Manual vs Automatic Transmission in Highland Park, IL

Manual vs Automatic Transmission in Highland Park, IL

No two motorists are the same, which is why it’s important to ensure you’ve got the correct equipment that matches your preferred driving style. As such, we at McGrath Kia of Highland Park have created this overview to give you an idea of what you can expect from the three major transmission types. Once you've read the information below, feel free to contact us with any questions!
Automatic Transmission
An automatic transmission takes a lot of the learning curve out of driving by shifting gears for you without requiring any significant input. If you’re someone who’s new to driving or prefers to stay relaxed while traveling to Exmoor Country Club, this option will make your time behind the wheel more intuitive. Automatic transmissions, like any mechanical component, need routine maintenance to keep functioning properly. It’s advised that you get your component serviced every 60,000 miles to ensure it remains in proper working order.
Manual Transmission
If you enjoy being more engaged behind the wheel, a manual transmission might be the ideal fit for your travels through Highland Park. With this component, you get a more direct connection to how your Kia operates, via the need to shift gears manually. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a greater sense of control and precision while driving. One major advantage of choosing a manual transmission is the increased fuel efficiency it offers, which can help you save money by reducing the number of stops for gas. Additionally, they are typically less expensive to maintain and repair compared to their automatic counterparts. To ensure that your manual transmission continues to function properly, it’s important to schedule routine maintenance at our Service Department every 60,000 miles.
Continuously Variable Transmission
The Continuously Variable Transmission utilizes a complex system of pulleys to emulate gear shifting. This way, it will be able to provide either improved performance or efficiency depending on what your citation demands. This makes the Continuously Variable Transmission an appealing choice for drivers who value versatility on their daily commutes down Route 22. Despite its advanced design, regular maintenance is still necessary to ensure that it remains in optimal condition. Like the manual transmission, it’s advisable to have your transmission checked at our dealership every 60,000 miles to prevent wear and tear. Visit us today!

Manual Transmission

Automatic Transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission

  • Gear shifts require manual input from the driver
  • Improves fuel efficiency
  • Less costly to maintain
  • Easy to find and readily available
  • Requires minimal input from the driver
  • More convenient during heavy traffic
  • Can provide improved performance and enhanced efficiency
  • Simulates gear shifting with a complex pulley system
  • Provides a smoother and more stable driving experience

Speak with Our Technicians!

Contact Information

By submitting your information, you agree to our Privacy Policy.


Dealership Information

Testimonials

H O
H O
GOOGLE
2-14-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Jackie went above and beyond to take over and help me get resolution with Kia Corporate when my new car was experiencing technical issues. She made sure that I was in a comfortable loaner car with AWD for the winter until I could get my car back and regularly updated me with the status of my repair. She also provided me with helpful guidance on how to effectively connect with Kia directly as well. Jackie provided a level of service I didn't know I could expect from a dealership.

Bryan H
Bryan H
GOOGLE
2-14-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great experience. Nicolas was very helpful and patient. If you’re looking for a Kia go see Nicolas.

Mark Haggarty
Mark Haggarty
GOOGLE
2-14-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Mike Delaney was awesome! Great experience upgrading Sorento models after 10 years. Thank you Mike!

Autumn Gunther
Autumn Gunther
GOOGLE
2-13-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Wayne, Mike and Vesko were all extremely helpful, thorough and kind. Very happy with my 2026 Sportage.

leese mathew
leese mathew
GOOGLE
2-13-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Tala F
Tala F
GOOGLE
2-13-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I already left a five star review from another account, but I wanted to come back and say this just for JACKIE PIERCE. She is just amazing! From my first call she handled everything with such calm and care. Nothing felt stressful. What others couldn’t get done, she took care of right away. She’s an expert and knows her way around the dealership. I left feeling relieved and very grateful. KIA is lucky to have her. If you get the chance to work with Jackie, you’ll be glad you did.

Lisa Solar
Lisa Solar
GOOGLE
2-13-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Absolutely everyone I encountered there was so kind and attentive. They made it so easy to drop off my car, get a great loaner and keep in touch. I’m truly not going anywhere else from here on out! Thanks Jackie and Scott!!

