The "Kia Boyz TikTok Challenge" has been around since October of 2022, but it's starting to find momentum in Massachusetts. Most of the vandalism has occurred in the Worcester area.
The Kia Boyz Challenge is another terrible social media trend found on TikTok. It's a challenge where people find Kia's or Hyundai's manufactured between 2011 and 2021. They break a window of the vehicle, pry open the steering column, and plug a charging cord onto a small metal nub beneath the ignition cylinder. It's conveniently and perfectly sized to fit into a USB-A plug. The last and final step is to just twist the plug. Theoretically, the car will start after all of those other steps are completed.
Many states have already experienced high levels of car theft since the TikTok trend went viral. And Massachusetts residents are now victims of this same problem.
Worcester Is Getting Hit Hard With Car Thefts Thanks To The Kia Boyz Challenge
Since November 1, 2023, Worcester police reveal that there's been 24 Hyundai and 12 Kia vehicles stolen just in the city alone. They also reveal that most of the thefts have been concentrated in two "hot spots." The area of Chandler and Austin Streets and Front and Commercial Streets. They also are warning residents and commuters about the dangers of parking in some of the garages near those areas.
What Can Be Done To Stop It?
If you own a Kia or a Hyundai, Police are urging owners to do a few things to prevent the theft of their vehicles. The first is to use a steering wheel club. That way, the thieves will need a key to unlock your steering wheel. The second is to install a battery disconnect or kill switch. And lastly, install a GPS tracking device. If you have a newer version of a Kia, you can use the Kia Access app to track your car's location.
Should Other Massachusetts Areas Be Nervous About The Kia Boyz Challenge?
The only reason I know about this TikTok challenge is because my neighbor texted me about it. He knows that both my husband and I drive Kia's and saw the story in the news. He texted me last night saying that the thefts were starting to spread out from the Worcester area. At the end of the day, if you drive any of these vehicles, definitely lock your cars when you're not in them. Park in a well-lit area when possible. Take the advice of the police officer about protecting your vehicle.
US News & World Report Says These Are The Best Cars For Winter Driving
The past couple of years in New England haven't produced a lot of weather of concern. Here's some proof. I had to search for my ice scraper/brush the other day to prepare for our first snow real snow in 2 years. I can't remember the last time I used it. But here we are. barely in the door of January and snow is coming. That lead me to wonder.., what are the best cars on the road today to handle winter weather conditions. The answers are here in a report from a trusted source. U.S. News & World Report says these are the best cars for winter driving.
As the publication's ranking report states, "you'll find the following vehicles are not just great for the winter but also year-round." They listed their top picks and I whittled it down to 10 from their list of 15. U.S. News scored each vehicle and gave the best price possible, with all-wheel drive. The vehicle range from sedans, to all sizes of SUV's and even a truck.
There are a few things you should definitely look for when shopping for a car that can handle the winters in New England. The article says attributes should include: Four-wheel or all-wheel drive and decent ground clearance. In addition, the best vehicles for the task have creature comforts such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel and remote start."
Scoring
The scores are based on a scale of 10, and although no vehicle scored that high, all of the cars on this list landed in the 8s. You'll see some with a more affordable price tag, while others may have you wincing at the cost. What's the best car you've ever driven in the snow? For me it was my old Subaru Outback. The weight of it and the traction were on point. Subaru has a couple of showings on this list.
I now have a Toyota RAV4, which I haven't had the chance to drive in any significant snow yet. But, I'll keep you posted. We have this weekend to get through. Be safe out there, and by all means don't forget to put you ice scraper/brush in the car. Oh, and remember to fill up your windshield wiper fluid and gas up for cold weather.
10. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
SCORE: 8.1/10
PRICE: $41,535
The Grand Cherokee comes with a price, but a great vehicle nonetheless. My mother had one for years and it was always reliable. U.S. News & World Report says this car is comfortable "and reassuring in nasty weather." It's a smooth ride that feels like it was meant for snow. But they do recommend the Trailhawk Trim level, for more advanced off road capabilities and technology.
