First official images and information about the 2011 Kia Sorento have been released by KMA.
Kia Motors America has released first official images and information regarding its all-new Sorento crossover. The 2011 Kia Sorento is set t go on sale in January 2010 and will be the very first Kia vehicle to be produced at Kia Motors’ US manufacturing plant, located in West Point, Georgia.
The all-new Kia Sorento adopts Kia’s latest styling DNA. It features attractive exterior design and spacious cabin that offers seating for up-to 7 people. It has grown in size compared to the predecessor and adopted new unibody platform, which replaces the old body-on-frame design. The which provides car-like comfortable ride and
Buyers of the 2011 Kia Sorento can choose between two gasoline engines, that outperform similar engines from Honda and Ford in both, power ratings and fuel efficiency. Base 2.4L Theta four-cylinder engine produces impressive 172 horsepower, while larger, 3.5L Lambda II V6 delivers class-leading 273 horsepower.
Either of available engines in the 2011 Kia Sorento is mated to Kia’s all-new 6-speed automatic transmission, which has been co-developed with its parent Hyundai Motor Company. According to Kia, the all-new six-speed automatic gearbox offers improved fuel efficiency and improves vehicle’s performance. Six-speed manual tranny is available on base Sorento models. Both engines can be mated to either front or all-wheel drive configurations.
In addition to improved comfort and performance, the 2011 Kia Sorento hosts a number of high-tech features, including a push button-start ignition, rear sonar back-up cameras, voice-activated navigation, air ionization purification technology, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for MP3 player, Bluetooth connectivity. For the very first time, Sorento is also available with large panoramic sunroof.
“With a spacious, comfortable interior and multiple convenience features, the 2011 Sorento is the perfect, versatile choice for couples or young families taking a weekend getaway or merely handling everyday responsibilities,” said Tom Loveless, vice president of sales for KMA [Source: Kia]
2011 Kia Sorento gallery:
September 28th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
A foot operated park brake, didn’t noticed that ’til now. Still really impressed with everything about the new Sorento, can’t wait until it lands down under!
September 28th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
from what I’ve read because of this early 2011 model, there will be no 2010 version of the current Sorento.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
a foot operated parking brake,this is so “1930″…the only reason it is on the floor, because where would you put it,there is no room…..the best thing about a hand brake,it is up for you to see and grab,you will not forget you put it on….now this is “2009″ the “2010″ american cars are coming out,so tell me where is the “2010″KIA,you are talking about “2011″now,why!!!! show us your 2010 cars now in the show room….
September 28th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
wel,, it does give more space to use for the centre storage box. but I dont like the location it is in. its easier to use your hand to pull a lever up rather than move a flat paddle to the side with your shoes.
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And I’ve noticed many makes re-introducing old concepts and forms. like license plate on the rear bumper rather than the trunk lid. their logic is probably like, many of the youngsters will not know much about designs and concepts used in the past. so introducing them will seem new to them.
atleast i feel its like that. even for me, till u mentioned it, I didnt know the foot parking brake was used in the earlier cars.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
i like those aesthetic panels used here. the grey wood effect adds class and look unique. the best in my opinion is dark wood. then again, no wood at all. just funky color like in the soul.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Just did about 50 Kms with the new Sorento 2.2 CRDI, it drives OK, but somehow it does not feel like 197HP. The handling is great and the engine is extremely quiet (for a diesel)
September 28th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Word from the latest dealer meeting is that the new Sorento will be flat towable.
September 29th, 2009 at 12:22 am
What does flat towable mean and what is so special about it?
September 29th, 2009 at 1:34 am
It means you can tow it behind a motorhome with all four wheels on the ground.
September 29th, 2009 at 3:29 am
Good to see it’s getting closer now. We in Australia are supposed to getting it next month (October) but I haven’t seen anything as yet, except some person from Kia Australia saying something about it.