Ania Mikolajewicz
Ania Mikolajewicz
GOOGLE
2-7-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

We had an outstanding experience at McGrath Kia of Highland Park, and I can’t say enough good things about Greg and Jarek. From the moment we walked in, they treated us with genuine respect, kindness, and professionalism. There was absolutely no pressure—just honest communication. Greg and Jarek (Jerry) had a truly top-notch demeanor. We were treated extremely well and felt confident in our decision. I would absolutely recommend anyone looking for a car to work with them—you won’t be disappointed! Thank you both—I’m going to greatly enjoy my new car! 🚗✨

Wayne is the guy!

mab123
DEALERRATER
2-5-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Wayne is the guy! Super laid back and on top of his game. No games, no garbage, just a straight shooter who will tell you how he sees it.

Stephanie Rocha
Stephanie Rocha
GOOGLE
2-1-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Nicholas was an excellent salesperson at Kia—friendly, professional, and genuinely helpful throughout the entire process. He took the time to answer all my questions, made everything easy and stress-free, Highly recommend working with Nicholas if you’re looking for a great car-buying experience!

Diana A.
Diana A.
GOOGLE
1-30-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I took my car in for some recalls and they took care of everything in just a few hours. I was dropped back home instead of waiting on site and when the car was ready they offered to pick me up. Great service all around.

Joey Yousif
Joey Yousif
GOOGLE
1-30-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Highly recommend Kia McGrath in highland park. Great service. Great staff. Go get your car serviced with them. And if you don’t have a car, go buy one from them! I’m Always in and out when I need an oil change! Thank you Jackie at service!!

Erik Enkhbayar
Erik Enkhbayar
GOOGLE
1-28-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Nicholas at McGrath Kia of Highland Park was extremely helpful throughout our process. He was responsive, patient, and answered every question we had. I'd definitely recommend working with him!

Beatris Grunder
Beatris Grunder
GOOGLE
1-27-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

My car was transferred to this dealership from another Mcgrath location. The customer service and follow up from the service team at this dealership has been amazing to say the least. Breana, Joe, Tristan, And Jackie have kept me in the loop every step of the way and return my calls the same day or at least within 24 hours. They are honest and transparent it's refreshing to have this type of quality service. Thank you.

Rafael Milan
Rafael Milan
GOOGLE
1-24-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Yelena Hanson
Yelena Hanson
GOOGLE
1-24-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Mike Delaney was awesome!!! After owning a telluride for 6 years, he taught me 100 new things about my car that I never knew. Patients, friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you so much Mike.

Michelle C.
Michelle C.
GOOGLE
1-24-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Thanks Mike Delaney for my new Sorento.

Andre Turner
Andre Turner
GOOGLE
1-23-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Jackie Piece is the best...she was very knowledgeable and prompt at solving my issues and concerns. I recommend her great customer service and recommend the Highland Park dealership to anyone who wants the best customer experience. All employees at this dealership are fantastic hard workers. Under new dealership this Highland Park Kia tops any other dealership I've experienced. They are kind and considerate. I've read previous reviews from retrospective reviews about racism and I rebut those comments because I am an African American man and my experience with this dealership was exceptional well and fairly treated. This is the dealership that works with you and guaranteed satisfaction is the end result.

Jackie Pierce and Jose are the best and were very

andreturner099
DEALERRATER
1-23-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Jackie Pierce and Jose are the best and were very knowledgeable and helpful about my concerns. I highly recommend their customer service and I give them a million star rating because of their prompt service and how quickly they were both able to solve my issues and concerns.

Stacy Melamed
Stacy Melamed
GOOGLE
1-20-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

My car needed to be towed in for electrical issues - no car available. I spoke to Jackie, she got me a car within 30 minutes and has gone way out of her way to help me. I have been working with Orest Sosnivka in sales. He too has been extremely helpful, respectful and knowledgeable.

