Making the Most of Your Drive: Tips for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Users

At Crain Kia of Sherwood, we’re excited to share some big news. The new 2025 Kia EV9 now comes with something called Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology. This smart feature lets your car do more than just drive—it can help power your home! This means your Kia EV9 can work like a backup power source. If your lights go out during a storm or a planned shutoff, your EV9 can keep your home running. It’s a safe, smart way to stay prepared—and maybe even save money on your energy bill. What Is Vehicle-to-Home? Vehicle-to-Home, or V2H, is a way to use your EV9’s battery to give power to your house. It works with a special charger called the Wallbox Quasar 2. This charger sends power to your car, and it can also send power back to your home. This helps in many ways: It keeps the power on during outages. It can lower your energy bill. It works well with solar panels, too, so you can save even more money. With V2H, your car becomes more than just a ride—it becomes part of your home’s energy plan. How Does It Work? Here’s how to get started with Vehicle-to-Home with your Kia EV9: Pre-order the Quasar 2 charger Visit the Wallbox website to order the Quasar 2 charger and Power Recovery Unit. Install the equipment A licensed electrician will install the Quasar 2 in your home. Use your EV9 to power your home When the power goes out, or during peak electric hours, your car can power lights, the fridge, and other appliances. The Quasar 2 gives up to 12kW of power, which is enough for many things in your home. It also charges your EV9 quickly. Save Money with Smart Charging Electric rates go up during peak hours. But with V2H, you can charge your car at low costs (like at night). Later, you can use that stored energy to power your home when electricity costs more. If you have solar panels on your roof, it gets even better. You can charge your EV9 using the sun during the day and then use that solar power at night. Why Sherwood Drivers Love the Kia EV9 The Kia EV9 is already winning awards. It’s the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, and it’s packed with smart features like: Ultra-fast charging Room for 6–7 passengers Digital Key technology V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) power output Now, with V2H, it becomes even more useful for families and homeowners in Sherwood, Little Rock, and Central Arkansas. Order Your Kia EV9 at Crain Kia of Sherwood Want to learn more about how the EV9 can power your home? Our team at Crain Kia of Sherwood, your trusted Kia dealer in Sherwood, AR, is here to help. Come visit us to see the EV9 in person and ask about ordering the Wallbox Quasar 2. We'll walk you through how this technology works and help you get started. Stay powered. Save money. Drive smarter. The Kia EV9 with Vehicle-to-Home is here—and it’s ready to change the way you think about driving and energy. 🔌 Ask us how to power your home with your EV!

At Crain Kia of Sherwood, we understand that great sound improves every journey. Whether driving to work or enjoying a long road trip, a top-notch audio system in your Kia can enhance your experience. Kia features three premium audio options: Harman Kardon, Bose, and Meridian. Let's take a closer look at each system to help you choose the perfect one for your needs. Meridian: Luxury Sound Kia's collaboration with Meridian offers exceptional quality if you're in the market for a high-end sound system. Meridian systems are engineered to provide an authentic and natural listening experience. Kia models with Meridian sound systems include: Kia EV6 Kia EV9 Meridian harnesses Horizon technology to convert stereo sound into multichannel audio, allowing you to enjoy a rich surround sound experience. Its RE-Q technology reduces unwanted cabin noise, and Intelli-Q automatically tunes the audio based on factors like speed and window position. With Meridian, you can expect a top-notch, personalized sound experience for those who appreciate quality audio. Bose: Clear Audio Bose is well-known for its crisp and well-balanced audio, and Kia includes these sound systems in a few of its vehicles. These systems offer clear, high-quality sound for everyone in the car, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience for both the driver and passengers. Kia models with Bose systems include: Kia Carnival: 12 speakers with advanced audio technology Kia K5: 12 speakers Kia Seltos: 8 speakers Kia Sorento: 12 speakers with advanced audio technology Bose's Centerpoint technology enhances audio signals for a truly immersive experience. Meanwhile, SurroundStage technology guarantees that everyone in the car enjoys the same high-quality sound. If you're looking for an accurate and dependable sound system, Bose is a great option. Harman Kardon: Immersive Sound Harman Kardon offers an incredible audio experience in various Kia models. It's an excellent option for music lovers who appreciate rich and clear sound. Kia models with Harman Kardon systems include: Kia Niro Kia Sportage Kia Telluride Harman Kardon’s Clari-Fi technology enhances compressed music by bringing back details, improving your songs' overall sound quality. Additionally, the QLS technology creates an immersive surround sound experience, wrapping you in the music. If you love being fully engulfed in your tunes, Harman Kardon is an excellent choice. Find Your Perfect Audio System at Crain Kia of Sherwood Check out our selection of top-notch audio systems at Crain Kia of Sherwood. Whether you're interested in the rich sound of Harman Kardon, the clear tones of Bose, or the deep bass of Meridian, our friendly team is ready to help you find the ideal audio system for your Kia. We at Crain Kia of Sherwood believe the right music can make your drive feel like an adventure. That’s why we invite you to come in and try out our audio systems for yourself. Take a test drive with us, and see how a new sound system can make your time on the road even more enjoyable. Visit our blog to learn about Kia App-Connect and utilize navigation, music, and more from your smartphone.

