Automotive
Compact Seltos Makes a Big Impression on Editors
The 2024 Kia Seltos SX emerges as the winner in the Affordable SUV Challenge, impressing with its zippy performance, upscale interior, and desirable features. A compact SUV that stands out among competitors. #KiaSeltos #AffordableSUVChallenge #ImpressiveFeatures
Last Updated on June 14, 2025 by Daily News Staff
The 2024 Kia Seltos SX has emerged victorious in the highly competitive 2023 Affordable SUV Challenge conducted by Cars.com. This compact SUV outshined its rivals with its remarkable performance, upscale interior, and an array of desirable features. The recognition highlights Kia’s commitment to delivering a superior driving experience at an affordable price point.
Impressive Design, Performance, and Technology:
The refreshed Seltos boasts a sharpened design that exudes modernity and sophistication. Inside the cabin, the standard dual panoramic displays take center stage, creating a futuristic ambiance. The Seltos offers two lively powertrain options, including a turbocharged, 195-hp engine, ensuring a thrilling and dynamic driving experience.
Praised Features and Amenities:
Cars.com editors subjected the SUVs to comprehensive evaluations, scrutinizing driving performance, comfort, interior quality, fuel economy, safety features, and value for money. The Seltos SX Turbo emerged as the clear winner, impressing the experts with its exceptional performance, top-tier cabin, and generous cargo space. The SUV’s long list of available features, including standard dual panoramic displays and an upscale interior, set it apart from its competitors.
Affordable Luxury:
The 2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo offers consumers exceptional value for their money. Its affordable price point, combined with an impressive array of features, makes it a standout choice in the subcompact SUV segment. Whether it’s safety features, cargo space, or a well-rounded driving experience, the Seltos delivers on all fronts, providing buyers with a premium experience without breaking the bank.
Conclusion:
The 2024 Kia Seltos SX has rightfully claimed the title of the winner in the 2023 Affordable SUV Challenge. Its combination of sleek design, zippy performance, and upscale interior has made a lasting impression on industry experts. Kia’s commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles at affordable prices is evident in the Seltos, solidifying its position as a top contender in the competitive subcompact SUV market.
About Kia America:
Kia America, headquartered in Irvine, California, continues to be recognized for its automotive quality. As one of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023, Kia offers a range of vehicles, including gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models. With over 775 dealerships in the U.S., Kia is committed to providing customers with exceptional cars and SUVs, some of which are proudly assembled in America.
Source: Kia America
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 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.
Automotive
2027 Toyota Tundra Adds Trailhunter Package and Updated Technology
The 2027 Toyota Tundra adds a Trailhunter package, refreshed styling and a standard 14-inch touchscreen. Starting MSRP is $42,890.
Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Daily News Staff
PLANO, Texas — Toyota is updating the 2027 Tundra with refreshed exterior styling, a new Trailhunter package and additional technology for its full-size pickup lineup.
2027 Toyota Tundra: Trailhunter Package and Tech Updates
Based on the SR5 grade, the Trailhunter package adds Old Man Emu suspension, Michelin all-terrain tires, front recovery hooks and extra underbody protection. A locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control help drivers navigate challenging terrain, while bronze-colored wheels distinguish the package.
The TRD Pro receives newly designed, adjustable FOX Q3S shocks, standard red tow hooks and a new Honeycomb paint option.
Inside, a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen becomes standard. Toyota also adds a built-in drive recorder and makes Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 standard across the lineup. Gas and i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrains remain available.
Toyota lists the 2027 Tundra with a starting MSRP of $42,890. Buyers should check destination charges, options and dealer pricing when comparing total costs.
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Slate Auto and Smarties Launch Colorful EV Starter Packs
Slate Auto has partnered with Smarties Candy Company on six pastel customization packages for its upcoming electric truck. Announced October 27, the Smarties x Slate collection gives buyers another way to personalize the minimalist EV before deliveries begin.
The six Starter Packs are inspired by Smarties flavors: Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Grape, Pineapple, Orange and Strawberry. Each package includes a coordinating vehicle wrap, color-matched mirror decals, a Smarties-branded rocker decal, a logo decal, a customized key-fob end cap and a matching interior Slatelet.
Customers will be able to purchase the packages through the Slate Marketplace as their delivery dates approach. Pricing for the Smarties packages was not included in the announcement.
The collaboration fits Slate’s strategy of selling one simplified vehicle platform that owners can customize over time. Every truck leaves the Warsaw, Indiana, factory with gray exterior panels designed to be wrapped instead of conventionally painted. Buyers can keep the two-seat pickup configuration or select one of Slate’s five-seat SUV conversions.
The partnership does not change the truck’s core price or specifications. Slate continues to list the Blank Slate pickup at $24,950 before its $1,450 destination charge, with an estimated 205 miles of range. The range figure is still a company projection rather than a final EPA rating, and Slate continues to say its first deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
For Slate, the Smarties collection is more than a seasonal promotion. It demonstrates how branded wraps and accessories could become an important part of the company’s business model while allowing buyers to change the appearance of their vehicles without purchasing a different truck.
Source: Slate Auto’s official Smarties collaboration announcement
Automotive
4 Tips for Efficient EV Charging at Home
Efficient EV Charging at Home: Your car has one job – to take you where you need to go. For electric vehicle (EV) owners, that means keeping it charged so it’s ready to hit the road when you are. Charging your car at home is convenient and cost-effective, especially if you have the right equipment and routines.
4 Tips for Efficient EV Charging at Home
(Feature Impact) Your car has one job – to take you where you need to go. For electric vehicle (EV) owners, that means keeping it charged so it’s ready to hit the road when you are.
Charging your car at home is convenient and cost-effective, especially if you have the right equipment and routines. Consider these quick tips from the EV experts at Schneider Electric.
Watch this video to learn more:
//www.youtube.com/embed/IELsXkSgOQQ
Install a Level 2 Home Charger
While many EV owners start with standard Level 1 charging using typical 120-volt household outlets, upgrading to a 240-volt Level 2 charger can offer extra efficiency and convenience. With significantly faster charging speeds, these units increase your driving range per charging hour and can replenish your battery in a fraction of the time.
Charge During Off-Peak Hours
If your electric company has variable pricing based on the time of day, you may be able to lower your utility bill by shifting your charging routines. This could mean doing most of your charging overnight and unplugging during peak daytime hours when rates are often more expensive.
Consider a Smart Charger
Since Level 2 chargers can add significant electrical load to your home, many EV owners are concerned they’ll need to make costly electrical upgrades to accommodate the higher power requirements. Instead, consider a smart Level 2 home charger with dynamic power management like the Schneider Charge.
With built-in technology called SmartAmp, this charger intelligently monitors the electrical demand in the home and adjusts the output to your EV accordingly. Whether you’re running a dryer full of laundry or turning on the air conditioning, the system can automatically dial back the charging power to your EV when necessary then ramp it back up when demand drops. This way, you won’t have to worry about overloading your electrical system or being forced to install pricey new panels so you can get everything done.
Since it works with all standard EV charging formats, it’s built to fit your current vehicle and whatever you buy next. Plus, through the connected app, you can conveniently schedule charging with a tap, giving you the ability to manage your EV routine remotely – or just set it and forget it.
Track Your Habits
Understanding your current charging habits can help you fine-tune your routines over time. Smart chargers can make tracking simple and automatic with apps that allow you to access information like how often you’re charging your vehicle, how long it takes and how much energy it consumes.
Learn more about smart EV charging at SE.com.
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