly sales record was led by the Optima and Soul, with 13,048 and 10,045 units sold, respectively. 

…you can drive the award-winning 2015 Optima for an eye-catching $69 a month! Or drive a 2016 Sorento or Soul for an incredible $99 a month.* 

And, of course, every new vehicle comes with Barnett’s exclusive—and FREE—MILLION MILE Warranty. Ask your sales associate for all the details on that, too. Come see us soon at Barnett Kia on Highway 61 in White Bear Lake!