At Crain Kia of Sherwood, we’re thrilled to tell you about Kia's latest in-car technology: Kia AI Assistant. This amazing feature is here to make your time on the road smarter, safer, and more fun than ever before. If you’re a driver in Sherwood, AR, you’re going to love how this technology can change the way you drive. Let’s take a closer look at what the Kia AI Assistant can do and why it’s such a big deal. What Is the Kia AI Assistant? The Kia AI Assistant is a voice-activated system that lets you control your car’s features and get answers to your questions—just by using your voice. Built on advanced technology, including ChatGPT, and customized by Kia, this assistant is easy to use and super helpful. It’s like having a personal co-pilot right in your car! This exciting feature first appeared in the all-new Kia K4 sedan, and it’s already making waves for its ability to simplify your life. How Does the Kia AI Assistant Work? Using the Kia AI Assistant is as easy as saying, “Hey, Kia.” You can also press the AI Assistant button on your steering wheel to get started. Once it’s activated, you can ask it to do all sorts of things. Here are just a few examples: Control Your Car: Say something like, “Turn on the air conditioner” or “Turn off the heated seats,” and the AI Assistant will take care of it. Get Answers: Have a random question? Ask, “Why is the sky blue?” or “How do I change a flat tire?” and get a clear, easy-to-understand answer. Plan Your Trip: Need directions or recommendations? The AI Assistant can help you find the best route or suggest fun places to visit nearby. Entertainment: Want to listen to your favorite song or find a podcast? Just ask, and the AI Assistant will make it happen. Why Sherwood Drivers Will Love It For drivers in Sherwood, AR, the Kia AI Assistant isn’t just a fancy gadget—it’s a tool that makes everyday life easier. It’s perfect for busy parents, commuters, or anyone who wants a little extra help on the road. The Future of Kia AI Technology The Kia AI Assistant is part of a bigger trend in the car industry. Automakers like VW, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are using generative AI to create more natural, conversational experiences in their vehicles. This means your car isn’t just a machine—it’s a smart companion that can adapt to your needs. Visit Crain Kia of Sherwood Today Ready to see the Kia AI Assistant in action? Stop by Crain Kia of Sherwood to learn more about this incredible technology and check out our lineup of innovative vehicles, including the all-new Kia K4. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect Kia for your lifestyle. With Kia AI Assistant, driving in Sherwood, AR, has never been smarter or more enjoyable. Don’t miss out on this exciting technology—visit us today and see how Kia is changing how we drive! Stop by and test drive one of our Kia vehicles today.