Yes as far as a foot operated park brake is concerned, it’s a pain. I had a Mitsubishi Outlander several years ago and it had one. Now there’s no problem when you’re on a flat roadway, but my driveway is reasonably steep and I have to reverse out, uphill. Ok, as I say, when it was parked in my garage, but if I parked for instance half way down the drive and I wanted to backup again, there’s just not enough feet to release the foot “park brake” and at the same time hold the vehicle with the normal foot brake and press the throttle at the same time, to get it to hold on the hill. Now this was an auto, don’t ask me what I’d have to do in a manual car, because even with the auto in reverse it wanted to roll forward until either I got my free foot quickly onto the accelerator…..anyway it took a lot of practice to perfect a proper method to back out of my drive. With a hand brake, no problems.
September 29th, 2009 at 5:53 am
They should have gone with one of those small electronic pull up ones that sit where a hand brake normally is, like BMW use on the X5/X6. Would have been much more up market and classy.
September 29th, 2009 at 5:59 am
Well, I think you pull it upward :S… Not quite sure, just the way it looks to me. I could be wrong.
September 29th, 2009 at 6:39 am
Just bought a Hyundai Sonata Limited and currently own an ’03 Sorento. Man, I love what these guys are doing to the auto industry – great product, great pricing, great warranty. It makes me feel really good driving a fine, affordable vehicle that blows the market into the weeds time and time again. ‘Can’t wait to see the new VG without the wraps!!
September 29th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
the emergency brake used in BMW is again electronic which means it isnt fail proof.
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the button and lever type is completely mechanical, so its practical for what its supposed to do.
September 29th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I could see where the electronic parking brake could fail miserably.
September 29th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
with regards to your comments about the foot brake (I have it on my Rondo and like it) but on this new Sorento it does come with DBC (downhill brake control) and HAC (hill-start assist control) which may address some of your concerns.
September 29th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
I don’t know, I hardly see a BMW’s electronic park brake ever failing.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Personally, for me, I like feeling the parking brake engage personally, rather than always question if there might me some kind of electrical problem. An electrical failure seems more probable than a mechanical failure. This would especially be a concern if the particular vehicle had a manual transmission.
September 30th, 2009 at 3:48 am
On the powertrain front, I was just at the Kia Media site and the V6 will only be an option on the top-line EX trim. Also, the 6MT transmission will only be available for the base model, which doesn’t look to have a single available option, not even 4WD. It also lacks all kinds of convenience features standard on higher trims.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
I went on Kiamedia too. The 3.5L 4WD is 20/27 on the highway. that’s better than the Toyota Highlander 4WD 3.5L V6 engine that is (according to Toyota’s website) gets 17/23 . And since some people compare this to the Honda CRV it’s around the CRV’s mpg which (accoding to Honda’s website) gets 21/27/23. That makes the Sorento appear more fuel efficient since it’s caring a V6 3.5L and not an I4 plus it has 3rd row. And lastly, that Chevy Traverse that GM keeps bragging about it being more fuel efficient than the Highlander and Piliot, It’s mpg with AWD (according to Chevy.com’s website) is only 16/22 (Doesn’t the Kia Borrego get 17/22?).
I could go on forwever. The Mazda CX-9 AWD is 15/21 (according to Mazda’s website in the USA). The AWD Ford Edge (according to Ford Vehicels .com( gets 19/20.
October 1st, 2009 at 4:33 am
CR-V gets 21/28/24 for ’10. But it’s a good bit smaller. Still, mileage is quite good for either powertrain in the Sorento.
October 1st, 2009 at 4:40 am
I think the better buy of the Sorento is the 4WD. Your only losing one mile either on the street or on the highway compared to the 2WD. Also sure the Sorento doesn’t seat eight passengers like the Pilot or Traverse and appears to have less interior volume than that Traverse but so what. I don’t have 8 friends to place. I only have friends less than the fingers on my one hand. Besides I HATE 3rd row. If I want 3rd row I’ll get a big stupid slow van.
