It seems like we have been waiting for ages to see the 2010 Kia Sorento breaking the cover. After seeing a countless number of spy photos and prototypes in various testing stages, the wait is finally over and we can exclusively show you the new face of the next generation Sorento crossover!
Codenamed XM, the 2010 Kia Sorento is scheduled to make it’s official debut at the Seoul Auto Show in April and that will be the place where Kia Motors will reveal more precise details on it’s powertrain options, equipment and accessories.
Not willing to wait additional three weeks to get to know more about the new Sorento, I gathered some additional information from various Kia sources worldwide.
Redesigned Sorento will become the first Hyundai-Kia vehicle in the family to come equipped with the all-new environmentally-friendly R-diesel engine. The 2.2L diesel engine boasts best-in-class 200 horsepower and best fuel economy performance of 14.1km/l making it the most fuel-efficient crossover in the Korean market. The new state-of-the-art diesel engine also satisfies EURO5 emission standards.
The engine range will also include a four-cylinder 2.4L and a 3.8L V6. Both are destined for the International markets, including US and Europe. On it’s domestic market, new Sorento will also be available with a 2.7L LPI engine. Standard powertrain package also includes a 6-speed automatic transmission developed with proprietary technology.
Size-wise, the 2010 Sorento has grown in size and now measures 4.685 mm (+95mm) in length, 1.885 in width (+35mm) and 1.710 in height (-15mm). It’s wheelbase has been shortened by 5mm to 2.700mm.
March 9th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
this angle is really familiar….
March 9th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Like the styling of the Santa Fe better. Guess that is why I bought one
March 9th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I like it!
March 9th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Don’t know about the looks of new Kia Sorento. Will wait until I see more quality images. It certainly does look interesting…
March 9th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
This is very very sharp.
March 9th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Enough about Front, (I’ve seen that since the spy shot..) I want to see the back!!!
March 9th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Santa Fe styling is better huh? HA! The Sorento is sexy and I can’t wait to drive one!
March 9th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
some people prefer the santa fe some prefer this. i prefer this. maybe due to my younger age (22). i love it tho. i’d drive the hell outta this (theoretically speaking)
March 9th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Isn’t it nice how some perfer Sante Fe styling and some perfer this. You can’t say that when it comes to the Traverse or Accadia.
March 9th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Wow, this Kia Sorento looks amazing, well done Schreyer!
March 9th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
This is sweet, can’t wait to drive one. Great Job, Design Department. Kia will be leaving Toyota in the dust in the next few years. Spread the word..Kia!!
March 9th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
JTZ—- 100% agree. although, i think kia shoulda stuck with the “truck frame” sorento as they went with the borrego. (is it one R or two? i forget) that way the hyundai & kia line’s differ that much more. i personally prefer the ride & ruggedability of such. but i realize that doesn’t sell as well to the general public so thats fine. i’m not personally in the mkt for an SUV either so its no big deal.
March 10th, 2009 at 12:34 am
I’m going to call it the CBB (cerato’s big brother). I love the look of it and I love seeing the familial design concepts being loyally spread across the range of Kia’s. I can’t wait to see what these design parameters do to the Rio
March 10th, 2009 at 1:11 am
“The Real Greg from Manistee” whoever this is is working to destroy my reputation, and I don’t like it. I have been here almost since the beginning, and whoever this is seems to be mocking me, or something. It is not funny, please stop. I have done everything possible to try to differentiate my identity. It seems as though whoever is doing this is trying to get some kind of strange revenge. Are you mad at me? What have I done to you? Instead of playing stupid mind games to confuse the poor people at this site, why don’t you settle it with just me? Email: love.my.kia “at” charter.net. Please stop this, it is thoroughly sickening. I would like to have regular conversation with people here, and not have them wonder who in the hell is the person they are chatting with. As for the Sorento, there is just one thing I don’t like, the plastic fog light grille. They could do away with that.
March 10th, 2009 at 2:16 am
Yes yes, we get your drift now “Nuova Kia Sorento” and you’ve written the same paragraph twice now, but what is the English translation, so most of us will know what you’re trying to tell us. My Spanish or Portuguese, or whatever, is a little rusty these days.
