2011 Kia Sorento SX makes its official U.S. premiere at the auto show in Atlanta.

Following the official grand opening ceremony of Kia’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia, Kia Motors America today unveiled the all-new 2011 Sorento SX crossover during a press conference at the 2010 Atlanta Auto Show.

The all-new Sorento has exceeded expectations since going on sale in early January, and now the new SX brings the CUV to new levels of comfort, convenience, technology and design and will arrive in dealerships later this summer.

The addition of the 2011 Sorento to the Kia lineup has helped bring new and more affluent customers into our showrooms. And with the addition of the new SX trim, Kia hopes to expand the model’s appeal to even larger number consumers looking for a well-equipped, comfortable, safe and sophisticated vehicle.”

With a streamlined and attractive look, the 2011 Sorento SX represents a modern CUV that is just the right size for today’s consumer. With swept-back lines and angled windows, large flared-back headlamps and prominent fog lamps, the view from the front conveys strength and power.

From the rear, the rounded back and tail lamps set prominently within the lift gate express the same forceful attitude and strength. Offering a more muscular stance, the Sorento SX  receives revised front and rear fascias to exude additional authority while added chrome to the exhaust outlet, LED tail lamps and hyper silver painted 18-inch alloy wheels increase its luxurious exterior appearance.

Originally available in two trim levels, LX and EX, the 2011 Sorento SX adds an enhanced dimension to Sorento with styling that adds an edgier attitude and comes standard with a plethora of luxury, convenience and technology features throughout.

In addition to the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, telescopic steering wheel, heated side mirrors, automatic up/down driver-side windows, privacy glass and smart key with push button start found standard on all Sorento EX models, upgrading to the new SX trim will further spoil its occupants.

2011 Kia Sorento SX image gallery:

Driver and passengers will benefit from leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, electrochromatic mirror with Homelink and a voice-activated navigation system with back-up camera.

In addition to the impressive array of standard technology features found on all Sorento models, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities, auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting personal MP3 players, and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones, the SX also comes standard with an Infinity Audio surround sound system with 10 speakers for a truly enhanced listening experience.

Raising the level of refinement and sophistication further, the SX interior benefits from a unique metallic gauge cluster with a stitched meter housing, accent interior illumination and stainless steel pedals. Chrome-finished roof rails, a metallic accent along the greenhouse and front and rear stainless skid plates on the outside complete the look. A panoramic sunroof also is available to enhance the feeling of spaciousness and adds to Sorento’s modern appearance.

Without sacrificing the space, comfort and ride that the current Sorento already offers, Sorento SX will employ the same unibody design with the ability to comfortably fit up to seven passengers.

An overall length of 183.9 inches and overall width of 74.2 inches with substantial headroom, legroom and cargo capacity effortlessly accommodates both passenger and cargo needs for all drivers. Sorento SX will, however, be nearly half of an inch lower to the ground for a subtly sportier appearance while the lower center of gravity allows improved handling and aerodynamics.

The Sorento SX also features DFD (Dual Flow Damper) shock absorbers typically found on more expensive vehicles. The DFD shocks, which have been specially matched to Sorento’s MacPherson strut front suspension and the fully independent mulit-link rear suspension, provide excellent handling characteristics without the harsh ride qualities typically associated with sport-tuned suspensions.

2011 Sorento SX engine and transmission

The SX comes mated to Sorento’s more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing segment-leading 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, more powerful than the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Edge.

Coupled to a new six-speed automatic transmission, the V6 offers ample power and improved fuel efficiency. This all-new six-speed automatic transmission is a proprietary design for Kia Motors that was designed, engineered and built specifically for Kia vehicles, making the brand one of only three manufacturers to employ such a transmission.

Kia Sorento SX safety

To further meet consumer needs, the engine can be mated to either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations, the latter coming with a locking center differential to evenly distribute power to all wheels while operating the vehicle at low speeds during more severe weather conditions. Drivers also will benefit from a standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist (HAS) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC), offered on all Sorento trims. [Source: Kia Motors America]