The Los Angeles International Auto Show is underway and Kia has made a splash by unveiling their redesigned 2014 Sorento CUV.
This is no small tweak, with the 2014 model getting a new chassis, a Gasoline Direct Injected -GDI V6 engine, new tires & wheels and improvements both inside and out.
The vehicle is expected to hit showrooms in the first quarter of 2013, with a premium trim – SX Limited – included in the release.
Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications, KMA, spoke about how Kia continues to try and improve with each new release.
He said that the 2014 Sorento is proof of that, with more than 80% of the parts either being new or completely redesigned. Sprague pointed to the UVO eServices and other infotainment and technological improvements as examples of Kia’s improvement efforts.
Kia Sorento Engines
The 2014 Kia Sorento gets a new look under the hood with the addition of an all-aluminum 3.3-liter GDI V6 that delivers 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and a stout 252 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm.
The engine is standard in the LX V6, EX V6, SX and SX Limited trims and is optional on the LX and EX.
Standard on the latter two trims is the 2.4L GDI four-cylinder, which replaces the 2.4L MPI 4-cylinder unit. The new engine delivers 191-horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 181 lb.-ft. of torque on-hand at a low 4,250 rpm.
No matter which engine is chosen, the new Sorento Crossover Vehicle has a standard 6-speed automatic transmission, as well as FlexSteer steering wheel, which features 3 steering modes: Compact, Normal, and Sport.
Despite that added power, Kia engineers have been able to design the chassis so that noise is reduced and the riding and handling is improved.
As mentioned earlier, the remodoeled Kia Sorento has been given a makeover inside and out. The overall stance of the vehicle is wider and lower, giving it definite sports dynamic, courtesy of redesigned front and rear fascias.
LED lamps create a dramatic look up front, while the rear LED combination lamps in the back give the Sorento a look that will give it instant recognition when seen from behind.
Kia has gone for an elegant, upscale look for the interior of the 2014 Sorento, with a combination of ergonomic design and modern technology.
Opting for EX trims and above means having access to the 7-inch TFT LCD on the center gauge cluster, which projects a cool digital speedometer.
The center stack has been redesigned for easier use. This redesign makes space for the 8-inch diagonal touch screen that controls navigation, SiriusXM radio, and more.
The Sorento is also one of the first Kia vehicles to employ a blind spot protection system.
The Sorento SX Limited will appear later in 2013, with Kia believing it can match the success of the Optima SX Limited.
The Sorento SX Limited will come in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl, and Titanium Silver.
It will contain a number of luxury features that are sure to make it an elegant addition to the 2014 Kia Sorento family.
2014 Kia Sorento Photo Gallery:
Ehhhhhhhhh it is alright no real negatives. I would like a different design for the led lights in the front bumper. The ones picture are to close to what the Ford Edge Currently has. The LED they had on the Sorento before were fine but if they had to make a change for the sake of change. I again say something more radical or different to stand out.
I am looking at a 2012 Serento 2.4 liter GDI AWD with 20,000 km.
I tried another Sorento and it vibrated when at a light. I’ve read the Sorento has this problem. That’s why I hesitate in purchasing the 2.4 l GDI ENGINE. Is it strong enough and enough durability to pull a big vehicle like the Sorento? It is a nice vehicle but are my concerns well founded?