March 10th, 2009 at 2:24 am
Oopps!! Italiano is it.
Ciao!!
March 10th, 2009 at 2:43 am
Aaah Hahh!! I thought so Greg, it’s Harry. He’s after you fella, he doesn’t like you letting too many cats out of the bag and in his words “sinking ships”…..with your “loose lips”. I’ve been sitting back here watching you two for quiet a while now, it’s been interesting, to say the least.
Good on you Harry I can see where you’re coming from, after myself being in the motor industry for so long, I can see you wan’t to protect your job with Kia. But we enjoy Greg’s comments and at 15 he just doesn’t understand the meaning of being diplomatic yet. He’s not the only one out there saying anything about vehicles of all makes and models, look at all those web-sites trying to be the first with that “exclusive” spy shot. In fact that’s why I like this site so much because it gives me a future insight of vehicles from Kia.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:19 am
ozytony what state are you from in oz
March 10th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Typical Asians, why come up with an idea of their own when they can steal ideas from other people. Anyone else see Saab in this design?
March 10th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
No, actually. How could you? Saab designs are so strange and fugly, they might as well be Hondas!
March 10th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
This damn looks like a new 9-4X and given the fact, Kia showed some interest in the Saab Brand, this comes as no surprise. Furthermore, it looks way different, then we thought it to come in metal – just look at the CGIs and Artworks so far… the outcome is a Saabish [not the worst, of course]
March 10th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I agree with Zippy, it’s totally a combination of 9-4X and the new 9-3X of Saab.
Still like Saab a lot better though.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
I can´t believe that they´ve made such a SAAB rip-off. Very chinese action. Shame on them!
March 10th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
The front end is a shameless rip off of the new Saab 9-4X. Why not come up with something a little different and unique?
March 10th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Why does Kia ‘use’ so many styling-elements from Saab?
Like the headlights and the clamshell-hood….
March 10th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I don’t really see the problem, since Saab will be outa business soon anyway …
(my sincere apologies to all people proffesionally involved with Saab)
March 10th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Too bad that Kia took a good vehicle and turned it into another ugly boring Hyundai clone crossover. My 2004 Sorrento is tough as nails and goes anywhere. It has a real frame under it, limited slip rear and has never let me down. I hate seeing another wannabe a truck. Why not just call it what it is; a station wagon grocery getter. I was planning on buying another Sorrento when mine wears out, not now!
March 10th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
“The front end is a shameless rip off of the new Saab 9-4X. Why not come up with somthing a little different and unique?” They did until Subuaru took the Mesa’s grille and Saab took the Mesa’s greenhouse.
March 10th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
I think the person posting about it looking like Saab is the same person. Obviously, there are not THAT many people who could make a connection between this and a SAAB of all things!! I could see maybe calling it an Acura or a Lexus ripoff, although it’s really not, but to call it a SAAB ripoff?! If you call it a SAAB ripoff, you don’t deserve eyes.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
i dont get how they can say they’re ripping off SAAB when the KND4 was around before the 94X and the new Sorento is hitting the streets WAY before the Saab. doesn’t make sense.
March 10th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Neither do I Joshy! I guess some will always find a Kia product as a copy of something. I’m just waiting for the day that someone tells me Kia has coppied an iMac or iPhone.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I guess they want to say it looks like Saab because it has that rear pillar but I can list t at least 10 SUVs that have rear pillars like that. The Suzuki Xl -7, Acura MDX, Toyota Venza, Chrysler Pacifica, Saab 9-4X, Lexua RX, Infiniti FX35, Hyundai Veracruz, Audi Q7 and now this Sorento. But Kia is the only one copying and everyone else is original. Show me an SUV that is stylish and looks like nothing else out there. from ANY car company… show me. As for the other CUVs out there, I’m glad Kia is at least keeping there own style by using an off road like appearance. But, I’m suprised Saab 9-4X came up before Suburu, That’s what the headlights look like to me but that’s ok they have the Mesa grille right?
