What to do for New Year’s Eve in the Akron area

Back-to-school season has a remarkable ability to turn a family vehicle into a shuttle bus, locker room, lunchroom, and mobile storage unit before 8 a.m. Kia's new lineup is well prepared for the chaos, with compact hybrids, 3-row SUVs, and an 8-passenger hybrid MPV offering very different approaches to family transportation. For families around Akron, OH, Kia covers everything from efficient school runs to weekends involving children, friends, sports equipment, and enough bags to suggest everyone is leaving town. Telluride and Sorento Bring the Third Row The redesigned 2027 Telluride is the larger SUV choice, seating up to 8 and using a 2.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 274 hp and 311 lbs. ft. of torque. There is 19.9 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the third row and up to 86.9 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded, leaving room for backpacks and groceries even when all 3 rows are occupied. The 2026 Sorento packages 3 rows into a smaller SUV and offers up to 75.5 cu. ft. of maximum cargo capacity. Gas models offer an available 281 hp Turbocharged 2.5L engine, while the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid produces 261 hp, includes standard AWD, and provides 31 miles of EPA-estimated electric range. Sportage Hybrid and Niro Hybrid Keep Things Compact Not every family needs a third row, and carrying empty seats around all week isn't especially rewarding. The 2027 Sportage Hybrid seats 5 and combines a 1.6L Turbo-Hybrid powertrain with 232 hp and 271 lbs. ft. of torque. FWD models achieve an EPA-estimated 40 city/42 highway/41 combined MPG, while AWD versions are rated at 35 city/36 highway/35 combined MPG. Available AWD with Multi-Terrain Mode also adds Snow, Mud, and Sand settings. The smaller 2027 Niro Hybrid sticks with FWD and puts greater emphasis on fuel efficiency and easy maneuverability, making it an appealing alternative for families whose school-day routine involves crowded parking lots instead of a third-row carpool. Technology Helps Keep the Day Organized Family-car technology is at its best when it removes small annoyances instead of creating new ones. Kia Connect on compatible models can provide remote functions, vehicle-status information, maintenance details, and other connected services through the Kia Access app. Depending on model and trim, families can also find wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, multiple USB charging ports, large digital displays, and available Digital Key technology. The 2027 Sportage Hybrid, for example, includes a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. These features become considerably more appreciated when several passengers arrive with phones hovering around 10% battery. Carnival MPV Hybrid Is the Space Specialist For maximum family flexibility, the 2027 Carnival MPV Hybrid takes a different route from Kia's SUVs. It seats up to 8 and uses a Turbocharged hybrid powertrain producing 242 hp and 271 lbs. ft. of torque while achieving an EPA-estimated 32 combined MPG. More impressive is the packaging: there is 40.2 cu. ft. of cargo room behind the third row and up to 145.1 cu. ft. behind the first row when configured for maximum cargo capacity. Available second-row VIP Lounge Seats can add heating, ventilation, leg extensions, and relaxation modes on select trims. Children may not require executive seating for the journey to soccer practice, but they're unlikely to complain about it. Find a Family-Friendly Kia at VanDevere Kia The best Kia for back-to-school duty depends on how many people and how much equipment need to come along. Telluride provides seating for up to 8 and generous cargo capacity, Sorento delivers 3 rows in a smaller package, and Sportage Hybrid and Niro Hybrid suit families prioritizing efficiency and easier maneuverability. Carnival MPV Hybrid goes all-in on passenger and cargo flexibility with seating for up to 8 and as much as 145.1 cu. ft. of cargo room. Akron, OH, families can visit VanDevere Kia to browse new Kia inventory, compare family SUVs and hybrids, explore financing options, value a trade-in, or schedule a test drive online today.