9. 2024 Subaru Outback
SCORE: 8.1/10
PRICE: $28,895
Rugged and dependable, those are words that come to mind for the Outback, in my experience. But don't take my word for it. US News reports: "The Subaru Outback simply kicks butt for a winter vehicle. It’s as purpose-built as they come, equipped with standard all-wheel drive, loaded with safety features and finished with easy-to-clean materials." It's a great family vehicle and perfect for those ski trips to New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. Swish...
8. 2023 Volvo S90
SCORE: 8.2/10
PRICE: $57,000
She's a beauty, but she's also a beast. Of course the price reflects the luxurious ride that is the Volvo S290. This spacious sedan :inspires extra confidence during winter driving with standard all-wheel drive. The S90 's base setup is a mild-hybrid powertrain with 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, " according to the article.
7. 2023 Subaru Forester
SCORE: 8.2/10
PRICE: $26,395
Everyone I know who owns a Forester absolutely loves it! It ranks high for the characteristics that you should look for in a high quality winter car. There's standar all-wheel drive, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Plus, how the driver is seated gives you the best view of the road ahead. Upright seating helps you view potential hazards.
6. 2023 Audi A4 Allroad
SCORE: 8.3/10
PRICE: $45,900
The Audi Allroad wagon's "all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension come standard, so the car basically knows what's going on, and reacts to it before you do." Those are strong words to live up to, and apparently, this car does. It's said to be a competent car on snow and ice. Ride on in luxury.
5. 2023 Ford Bronco Sport
SCORE: 8.3/10
PRICE: $29, 215
This sweet and skillful ride flexes is a strong choice. US News says, it's a "sport utility vehicle with muscular styling and the off-road chops to match." There's plenty of ground clearance at 8.8 inches. And the Bronco comes with standard 4 wheel drive. There are also multiple drive modes to help you in all conditions. Put it in into "Slippery" mode when there's a nasty mix of rain, ice and snow.
4. 2023 Honda Ridgeline
SCORE: 8.3/10
PRICE: $38,800
I've always loved the look of this truck. It's basically a Honda Pilot with a bed. So, business in the front, party in the back. You can bring this baby to the next ski resort party. US News reports the Ridgeline "is a top-ranked compact truck that’s a great choice for winter driving, thanks to its combination of a powerful V6 engine and standard all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system features selectable mud, sand and snow driving modes."
3. 2024 Kia Seltos
SCORE: 8.4/10
PRICE: $24,390
Small and mighty, that's the subcompact SUV Kia Seltos, according to this report. There's plenty to love about this little ride and reportedly a surprising amount of passenger head and leg room. The adept Seltos has standard all-wheel drive in the base LX trim and a "146-horsepower four-cylinder, routing power through a continuously variable transmission." You should opt for the upgrades of heated front seats and a remote starter.
2. 2023 Hyundai Tucson
According to the publication rankings, this little SUV is "a winner in winter and every other time of the year." There's space for 5 passengers and their stuff. The report went on to say, "This Hyundai is a lot nicer than its modest price suggests, and it comes standard with enough safety tech to help you feel confident regardless of road conditions." Bang for your buck, here.
1. 2024 Kia Telluride
Congratulations to the Kia Telluride for scoring the highest in U.S. News & World Report's listing of the best cars for winter. In their words the Telluride "has established itself as one of the top midsize SUVs, offering a high-quality cabin and a smooth ride. You also get spacious seating for up to eight passengers and 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo space." They raved that this car offers great visibility as well as capability in winter weather, with the optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and X-Line Pro models have the added feature of all- terrain tires and clearance of 8.4 inches.
Ayla Brown is the host of "Country Mornings with Jonathan and Ayla" on Country 102.5. You can read the rest of her blogs here.
Photo by Rob Bellamy
