Automotive
ALL-ELECTRIC KIA EV6 WINS “BEST EV OF 2022” FROM THE DRIVE
All-electric EV6 commended for combination of category-level advantages in driving dynamics, available ADAS features, all-electric range
- All-electric EV6 commended for combination of category-level advantages in driving dynamics, available ADAS features, all-electric range
- EV6 sets the benchmark for electric vehicles as inaugural segment award winner
IRVINE, Calif. – This week, the all-electric Kia EV6 was named “Best EV of 2022” by the editorial team of The Drive in the publication’s inaugural awards distribution. Editors from The Drive noted that the combination of the EV6’s styling, driving dynamics, occupant comfort, and all-electric range helped it stand out in the electric-vehicle segment.
“The all-electric EV6 delivers on the matters that make an EV rise to the top of the class, such as a starting MSRP under $50,0001, an EPA estimated range of 310 miles of all electric range2 in its Wind and GT-Line RWD trims3, as well as numerous other characteristics that make it desirable to own,” said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America.
The EV6 was selected from among the top-ranked electric vehicles as determined by the editors of The Drive in their last 12 months of vehicle evaluations.
“Our team has been consistently and extremely impressed with the Kia EV6—the level of thought and care that went into crafting a more approachable and affordable electric vehicle is obvious. It’s got head-turning design, a usable range, excellent performance and handling, and a great suite of advanced driver assistance features,” said Kyle Cheromcha, editor-in-chief, The Drive. “And to have all of that protected by an exceptional factory limited warranty—this is the kind of car that actually gets people to switch to an EV, instead of merely considering it.”
The EV6 continues to rise in popularity. To date, more than 19,000 EV6 models have been sold at Kia retailers in all 50 states. The EV6 delivers jaw-dropping performance, ultra-fast DC charging compatibility, an available onboard power generator4, and a flat-floor interior that utilizes innovative materials throughout the cabin. The EV6 offers a wide array of advanced driver assistance systems5, a remarkable level of connectivity features, as well as Kia’s latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump, which scavenges waste heat from the vehicle’s coolant system. The EV6 is a critical part of the Kia “Plan S” strategy to launch at least two battery-electric vehicles (BEV) per year and build a full line-up of 14 BEVs by 2027.
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.*
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
* The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) excludes destination ($1,295) and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.
2 Based on EPA estimates on a full battery charge. Actual range will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information on range, please see www.fueleconomy.gov.
3 Wind AWD and GT-Line AWD are rated an EPA estimated 274 miles of range on a full battery charge. The EV6 GT is rated at an EPA estimated 206 miles of range on a full battery charge. Actual range will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information on range, please see www.fueleconomy.gov.
4 The Onboard Power Generator can be used until the battery’s charge falls to 20 percent.
5 Advanced driver assistance systems are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
Source: KIA
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Automotive
2025 KIA TELLURIDE RANKS NUMBER ONE IN ITS SEGMENT IN J.D. POWER 2025 U.S. INITIAL QUALITY STUDY (IQS)
2025 Telluride
- 2025 Telluride named the Upper Midsize SUV segment winner in the J.D. Power 2025 IQS
- Award highlights Telluride’s strong performance in quality, and customer satisfaction
@stmblog Excited to introduce the KiaEV9! This all-electric SUV combines style, space, and sustainability. Ready for your next adventure! ⚡🌍 #ElectricVehicle
♬ original sound – STMDailyNews
CVT Transmissions Explained: Model Years to Avoid, Reliability Issues, and Maintenance TipsLink: https://stmdailynews.com/?p=39958
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Automotive
CVT Transmissions Explained: Model Years to Avoid, Reliability Issues, and Maintenance Tips
Learn what a CVT transmission is, which model years to avoid, brands with reliability issues, and expert tips to extend CVT lifespan.
View from the driver’s seat of the gear shift lever in a car with an automatic transmission and climate control panel. Black-gray car interior
CVT Transmissions Explained: Model Years to Avoid, Reliability Issues, and Maintenance Tips
Continuously Variable Transmissions — better known as CVTs — are now common in compact cars, hybrids, and fuel-efficient vehicles. They promise smoother driving and better gas mileage, but their reputation has been uneven, depending heavily on brand, design, and model year.
Here’s what CVTs are, which vehicles have had the most trouble, and how owners can protect themselves from costly repairs.
What Is a CVT?
A CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) doesn’t use traditional fixed gears like a 6-speed or 8-speed automatic. Instead, it relies on two variable-diameter pulleys connected by a steel belt or chain. As the pulleys change size, the transmission seamlessly adjusts the gear ratio.
- Smooth acceleration
- No noticeable gear shifts
- Improved fuel efficiency
This design is why CVTs are especially common in hybrids, where efficiency and smooth power delivery matter more than outright performance.
Illustration credit: Samarins.com
Why CVTs Are Popular in Hybrids
Most hybrid systems use a variation called an eCVT, which is mechanically different — and generally more reliable — than belt-driven CVTs found in many gas-only cars.
Manufacturers like Toyota and Honda favor eCVTs because they:
- Reduce mechanical complexity
- Eliminate traditional belts under high stress
- Integrate seamlessly with electric motors
- Deliver long-term durability with minimal maintenance
This is why hybrid CVTs tend to have far fewer failure complaints than early gasoline-only CVTs.
CVT Model Years to Avoid (Buyer Beware)
Not all CVTs are created equal. Some manufacturers — most notably Nissan — experienced widespread issues during certain production years.