When you bought your Kia, you probably weren’t thinking about how much it would be worth a few years down the road. But you’re probably aware that thanks to depreciation, it’s worth less than you paid for it. But what is depreciation? Explaining Kia depreciation simply comes down to this: depreciation is the difference between what you pay for a car and what it's worth when you sell or trade it in. Understanding this concept can help you make a smarter buying decision when you're shopping in Akron, OH. What Is Vehicle Depreciation? Let’s start with the basics. Depreciation is the gradual loss of a vehicle's value over time. A new car can lose a significant portion of its value within the first year of ownership, and that decline continues each year after that. Several factors influence how quickly or slowly a vehicle depreciates, including brand reputation, model reliability, demand in the used market, and overall condition. Not all vehicles depreciate at the same rate. Some brands and models hold their value better than others, which is why it's worth researching before you buy. How Kia Vehicles Hold Their Value Over Time One of the most encouraging things about Kia ownership is how Kia vehicles hold their value over time compared to many other brands in the same segment. Kia has made tremendous strides in quality, reliability, and consumer perception over the past decade. That improved reputation directly impacts resale value, because buyers in the used market are more willing to pay a strong price for a vehicle with a solid track record. Models like the Kia Telluride and Kia Sportage have consistently ranked well in retained value studies, reflecting real-world demand for these vehicles on the used market. Key Factors That Affect Kia Resale Value Understanding how Kia vehicles hold their value over time means knowing which factors matter most. Mileage plays a big role - lower mileage at trade-in typically means a higher resale value. Maintenance history is equally important. Vehicles that have been serviced regularly and kept in good condition will always command a better price. Trim level is also important. Higher-trim Kia models often include more features that used-car buyers are looking for, which can slow depreciation. Color and available options can have a smaller but still real impact on what a buyer is willing to pay. Tips to Protect Your Kia's Resale Value There are practical steps you can take to help preserve your vehicle's value over time. Staying on top of routine maintenance - oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections - keeps the vehicle in strong mechanical shape. Keeping the interior and exterior clean and addressing minor damage quickly can also help at trade-in time. Storing service records is another smart habit. Buyers and dealers alike respond positively to documented maintenance history, and it can translate to a noticeably better offer. Why Depreciation Matters When You Finance or Lease Kia depreciation explained through a financing lens is just as important. If you finance a vehicle that depreciates quickly, you risk owing more on the loan than the car is worth - a situation commonly called being "upside down." Choosing a vehicle with strong retained value, like many Kia models, can reduce that risk. For lease shoppers, depreciation is directly tied to your monthly payment. A vehicle that holds its value better tends to have a lower residual loss, which can mean more favorable lease terms. Visit VanDevere Kia to Learn More Understanding Kia depreciation can take the guesswork out of buying your next vehicle. So, if you're weighing a new purchase, a trade-in, or a lease, knowing how value is retained over time puts you in a better position to negotiate and plan. Drivers throughout Akron, OH should drop by VanDevere Kia to explore current inventory and speak with a knowledgeable team member who can walk you through your options.

When a warning light pops up on your Kia's dashboard, it's tempting to pull out your phone and ask an AI chatbot what it means. AI vs Reality service is a question that is being asked more by drivers in Akron, Ohio and beyond as AI chatbots become more sophisticated, and it's important that you understand the limitations of AI. These tools have gotten impressively good at providing general information, but there's a gap between a general explanation and an accurate diagnosis of your specific vehicle. AI tools can correctly identify what a warning light symbol typically represents - things like a low tire pressure indicator or a check engine light.  The problem is that the same light can mean dozens of different things depending on your vehicle's history, mileage, trim level, and any stored fault codes. An AI can't read those codes or inspect your vehicle, making whatever answer you get incomplete at best. Why Dashboard Warning Lights Require More Than a Quick Search Every Kia has an onboard diagnostics system that stores detailed fault codes when something goes wrong. A trained technician uses specialized equipment to pull those codes and cross-reference them with your vehicle's specific data. That process can't be replicated by typing a description into a chatbot. This is especially important when you're dealing with lights that could indicate a serious issue. An oil pressure warning, a battery alert on an EV, or a brake system indicator all require hands-on inspection. Acting on incomplete AI-generated advice in those situations could turn a manageable repair into a much larger one. The Risk of Delaying Real Service Based on Online Advice One of the most common outcomes when drivers rely too heavily on online or AI-generated answers is that they delay bringing their vehicle in for service. If an AI tells you a warning light "probably isn't serious," that reassurance - however well-intentioned - isn't backed by a physical inspection. Kia's engineering is designed to alert you early, before small issues escalate. Drivers in Akron, OH deal with road conditions, temperature swings, and driving patterns that can all influence how a warning system behaves. A technician familiar with Kia vehicles understands those variables and can account for them in a way that no algorithm can. What a Kia-Trained Technician Actually Does Differently When you bring your Kia in because of a warning light, a certified technician connects directly to your vehicle's diagnostic system. They're reading live data, checking technical service bulletins specific to your model year, and physically inspecting components when needed. That combination of digital and hands-on evaluation is what makes the difference between a guess and a real answer. Kia also backs its vehicles with an industry-leading warranty, which means prompt, professional service at an authorized location can also protect your coverage. Skipping that step or delaying it based on AI misinformation could put that protection at risk. When It's OK to Use Online Tools - and When It's Not There's nothing wrong with doing a quick search to understand what a dashboard symbol looks like or to get a general sense of what it might indicate. That kind of research can help you have a more informed conversation when you call to schedule service. What it shouldn't do is replace that call entirely. If the light is flashing, if it's red, or if you notice any change in how your vehicle drives, those are clear signs to stop using AI and contact a qualified technician right away. Get Real Answers at VanDevere Kia The AI vs Reality service question comes down to this: AI is useful for general information, but it's not a substitute for professional diagnostics. If your Kia's warning light comes on, use online resources to learn more - then bring your vehicle in to have it properly inspected. Drivers throughout Akron, OH can count on expert Kia service from VanDevere Kia to get accurate answers and keep their vehicle running at its best. Don't let a convenient AI shortcut turn into a costly delay.