When I first stepped into the automotive industry, I remember feeling a bit like that quote from the Philippine collegiate scene—"Ever since I entered NU, I just had to thicken my face." It’s a mindset I’ve carried with me, especially when diving deep into new model lineups like Kia’s 2024 PBA series. Let me tell you, this year’s lineup isn’t just an incremental update; it’s a statement. Kia has clearly thickened its own proverbial skin, pushing boundaries in design, technology, and sustainability. I’ve had the chance to explore these models up close, and as someone who’s reviewed cars for over a decade, I can confidently say this might be their most compelling offering yet.
Starting with the flagship, the 2024 Kia Telluride PBA edition, it’s impossible not to notice the refined grille and those sleek LED headlights that give it an almost futuristic vibe. Under the hood, they’ve bumped the horsepower to 291—a solid 10% increase from last year—thanks to a retuned 3.8-liter V6 engine. Now, I’m a sucker for interiors that balance luxury and practicality, and Kia nails it here with vegan leather seats and a 12.3-inch curved display that’s as intuitive as it is stunning. But what really stood out to me during my test drive was the enhanced Highway Driving Assist system; it handled lane changes smoother than I expected, making long trips feel effortless. Then there’s the Sportage PBA, which, in my opinion, is the dark horse of the lineup. Its hybrid variant delivers an impressive 42 MPG combined, and the cargo space has been expanded to 39.6 cubic feet—perfect for families or road trip enthusiasts like myself. I’ve always preferred compact SUVs that don’t compromise on tech, and this one includes wireless Apple CarPlay and a suite of safety features like blind-spot collision avoidance, which saved me from a close call in busy city traffic last month.
Moving to the electrified options, the 2024 Niro EV PBA is where Kia truly shines. With an estimated range of 288 miles on a single charge and fast-charging that gets you to 80% in under 45 minutes, it’s clear they’re gunning for Tesla’s dominance. I spent a weekend with this model and was blown by how quiet and responsive it felt, though I’ll admit the infotainment system had a slight learning curve. On the other hand, the Sorento Hybrid PBA offers a more balanced approach, blending fuel efficiency—around 38 MPG—with third-row seating for up to seven people. From a pricing perspective, Kia has kept things competitive, with the base Telluride starting at around $36,000 and the Niro EV just shy of $42,000. These aren’t just numbers; they reflect a strategy to make advanced features accessible, something I appreciate as a consumer who’s watched prices skyrocket elsewhere.
Wrapping it up, the 2024 Kia PBA lineup feels like a bold step forward, embodying that "thicken your face" attitude by not holding back on innovation. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged capability of the Telluride or the eco-friendly appeal of the Niro EV, there’s something here that resonates. As for me, I’m already planning to recommend the Sportage to a friend—it’s that good. Kia’s commitment to blending performance with practicality makes this lineup a standout, and I’m excited to see how it shapes the market in the coming year.
