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A Fall Travel Guide to Autumnal Wonders Abound: Southeast Wisconsin and Greater Chicago Area We’re hitting the road in search of some of the best Fall Foliage views in the Southeast Wisconsin and Chicago areas.  Grab a pumpkin spice latte, a hot apple cider, your camera, some friends, and get on out there to enjoy the crisp autumn weather together!  Our Fall Foliage report has some of the best sites to see and visit for optimum seasonal content for your socials or your scrapbooks. more Here are some tips for photographing autumnal wonders with your smartphone: Charge your phone before you go! You don’t want to get to the top of the vista point only to find your prize-winning shot is a miss because you used your last 10% battery on one-to-many selfies! Bring a portable charging device with you. Pocket sized travel chargers and fast-charge cables will be your best friend on your trip into the wilderness. Shoot in horizontal orientation. Hold your phone between both hands, with your elbows near to your body for stability. Aim to shoot your vista points at sunrise or just before sunset. The “Golden Hour” provides the best light in the autumn, and creates truly spectacular imagery. Softer, waning light is better than the harsh direct light of midday. Use the “grid” feature to compose your image, and avoid using digital zoom. To avoid a pixelated picture, resist that digital zoom option on your phone. Move closer to your subject, or utilize the grid to frame the scene within squares to crop the image using a photo app like Snapseed after the fact instead. Now that you’re ready to go, let’s plan our leaf-peeping trail crawl! Wisconsin’s State Wide Fall Foliage Report Kenosha County peak leaf season is the 2nd week in October Racine Wisconsin area’s peak leaf season is 2nd week of October Pleasant Prairie area’s peak leaf season is 3rd week of October Lake Geneva peak leaf season is 3rd week of October Here are some great places to view fall foliage in the Kenosha, Racine, and Pleasant Prairie vicinities: Bristol Woods County Park Fox River Water Trail Brighton Dale Park Petrifying Springs Park Old Settler’s Park Pritchard Park Island Park Carre-Hogle Park Maple Grove Park Quarry Lake Park Gordon Tabor Woods River Bend Nature Center Ponderosa Pit Trail System Northern Trailhead for Donald Hackbarth Trail Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area Kenosha Sand Dunes Spring Bluff Forest Preserve Three of the Top Must See Destinations for Fall Foliage in Wisconsin Holy Hil; Hubertus, WI Located at 1525 Carmel Road in Hubertus, WI 53033 The church, shrine and grounds are open daily from 5AM through 5PM Over half-a-million visitors make the trek to come visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary at Holy Hill every year!  Although many visitors come to the site for prayer and meditation, it’s absolutely worth the visit for the breathtaking views of fall foliage and hilltop sunset views.  In addition, the gorgeous Romanesque architecture of the church is a truly spectacular site against the rich sunset hued treetops.  It’s truly a sight to behold. The Scenic Tower is open Sundays from 1:45PM to 4:30PM, and Monday-Saturday from 9AM to 4:30PM; please note that it is not possible to remain socially distanced in the tower due to space constraints, and it is advised you mask up and use caution and enter at your own risk. Lake Geneva between Milwaukee and Chicago Located at 201 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva, WI 43147 Enjoy the spectacular fall foliage along the lakeside with a visit to Lake Geneva.  Stay at the Abbey Resort and you can snag a truly special view of the fall colours from the water on the Fall Colours Cruise.  Perhaps you’re looking for an up-close-and-personal view of the foliage, in which case the Lake Geneva Zipline Adventures will be right up your alley.  If you’re more interested in hiking or biking you can try any of the areas trails such as the Lake Geneva Shore Path, Big Foot Beach State Park, Bromley Woods, or the Four Seasons Nature Preserve. Seven Bridges Trail, Grant Park in South Milwaukee Located at S Lake Drive & Park Avenue in South Milwaukee, WI 53172 Grant Park, established in 1911, is one of the area’s oldest parks.  Seven Bridges Trail is a heavily wooded area that’s just perfect for all you “Autumn leaf peepers!”  In addition you’ll find plenty of local fall flora and foliage, including wildflowers and ferns.  The 2-mile trail features multiple scenic walkways and bridges along a series of ravines along the shores of Lake Michigan.  The forest has a truly enchanting appearance, and you’ll definitely find yourself lost in meditative repose amidst the glorious fall foliage hues. Fall Foliage in Chicago Area Get a little taste of the great outdoors in and around the bustling metropolis of Chicago!  That’s right, you can find some of the most iconic autumn views in and around the busy cityscape.  We’re highly recommending three in particular but we’ve also got a shortlist of additional sites to check out if you’re feeling adventurous. View the Illinois full fall foliage report here. Four of the Top Must See Places for Fall Foliage Chicago Chicago Botanic Garden Located at 1000 Lake-Cook Road in Glencoe, IL 60022 Walk the path between the Botanic Gardens’s visitor Center and Conservation Science Center and you’ll find a spectacular array of Japanese Maples, Sumac Trees, Fruit-bearing shrubbery, and ample selection of perennial flora.  The 285 acre grounds are free admission to roam, making it a great place to bring your family and friends for a group outing. Morton Arboretum Located at 4100 IL-53 on Lisle, IL 60532 Established in 1922 by Joy Morton of Morton Salt on just 175 acres, the property has expanded to 1,700 acres of woodland area with wetlands, botanical gardens, and outdoor activities for families.  In addition to hiking and outdoor fun, you can elect to sign up for workshops or visit the Museum with an expansive Library on site!  Admission ranges from Free for members to $8-14 per individual by age.  Interested in the arts? Explore some of the sculptures and art on the grounds, too!  There’s something for everyone to enjoy this Autumn! Graceland Cemetery Located at 4001 N. Clark Street in Chicago, IL 60613 What could be better for Halloween and October than a fall foliage tour in a graveyard?  The Graceland Cemetery is home to numerous local celebrities and notable citizens of Chicago area.  You can sign up for a group tour of the grounds via the Chicago Architecture Center, or opt instead for a self-guided tour of the statues and exquisite mausoleums. Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory Located at 300 N. Central Park Avenue in Chicago, IL 60624 One of the biggest facilities for botanical conservation and studies in the US, this indoor conservatory showcases exquisite botanical gardens and rare specimens up close and personal.  Step inside the tropical rainforest greenhouses, or explore the 10+ acres of outdoor gardens and recreational areas.  Tickets are currently available as timed-entry for COVID restrictions, but admission is free or a suggested donation.  Explore the gardens all day long or sign up for a special event, educational program, or urban agriculture workshop.  It’s a magical way to experience fall colours and autumnal activities! More Great Fall Foliage Destinations Just a Short Drive Away Humboldt Drive in Humboldt Park; Chicago, IL Winnemac Park; Chicago IL Schiller Woods along Des Plaines Trail; Chicago, IL Grandview Drive; Peoria Heights, IL Illinois River Road, National Scenic Byway; Peoria, IL Midway Plaisance between Jackson Park and Washington Park; Chicago, IL Prairie Sky Orchard; Union, IL Stade’s Farm and Market; McHenry, IL Got a favourite place for leaf peeping that we’ve left off the list? Let us know in the comments below, and your picks might just end up in a future post.