Kelly Murray
Kelly Murray
GOOGLE
1-19-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Pejman was a very kind and helpful salesman! He broke down all the pricing and options for us so that we could get a reliable family vehicle. I really appreciate him making the process seamless and efficient. He even reached out the morning after our purchase, congratulating us offering to go over any features in the vehicle if we needed assistance. Wonderful customer service! Also, I had also called multiple Kia dealerships and no one was real knowledgeable on working with military members who are trying to register their vehicle in their home state. I spoke with Jackie at McGrath who is a former marine and was able to get the process started before we even got to the dealership. These guys got it done and helped us through the process, so would definitely recommend them over us Kia dealerships for military members. Lastly, I did not catch his name, but another salesman took some time to play with and color with my 3 year old. Going above and out of the way to make us feel comfortable. I can't express how much I appreciate that as a mom and it was the extra step that made us want to buy the vehicle from this dealership. Thank you to everyone at McGrath Kia for the wonderful purchasing experience! We love our new Telluride!

Kalsang Rabkar
Kalsang Rabkar
GOOGLE
1-18-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Thank you Isabella for your patience and professionalism you were the best! I had a great experience ❤️

alex gladney
alex gladney
GOOGLE
1-18-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Worked with Wayne and Neil! Very good salesman made sure I walked out with what I wanted plus more! Very good and professional people!

Kalsang R.
YELP
1-16-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Iris Hernandez
Iris Hernandez
GOOGLE
1-13-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Annabelle riemma
Annabelle riemma
GOOGLE
1-12-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

We weee helped by Wayne and he was extremely kind and knowledgeable made our car buying experience seamless

Colin Quinn
Colin Quinn
GOOGLE
1-10-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

(Translated by Google) undefined (Original) Thanks Mike!

Joey Maman
Joey Maman
GOOGLE
1-10-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

(Translated by Google) undefined (Original) McGrath Kia of Highland Park has been phenomenal to work with. Excellent customer service. I came in initially for service on my Kia Sportage. The best customer service I’ve had with a car dealership. Bri really took care of us and gave us a wonderful rental to use. After our car was serviced, we came to look at a new 2025 Kia Sportage. Mike and Isabelle were phenomenal to work with. We came in with a number in mind and they gave us a great deal. No long wait. Extremely kind. Great customer service overall.

David Clark
David Clark
GOOGLE
1-9-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

(Translated by Google) undefined (Original) Thank you Mike and Tracy for helping with my new telluride! Great customer service from start to finish

Angela Athanas
Angela Athanas
GOOGLE
1-6-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

(Translated by Google) undefined (Original) All the staff is very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful!

Jennifer Sweeney
Jennifer Sweeney
GOOGLE
1-6-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great experience purchasing new Kia Sportage with Nicolas!

Dana Balicki
Dana Balicki
GOOGLE
1-6-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

(Translated by Google) undefined (Original) Thank you Mike Delaney for helping us with our new car! Super fast and easy process! 10/10 customer service

Charlie Gleason
Charlie Gleason
GOOGLE
1-6-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

(Translated by Google) undefined (Original) Great service, great people, great car. Special thanks to Pejman Movafaghi for his professionalism and help during my search.

Tim Bleck
Tim Bleck
GOOGLE
1-5-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Top-notch customer experience at McGrath Kia - Highland Park! Thank you to Tracey who answered our internet inquiry and found the right vehicle for our family. And a huge shout out to Mike D who assisted - start to finish - with the purchase of our new Kia! Thank you - 5 stars!

KJ Frost
KJ Frost
GOOGLE
1-5-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Michael Delaney made our Kia purchase and process so easy and painless! What a great experience! Would highly recommend this dealer and salesperson! Their entire team was super helpful and very coordinated communication.

Caitlin Ruiz
Caitlin Ruiz
GOOGLE
1-4-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Thank you to mike delaney for our purchase for my new nissan rogue

Bruce M.
YELP
1-4-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Jennifer S.
YELP
1-4-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Jennifer Golem
Jennifer Golem
GOOGLE
1-3-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Thank you Mike Delaney for helping me purchase my new Kia Sportage! Can’t wait to drive it.

David Nickel
David Nickel
GOOGLE
1-3-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Kat Louvar went above and beyond to ensure my experience, from beginning to end, was a positive one. Thanks again Kat!

Read More