Kia Sorento
| Kia Sorento | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Kia |
| Production | 2002–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class |
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| Body style | 5-door SUV |
The Kia Sorento (Korean: 기아 쏘렌토, romanized: Gia Sorento) is a mid-size crossover SUV[1] (formerly a body-on-frame SUV until 2009) produced since 2002 by South Korean manufacturer Kia.
First generation (BL; 2002)[]
2002–2006[]
| First generation (BL) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Naza Sorento (Malaysia) |
| Production |
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| Assembly | |
| Layout | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,710 mm (106.7 in) |
| Length | 4,570–4,590 mm (179.9–180.7 in) |
| Width | 1,865–1,885 mm (73.4–74.2 in) |
| Height | 1,731–1,810 mm (68.1–71.3 in) |
Debuted in February 2002, the first generation Sorento was a traditional truck-based body-on-frame SUV. All American Sorentos also came with dual front airbags and dual side-curtain airbags in the front and rear. An optional four-wheel drive system with low range received praise for adding to the vehicle's off-road ability.
It had two transmission options, a 5-speed manual or 4- and 5-speed automatic (pre-2005 models have a 4-speed automatic, whilst 2005 Sorentos came with a 5-speed tip-tronic style automatic). First generation Sorentos are equipped with a Hyundai-manufactured 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 engine producing 192 hp (143 kW) at 5500 rpm, and 217 lb⋅ft (294 N⋅m) of torque at 3,000 rpm. Common features of the first generation Sorento were 4-wheel disc brakes (standard on all models), optional anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a 21.1-gallon (79.9 litres) fuel tank.
There were two trim levels available for the Sorento: either the base LX or the up-level EX. Both models included an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player and an eight-speaker audio system, dual front airbags and front and rear side-impact SRS airbags (side-impact front and rear SRS airbags for North American-market models ONLY), cloth seating surfaces, a power-adjustable front driver's seat, air conditioning, power door locks and windows, tinted windows, aluminum-alloy wheels, keyless entry, wood interior trim accents, a split-folding second-row rear bench seat, and monotone exterior paint as standard equipment. Features such as satellite radio (on later models), leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, a ten-speaker premium audio system, cassette and CD players, an in-dash CD changer, power front bucket seats, seventeen-inch (17") aluminum-alloy wheels, a power sunroof, two-tone exterior paint, and a security system were available regardless of trim level choice.
2007–2008[]
The 2007 Sorento received upgrades, such as the transition from the 3.5-liter Sigma to the 3.3-liter with 235 hp (175 kW) and 226 lb⋅ft (306 N⋅m), and the 3.8-liter Lambda, with 263 hp (196 kW) and 257 lb⋅ft (348 N⋅m) and increased tow capacity from 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)[2] to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg).[clarification needed] Projector beam head lamps were added, along with new tail lamps. The 5-speed manual transmission was no longer available; the 5-speed Sportmatic tip-tronic automatic transmission was made standard for all vehicles. Most of the EX trim had full-time AWD and 4x4 Low modes; The LX had a part-time system with 2WD High (rear wheel drive), 4WD High (not for dry pavement[3]) and 4WD Low modes. The 2007 Kia Sorento earned a five-star crash safety rating, the highest rating possible, for all seating positions in frontal and side impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).[4][5] The tail lights and front end were upgraded, but the two-box design stayed.
2009[]
The Kia Sorento received another grille facelift, and went on sale in August 2008 in Canada. The facelifted 2009 model did not begin American sales until April 2009.