It's no secret that SUVs have never been more popular, and at Classic Kia we have plenty of great options to offer drivers who want a bit more space or more advanced capabilities in their next vehicle. One of our new favorites is the 2020 Kia Telluride, and it's our biggest SUV model to date. more 2020 Kia Telluride details The 2020 Kia Telluride is powered by a potent 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. That gives this Kia SUV the heft needed to tow up to 5,000 pounds. There are four trim levels to choose from, ranging from the LX to the SX, and each offers an advanced all-wheel-drive system and multiple driving modes. Go for comfort, focus on performance, or quickly adapt to changing weather conditions and environmental hazards like snow. The 2020 Kia Telluride has your back in all kinds of conditions. This new Kia model is also available with a wide range of safety features and advanced in-car technologies that improve your experience every time you're behind the wheel. Most trim levels offer smartphone integration features and a 10.25-inch touchscreen alongside an advanced infotainment system. Drivers can also add in a head-up display, rear USB ports, and even wireless smartphone charging capabilities. Available safety features include a surround-view monitor, Rear Occupant Alert, and Highway Driving Assist, which can automatically adjust to the speed of the car ahead of you and changes in speed limits. The 2020 Kia Telluride makes for a dependable family car. So if you're in the market for a new SUV that offers the cargo space you need and seating for up to eight people, visit our Kia dealership serving Kenosha, WI and ask about the 2020 Kia Telluride. We know that this spacious SUV won't let you down!

