Ahead of its Seoul Auto Show reveal, Kia has released more photos and new details on its 2010 Sorento crossover. Featuring a larger cabin and more efficient engines, the new Sorento hopes to build on the success of its predecessor, which has sold nearly 900,000 units since 2002.
The all-new Sorento will be getting a bit larger — and will gain 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 2.4-liter 4 cylinder motor with about 172 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. A V6 model will also be available, using a 3.5-liter V6 good for around 273 horsepower and 247 pound-feet. Both models will drop the current five-speed transmission in favor of the new six-speed automatic found in the Veracruz. A 2.0-liter diesel will also be available for European consumers.
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, flanked by attractive, new-look headlights. Around back, integrated dual exhaust outlets give the Sorento an up-scale look.
The two-wheel-drive variant offers lower weight and enhanced fuel economy, while the all-wheel-drive edition is targeted for buyers who live snowy climates, tow trailers, or go off-road.
The staff at the company’s West Point, Georgia plant will be assembling the new Sorento (the current Sorento is built in South Korea) with a Job 1 date scheduled for November 2009, with sales following shortly after.
04/02, 3:40 AM
posted by:
Stwelve
Much much better than RX,specially the interior.
04/02, 6:25 AM
posted by:
brocky
Nice aggressive looking suv. I like the new grill. Way to install HID’s as well.
04/02, 7:48 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
This is pretty nice. If it has a good engine it will sell well.
Hyundai/Kia sales last month and YTD are virtually flat with last year even in this market. Think Toyota and Honda havent noticed that?
04/02, 9:55 AM
posted by:
Borat
It does looks like RDX with Accord grill and it is way better looking then original. Considering that it will be much cheaper it can be a winner. I can’t imagine that it will go with 4 pot mill and 4 wheel drive, but now gas is cheap.
04/02, 10:38 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Borat, if the 4 pot was offered with a stick that might actually work. It wasn’t that long ago that 172 horse would have been the output of the V6.
04/02, 11:17 AM
posted by:
orangecones
@ Borat. It will be fine. Subaru has been mixing their H4 that makes ~170hp with AWD on the Impreza for a long time, and those things drive well. Also I recently tried a 4WD Rogue which makes 175hp from a 2.5L 4-cyl, it felt fine.
I like this car, although i don’t think I am sold on the Santa Fe platform move. I guess they wanted to differentiate it from the cheaper Sportage which is now the baby-ute in the family. Either that, or they are preparing for the death of the Burego since I swear I only saw one of them on the road since they launched.
04/02, 11:19 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Its looks like a copy of an MDX just cleaner . I see they put a third row seat in it as well I like it and Kia has really stepped their game up as far as designs interior and exterior GM and Chrysler should take note
04/02, 11:29 AM
posted by:
Kid Icarus
Another sexy car from Kia….look for big things coming from them under Peter Schreyer’s guidance in the next 3 years. Every model will be completely new by then with the exception being the Borrego.
04/02, 12:59 PM
posted by:
Borat
I think Kia/Hyundai already decided that 4×4 and 4 pots don’t mix (based on this article). I actually liked RAV-4 with I4 better then then with V6 (handling was significantly better) and I am patient man I can wait another 1-2 seconds to attain 60 mph. It probably would work out with manual, but in N.A. and Korean markets there are 3 people combined who would know how to change gears AND would be interested in this trucklette.
04/02, 4:39 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Not Bad.
Hyundai should Dump the santa Fe and keep the Veracruz as its SUV
04/02, 7:48 PM
posted by:
Skninjedi
Dam, are Kia and Hyundai trying to take over the world? I have my eyes on the new Forte Koup. My neighbor just bought a black soul all decked out. That car is one sweet lookin ride. Much smaller then I thought it was. Seeing it in person completly changed my mind about it. I wouldn’t mind driving a new Sorento either.
04/03, 3:38 PM
posted by:
JoseIICordero
It’s looks the way Acura should have made the MDX look.
04/03, 8:34 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
HOT DAMN!