October 1st, 2009 at 5:17 am
the problemis that heaps of cars are going to the footbrake
it clears up room on the centre console and worse, most people think it has a luxury car feel as mercedes/bmw/lexus $etc. have been using it for years
i personally hate it but what can you do…
October 1st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
KIA Canada has just launched their revamped website and listed all their 2010 models. The Sorento is not on the list (the Amanti is still a ’09). These seems to indicate what I read about there being no 2010 Sorento.
October 1st, 2009 at 5:26 pm
For all of those critics who don’t like the footbrake: there’s an easy solution!!! The footbrake is replaced by a handbrake in the Sorento with a manual gearbox because of safety reasons (the footbrake being to close to the outer pedal). So you can stop wining about it and start shifting gears.
October 1st, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Okay…let’s put this to rest right now. THERE IS NO 2010 KIA SORENTO. Kia still has stock of 2009′s at ports and production is beginning for the 2011 next gen Sorento so they are skipping the 2010 model year. It is not unheard of for manufacturers to skip model years depending on production schedules and left over supply. I don’t believe there will be a 2010 Amanti either.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Hyundai/KIA wants to make sure its got the best product possible. So some cars are being bumped up a year, and some cars are being pushed back a year for development.
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By the way the Hyundai Accent is being pushed back to 2012 instead of being released for 2011. There’s spy pics of it at hyundai-blog. The Veloster 4 door Coupe will be the Accent Hatch also. The US Accent will get 140HP with close 45 MPG, have a 50+ MPG Hybrid Blue Drive engine, and have a 176 HP Turbo as well.
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I wonder if the Rio will still be on time, or they will push the the Rio up on the schedule too. I wonder if it will get the same engines as the Accent, or engines with less power.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:55 pm
BTW, the Optima sold 6000 units in September.
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:33 am
Also, from what I understand, the 2011 Sorento will be on sale by late Jan. ’10. No need to even bother with a ’10 under those circumstances. By the way, Edmunds’ Insideline site has a test drive of an ’11 posted now.
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:49 am
On Lexus’s website, the Lexus RX mpg with AWD is 18/24. From Acura’s website, the MDX IS 15/20. The Cadillac SRX (from Cadillac’s website for USA) V6 VVT AWD is 17/23. (I Expect Cadillac to brag about it being more fuel efficient than the Acura MDX on their commercials like how GM always brangs about their Cobalt being more fuel efficient than the Civic or Corolla).
October 2nd, 2009 at 6:11 am
“Also, from what I understand, the 2011 Sorento will be on sale by late Jan. ‘10″
As I’ve said many times before, I can not understand your model year system there in the US, as far as I’m concerned if I bought a car in January 2010, it’s 2010 model, not 2011. That’s the way it works here in Australia anyway and probably a lot of other places in the world.
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Trust me. this car is fvcking good.
I already owned this car for 3 months.
“BMW X5 with Kia Price”
This car have many premium stuffs with high tech engine, great gas mileage.
But, this car is not a orthodox SUV(like Jeep wrangler). it is a CUV.
And this car is a mid size SUV.
please don’t compare this car with CR-V & RAV4 (compact SUV).
October 3rd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
sorento is in sant fé’s class which in US is the same as Rav4 and CR-V. the Mohave is a mid-size.
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Ozy Tone,
Our model year system here is pretty much whatever the maker wants it to be. As long as the car is produced in Jan. of the stated model year, it’s legal. So if Kia starts production of the ’11 in Jan. of ’10 and runs it through Jan. of ’11, then starts production of the ’12 in Feb. of ’11, it’s not against the law. I think it needs to be changed, personally. What do others think?
October 4th, 2009 at 1:30 am
For Kia to launch the new Sorento at the end of Jan. as a 2010 would put the cuv at a huge disadvantage over its competitors who have has their 2010′s out since July.
