2010 Kia Sorento: First interior images emerge
Following the official Sorento teaser shots, released by Kia Motors a few months ago, was a series of unofficial exterior images, previewing the Sorento’s front end styling. Today, we have seen the first round of candid interior images emerging on the web and revealing some parts of Sorento’s interior layout. Sure, we have seen the cabin before, but back then, it was heavily disguised.
As you can see the interior of the 2010 Kia Sorento appears to be completely redesigned. It incorporates three large chrome-accented gauge clusters, a completely redesigned and (finally) attractive-looking steering wheel with audio control buttons mounted on the right side.
The all-new interior also benefits from a revamped center stack console, which features an in-dash built LCD display, positioned in between the elongated vertical air vents and HVAC buttons mounted below. Auxiliary and USB input jacks can also be found in the center console.
A while ago, UK’s 4Car magazine issued a report from their exclusive Sorento-prototype test-drive. When sitting behind the wheel, editors have noticed the cabin received some major styling improvements and was built from higher grade materials. And these very first interior images certainly prove their claims. I’m pretty sure this is going to be one of the best looking interiors we have seen in a Kia vehicle to date!
As we reported, the 2010 Kia Sorento is scheduled to make it’s official debut at the 2009 Seoul Auto Show, and that’s when you can expect more Sorento information and images to be revealed.
March 19th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Kia is listening to its fans. They’re now improving the interior designs. way to go Kia! and it seems big cars will afterall get a common steering wheel [also seen on VG] while the small cars get the one in the soul. works for me.
March 19th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Shift pattern is on the wrong side! Very Nissan-ish. I HATE the cruise on-off button. Looks like they stole that button directly off of a Ford!!! I like the center console except for the JBL audio. I HATE JBL!!! I would rather have the stock radio in an LX Kia!
March 20th, 2009 at 1:40 am
Yeah, I really really like it and it looks classy. As far as the gear shift pattern goes, it’s perfect, as that’s how it is for a RHD vehicle.
Well my current Mitsy is like that anyway.
I wonder where the trip computer will be situated. Within the dash itself or displayed on the larger LCD display in the centre. I hope its better than the current Sorento, which was a bit poor.
March 20th, 2009 at 2:24 am
Greg, Agree with all your comments. Have had JBL (in a Camry) & it was crap!! Don’t know why they didn’t go with Infinity. The Infinity system in my Santa Fe Limited is outstanding!!
March 20th, 2009 at 4:06 am
I’d imagine they put the manual-shift gate there because of hearing complaints that it should be there. Lots of blogs, forums, etc. say that’s where it should be for sporty driving. And Kia’s trying to foster a sporty image. At least they didn’t reverse the throws like some folks claims should be done.
Also see the ashtray is removable. Guess this is the deathnell for standard ashtrays in Korean cars, too.
March 20th, 2009 at 4:43 am
The Infinity system in our Optima is outstanding, too! Although, they had JBL in the Lotze Innovation. I think that they only use JBL in Korea. I hope so, because JBL doesn’t even deserve to be in the audio business. And again, there is just something about the shifter I hate, too. This is a big step for Kia, a step in the right direction!
March 20th, 2009 at 6:32 am
JBL is only for S. Korea.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:46 am
It doesn’t matter IMHO if it is JBL or Infinity (as they are both under Harman International).
March 20th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
It doesn’t matter what the stereo is branded. It doesn’t really matter unless it sounds good. Just because you stick a brand name on a stereo doesn’t mean it’s going to sound good or bad. It’s hard to judge a factory system until you actually sit down and listen to it. If you don’t believe me, listen to a Bose home system, and then listen to a Bose branded stereo from a ’90s GM.
March 20th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Oh, there is a HUGE difference between, for example, the regular AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sirius in the 2009 Optima, an then the Infinity system in the 2009 Optima. Being used to the Infinity system in our Optima, if I get into another Kia without Infinity (i.e. grandma’s Rondo), I can’t even stand to listen to the radio. The JBL in a Camry sounds like the same stock system in the 2007 Rondo LX. Yeah, it sound like crap.
March 20th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Hey I did a quick image merge of the centre dash images, to get a more full picture, click my name to see.
March 20th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Nice, it’s a step up from the current Sorento’s console.
March 20th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
The difference is in cost and quality of components. It has nothing to due with brand.
March 20th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Well, if it has to do with quality of components, I would have to say JBL has pretty sh!++y components!
March 20th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Not in the aftermarket. IMO, all the old “branded” systems in new cars weren’t too good. Maybe audio manufacters have decided that if they’re going to put their name on it, it had better be atleast decent.
March 20th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
too bad we dont get hyundai’s amazing lexicon systems. i sat in a genesis with it & OMG it was aaaaaamaaaaazing!
March 23rd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
damn! this new sorento is too nice to see. Can’t wait when will it goes to market. Wonder would its value jump higher above the current model or still in the same rate as the cheap affordable mid-size SUV?
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
hey don’t you think the front look of sorento just look alike ssangyong c200 concept car which also predicted to be market somewhere around 2010?
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I don’t find it similar looking, DEEP! But should wait for some c200 pics. I have only seen a few of them and judging from those, they are not alike…my thoughts…