Hi all. I'm considering getting the EX with Tech Package, but I'm wondering about the reliability of the Tech Package and if it's worth the extra nearly 3k. For those of you who use it routinely, does it work well? What are your thoughts / opinions on the Lane Departure Warrning, AEB, Smart Cruise Control, etc. Also wondering about the Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Also, what's the warranty on those features? I assume they're not covered under the 10-year warranty?
I wouldn't buy it without the tech package. I use all of these features everyday. I hope reliability is good, no issues so far, it is no different than any other part of your car and probably least likely to have an issue compared to what's under the hood. These technologies have been out for a while, not first time in autos so it gives me some confidence. The cruise is awesome as is the blind spot and lane guidance. When my kids drive, they will be nice extra safety features to have. The auto braking has kicked in twice when people have stopped abruptly without notice and it is helpful to reduce the likelihood of an accident in my opinion.
If you want a vehicle from the past, don't get it....most vehicles now offer them in some form. Kia is NOT using the latest tech but it is fairly up to date.
Do power steering and ABS power brakes add to complexity, yes!!!! Are they worth it, ABSOLUTELY.
We sprung for the tech package on our EX as well, largely for the adaptive cruise control. Tech package also includes automatic emergency braking , lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. Blind spot detection and cross traffic are standard on the EX.
My first car with adaptive cruise control and wow, did that take some getting used to. Lots of ways you can tweak it though (follow 1,2,3 or 4 seconds, respond slowly, normal, aggressively) .
I haven't had the guts or bad luck to test out the automatic emergency braking. Had one case where the forward collision warning came well after I noticed the impatient driver cut in front of me (manual does say that's a case the sensors might not pick up in time).
As for the EX-standard tech:
The blind spot detection/warning is a little annoying. Drivers ed taught me to set mirrors wide; with mirrors set that way, I haven't had a case where the blind spot detector found a car that I did not, and it beeps (gently) at me while I am indicating a lane change but waiting for a gap in traffic.
rear cross traffic has been good the handful of times I've needed it.
We also got the "Full Meal Deal" and love it. The package seems to be worth it. Love the blind spot detection, cross traffic, adaptive cruise, forward collision and auto emergency braking (but like roblatham ... no guts to try it out.). Look at other vehicles with the mpg, options and price & warranty.. don't think you can do any better.
With the exception of adaptive cruise I have all that stuff on my SX and I find it works just fine. After one year and 25000 km no problems at all with any of it. FWIW
I didn't know where to talk about the driving assistance features of this car, so this seems to be the best place.
If you want to the mirrors to stay open and the doors unlocked when you walk away from the car, you have to turn off all of the driving assistance features. I think this is unfortunate because when my car is in the garage, I would rather it stay unlocked when I need to go out and get something from there. I would like to use my backup camera warning (in my EX); but, I feel that the the positive outweighs the negative to leave my one feature off to keep the car from locking itself.
The smart cruise control is very impressive. Rear detection
The smart cruise control is very impressive. Rear detection is helpful as well in cramped, busy parking lots. Forward detection is convenient in the garage, and blind-spot has limited, but functional use. It's better money spent than the crippled, Android-based UVO Nav upgrade imho.
I wanted and got the tech package too for the CC. I found on my Florida trip I took if you take off the traction control the CC will not work and says adaptive cc parameter's not met.
I researched every hybrid that was on the market last November and December. I had three main selection criteria: assistive technology, mileage, and value. I ended up with the Niro EX Premium package. I think the only difference between it and the Touring package are 16" wheels and 5 MPG better mileage rating. The only feature I haven't tried yet is the power sunroof but "Springter" is rumored to end soon, so it may open up soon....
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