What to Expect During a @Kia Ride and Drive Event

This past weekend, I got to experience one of the Kia Ride and Drive Events here in Atlanta.  You’ll usually find these events as part of Auto Shows where you are exploring a bunch of new cars on the market and it’s like candy in a candy store for car lovers.  This one was a bit different.

This was more like those pop up events and it took place during the American Royale Regional Cheerleading Championship at LakePoint Sports Arena.  As tons of families piled into the arena with their hearts on their sleeves and victory on their minds, Kia was there to give them a little break from the busy weekend.

These Ride and Drive opportunities have been popping up all over the country and you may be seeing one of these in your city soon. If and when you do, here’s what to expect during a Kia Ride and Drive Event.

What is a Ride and Drive?

First, if you’re not familiar with the concept of a ride and drive, this is an opportunity to get behind the wheel and actually drive around a usually preset route in the vehicle you choose.  A representative joins you in the vehicle and can answer all of your questions about the car.  The point is to help you experience the car just as you would in your own every day life.  In other words, feel free to set your own music, put your bags in the trunk, adjust your mirrors, and get comfortable!

It’s definitely not a sales event. Like, no one is selling you cars, checking your credit, or anything like that.  Just a fun, free ride in a new car.

After participating in your ride and drive, you may also get some sort of a prize.  This time, we got a $10 gift certificate to Dick’s Sporting Goods. 

Who can participate in a Ride and Drive?

Any driver with a valid license can participate in a Ride and Drive Event.  You will be asked to fill out your information on a tablet or form and provide your driver’s licence to a representative.  Additionally – and this was a new experience for me – you may be asked to take a breathalyzer test before driving the vehicle.  Sounds crazy, but you never know how many people might be a little over-celebratory at an event.

What cars can you drive during a Ride and Drive?

For this event, Kia brought out almost their entire fleet of the newest vehicles (2017 models) for the Ride and Drive.  I had my choice of the 2017 Kia Cadenza, 2017 Kia Soul,  2017 Kia Sorento, 2017 Optima, 2017 Optima Hybrid, and the 2017 Sedona.  The only car that was not yet available was the all new Kia Niro, but, of course, I got the ride of a lifetime in the Niro just a few months ago.

After an old school game of “that’s my car,” I finally decided on trying out the 2017 Kia Sorento and loved it!  It’s surprisingly way more spacious on the inside than you’d imagine by looking from the outside and has great horsepower. I also loved driving in sport mode which helps take on the turns a lot better than many SUVs. The panoramic sunroof is also a plus on this vehicle.

Learn something new

Now, I am no car expert and I’m often blown away by some of the newest car technologies. Again, at the Ride and Drive events, they’re gonna let you drive the most souped up cars available for the line, showcasing all of the bells and whistles.  One of the coolest things I discovered is sort of the next level to the park assist feature! It was a 360 parking view that allows the driver to see the entire landscape around the car while parking, helping you to see if you’re close enough to the curb while parallel parking. What will they think of next?

Relax and Recharge

Even when you’re not driving around, you are welcome to just take a seat, relax, charge your phone, etc. at the designated stations. Again, this isn’t a salesy thing, so no one will kick you out for lounging around.

Hamster Selfies

Lastly, if you’re lucky, you’ll get a chance to take a selfie with America’s favorite hamster!  I got a hamster sighting this weekend and whenever sometime snapped a selfie and posted it, they got a special gift.

There are several of these pop up Ride and Drive events happening all around the country, but if you’re in the Atlanta area, be sure to check out the upcoming Spring Into Summer Tournament – Sand Volleyball
Tournament at Lakepoint on April 1st-2nd.  You can also go HERE for a list of some upcoming events and learn more about the 2017 Kia line up!

Have you experienced a Kia Ride and Drive event? Share your experience below!