Spy Shots: Kia's big body-on-frame SUV
by Frank Filipponio on Jun 18th 2007 at 4:54PM 
TheCarBlogger just posted several photos of what we believe to be Kia's new full-size SUV. Shown originally as the Mesa KCD II Concept in Detroit in '05, this so-called "HM" vehicle is a true body-on-frame SUV. The photos show a partially-disguised vehicle with a profile that wouldn't be out of place at a GMC or Jeep dealership. And from the interior shot, Kia's definitely moving further into Cadillac and even Lexus territory. The tasteful two-tone leather and light wood look good along the dash and doors. It appears far less retro and much more conservative than the show car, but still has a large presence.The new full-size Kia was spotted in South Korea, and looks to be very near production ready, suggesting we'll see it officially in the very near future. The HM should seat seven and take the Kia faithful another rung up the ladder from the Sorento. A 3.0L V6 diesel will be the base engine in Asia, but U.S. buyers should get the 3.8L gas V6. Expect about 260 hp from the latter. One of the bigger rumors swirling around this vehicle, however, is that it may usher in the use of Kia's first V8. The HM may get the 4.6L Tau V8 that will be used in the upcoming Hyundai Genesis sedan, as well. That engine would likely be mated to a new 6-speed automatic that helps parse out the power.
HM sales are expected to start in fall, with North American sales following early next year. If that's true, we should see the production version bow this show season, perhaps in Frankfurt. Follow the Read link to see several more full-size photos.
[Source: TheCarBlogger]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ruggels 5:08PM (6/18/2007)
Should be interresting, though I'm not sure about the lexus comment, given the interrior on the LS looks about as refined as a 1990's Audi 100... I just don't get why toyota hates interrior design so much, it's clearly not on par with their european rivals at any price point.
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pythonjimmy 5:48PM (6/18/2007)
A full size Kia SUV with a V8? R U kidding?
Well, why not, now that gas is back down below $3.50 a gallon!
Happy guzzling!
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David 5:20PM (6/18/2007)
Wow, somebody seems to arrived just a little bit late at the BODY-ON-FRAME PARTY!! There may be some leftovers and some warm beer, but everyone else is down at CROSSOVER's, you know, that new club in town.
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CreepyScoutMaster 5:30PM (6/18/2007)
Seems like they will have to come up with some more products to share the expense of a new BOF platform. Maybe a pickup or an Avalanche-type thing?
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Brian Dreggors 5:34PM (6/18/2007)
How ridiculous. Kia needs to start making appealing cars first. And the interior is lousy...
http://file1.bobaedream.co.kr/multi_image/national/2007/06/14/91196/1%25281%2529.jpg
...looks like a 7 year-old Explorer.
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MadeinDetroit 5:53PM (6/18/2007)
Hate to be negative, but this is just an answer to a question nobody asked.
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Mal Fuller 6:40PM (6/18/2007)
It's weird how vehicle manufacturers are often the last to notice major shifts in the marketplace. Apparently news arrives in Korea even more slowly than it arrives in Detroit. Oh well, if someone's going to be last, a Korean manufacturer would be my preference.
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jgp 8:18PM (6/18/2007)
This isn't Kia's first body-on-frame SUV. Looks like this will succeed the Sorento (which is at the end of its life-cycle, and its platformmate is going away, so it makes sense that they're replacing it).
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Guenther 8:55PM (6/18/2007)
I wonder if this is at all related to the overseas market Hyundai Terracan. That thing is about the size of a Trooper or GX470. Actually, I still think it's somehow a license build of the old 90 series cruiser.
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William 9:58PM (6/18/2007)
The HM is based on the Sorento's BOF platform. The Terracan is a whole different vehicle as it is based on the Hyundai Galloper. The Galloper is a re-engineered Mitsubishi Pajero. The Veracruz was the indirect replacement for the Terracan.
William Lee
Editor-in-Chief of TheCarBlogger
jgp 12:21AM (6/19/2007)
William,
Both the Terracan and Galloper are based on the Pajero platform. While the Galloper was a straight rebadge, the Terracan featured an original body, while keeping the Pajero underpinnings.
But you're right about Hyundai "replacing" the Terracan with the Veracruz. With the Terracan about to disappear, and the Sorento showing its age, I can see Hyundai keeping the line alive and giving Kia an exclusive model with a new Sorento not based on an existing Hyundai, which is why I think this is replacing the Sorento, not launching as an additional model.
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Bryan 12:56AM (6/19/2007)
This is a joke right? I agree with Brian. They need appealing cars before they even attempt to battle Ford and GM in a segment they will never win! Silly Kia.
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jeff in toronto 9:22AM (6/19/2007)
I saw the MESA concept at the show and liked it! We have an '06 Pathfinder - (BOF) for towing a 5000lb boat occasionally. There is a small market for vehicles like this for the consumers that don't want to go Big 3 (they seem to all be going CUV anyway). If it was price enough below a Pathfinder, I would take a look at least when our lease is up.
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