2010 Kia Sorento revealed!
by Alex Nunez on Mar 9th 2009 at 9:32AM 
Click above for a gallery of the 2010 Kia Sorento
Kia World has scored the first official photos of the 2010 Kia Sorento, and from the looks of things, it's in keeping with the other marked improvements the automaker has been making to its lineup. In fairness, the current Sorento is no ugly duckling, with a shape that's evocative of the Jeep WJ Grand Cherokee and last-gen Lexus RX. Kia retains a traditional SUV profile with the latest version, but you can see that a thick D-pillar now resides aft of the side glass. In its report, OmniAuto notes that new, larger Sorento will have seven-passenger capability.
The new Sorento doesn't appear to mess with success, retaining the same basic shape while incorporating Kia's new, handsome corporate face and a clamshell hood. Its public debut is slated for the Seoul Motor Show next month, and Kia World reports that the the new SUV will be available with a Euro 5-compliant 2.0-liter clean diesel making 200 horsepower and 295-lb-ft of torque. Stateside, expect a 170-horsepower 2.4-liter four and and a 3.8-liter, 260-horse Lambda V6. Koreans also get a 2.7-liter LPG-powered engine. After its Seoul debut, we'd expect to see the Sorento pop up in Manhattan for the New York Auto Show.
Gallery: 2010 Kia Sorento
[Sources: Kia World, Omni Auto]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Luis 9:37AM (3/09/2009)
Let the Kia-lovefest on Autoblog begin!
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2004m3driver 12:02PM (3/09/2009)
Actually, let the pseudo design experts chime in on which part is stolen from which car!
Yikes 9:38AM (3/09/2009)
What is it with automakers putting huge UGLY FAKE plastic grills around fog lights?
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Tang 9:55AM (3/09/2009)
Good point, though I think some automakers make a better job of using the fake air dams to design the front. For some reason, on this vehicle, it looks like they forgot about it.
dwightB 12:44PM (3/09/2009)
I blame Volkswagen / Audi ENTIRELY for this. Look at almost ANY "sporty" vehicle in their line-up and you'll see what I mean, lol.
risk 1:41PM (3/09/2009)
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wcv8Vb7ML4c/R1EJy1CKZuI/AAAAAAAABS4/h8s1EcJlqVY/s1600-R/Outlander_Commercial_UK_01.jpg
looks more like the mitsubishi outlander.
Saheed 8:39AM (3/11/2009)
since when is plastic fake? Anyway, I think Kia is really startin' to step up the design and build quality. I give em' ma respects man. They ain't all too bad!
Serge 9:39AM (3/09/2009)
SAAB FTW!
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Jon 9:53AM (3/09/2009)
Yeah, Saab headlights! And the bow-tie grill cut-out somehow echoes BMW's kidney grill...
(and toilet seat lid bonnet, what a clever design!)
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alh 11:28AM (3/09/2009)
Headlights look more like the ones in the Acura TSX/Honda Accord
Acefighter 1:45AM (3/13/2009)
I've always wondered what came first, BMW's grills or Pontiac's? They look a lot alike.
hyundaifans.com 9:54AM (3/09/2009)
Not sure about this one. I gotta see some more pics from different angles.
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Ian 10:33AM (3/09/2009)
I have always wanted to know who is the mastermind behind the strategy and execution of Hyundai and Kia's automotive business. Sure you can look up their ceo's name etc., but is there a specific car mastermind holding a position like a Bob Lutz at GM?
This is an automotive group which 15 years ago mired in at best very pedestrian vehicles and looking to have no good future. Then everything was turned around and someone had the ability to keep hitting all the right buttons!
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Charles 10:49AM (3/09/2009)
Exactly what I was thinking Ian. Whether or not it may look like a Saab (it does), it still a strong step in the right direction. Kia seems to be a clear up and comer alongside Hyundai. These are the two to watch for the foreseeable future.
wingding2424 10:04AM (3/09/2009)
Does the grill cutout remind anyone else of the Bat-signal?
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Dave 12:13PM (3/09/2009)
No.
James Donovan 10:17AM (3/09/2009)
I remember hearing Kia have an ex-Audi designer. If I remember correctly, it really shows. I like it...
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JDMlover 10:30AM (3/09/2009)
IDC what no one has to say...but i will not buy a Kia !
I'm sorry i just cant see myself spendin my own money on a Kia...sometimes the badge does play a role.
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Arumage 11:03AM (3/09/2009)
We're all so surprised. Was it even necessary to post that comment?
MikeW 11:24AM (3/09/2009)
Oh the Honda Pilot is so good: timing belt, 5 speed auto, no hydraulic valve clearance adjustment, no variable valve timing.
The Suzuki XL7 just got the GM 6t70 transmission for '09-yeah!
The Grand Vitara needs a 6 speed auto to go with its new engines.
The Subaru Tribeca doesn't have an econo-powertrain option, only a 'premium' one with 16/21 city/highway (7 speed auto to raise that terrible mileage)
Nissan Xterra-fun leaf springs!
Mitsubishi Endeavor-kick ass 4 speed automatic!
Mitsu Outlander-timing belt on 3.0 V6, no VVT, yes to cam switching
Mazda Cx-7 is getting an econo powertrain for '10, how will that compare to the Kia 2.4?
Ohhh my goodness, the Japanese offering as SO much better...not really