If you're in the market for a small crossover, we have some good news. The new 2021 Kia Seltos has arrived at Classic Kia! This brand new Kia vehicle offers a fun driving experience, multiple engine choices, and the useful in-car tech you've been searching for. more 2021 Kia Seltos The 2021 Kia Seltos is available in five trim levels. Three come equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The S Turbo and SX Turbo unsurprisingly offer a turbo engine, with an output of 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. You can also choose to add in an all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring. It's easy to pick out the options that make this new Kia model the best possible crossover for you and your family. This new Kia crossover also offers a number of standard technology features, from a rear camera and an eight-inch touchscreen to smartphone integration features like Android Auto™. Higher trim levels add safety features like Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keeping Technology, and Driver Attention Warning, which can actually tell if you're getting drowsy behind the wheel. The 2021 Kia Seltos can even be equipped with features that you might find in a luxury car, including heated seats and outside mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wireless smartphone charging capabilities. There's a capable 2021 Kia Seltos model for every driver and budget! Don't just take our word about the capable 2021 Kia Seltos though. Visit our Kia dealership serving Gurnee, IL and test drive this impressive new Kia vehicle for yourself. Our knowledgeable Kia dealers are standing by, ready to answer all of your questions!

When you come into Classic Kia, you expect the best, because we strive to give you the best Kia dealership experience possible. From Waukegan to Kenosha, WI, everyone knows they can trust the folks at Classic Kia. Today, we want to help out car shoppers looking to lease a car. more First off, a question many first-time lessees want to know is “Why lease in the first place?” Well, the answer is simple – for most, it’s the most affordable option available if they want to drive a new vehicle because you’re not paying for the whole car. Unlike financing, where you pay for the complete value of the vehicle over a period of monthly payments, the monthly payments in a lease represent the depreciation, or diminished value, of the car while you’re driving it. For example, let’s say you lease a new 2020 Kia Optima with an estimated value of $25,000 for three years. Our Kia dealers will estimate how much the value of that vehicle will depreciate over the course of your loan, and you have to pay that. If we estimate that the vehicle loses 40% of its value over the course of the lease, you’ll be paying off $10,000 over the course of three years, plus any fees and taxes. And don’t forget – once you lease a new Kia car with us, we can help you upgrade to the very newest model when your lease is up. So, come in today to discover a new way to purchase a car, or just bring home the next big thing. Our experienced Waukegan, IL Kia dealers are ready to give you the deal of a lifetime on the Kia lease you’ve been looking for.

Over the next year, the experts at Kia are premiering a brand-new SUV that’s made for versatility and performance under all road conditions: the 2021 Kia Seltos. Today, we’re going to cover some of its finer points and explain why it’s a vehicle that’s worth your consideration. more This all-new crossover comes equipped right from the base trim – standard on all 2021 Kia Seltos models are features many other vehicles require a premium for, like automatic emergency braking, Lane-Keeping Technology, Sofino leatherette-trimmed seats with blue accents, and heated front seats. That last one should be especially useful for our Gurnee Kia auto customers. While it’s designed to comfort at all levels, the 2021 Kia Seltos is also designed to perform in pretty much all environments. With an available turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, you can develop an impressive 195 lb-ft of torque and 175 horsepower, giving you a responsive ride and quick pickup to keep your commute fun. While Front-Wheel-Drive is only standard on the S trim level, every other trim comes standard with All-Wheel-Drive to deliver the power your wheels need on icy roads and other unforgiving terrains. This feature also comes with an AWD Lock feature, which ensures that your front and rear wheels split the power from the engine evenly, gaining traction at low speeds to ensure that acceleration doesn’t spin you out. When it comes to technology features, the 2021 Kia Seltos comes with standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ to keep your hands off the phone and on the wheel much more often. Available wireless phone charging and a premium Bose® sound system with a connected mood lamp are just a few cutting-edge features that you’ll love from the test drive to the tenth year. Come in today for an excellent deal on this brand new crossover, and discover what it’s like behind the wheel with a test drive from Classic Kia: your Waukegan, IL Kia dealership.

With the winter getting colder and colder, the miles can really start to pile up on your new 2020 Kia Sorento or any other new or pre-owned cars you might have. So, to make sure that your Kia is going to survive the winter, then you need to make sure that it’s getting the maintenance it needs. And when it comes to maintenance, the most common procedure is an oil change. Today we want to tell you why you need to make sure you get your Kia in for service, especially in inclement weather. more The oil change happens so often because, well, it needs to. The oil keeps things as cool as possible in your Kia car’s engine, keeping it healthy. If oil gets too old, it gets thicker and generates more heat, which can lead to all kinds of problems. Your engine takes more wear and tear with older oil, and the engine needs to work harder to deliver the same performance you’re used to. It also reduces your fuel efficiency because the engine is working harder, which affects your bottom line on a more immediate basis than the long-term, slow-burn engine damage that old oil also inflicts. So when you need to get that oil change, your Kia deserves service from no one but the best – so bring them into our Waukegan, IL Kia dealership and let the technicians at our Kia service center perform your oil change. We also look at other parts of your vehicle that need to be replaced often, such as brake components, filters, fluid levels, and more. If need be, we can make repairs using only original equipment to ensure fitment and quality. So, head in today to prep your vehicle for the winter! Our technicians are ready to keep your Kia running strong for this winter.