October 4th, 2009 at 1:33 am
Scott,
I have to agree with you. I thought Kia hurt themselves in sales because of their delayed launch. T
October 4th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
BJD (Boris), What ‘SorentoR Owner’ stated would be correct here in Australia. We don’t get full size SUV/”Trucks” here, unless you import them for ridiculous amounts of money. Here we would class the Mohave/Borrego as a large SUV, same with Landcruiser. hehe.
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I mean, I guess it just depends on where you come from, which determines what one classes as what size.
October 4th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
thats true Martin. as far as I’m concerened with sizes. the Land cruiser is a lot bigger than a mohave. mohave is the size of prado. lancruiser is the size of the ford expedition. so I would like to know, how are these larger SUVs classed there? extra large?
October 6th, 2009 at 4:07 am
Yea, Kia dealers in West Point Ga. at KMMG for annual meeting and test drive new 2011 Sorento.
October 6th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
*Kia Sportage / Hyundai Tucson = Compact SUV class
*Kia Sorento / Hyundai Santa Fe = Mid size SUV class
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According to Euro NCAP classification.
Hyundai Tucson = Honda CR-V = Toyta RAV4 ; Same Class
http://www.euroncap.com/small_off_road_4_4.aspx
Hyundai Santafe & Kia Sorento are cleary out of CR-V class.
http://www.euroncap.com/large_off_road_4_4.aspx
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P.S : In korea, this car selling as Upscale SUV class. I’m not sure why Kia america promote this car as a CR-V & RAV4 fighter. I think CR-V & RAV4 are selling well than Toyota Highlander. ‘Toyota Highlander’ is a real competiotor of this car. if this car is a CR-V & RAV4 fighter, then tucson/sportage are what class?
October 6th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
*Kia Sportage / Hyundai Tucson = Compact SUV class
*Kia Sorento / Hyundai Santa Fe = Mid size SUV class
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According to Euro NCAP classification.
Hyundai Tucson = Honda CR-V = Toyta RAV4 ; Same Class
ww w . euroncap . c om/small_off_road_4_4.aspx
Hyundai Santafe & Kia Sorento are cleary out of CR-V class.
ww w . euroncap . c om/large_off_road_4_4.aspx
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P.S : In korea, this car selling as Upscale SUV class. I’m not sure why Kia america promote this car as a CR-V & RAV4 fighter. I think CR-V & RAV4 are selling well than Toyota Highlander. ‘Toyota Highlander’ is a real competiotor of this car. if this car is a CR-V & RAV4 fighter, then tucson/sportage are what class?
October 6th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
CR-V, RAV4, sportage/tucson and sorento/santa fé are in the same class in US. classification is different in US. Mohave is the mid-size there. land-cruiser would be considered large.
October 6th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
No way the Sorento is a midsize CUV and is up against the Highlander and Pilot. The sportage is up agaisnt the Rav 4 and CRV in USA. The Borrego is a midsize SUV but it is up agasint the 4Runner not Highlander.
Also you can’t go by size in CUV segments that’s not enough. The Chevy Treverse is the size of a Ford Explorer or Kia Borrego but the advertising is target for people to buy that over the Highlander and Pilot. (Sorento’s rivals).
The Sante fe is it’s own thing but the Sorento is over the Sante Fe and is a Veracruz rival. The Veracruz isn’t no Pathfinder, Explorer, 4 runner or Grand Cherokee rival like the Borrego is. Where’s it’s V8?
October 6th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Sorento is a midsize CUV.
October 6th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Size, engine displacement, Interior volume.
IT is a Mid size CUV.
One more evidence.
Tucson / Sportage = based on compact car Elantra platform.
Santa Fe / Sorento = based on midsize car Sonata platform.
Toyota Highlander = based on midsize car Toyota Camry platform
Toyota RAV4 = based on compact car Toyota Corolla platform
October 6th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
If you still question about this, I can send e-mail to Hyundai/Kia headquarter.