Safety[]
The 2003 Sorento received Poor to Average ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[6] The 2007 facelifted version had improved safety ratings for moderate overlap front crashes and head restraints & seats, but retained its Poor side impact rating.[7]
| Test | Rating |
| Overall: |   (2003) (2007)
|
| Moderate overlap front: | Acceptable (2003) Good (2007) |
| Side: | Poor |
| Head restraints & seats: | Poor (2003) Good (2007) |
Second generation (XM; 2009)[]
| Second generation (XM) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production |
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| Model years | 2011–2015 (North America) |
| Assembly |
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| Designer | Peter Schreyer |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | |
| Related |
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| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
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| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4,660–4,684 mm (183.5–184.4 in) |
| Width | 1,885 mm (74.2 in) |
| Height | 1,710 mm (67.3 in) |
A redesigned Sorento (codename XMA) was launched in South Korea in April 2009. The second generation was Kia's first model to be manufactured in the United States, in Kia's new US$1 billion West Point, Georgia, factory (which also builds the sister vehicle to the Sorento, the Hyundai Santa Fe). The second generation used Kia's corporate Tiger Nose grille, and was the first Kia vehicle to offer Kia UVO.[9][10] The vice president of marketing for Kia Motors America said that Kia initially considered changing the name due to the radical change in the Sorento's body style.[11]
The second-generation Sorento introduced Kia's new design language, and introduced new features and technology that would later become available on other Kia models.
The four-cylinder model returned to the lineup for North American models after being absent between 2007 and 2010. The engine was transverse, and the suspension all-independent. The change in body construction as well as the loss of a low-ratio transfer case made the Sorento 475 pounds less than the old one model for model, to gain in performance and economy.
The second generation Sorento was originally available in 4 models, the Base, LX, EX and top of the line SX models. The SX is only available with the 3.5-liter 276 hp (206 kW) V6. The Base and LX both come standard with the 2.4-liter straight-4 175 hp (130 kW) and EX has the GDI version of the same engine which is rated 191 hp. The V6 is available as an upgrade for both the LX and EX. The SX Limited model became available in 2012.
The Sorento received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2014 model year, unveiled in 2012 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, and went on sale in first quarter of 2013.[12] Major changes included a revised instrument panel, front and rear end with new tail lights modeled after the Optima, as well as several other mechanical and interior changes.
For 2015, the six-speed manual transmission option, previously only available on the Base and LX models, was discontinued, leaving the six-speed automatic transmission as the only transmission option for the Sorento.
Safety[]
The 2011 Sorento received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[13]
| Test | Rating |
| Overall: |
|
| Moderate overlap front: | Good |
| Side: | Good |
| Roof strength: | Good |
| Head restraints & seats: | Good |
Awards[]
The 2011 Sorento was awarded the maximum five-star safety rating from the crash safety experts, European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) and Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).[14] The XM Sorento awarded 'Top Safety Pick' from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States.[15]
The second generation Sorento was awarded New Zealand Autocar magazine SUV of the Year, "great looker, does absolutely everything as it should. Engine is world class".[16] The Kia Sorento EX V6 model earned an “Excellent” overall score by American magazine Consumer Reports’ July 2010 issue.[17]
Marketing[]
As part of 2014 Sorento market launch in the US, a campaign titled "It has an answer for everything" was unveiled during Super Bowl XLVII. "Space Babies" (directed by Jake Scott) commercial was premiered in the fourth quarter, featuring the existence of a faraway planet known as "Babylandia" and follows infant boys, girls, dogs, pandas and more on their journey to Earth to join their new families. After taking it all in, the curious child begins to offer an alternative theory passed on by a friend but his quick-thinking father calls upon UVO's voice-activated jukebox feature to hurriedly change the subject and survive another day in the adventures of parenthood. "Tight Space" (directed by Peter Darley Miller and Colin Jeffery) showed two of the CUV's available features – power-folding mirrors and power liftgate – help a determined father make the slimmest parking garage space manageable while his skeptical wife and children look on.[18][19]
Gallery[]
Pre-facelift styling
Front (LX; US)
Rear (XM; Australia)
Post-facelift styling
Front (UK)
Rear (UK)
Third generation (UM; 2014)[]
 | This section needs additional citations for verification. (January 2015) |
| Third generation (UM) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Kia Sorento Prime (Russia) |
| Production | 2014–2020 |
| Model years | 2016–2020 |
| Assembly |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | |
| Related |
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| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,780 mm (109.4 in) |
| Length | 4,760–4,800 mm (187.4–189.0 in) |
| Width | 1,890 mm (74.4 in) |
| Height | 1,685 mm (66.3 in) |
Kia Motors revealed the third generation Sorento in South Korea on August 28, 2014. The vehicle later made its European debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The third generation Sorento shares a platform with the third-generation Kia Carnival, and is available in either 5-seater or 7-seater, depending on configuration. It is 95mm longer than the previous generation, but lower for better handling. Kia claims a rigidity strengthening of 14% on its high tensile steel and the Sorento scored good evaluation in small overlap crash test by IIHS. In the US, the Sorento continues to be produced at the West Point, Georgia assembly plant.