Classic Kia loves showing off the new Kia models that the new year has given us. From the 2020 Kia Sportage to the 2020 Kia Stinger, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at our Kia dealership serving Kenosha, WI. This time around, we want to show off the new 2020 Kia Forte. This model year saw a complete overhaul of the venerated compact Kia car, and today we’re showing off some of the best features it has to offer. more The 2020 Kia Forte is ready to induce some serious driver’s envy – the GT model can pack a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to press your passengers back into their seats. Of course, the sports-like trim might be an indication of the power under the hood: the GT model comes with an exclusive grille, unique side sills, and a distinctive rear spoiler. Even with its powerful engine, this Kia model still gets an equally impressive 35 MPG combined, so you can get speedy while saving at the pump. But innovation under the hood doesn’t mean that the 2020 Forte is lacking in the cabin in terms of features, either. Available UVO eServices allows for seamless connectivity with your smartphone via Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay®, which can all be shown through a wide and easy-to-control 8-inch touchscreen. The inside also gets premium touches of its own – available SOFINO leather seating surfaces provide an elegant platform for you to enjoy the vehicles’ performance, and the 10-way power adjustable seating ensures that you can sit in maximum comfort. So come in to our Waukegan, IL Kia dealership today to take the 2020 Kia Forte out for a test drive. An expert Kia dealer will work with you to find the perfect model for your needs. See you soon!

When you come into Classic Kia, you already know that we’re going to offer you the very best in new and pre-owned Kia cars. But when it comes to new models, you might be a bit fuzzier on what they offer in terms of features. So today, we’re highlighting the features of the 2020 Kia Sorento – this full-sized SUV is ready to conquer the roads and trails with a variety of special features and technologies, and you can experience it for yourself at our Waukegan, IL Kia dealership! more With a huge 73 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, an available V6 engine with 290 horsepower, and base tech starting with a 7-inch color display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are just a taste of what you can expect. With seating for up to seven, you can bring along the entire family and pack all their stuff along with them. If you can’t fit it all in the car, don’t worry about it – the available V6 has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs, so you can tow an extra sack load of toys this year, or something even more special. And the drive is something to cherish in the 2020 Kia Sorento as well. An available 14-way power driver’s seat with an Integrated Memory System and heated front seats make sure that you’re going to be riding in style and in perfect comfort. There’s also the available panoramic sunroof to give you and your passengers the bright, shining view of the outdoors they’ve been missing out on in other, lesser SUVs. So what are you waiting for? Come test drive this new Kia Sorento yourself to discover the fun, power, and technology of Kia’s continuing commitment to automotive excellence this holiday, and every other one moving forward.

With the holidays upon us, it’s up to us to keep ourselves aware of the options we have available. When it comes to the 2020 Kia Optima there is no wrong choice, but there are plenty of options spread across its five trims: LX, S, EX, EX Premium, and SX. So today, Classic Kia wants to break down those choices, so you can figure out which one is right for you. As a guideline, remember that as the trim levels go up, all the features in the previous trim level are included. more First off, the 2020 Kia Optima LX may be the entry point for the Kia Optima, but the features are still very plentiful. An 8-inch touchscreen is at your disposal, as well as Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ coming in with no extra charge as well. The touchscreen also allows you to monitor your rear end while backing up thanks to the rear camera function – just one standard advanced safety feature among many others, which include Auto Emergency Braking and Warning technology, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Technology. Just a few of the many ways Kia is keeping you and others on the road safe. As you progress through the trim levels, you get more and more luxurious and advanced features at your disposal – with the Optima S, you get a Power Driver’s seat and a Smart Key with Push-Button Start, along with an available Panoramic Sunroof. With the Optima EX, you get a new Turbocharged engine with leather-trimmed seats with heating in the front, as well as the coveted Smart Cruise Control feature to keep you going with the flow, no matter how fast or slow. You can even push the envelope even harder with the EX Premium and SX trims, which have been designed for a more luxurious experience and a more exciting and captivating ride. Come in today for a test drive and ask a Waukegan, IL Kia dealer for a test drive – you won’t look back!

