When people think about the perfect vehicle for outdoor adventures, Kia isn’t always the first to come to mind, but it should be on the list. The usual suspects for outdoor adventure vehicles are Subaru Outback, Jeep Grand Cherokee (well, any Jeep for that matter), Ford and Toyota or any other pickup truck. We aren’t about to say those aren’t amazing for the backcountry, but we are here to tell you that Kia has some that could give them a run for their money.
Outdoor Adventures
The assumption is often made that outdoor adventure only means off-roading through the backcountry. Yes, it is that, but it’s anything that involves being outdoors. That could be a road trip across Canada through the beautiful provincial parks or camping on the weekends. If you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, you probably have certain expectations for your vehicle.
The best adventure vehicles will feel smooth on the roads but can handle terrains other than highways, whether uphill climbs or gravel roads to get into remote campsites. If you venture to the great outdoors often, you most likely want loads of cargo space, whether built-in or an added storage compartment on top of the vehicle. We think it’s fair to say that a truck or an SUV/crossover are the go-to body styles for outdoors fans. It goes without saying that all-wheel-drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive is a must.
Depending on the type of adventure seeker you are will determine if you require a towing package and, if you do, what the towing capacity needs to be depending on the weight of what you are pulling, such as a travel trailer or trailer to carry your utility vehicle. Ground clearance is vital for those who hit the backcountry. There are not many things worse than tearing up your vehicle’s undercarriage. Horsepower is key for getting up hills and even passing slower drivers if you are on the road, which if you are making a cross country trip, cruise control is an absolute must.
Top Kia Vehicles For The Great Outdoors
The Kia Telluride has been making its name in the automotive industry for its off-road abilities while still being considered one of the best for families. A standard Kia Telluride comes with eight seats, ideal for transporting a large family. There is an upgrade option where the middle row has two captain’s chairs making it only a seven-seater but providing extra comfort and legroom for those in the back. The look of the Telluride can be deceiving as it doesn’t look like a traditional off-road vehicle, but let us tell you, it can handle it. It has eight inches of ground clearance, comes in AWD, has an eight-speed transmission, has loads of storage space and the fuel economy is excellent.
If you’re looking for a slightly smaller vehicle, turn your eyes to the Kia Sorento, a midsize SUV. Equipped with Electronic Stability Control and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, the Sorento is a viable option for the outdoors. As you would expect with any vehicle made for the outdoors, the Kia Sorento has a center locking differential, which allows full power to be split between the front and rear axles. The Kia Sorento comes with an all-wheel-drive option and an advanced cold weather package.
An outdoor adventure could be considered going to the beach and surfing, and what better vehicle than the Kia Soul. Its look alone gives off a surfer-type vibe, and its versatile interior makes it perfect for those weekend adventures. It comes at a great price point and has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is essential to have good tunes for road trips.
With the outdoor season upon us, head on over to Kia of Saskatoon and get ready for adventures.