'Reborn as a Mid-Size SUV' Kia 4th Generation Sorento Launches... Diesel Starting at 29.48 Million KRW

Pre-orders Surpass 26,000 Units in One Month

Kia Motors 4th Generation Sorento (Photo by Kia Motors)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Kia Motors officially launched the 4th generation Sorento on the 17th. The new Sorento marked a successful start by surpassing 26,000 pre-orders during the period from the 20th of last month to the day before.

Debuted through an online launch talk show on the same day, the new Sorento was released after a complete redesign six years since the launch of the 3rd generation model in 2014. It is said to combine innovative design that encompasses strength and sophistication, spaciousness comparable to large sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and excellent driving performance.

The exterior design of the 4th generation Sorento is based on the concept of ‘Refined Boldness.’ The front of the vehicle connects the radiator grille and LED headlamps, creating a strong impression through Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ design. The rear features vertical-type LED rear combination lamps and a horizontal lettering-type emblem.

The interior design concept is ‘Functional Sensibility.’ Large displays such as a 12.3-inch cluster and a 10.25-inch UVO navigation system, along with a dial-type electronic shift-by-wire (SBW), enhance intuitiveness. Additionally, ‘Crystal Line Mood Lighting’ that decorates the interior space with lighting and quilted Nappa leather seats create a sophisticated ambiance.

Kia Motors 4th Generation Sorento (Photo by Kia Motors)

Based on a new platform, the 4th generation Sorento offers interior space competitive not only among mid-size SUVs in its class but also compared to large SUVs. The wheelbase has been extended by 35 mm to 2,815 mm, and second-row independent seats, previously only applied to large SUVs, have been introduced to enhance convenience in the second row.

The diesel model features the Smartstream D2.2 engine and the ‘Smartstream wet 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (8DCT),’ applied for the first time in Hyundai Motor Group, achieving both driving performance and fuel efficiency. It delivers a maximum output of 202 PS and a peak torque of 45.0 kgf·m. Fuel efficiency is 14.3 km/l. The hybrid model combines a Smartstream turbo hybrid engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission, producing a system maximum output of 230 PS and a system peak torque of 35.7 kgf·m. In the third quarter of this year, a gasoline turbo model equipped with a Smartstream G2.5 T engine and Smartstream wet 8DCT will be added.

Advanced safety and convenience features have also been widely applied. The ‘Multi-Collision Brake (MCB) system,’ first applied in Hyundai Motor Group, automatically brakes the vehicle to prevent secondary collisions if the driver temporarily loses control after a first collision during driving. ‘KIA PAY,’ which allows payment through the navigation screen at affiliated gas stations or parking lots, has also been applied for the first time by Kia Motors.

Kia Motors 4th Generation Sorento (Photo by Kia Motors)

In particular, Kia attracted attention by holding the Sorento launch event online for the first time in Korea. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the new car announcement was replaced with an online broadcast. However, from 10:30 a.m. on the day, the online launch talk show ‘Sorento Toktok,’ broadcast through Naver Auto and Kia’s channels, was filled with various content for customers to enjoy together.

Representatives from Kia’s departments (design, product, marketing), along with MCs and panelists (broadcaster Kim Jae-woo, announcer Gong Seo-young, adjunct professor Kwon Yong-ju of the Department of Automotive Transportation Design at Kookmin University, and race car driver Kang Byung-hwi) appeared to discuss the excellent product qualities of the 4th generation Sorento, and a test drive video featuring race car driver Kang Byung-hwi was also aired.

The diesel model prices are set by trim as follows: ▲Trendy 29.48 million KRW ▲Prestige 32.27 million KRW ▲Noblesse 35.27 million KRW ▲Signature 38.17 million KRW.

The 4th generation Sorento received hot attention, achieving 26,368 pre-orders over 18 business days from the 20th of last month to the day before. This figure is six times the average monthly sales of the Sorento last year (4,360 units). Notably, the proportion of the main target customer group aged 30 to 40 increased to 58.6%, up from 47% last year. By trim, the highest pre-order rates were for the top-tier Signature (47.2%) and the next highest Noblesse (34.2%).

A Kia Motors official said, “The 4th generation Sorento has realized outstanding product qualities not only among its class but also compared to large SUVs and sedans,” adding, “We expect the new Sorento, born with innovative design, superior spaciousness, and powerful driving performance, to firmly establish itself as a ‘New Life Platform’ for customers’ new lifestyles.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.