The 2020 Kia Optima has been steadily rolling onto our Waukegan, IL Kia dealership for a few weeks now, and it’s high time we talked to you all about the great features you can find on this latest and final version of the Kia Optima. You heard that right – there’s a complete redesign coming in 2021, so this will be the last year you’ll be able to get a vehicle that looks like this ever again. more Technology is one of the core features of the 2020 Kia Optima, a vehicle that considers itself a happy medium of the things everyone loves in a sedan – tech, comfort, and style. All 2020 models come standard with a huge 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, so right from the get-go, you’ll be able to access your favorite apps hands-free, no matter what trim you choose. You also get standard Automatic Emergency Braking. From there, the 2020 Kia Optima wasn’t content with a traditional, efficiency-minded engine. There are eco-friendly options of course, but this time around the Kia Optima offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which can belt out 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a set of standard steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to give you an exhilarating sense of control and an incredible ride for your passengers. This is a Kia Optima that’s ready to defy expectations. On the other hand, the 2020 Kia Optima also comes in both hybrid and plug-in varieties if you’re looking for something that gets better gas mileage but don’t want to compromise on the technology, looks, and power. The 2020 Kia Optima hybrid nets an impressive 45 MPG on the highway and 40 in the city, with a full 28 miles of purely electric range, giving it a huge 101 MPG estimated when used in conjunction with the gasoline engine. So whatever you come to the 2020 Kia Optima for, there’s an Illinois Kia dealer ready to get you behind the wheel. Come down to Classic Kia today do get an amazing deal on your new Kia Optima!

For those of us whose cars are just as unprepared for winter weather as we were, our service team at Classic Kia wants to help you out. If you’ve got a 2020 Kia Sorento, feel free to bring it into our Classic Kia dealership service center to get a quick and easy winterization appointment in so your new Kia Sorento isn’t left out in the cold. more To keep things simple think of Winterization as a slightly more in-depth maintenance appointment. First things first, your fluids and filters need to be checked out, and the certified maintenance pros at our service center will make sure that you’re in peak working order there. Also, we only use original Kia equipment to ensure proper fit and maximum longevity. From there, we check out the health of your Sorento’s tires. If you’ve been swapping your tires out seasonally, you’ve probably got a set of all-season or summer tires equipped on your new or pre-owned Kia cars. Now it’s time to switch to more suitable snow tires. Summer and all-season tires are designed with thinner and more numerous grooves for more contact on asphalt but don’t really help when trying to get traction in snow. A snow tire is specifically formulated to perform in cold-weather conditions, with much more aggressive and chunkier treads to allow you to keep your Sorento running smoothly even through dense snow or slippery ice. So come in today to get your Sorento outfitted and prepared for the cold. Our expert technicians will provide you with the right equipment and the proper tires to help you take the snowy roads and frosty trails with confidence this season. See you soon!

With the wintertime approaching, there’s nothing better than coming home to the new 2020 Kia Sorento. This 7-passenger midsize Kia SUV is back and ready to take on whatever you’ve got in store, as well as whatever the Waukegan, IL area has for it this winter. more Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to the new Kia Sorento. The standard seating for seven can be altered in any way you see fit to accommodate more cargo, thanks to the 40/20/40 split-folding second-row seats, and the 50/50 split third-row seats. All in all, a massive 73 cubic feet of cargo space can be adapted behind the front seats, making the 2020 Kia Sorento your catch-all vehicle for any purpose. With that versatility comes capability – with an available V6 engine, the 2020 Sorento can also tow up to 5,000 lbs when paired with All-Wheel Drive and the proper equipment. That means that your family can tag along in comfort, while you tow all your toys behind you for a great weekend away. Thanks to the Dynamax™ All-Wheel Drive, you’re also driving safer than ever thanks to its fully-active AWD system that monitors road conditions constantly and adapts to your needs on the fly. And while you’re driving, you can be sure to make your ride a pleasure thanks to the standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ with a 7-inch touchscreen to make the experience as cohesive and hands-free as possible, allowing your music to pass through an available sound system crafted by the master engineers at Harman Kardon, providing crystal-clear audio for everyone. The adventure is yours for the taking – come in to Classic Kia, serving Kenosha, WI and experience a test drive with the 2020 Kia Sorento! Our expert sales staff and finance professionals will make sure that you roll off our lot in a new Sorento that suits your lifestyle and your budget!