Nissan CVT Model Years With Higher Failure Rates
- Nissan Altima: 2007–2012, 2013–2018
- Nissan Sentra: 2012–2017
- Nissan Rogue: 2014–2018
- Nissan Pathfinder: 2013–2014
Common issues reported included:
- Shuddering and hesitation
- Overheating
- Whining noises
- Premature belt or pulley failure
- Complete transmission replacement well before 100,000 miles
These problems were serious enough to result in extended warranties and class-action settlements in some cases. Newer Nissan CVTs (2019 and newer) show improvement, but long-term reliability data is still developing.
How Other Brands Compare
- Toyota & Honda: Generally strong CVT reliability, especially in hybrids
- Subaru: Mixed results; early Lineartronic CVTs had complaints, later versions improved
- Mitsubishi: Some issues in budget models, fewer reports overall than Nissan
In short, design, torque limits, and cooling systems matter more than the CVT label alone.
How to Extend the Life of a CVT
Despite the myth of “lifetime fluid,” most transmission specialists agree that maintenance is critical.
- Change CVT fluid every 30,000–50,000 miles
- Use only manufacturer-specified CVT fluid
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and heavy towing
- Watch for early warning signs like whining, slipping, or shuddering
- Keep the vehicle’s cooling system in good condition
- Verify service records before buying a used CVT vehicle
Neglecting fluid service is one of the fastest ways to shorten a CVT’s lifespan.
CVT vs Dual-Clutch Transmission
Feature CVT Dual-Clutch (DCT) Gear changes Continuous Fixed gears Driving feel Smooth, no shifts Fast, sporty shifts Fuel economy Often better Good, performance-focused Reliability Varies by brand/year Can be complex or jerky
Final Takeaway
CVTs aren’t inherently bad — but early designs and poor maintenance gave some brands a lasting reputation problem. Buyers should focus on:
- Specific model years
- Service history
- Driving habits
- Whether the CVT is a traditional belt-driven unit or a hybrid eCVT
When properly designed and maintained, a CVT can deliver excellent efficiency and long service life — especially in modern hybrids.
According to Consumer Reports reliability data , CVT performance varies significantly by manufacturer and model year.
Drivers can also research real-world issues through the NHTSA vehicle complaint database , which tracks owner-reported transmission problems.
For more automotive explainers, visit our The Knowledge section on STM Daily News.
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Automotive
Set Yourself Up for Safe Winter Driving
Set yourself up for safe winter driving with these essential tips: switch to winter tires, check air pressure, protect off-season wheels, and maintain tread depth. Learn how to prepare your car for snow and ice so you can drive with confidence all season.
Last Updated on December 21, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Set Yourself Up for Safe Winter Driving
(Family Features) Waiting for the first snow or ice storm to hit puts you and your tires behind the curve when it comes time to get behind the wheel. Preparing your vehicle and brushing up on smart winter driving tips helps ensure you arrive at your destination safely, no matter the weather. Consider Winter Tires When temperatures drop below 45 F, winter tires maintain flexibility and road grip, contrary to all-season tires that don’t perform as well in these conditions. Winter tires are designed for better traction and stopping power in ice, slush and snow. Change Out Seasonal Wheels and Rims Swapping summer or all-season tires for winter ones will ensure your vehicle has the best traction possible, but that’s just part of the story. Slippery, wet and icy roads mean vehicles tend to skid and lose control, striking curbs and other objects that scratch, dent and scuff. Snow and winter wheels are a smart way to protect summer rims from snow, ice and road-clearing chemicals like salt. Protect Offseason Tires It’s important to protect your offseason tires from below freezing temperatures, sunlight, moisture and other harsh weather conditions. Consider Discount Tire’s Tire Hotel service, available at select locations, where stores help preserve the condition of tires, handling tire rotations, inspections and maintenance when it’s time to change the winter tires back. Maintain Target Air Pressure The impact changing temperatures have on your tire pressure can create numerous issues, including poor handling, worse gas mileage, excessive wear and overloading. Prevent problems by checking your air pressure at least once a month when your tires are cool and before any long trip. For every 10 F in ambient temperature change, tire air pressure changes 1 PSI (pound per square inch). That means you need to check your tires more frequently as temperatures fluctuate and settle into lower winter levels. Check Tread Depth Regularly Your vehicle’s tread depth plays a vital role in traction, which can affect your safety while driving in winter conditions. To ensure you have ample tread, stick a penny upside-down in a tread groove. It’s time to replace if Lincoln’s head is visible. You can also visit your local Discount Tire store for a free tire safety check. Practice Good Tire Maintenance Taking care of your tires ensures you get the longest life and best wear. Most experts recommend rotating your tires every 6,000 miles. Knowing the age of your tires, which can be found by looking at the DOT number stamped on their sidewalls, is important since tire rubber becomes harder and more brittle as it ages, increasing the risk of failure. Choose Tires Wisely Selecting the tires that are best suited for where you drive, how you drive and what you drive helps protect you and your passengers, ensuring your vehicle is prepared for winter weather. When shopping, consider using an online tire guide like Treadwell, which provides personalized recommendations on the best tires for your driving needs. Find the tool online at DiscountTire.com/Treadwell. Photo courtesy of ShutterstockThe Legacy of the Datsun 510: How a Game-Changing Car Helped Nissan Conquer the US MarketLink: https://stmdailynews.com/the-legacy-of-the-datsun-510-how-a-game-changing-car-helped-nissan-conquer-the-us-market/
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