Hyundai/Kia headquarter cleary state that Santa Fe / Sorento is a Midsize SUV. It is a Highlander class. I’m not sure why Kia america promote this car as a CR-V/RAV4 fighter.
I think 1 reasons.
CR-V/RAV4 are more popular model than Highlander/Pilot. so, they want compete with volume seller model.
October 6th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
*engine displacement
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Honda CR-V = 2.0l, 2.2l, 2.4l
Toyota RAV4 = 2.0l, 2.4l
Hyundai Tucson = 2.0l, 2.7l
Kia Sportage = 2.0l, 2.7l
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Honda Pilot = 3.5l
Toyota Highlander = 2.7l, 3.5l
Hyundai Santa Fe = 2.7l, 3.3l
Kia Sorento = 2.4l, 2.7l, 3.5l
October 6th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Veracruz is not a full size SUV. Veracruz is a clone of Lexus RX. it is a luxury SUV.
See this photo. even their looks are same.
image.motortrend . com/f/roadtests/suvs/9497482+pheader/112_0707_02l+2007_hyundai_veracruz_2008_lexus_rx350+side_view.jpg
Kia Mohave(Borrego) is a same as Veracruz.
October 6th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
See this photo. Veracruz vs. Lexus RX
http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/suvs/9497482+pheader/112_0707_02l+2007_hyundai_veracruz_2008_lexus_rx350+side_view.jpg
Almost same size and look.
And, Lexus RX is not a full size.
October 6th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
No the Veracruz is not a rival to the Borrego. If that’s the case the Veracruze competes with other BOF SUVs like the Pathfinder, 4runner, Explorer, Cherokee and other V8 suvs. The Veracruz is a rival to the Sorento when the Sorento is all the way loaded and Sante Fe when it is based.
October 7th, 2009 at 3:51 am
I beg to differ on the class of sorento. it completes with sante fe which it will share parts with. Chevy Equinox, ford excape, mercury mariner, honda cr-v, toyota rav-4, mazda cx-7. these cuv’s have about same amount of room compared to Sorento. This is USA based.
October 7th, 2009 at 4:10 am
It doesn’t matter how fancy the cuv or suv is, it’s the size of interior space and rather it’s a cuv or suv. Borrego, Explorer, Tahoe same class bof. Highlander, Veracruz, Traverse, Edge, Pilot large cuv.
October 7th, 2009 at 4:31 am
Ok. What class is the Nissan Xterra in? The Sorento and Xterra are in the same class. Just compare it on Kia’s website. It’s the first to come up. So if Nissan’s bigger SUV is the Pathefinder and the Borrego is the next SUV in Kia’s linup, doesn’t that make them rivals? Isn’t the Xterra a Highlander rival? Underneath the Sorento, Highlander, and Xterra is Sportage, Rouge and Rav -4 right? Is it that hard?
Size isn’t everything. For exampel the Jeep Grand Chrokee isn’t a highlandr rival it’s in the same class as the Borrego and pathfinder and 4Runner even though it appears smaller. And I don’t think it has 3rd row wither. That makes the Jeep Liberty a Sorento rival like the Xterra and Highlandar. Underneath that is the Patriot.
I could actually care less what class the Sorento some people think it’s in. Because it’s mpg is higher than rivals like the Highlander and Cx-9 that some same ain’t in the Sorento ‘s class.
October 7th, 2009 at 4:39 am
Veracruz is bigger than santa fé and therefore bigger than sorento. Veracruz is in Mohave’s class but hyundai went for monocoque while kia went for BOF. And its not Kia USA. it USA’s class system. Sorento, Santa fé, Sportage, RAV4, CR-V. problem is, the sorento and santa fé (although Kia and hyundai made them as mid-size), they are not big enough to classify as a mid-size by US standards. hence the engine sizes that Kia offers match that of the PIlot and the like.
