Our last round of spy shots of Kia’s upcoming Sorento saw the SUV shed some camo, but there was still enough masking to keep us from getting the whole picture. But thanks to our crack artists, we know have two renderings to show what the final product will look like.
The all-new Sorento will be getting a bit larger, as well as adding a third –row seat, as it moves to Hyundai’s Santa Fe unitbody platform. Powertrain-wise, the Sorento take a more fuel efficient route and get Hyundai’s new Theta II 2.4L 4 cylinder motor with about 170hp and 170 ft lbs. A V6 model will also be available, using a 3.8L V6 good for around 275hp. Both models should drop the current 5 speed transmission in favor of the new 6 speed found in the Veracruz.
The new ‘ute will build off the current Sorento’s tough-looking exterior, but will add crisper lines and an overall more modern look. Up front, look for the Sorento to wear Kia’s new signature grille surround.
Around back, integrated dual exhaust outlets give the Sorento an up-scale look.
The fine folks in West Point, Georgia will be assembling the new Sorento (the current Sorento is built in South Korea) with a Job 1 date scheduled for November 2009.
08/22, 2:57 PM
posted by:
rds130
You know…as much as it is weird–not bad, but weird–to say this about a Kia product, but this actually looks pretty good so far. Time for a cold shower….
08/22, 3:10 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
i’ve seen it online wearing no camo and this rendering isn’t actually that far off. its a very nice looking SUV.
08/22, 3:18 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
With every new Kiundai it’s getting more and more difficult to see whose styling cues they’ve ripped off. Could it be they’re finally establishing an identity of their own?
08/22, 3:24 PM
posted by:
MugenSentraKen
===>>^^what if they ripped off Paris Hilton’s identity?^^
08/22, 3:28 PM
posted by:
CarResearcher
Just what we need……another SUV this time a knockoff Tiguan.
08/22, 3:29 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Paris would be a good spokesperson for Kiundai; apparently she’s a cheap ride as well.
08/22, 3:30 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
i don’t see the Tiguan in this at all.
08/22, 3:41 PM
posted by:
t-ak-box
Looks like a cross with Suzuki XL7 and Acura MDX. I’m sure this was plan for awhile now, but Kia/Hyundai should be focus on more Fuel Efficient vehicles. Something like this would be better: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/226566/hyundai_imode.html
08/22, 3:59 PM
posted by:
snoboardguy21
I think it looks like a *great* cross between an Equinox and a Touareg. I’m really liking the new Kia styling direction. It’s partially ripped off of Acura, but Acura ditched it for this crazy new guillotine theme, so thank goodness someone will keep it going.
08/22, 4:07 PM
posted by:
bolex
johnnycanuck, good one! lol
08/22, 5:29 PM
posted by:
Jordan
looks like a tiguan/forester hybrid. not bad though.
08/22, 5:33 PM
posted by:
golf4me
A little Tiguan, a pinch of GLK, and a dollop of Grand Vitara, and Voila! a Sorento! That said, it’s not at all bad looking though.
08/22, 7:03 PM
posted by:
ktulu
not bad. Vueish
08/23, 12:47 AM
posted by:
bigp
i hope they can keep the weight down
08/23, 9:18 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
I like this Its nice and looks better than the GLK and X3
08/23, 2:14 PM
posted by:
CarResearcher
JoshyLofty: Look at the back!
08/23, 4:07 PM
posted by:
vwoom
A hodge podge of X5 Mk 1/Touareg from the sides with a tad MDX in front and some Audi touches at the rear…
08/24, 5:40 PM
posted by:
bigtime
Yawn…another korean SUV. Bottomline - its still a kia. No resale value, nice in the beginning and then the cheapness shows through. Usually happens about 2/3’s into your car payments. Right around the time you owe more than its worth.
08/24, 5:43 PM
posted by:
bigtime
p.s. - Will kia or hyundai EVER get a design language of there own or are they going to continue to rip other companies off??? Each new one is a mix of ripped off styling cues from other companies, always different from the one before. They have no identity.
08/24, 5:57 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Well the resale argument works on american cars Hyundai and Kia got a 33% bump by KBB so what you typed was invalid Just like the existence of GM Ford and Chrysler
08/24, 10:20 PM
posted by:
vwoom
In due fairness, in the first baby steps of Lexus (i.e. 1st gen LS400)…they did after all copy Mercedes with the S-Klasse of the time. Even decades earlier, the 1st gen ‘70-76 Toyota Celica followed styling elements derived from the Ford Mustang of the time, the Mach 1.