On December 2, 2009, Kia announced the debut of the Sorento crossover utility vehicle (CUV).
The first vehicle to be built at a new manufacturing facility in Georgia, Sorento will be coming to market in early 2010 as a 2011 model-year vehicle.
The new Sorento employs a unibody design with the ability to comfortably fit up to seven passengers, offering more space and ride comfort than the previous-generation model.
Available in base, LX and EX trim levels, all trims offer 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/65R17 tires and wheel moldings, while moving to the LX trim includes standard body-color heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signal indicators. All EX trims offer standard 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, fog lamps (optional on LX) and a rear spoiler. Optional for LX and EX trims are roof rails, while EX trims offers the option of a panoramic sunroof (V6 models only), a first for any Kia vehicle.
Sorento offers two engines, both more powerful than the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V2. A 3.5-liter V6 providing best-in-class 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque both are coupled to a new six-speed automatic transmission.