Available engines are a 290 hp (294 PS; 216 kW) 3.3-liter Lambda II V6, the existing 190 hp (193 PS; 142 kW) 2.4-liter GDi I4 that make the same output as the outgoing engine, and the new 240 hp (243 PS; 179 kW) 2.0-liter turbo I4. A 2.2-liter CRDi diesel engine with variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) is also available.
The third generation Sorento comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission. Drivetrains are front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Models[]
In the United States, the 2016 Kia Sorento is offered in five models, and four models within the United Kingdom. KX-1 base model, KX-2, KX-3 and KX4 with the GT-Line from late 2018 onwards replacing the KX-4.
In Pakistan, Kia Pakistan unveiled its car at a Power Play event held at the Karachi factory on 14 February 2021. The event was held at Kia Motor Corporation's production plant, where various personalities from the automotive sector were invited. The car offered in Pakistan is the third generation of Sorento. The SUV is offered in three tiers with two power train options, a 2.4-liter front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive model, and a 3.5-liter front-wheel drive model.
2018/2019 facelift[]
The Kia Sorento received updates for 2018 or 2019 depending on market location, these included a new front grille, bumper covers and exterior lighting with similar design cues derived from the 2019 Kia Forte and the 2018 Kia Cadenza for the 2019 model year. The L, LX, EX and SX trim levels received refreshed projector beam headlamps with LED positioning lights. The SXL trim received new LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED amber turn signal and positioning lights, and LED tail lamps.
Other changes include new exterior colors, new wheels, third row seating now standard on all trim levels with all engine types, driver attention warning system added to all trim levels, and a 2.4-liter engine replaced the 2.0-liter engine on lower trim levels. The 2019 Kia Sorento features a 3.3-liter V6 engine on higher trim levels. The trim levels are available with all-wheel drive, except for the base L trim, which is only available with front-wheel drive.[20]
2018 Kia Sorento (facelift)
2018 Kia Sorento (facelift)
Safety[]
The 2017 Sorento received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[21]
| Test | Rating |
| Overall: |
|
| Small overlap front: | Good |
| Moderate overlap front: | Good |
| Side: | Good |
| Roof strength: | Good |
| Head restraints & seats: | Good |
| Front crash prevention: | Superior |
| Headlights: | Poor/Good varying with trim level |
| Child seat anchors (Latch) ease of use: | Acceptable |
Marketing[]
In November 2014, Kia Motors collaborated with 20th Century Fox to create a Wolverine-themed Sorento to promote the home media release of X-Men: Days of Future Past. The custom Sorento made its debut at the 2015 Australian Open, with a series of videos featuring Rafael Nadal teaming up with the X-Men to save the tennis event from the Sentinels.[22]
In January 2015, Kia Motors released their Sorento Super Bowl XLIX commercial featuring Pierce Brosnan.[23]
Fourth generation (MQ4; 2020)[]
| Fourth generation (MQ4) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2020–present |
| Model years | 2021–present |
| Assembly | South Korea: Hwaseong (Hwaseong Plant) United States: West Point, Georgia (KMMG) Vietnam: Chu Lai (THACO Kia) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | |
| Platform | Hyundai-Kia N3[24][25] |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,815 mm (110.8 in) |
| Length | 4,810 mm (189.4 in) |
| Width | 1,900 mm (74.8 in) |
| Height | 1,700 mm (66.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,755–1,885 kg (3,869–4,156 lb) |
The fourth generation Sorento was officially unveiled through a series of images on February 17, 2020.[26] The unveiling of the production version had also been planned for the then-cancelled Geneva Motor Show.