October 7th, 2009 at 4:45 am
If size matters why is it that the Chrysler Sebring is a Camry Rival and not a Corolla they’re about the same size? What class is the VW Jetta in? What class is the Endeaver in? Why is the Traverse a Highlander rival it’s so long for it’s size? why is that? Size dosn’t always matter what about features? Isn’t that why the small BMW X5 not a Rav-4 rival. Isn’t that why the Mercedes M class is not a rival to the Sorento they’re about the smae class. heck the new Equinox got it’s design from the M class. The Acra MDX shrunk fromt the 1st why is it not a rav-4 rival then because of it’s size? I’ll tell you why because size alone doesn’t determine what class a car or CUV is from. it’s size, and features and engine size.
Why isn’t the Forster a Scion XB rival it’s one of the smalleest? why is the Scion XB a Soul rival and not a Rav-4 Rival? Aren’t they closer to the same size than the Soul? Why is that huh? The Sorento is highlandr rival it offers features up to the highlanders. Heck it even has sky slights that look more up scale than the GMC Accadia’s. And it always had a big enough V6 engine too. And it has class leading horsepower. 273 horses how much horses does the highlander have? Size yeah right.
October 7th, 2009 at 4:50 am
You still didn’t answer my question. Why is the Sebring a Camry riavl? What class is the Jetta in? The Sorento is bigger than the Ford edge why is it not competing with the Ford Edge and the Escape then? Why is that? They both have sky slight the Escape doesn’t.
October 7th, 2009 at 4:52 am
What’s this SUV doning with down hill assist? What’s this SUV doing with sky light the Borreog should get it it’s a rival to the highlander right? What’s it doing with heated front and rear seats? What’ s the first generation Sorento doing towing 5000lbs up to the Jeep Grandcherokee’s Why is that then if it’s compact?
October 7th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
If you go to Edmunds or Msn autos, it will show you the competitors to Kia or Hyundai cars and cuvs. About the Jetta, I had one and this is why VW doesnt do well in USA. It’s a odd ball size, not really a mid size and not really a compact. You can’t compare a MB, BMW, Caddy or any other luxury brand to a Kia. It’s not in that class. The Hyundai Genesis does complete in luxury class. Luxury class vehicles have their own class. You have your opinion and I have mine. You make some good comparisons btw grand cherokee and 4 runner.
October 7th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I never compared the CR-V and RAV4 with sorento. I’m just saying where sorento is classified in US in reply to sorentoR owner. I dont really care about how US classification works. I just know that the sorento/santa fé is considered ‘small’ there. I dont know about any other classification and am not interested.
October 7th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Boris I live in US and small would be Sportage and Tucson. Agree to disagree
October 8th, 2009 at 12:10 am
“Agree to disagree” Mmmm, I heard that somewhere on here before with a diffrent name.
October 8th, 2009 at 4:30 am
What’s up with having to get the top of the line Ex before you can get the V6 in the USA. I was looking into getting a 2011 Kia Sorento V6 with a Sunroof for around $24,000 OTD. It does not look like my wishes will be possible. Seems like KIA is going to force people to get the most expensive trim level before they can get the V6. Bad decision KIA. We were hoping you were going to continue to make your cars more affordable. If the price is too high I know I will definitely look elsewhere.
October 16th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
If all that people are complaining about is the parking brake location then I think Kia definitely has a winner here!!!!!
November 12th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
So where are the diesel powered vehicles for 2010?????????
November 25th, 2009 at 2:13 am
There is absolutely no way in bloody hell *ANY* manufacturer will *EVER* give North America anything diesel except VW, and except for a few pickups, and the epic fail what’s-that-thing from chrysler, dodge, forget its name, that pig of a thing that slurps more fuel than most equivalent gasolines.
November 25th, 2009 at 2:13 am
There is absolutely no way in bl00dy h3ll *ANY* manufacturer will *EVER* give North America anything diesel except VW, and except for a few pickups, and the epic fail what’s-that-thing from chrysler, dodge, forget its name, that pig of a thing that slurps more fuel than most equivalent gasolines.