Peanut Butter Bars and Road Trip with Kia Sorento EX
A couple weeks ago, we had the privilege of test driving a Kia Sorento EX. Seriously my friends…I could have cried when they picked up this vehicle! I’ve done lots of reviews over the last few years, but this one…I really, REALLY didn’t want to send back!
The Kia Sorento EX couldn’t have arrived at a better time, we were able to take it to Chicago and a little family road trip to Franklin College to visit the Baseball Coaches and watch the team that Nick will play with next year.
We packed up the back with blankets for the Baseball Game, Coolers filled with drinks and a Basket filled with food for the trip including Peanut Butter Bars {recipe below}. The 3rd row of seats flip up to provide additional seating when needed which was great for the long trip so we could all spread out a little.
The keyless push button start is pretty cool! No more digging for the keys in your purse or pocket, just have the Smart Key in the car and the vehicle recognizes it and you are able to just fire up the engine with a push of the button. The first couple days, I kept reaching to turn the keys…old habits die hard, but I quickly learned how convenient it was not to dig for keys.
One of the features I liked best was the In-Dash Navigation, because we all know that men don’t like stopping for directions. Simply type in the location and a couple clicks later you are ready to go.
The map shows you exactly where are you and highlights your route for you.
The backup warning system is pretty neat too, it really came in handy backing out of our driveway and some of the parking lots. Our youngest son thought it was the neatest thing and took over as the navigator any time we were backing up.
After 3 hours…we arrived at Franklin College where Nick will be attending in the Fall and also playing baseball. We are super excited for him!
We hopped back in the Kia Sorento EX, and all decided that Fazoli’s sounded good for dinner. So we typed in the restaurant, and sure enough…there was one pretty close.
And even better…turn by turn directions with voice description so we could keep our eyes on the road.
And the gas mileage? GREAT! I was so surprised my friends, they delivered the Kia on Monday, we drove to an away baseball game that night, to Chicago on Tuesday and never added a drop of gas until Thursday morning. Doug figured we got about 27 miles per gallon on the road trip.
And for dessert…we still had some Peanut Butter Bars to snack on for the ride home.
We all had a great time on the road trip, but above all we felt safe. The Sorento comes standard with 6 Airbags to keep everyone safe and the front and rear 3-Point seat belts are also a great safety feature.
All and all…we loved it! Currently, we have 2 vehicles for 4 drivers, which has worked but been very difficult making sure all the rides were covered. Doug and I will definitely be looking at a Kia for our next vehicle purchase.
Peanut Butter Bars
A favorite, easy bar cookie. Recipe from HoosierHomemade.com
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Peanut Butter {crunchy or smooth}
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 oz Chocolate Chips {I use milk chocolate}
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray 13x9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cream together butter, both sugars and peanut butter.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Spread in prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle with chocolate chips on top.
- Place in oven for 5 minutes, remove and swirl chips into peanut butter mixture with a knife. Return to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes longer.
- Cool and cut into bars.
Disclosure: We were given the Kia Sorento EX to drive for one week in exchange for this post. As always, my opinions are all my own. Thanks to DriveSTI for setting it all up!