The updated Sorento sports a larger design with an extended wheelbase (35 mm (1.4 in) longer) while the vehicle's overall length is extended by 10 mm (0.4 in). There are two engine options: a hybrid (a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and single electric motor, amounting to 227 hp (230 PS; 169 kW) and 258 lb⋅ft (350 N⋅m; 35.7 kg⋅m) of torque) and a traditional gasoline-only engine (a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, matched with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, output at 281 hp (285 PS; 210 kW) and 311 lb⋅ft (422 N⋅m; 43.0 kg⋅m). A plug-in hybrid variation and additional gasoline engine options is also being planned, along with a multi-collision brake system and a remote smartphone surround view monitor.[27][28]
2020 Kia Sorento HEV (UK)
Interior
Markets[]
North America[]
On September 22, 2020, the fourth-generation Kia Sorento made its debut in North America. It is offered in several different trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, SX Prestige, and SX Prestige X-Line. LX and S models is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Smartstream gasoline engine producing 191 hp (194 PS; 142 kW), while EX, SX, SX Prestige, and SX Prestige X-Line models uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged Smartstream 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 281 hp (285 PS; 210 kW). All North American Sorento uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, though models equipped with the 2.5-liter turbo engine uses an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Sorento hybrid models will be available after the initial launch in late 2020.[29] The V6 engine is no longer offered. In 2021, Kia announced the introduction of the Sorento PHEV[30] which gets 261 hp from its 1.6 litre turbo four-cylinder mated to an electric motor. Claimed EV range is 51 km (32 miles) and has a combined range of 740 km (460 miles). Prices are to be announced later.
Kia continued to build the North American-market Sorento at its assembly plant in West Point, Georgia, United States. All models include front-wheel-drive, except for the SX Prestige X-Line model and the hybrid models, which include standard all-wheel-drive. All North American-market 2021 Sorento feature three rows of seating, with higher trim levels featuring second-row captain's chairs in place of the standard second-row rear split bench seat.[31]
2021 Kia Sorento SX AWD (US)
2021 Kia Sorento SX AWD (US)
Sales[]
| Calendar year | United States[32] | Canada[33] | South Korea[34] | Global |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 8,451 | 52,963 | ||
| 2003 | 40,787 | 68,051 | ||
| 2004 | 52,878 | 48,082 | ||
| 2005 | 47,610 | 29,521 | ||
| 2006 | 50,672 | 21,589 | ||
| 2007 | 36,300 | 11,963 | ||
| 2008 | 29,699 | 6,137 | ||
| 2009 | 24,460 | 1,039 | ||
| 2010 | 108,984 | 42,480 | ||
| 2011 | 130,235 | 40,602 | ||
| 2012 | 119,597 | 14,031 | 35,002 | 219,154[35] |
| 2013 | 105,649 | 14,542 | 29,168 | |
| 2014 | 102,520 | 13,982 | 38,126 | |
| 2015 | 116,249 | 14,372 | 77,767 | |
| 2016 | 114,733 | 15,466 | 80,715 | |
| 2017 | 99,684 | 14,181 | 78,458 | |
| 2018 | 107,846 | 15,579 | 67,200 | |
| 2019 | 95,951 | 16,054 | 52,325 | |
| 2020 | 74,677 | 11,821 | 82,275 |
References[]
- ^ "Kia Sorento Prices, Reviews, and Pictures | Edmunds". Edmunds.com. 2019-11-26.