March 10th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Hey Joshy I can answer a little of your question but I want to base it on the Mesa not the KND-4. Now the Mesa arrived in 2005 NAIAS Auto show right? Well it took them nearly 4 years to get that going that gave Chrysler, Suburu, Suzuki (because of the XL-7), Ford (since when did the Exploerer grille carry so much chrome), a chance to copy that. What’s strange is everyone had forgotten that but once the Borrego name was revealed people remebered the 2002 Chevy Borrego.
March 10th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
the front-end and clamshell hood looks a Saab…. if only GM had thought of it….
March 11th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Sorry Andy, I didn’t get back to you sooner. To answer you’re question, SA.
March 11th, 2009 at 11:02 am
After looking at the 93 X and 94 X from Saab, I honestly don’t see a resemblance anywhere. Please, tell me where you see Saab in Kias design? Oh, and by the way, Kia has been working with this design longer than Saab has been working on the 94 X, so if anything, Saab is copying from Kia! Oh, but no one could copy a Kia’s design. Well, I can name AT LEAST 2 Subarus and a Saab that have copied designs from Kia, and I’m sure I could find more.
March 11th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
As a former long time fan of and owner of Saabs, I have been so saddened by the GM takeover and now jettison of a once great brand. GM raped Saab of much of it’s engineering, placing it in the Malibu and other GM vehicles, while at the same time, starving the R&D dollars for new, innovative Saab vehicles. The 2000 Saab 9X concept was the concept of the year, but in 10 years, there was no funding to make it production ready. I hope that Saab survives bankruptcy or finds a new home (maybe HKA?) so that the world can once again benefit from the engineering that Trollhauten can produce. In the meantime, I am anxiously awaiting the Soul! arriving at Maryland dealerships.
March 11th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
it it`s beautiful….! but it`s a big problem…. what i`m goone make with the service…??????? i live in cyprus and i can not find one serivce -garaj for my kia!!!!!!!
March 12th, 2009 at 12:19 am
I just saw a Saturn Aura parked right next to a Toyota Avalon. Boy did Saturn copy the Avalon’s headlights.
March 13th, 2009 at 2:15 am
with as many options for vehicles there are nowdays… there’s not much out there except for maybe the VW bug, Mini Cooper, & the Smart ForTwo that are original. BUT… i don’t think Kia is copying ANYone. they may resemble a few things out there as well but they’re not COPIES! i mean hell! even the Mini Coop & VW Bug resemble eachother (circular buggy headlights) but i’d never say anyone copied anyone else. NOW… sangyong or whatever that chinese automaker is that copied the BMW X5 & then some… THATS a copy. people should just shut their mouth.
March 13th, 2009 at 3:35 am
Fact of the matter is, please excuse this, dickheads, that have always put crap on KIA can’t handle the fact that KIA are in fact getting better, in terms of previous models, and the competition. These idiots have forked out 4k more than they could have for the same everything on the Hyundai or KIA. So they find one minor detail about the car, be it the headlights and what not, that several other vehicles also have similarities in the same area, and then try to make out by posting ignorant and quite frankly stupid arse comments about the entire KIA vehicle being a copy. Some people really need to get over themselves. There is a word I am trying to think of, which I think basically means, people only dislike it because it is better than what they have… Which is a clear example of these H-K haters.
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I too have looked at these Saabs, and 100%, do not see any resemblance what so ever.
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I sort of trailed off there… oops.
March 13th, 2009 at 4:00 am
BMW X5, Mistubishi Dymanine, Chevy Malibu, 2002 Toyota Avalon hint… look at their tail lights.
March 13th, 2009 at 4:25 am
Doesn’t the toyota Venza headlights almost look like the Ford Edges? One more one more I promise. The 2010 Toyota Hybrid, Chevy Volt and 2010 Ford Taurus hint headlights. Also check out the back of the Ford Edge, it looks like the taillights of the Suburu Legacy check it out. But Kia is only copying. There is a car company that just copied the Kia Soul, they made it bigger and is only Sold in Europe. I’ll find it so I can bring up the name. Does the Chevy Spark look like a Honda Fit? I could go on for ever. Also the Hyundai HCD-2 and the new Audi Sport concept headlights. I’m done now wait not yet. the next generation Infniti M and the next Hyundai Sonata body designs. Ok I’m done. Hey if the VG looks like a Lexus or Infniti so what everyone else is copying too.
