More 2010 Kia Sorento shots hit the web
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Mar 18th 2009 at 10:29AM 
Click above for an image gallery of the 2010 Kia Sorento
Kia World has once again scored a series of spy shots of the upcoming 2010 Kia Sorento. Unlike the first generation of Kia's midsize 'ute, the new Sorento will eschew the body-on-frame underpinnings of traditional sport utility vehicles in favor of the unibody architecture that's currently all the rage. Engine choices should include a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.8-liter V6 borrowed from parent company Hyundai with over 270 horsepower. Automatic and manual transmissions will reportedly be available, both with six speeds. Markets outside the U.S. will also get diesel and LPG variants.
Styling is vastly different from the current Sorento, which is a pretty good looking vehicle in its own right. We detect at least a hint of Ford's current Kinetic design language, which is no bad thing. The 2010 Sorento is scheduled to make its formal debut at the Seoul Motor Show in early April, followed by its U.S. introduction at the New York Auto Show a few weeks later.
Gallery: 2010 Kia Sorento
[Source: Kia World]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Luis 10:31AM (3/18/2009)
Another anonymous crossover. Blah.
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Bob-omb 11:00AM (3/18/2009)
It's relatively anonymous, but it's so clean and simple. And practically every car company has forgotten how to do that. Toyotas and Nissans bulge everywhere, Ford has whatever that chrome thing is on the front of its Escape, Honda's new design language is chunky (and scary), Subaru had to fix that Tribeca monstrosity practically immediately, etc. etc.
I mean, if no one's actually going to do something unique AND stylish in the segment, I'd rather they stuck to strong and simple like Kia did here.
... 11:17AM (3/18/2009)
I've seen your comments on other articles. You must be a sour grape Brazilian or some other latin loser.
Mazda FTW! 11:20AM (3/18/2009)
Bob - Don't forget the CX-7 (and the Murano as well even though the new one is not as stylish as the first gen one).
... 11:33AM (3/18/2009)
One thing I agree with bob is simplicity is a type of language often used by major companies be in electronics, cars etc and other forms of art as well. Simple yet special.
Luis 11:35AM (3/18/2009)
... - that's how you identify yourself? I bet I have way more education that your lame-ass ever will attain, what with comments like that. I just hope you can't reproduce.
What are you scared? Why don't you go back to your red-state hole and STFU?
MikeofLA 10:36AM (3/18/2009)
Why no LPG variant for us? LPG would be the fastest and easiest way to get us off of foreign oil. It's prevalent, relatively safe, lines run EVERYWHERE, and you can fill up at home.
Not a bad looking addition to the anonymous bean cars that are "Crossovers"
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Pokey 10:53AM (3/18/2009)
Looks like the bastard offspring of a Subaru and an Acura MDX.
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Kumar 11:03AM (3/18/2009)
I think it's a nice replacement for the current version. It should provide some competition for the Forester in the small SUV market that giant SUV owners are seeming to flock to.
I'm liking the use of 2 sunroofs to make it seem bigger inside.
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Tourian A5 11:11AM (3/18/2009)
They ripped off the front from the Saabs.
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ryan 11:20AM (3/18/2009)
so what? saab won't be using it much longer.
and i don't think they ripped off the 3.8L v6 from hyundai. They've been using it in the EX sorento since 2007's refresh, and LX in 2007 only, as well as the amanti and the van. same basic engine, some different changes to give it more power.
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Patrick 11:25AM (3/18/2009)
So....
Kia = Honda-Acura
Hyundai = Lexus-Infiniti-Mercedes-with a touch of Bimmer on the ass end
No, they arnt manipulating the ignorant market that feels "all cars look the same" and that one Asian sounding manufacturer is probably just as good as the next. Nope, thats not what they are doing at all. . . . . .
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noodlz 12:23PM (3/18/2009)
Looks they designed this based upon what was leftover in the pre-08 Acura TSX parts bin.
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noodlz 12:24PM (3/18/2009)
Looks like*
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Darin 12:48PM (3/18/2009)
Looks like the Sportage's replacement or rather....it looks like a Sportage. This is my thing, "Keep it simple, 4wd (rear) and manual, tow hooks all around and under 3,600 lbs., oh and NOT mid 20k but mid teens. I know, it's not this vehicle, it never is......
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Khanh 1:59PM (3/18/2009)
If it wasnt for the words "Kia Sorento", I would have been almost fooled to believe it was a Saab. Kinda looks like it, but at the same time, it doesn't, which is good. Way to go Kia, whoo! I'm liking their new designs more and more.
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The Luigiian 2:14PM (3/18/2009)
It looks OK, but will it have any of the off-road capability of the current Sorento? I'm thinking no.
The number of off-road capable SUVs continues to dwindle. At this rate, we'll soon have only HUMMER (if it can even survive) and Jeep, oh and two or three Toyotas. All of them gas-guzzlers too. All the rest of these so-called "SUVs" are just lifted station wagons.
It disappoints me that the moment the automakers decide to add fuel-efficient four-cylinders to their compact SUVs is also the moment they decide to switch to unibody and remove what off-road ability the vehicles had.
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homunculus 2:54PM (3/18/2009)
the question is, when will mercedes poach schreyer?
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Adam 7:33PM (3/18/2009)
Hopefully they improved the ground clearance (it doesn't look like it) and the crappy fuel filler neck that gets clogged and makes it nearly impossible to fuel up if you live in dusty conditions and costs hundreds of dollars to replace.
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P.V. 7:35PM (3/18/2009)
It reminds me a little of the Sante Fe, but I like it; it's clean, simple, and understated. I think KIA is going to have a winner with this one!
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