- ^ 2005 owner's manual
- ^ "KIA Sorento 2007 1.G Owner's Manual". www.carmanualsonline.info. Retrieved 2017-03-13.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-08-12. Retrieved 2007-07-30.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- ^ http://www.kia.ca/content/ownership/ownersmanual/2008_sorento_Owners_Manual_EN.pdf
- ^ "2003 Kia Sorento". Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Retrieved 2017-05-29.
- ^ "2007 Kia Sorento". Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Retrieved 2017-05-29.
- ^ "Ao"Азия Авто"". Aziaavto.kz. Archived from the original on 2011-01-16. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
- ^ "2011 Kia Sorento – First Drive Review – Car & Driver". Caranddriver.com. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
- ^ Korzeniewski, Jeremy (2009-03-18). ""More 2010 Kia Sorento shots hit the web" From Autoblog.com (March 18, 2009)". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
- ^ Kia Sticks with Sorento Name for All-New Crossover Sep 25, 2009. CBS Interactive
- ^ Miersma, Seyth. "New-look 2014 Kia Sorento takes the stage in Los Angeles". Retrieved 22 August 2016.
- ^ "2011 Kia Sorento". Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Retrieved 2017-05-29.
- ^ Kia Sorento crash test result Archived 2011-07-25 at the Wayback Machine ANCAP
- ^ Kia Sorento Awarded 'Top Safety Pick' by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety June 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/
- ^ Kia Sorento R picks up first global award – in NZ Fri, 4 Dec 2009. Allied Press Ltd
- ^ "Kia Sorento Tops Tests Of Small and Midsized SUVs". Consumer Reports. 2010-06-01. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
- ^ Miersma, Seyth. "Kia previews its Super Bowl baby commercial, far cry from Adriana Lima". Retrieved 22 August 2016.
- ^ Bowman, Zach. "Behold, Kia's Space Babies Super Bowl commercial". Retrieved 22 August 2016.
- ^ Hall, Emme. "2019 Kia Sorento First Drive: Refreshed and refined". Roadshow.
- ^ "2017 Kia Sorento". Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Retrieved 2017-05-29.
- ^ Joseph, Noah (2014-11-24). "Kia Sorento bares its claws for X-Men Special Edition". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2014-11-25.
- ^ De Guzman, Marcus (2015-01-29). "Watch: Pierce Brosnan Makes an Unexpected Getaway with Kia". The Clipping Point. Archived from the original on 2015-02-02. Retrieved 2015-01-30.
- ^ "The New Kia Sorento - Press Release". The Car Guy | by Bob Aldons. 2020-09-09. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
- ^ "2021 Kia Sorento reveal". www.sae.org. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
- ^ "2021 Kia Sorento Revealed With More Style And Substance". Motor1.com. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- ^ Atiyeh, Clifford (2020-02-17). "2021 Kia Sorento Revealed with Upscale Interior". Car and Driver. Hearst Autos, Inc. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
- ^ “2021 Kia Sorento engines, other details revealed before Geneva debut” from Autoblog (February 19, 2020)
- ^ "2022 KIA Sorento Hybrid USA Redesign | KIA USA". Retrieved 2021-08-20.
- ^ https://paultan.org/2021/08/19/2022-kia-sorento-phev-joins-us-range-1-6t-plug-in-hybrid-13-8-kwh-battery-51-km-pure-electric-range/
- ^ https://www.kia.com/us/en/sorento/2021
- ^ "News - Sales Data - Sales Data - Kia Motors America Newsroom". www.kiamedia.com.
- ^ Sales, Timothy Cain·Kia. "Kia Sorento Sales Figures". GCBC. Retrieved 2021-02-08.
- ^ http://pr.kia.com/en/company/ir/ir-library/sales-results.do
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-09-08. Retrieved 2017-09-07.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
External links[]
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