March 13th, 2009 at 5:41 am
Right on!
March 13th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
I should have said the 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Chevy Volt and 2010 Ford Taurus look alike in the face. The current Toyota Prius looks like a 2005 Lincoln Navagator hint headlights. Speaking of Toyota Prius, doesn’t it’s headlights also look like the Current Nissan Altima?
March 13th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I told ya I could go on forever. The Toyota Sierria looks like a Mazda 5 but smaller.
March 13th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Opps, the Mazda 5 looks like the Toyota but smaller. Doesn’t the back of the Honda CRV remind you of a Volvo like the Cee’d SW reminded Kia haters? The face of the CRV looks a little like the Kia Soul from the original concept. The Chrysler 300 looks like a 1990 something Caddy mixed with a Rollsroyce.
March 13th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
This is the last one I promise, You know how all the haters say the Forte looks like a Civic, well deosn’t that Civic look like a 2002 Toyota Solara?
March 14th, 2009 at 12:45 am
This is the last one. The new Buick Lucerne’s headlights looks like the New BMWs like the Chevy Cruze which greenhouse looks like the Sonata’s while the headlights also looks like the new BMWs. The VW Bettle’s headlights looks like a Dodge Neon’s, Suburu Impreza and Mini Cooper (can I put Porche in there?). Hmmm and to think everyone who hated Kia was quick to attack on the 2004 Kia Amanti. NOW I’M DONE.
March 14th, 2009 at 8:10 am
this sux man. when it cums to Kia ppl always (like almost by instinct) start looking for elements of another make’s car. x(
March 14th, 2009 at 8:12 am
this sux man. when it cums to Kia ppl always (like almost by instinct) start looking for elements of anotherr make’s car. x(
March 14th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
What do you get when you take the Infinti Q54’s grille and put it on a sedan? The 2009 Nissan Maxima.
March 14th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
JTZ, that one doesn’t work. Infiniti IS Nissan.
March 15th, 2009 at 5:38 am
Ok I’ll make it back up for that. The Mitsubishi Outlander’s tail lights and Lexus RX’s tail lights. I’ll name a list of cars from the side profile that looks alike. The new Mazda 3, Toyota Matrix and Jeep Campass. They seem to carry that same C pillar at that back. I can’t get the Jaguar XR but I’m sure in 2 years some car company well take cues from that. Kinda like Acura is taking design cues off the BMW X6 crossover. I seen their version on spy shots ( I guess Lexus is next). Now put a Kia badge on there and haters will say, “Can’t Kia come out with there own ideas?” But where are the haters, they were all on here when Kia revealed the 2010 Sorento but after my commets, they’re no where to be found? Did anyone ever pay attention to the prefacelift Subaru Tribeca’s grille. It looks like the 2004 Amant’s only smaller. Also, I know it’s Kia but Did you notice the Kia Kee’s grille looks like the 2002 Kia Rio’s only it’s bigger? I know it’s Kia but hey if Nissan is taking Cues from Infiniti, I just thought I can do the same for Kia. I always thought the first generation Rio was pretty original until Hyundai had to put their hands on it and clone it. Now to get off Kia. Did you notice the Toyota FJ Crusier’s headlights came from either Jeep, Suburu, Mini Cooper or Volkswagen. The FJ’s thick pillar looks more like either the dead Buick Rainer or that future dying Saab crossover. Doesn’t the new Lancer’s face look like a cross between the Toyota Turndra and Volkswagen Iroc concept? Now put a Kia badge on there and people would say “It looks like such and such”.
Is Lincoln copying BMW? Lincoln’s so called signature grille design looks like a BMW let alone there headlights.
March 15th, 2009 at 6:14 am
The Nissan Cube looks like the U.S. Postal truck.
