My wife just got a 2025 Prestige SX and she wants to remove all the chrome or silver parts. I’ve done this kind of thing before, but I’m wondering if this trim piece is attached with pop clips or 3M adhesive tape. I’m also considering if the black replacement part is really necessary or if it can just be removed. Has anyone tried this?
@SallyKiaChatter
Forgot about plastidip. Not a bad idea there.
lilly said:
@SallyKiaChatter
Forgot about plastidip. Not a bad idea there.
It’s cheap, easy to use, non-permanent and won’t damage the finish underneath. The only thing is I wish it was more glossy.
@SallyKiaChatter
Apparently, they have a glossy version now. I just need to figure out which one I want to use on the car.
lilly said:
@SallyKiaChatter
Apparently, they have a glossy version now. I just need to figure out which one I want to use on the car.
@DaniellaSilva
She’s a beauty! I really want one of those front bumpers. Nicest frontend I think.
I’ve replaced the same trim piece on a 2023 SX (not prestige). It was attached with one screw at each end and around a dozen pop-in clips in the middle.
Here’s what to expect:
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You’ll likely break the clips when removing the trim. It’s tough to get them off without breaking, even if you know where to push behind the trim.
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The trim is part of the lower door, and it sticks out past the door’s metal. If you remove it, the door will look shorter top to bottom, and you’ll see all the holes.
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If you take the trim off, you can also remove the metal accent trim in the middle, but you’ll see the bolt holes.
My suggestion would be to get some vinyl wrap and just cover the metal accent.
@Gerald
I appreciate the info .
I’m thinking about this model too, aside from the door panel molding, how’s the car overall?
KnowNose said:
I’m thinking about this model too, aside from the door panel molding, how’s the car overall?
We’ve had the 2023 PHEV for almost two years. It’s been great, no problems at all. The commute I have is perfect for the plug-in, so I mostly use it in electric mode. The acceleration with the engine on is good in sport mode.
KnowNose said:
I’m thinking about this model too, aside from the door panel molding, how’s the car overall?
I can’t say much yet, I’ve only had it for 2 days. It’s really cozy and I’m impressed with the features so far.
@lilly
How’s the acceleration? That’s the only issue I keep hearing about.
KnowNose said:
@lilly
How’s the acceleration? That’s the only issue I keep hearing about.
I’m probably not the best judge since I drive a modified WRX STI, so everything feels slow to me. I only drove it to test, but it’s my wife’s car, and I’m just trying to make her happy with it.
KnowNose said:
@lilly
How’s the acceleration? That’s the only issue I keep hearing about.
I’m considering the gas model and was concerned about the speed/acceleration, but I think the hybrid version should be fine.
Wrapping it is the best idea. It saves you from breaking clips or damaging anything.
What do you think about PPF wrap instead of vinyl? I had it on my 2021 Sorento, and it’s really durable. It can be glossy or matte.