May 11th, 2009 at 6:35 am
kia always make surprises, its the best you can ever buy.
May 20th, 2009 at 4:58 am
I love the Design! I don’t care if whoever copied who as long as it provides power and excellent ride. People tends to sour grape since they pay more for the car just because of the brand and here comes KIA who provides affordable price with the same features or even more. Pity for those brand-conscious.
June 11th, 2009 at 4:48 am
Doesn’t the new Equinox look like the first gen Acura MDX? Hmm, I saw that new little Benz SUV it’s nice and all but it looks like the 1st gen Highlander. The Accord’s back lights came from the Mazda CX-7. The Camry has Acura TL’s headlights. The Civic’s headlights looks like the 2002 Galant. The Sebring’s back looks like the new Galant. The Mercury Milane’s headlights came from the Scion coupe. The older Ford Fusion looked like an Infiniti it’s just that the Fusion’s lights are square. The Accadia’s tailights looks like the Infiniti FX35 (just incase someone wants to say the 2010 Sorento’s tailights looks like that).
Someone had said on another site that Koreans are always copying. I said what I typed and the next day it got erased. It’s funny how when I tell the truth about cars looking alike and most still want to think it’s only the Koreans copying. They say this looks like saab? Saab’s grille looks more like Daewoos back when they were sold in the States. The 2009 Nissan Maxima back looks like the 2006 Accord coupe more than it looks like that Nissan Z. That new Accord coupe looks like a Jaguar coupe.
June 11th, 2009 at 4:53 am
Oh yeah, to the guy who thinks the new Sorento looks like an accord. Look closely, the Sorento’s lights touches the grille and the Accord’s lights doesn’t like the Camry’s. Doesn’t that really expensive SUV by Mercedes I mean the most expensive SUV doesn’t that look like a Jeep mixed with Land Cruiser? The back of the 09′ Pilot looks look the Scion XB or Jeep from the back.
June 12th, 2009 at 12:13 am
who cares if cars look a like. what matters, to me at least, if they sell.
July 24th, 2009 at 3:38 am
Bought a Sorento LX 12/04…Runs great! Never had a problem and (knock on wood) will not have a problem. Does the new one look like “other CUVs?” Hell, Yes…which car/SUV/CUV doesn’t unless you count the Aztek by Pontiac as an SUV!
The reliability/dependability ofthe vehicle is foremost to most buyers (I hope) and NOT BEC. THE FRIGGIN’ HOOD LOOKS LIKE YOUR AUNTIE’S CORNSTARCHED UNDERWEAR. Get Over it!!!
As for me, I can’t wait to get a new one…I’m keeping the old one as well! Congratulations KIA!
August 21st, 2009 at 12:32 am
The new Infiniti FX’s headlights came from Hyundai’s Old HCD series concepts. If you look at the Buick Enclave’s taillights with a mirror, the shape should be close to the VW Tourag’s I’m glad you brung up that ugly Aztek SUV, so that’s what BMW did. They took the old Aztek and made it look good and called it the BMW X6. I guess this is my Forte talking about what cars look like. I hate people don’t come on here anymore talking about what a Kia looks like anymore.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
I SUGGEST THAT SINCE THE NEW KIA SORENTO IS GOING TO BE A CROSSOVER AND NOT AN SUV I SUGGEST THAT EUROPE START HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THE BORREGO WITH A SORRENTO DIESEL ENGINE
December 15th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
The Jaguar XR is no longer orginal Aston Martin took it’s greenhouse.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
I guess the new 2010 Toyota 4 Runner wanted to escape from looking like something else so they decided to go back in the 90’s. The Borrego , a 4 Runner rival not a highlander rival, still looks better.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
The 2010 Nissan Armanda has the Kia Mesa’s A Pillars.
December 26th, 2009 at 6:23 am
I still looking for asian car that used the design of the old SAAB 9x
Grill… thought Saab was going to introduce it with a SAAB label.
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:10 pm
some chrome round the windows and fog lamp area would have made the serento look richer ….many are adopting chrome .