Kia Sorento Evolution Story | Keffer Kia Mooresville NC

Now available in most markets, the 3rd generation Sorento has been well received by customers and auto communities worldwide and has already won several major awards including the Red Dot design award, iF design award and the highest five-star crash safety rating by Euro NCAP. Originally developed as Kia’s firstcrossover SUV model, the first generation Sorento exploded onto the automotive scene in 2002. Before we walk down memory lane and see how it has evolved into an ideal SUV for today’s motorists, let’s take a look at the Sorento of yesterday and today.

 

1st generation Sorento: The birth of a new urban SUV  

In 2002, the first generation Sorento was developed as the bigger brother to the Sportage, a successful pioneer of the compact SUV market. Kia carefully researched the crossover SUV market and decided to make its body larger while ensuring a high level of comfort and offering a rear-wheel drive drivetrain. Suitable for city life, it was also equipped with advanced convenience features. Sorento received many favorable reviews, as it delivered a smooth sedan-like driving experience while offering the powerful performance of an SUV.

Two powertrain options, a 2.5 WGT diesel engine and 3.5 V6 gasoline engine were offered with a four-wheel drive option. Thanks to its low noise and vibration, many drivers opted for the diesel engine model.

2nd generation Sorento: Tougher yet more handsome

The second generation Sorento was introduced at the Seoul Motor Show in 2009. The new model had a monocoque body and front-wheel drive system, making the body lighter and the interior more spacious compared to the previous generation. The R2.2 diesel engine with a rated maximum power output of 200 horsepower and maximum torque of 44.5 kgf∙m gave the Sorento compelling performance.

 

Noticeably, it was the first Sorento model to be designed under the guidance of world-renowned Peter Schreyer, Kia’s president and chief design officer. With its improved performance and sleek design, the second generation Sorento was a massive hit, especially in the U.S. market where it achieved annual sales of over 100,000 units, dominating the mid-sized crossover CUV market. A facelift model was also launched in 2012.

The all-new Sorento: The return of the king, the future of CUVs 

The much anticipated debut of the third generation Sorento came in 2014. It manifests the design identity of Kia Motors, especially with a tiger-nose shaped front grille and bold character lines. The latest Sorento is also equipped with advanced technological features including an active hood for improved protection, a smart tailgate that opens automatically when the driver approaches the car, and an Around-View Monitoring (AVM) system which gives a 360 degree view.

 

The use of ultra high-strength steel was increased to 53 percent and the use of specialty adhesion technology made for a significantly stronger and safer vehicle body. Depending on market, Kia offers numerous engine choices for the all-new model, including a 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) unit and 2.0 and 2.2-liter diesel common rail direct injection (CRDI) units.

So that is how Kia Sorento evolved and surprised each time it transformed.

Enhanced Kia Rio Boasts New Look | Keffer Kia Mooresville NC

Kia Motors’ global best-selling model, the Rio, is back with an enhanced look and features. Debuting at the 2014 Paris Motor Show and 2015 Chicago Auto Show, the Rio sedan and Rio hatchback are now available to global consumers. Rio’s sophisticated design has been refreshed and both the sedan and hatchback models, standouts in the subcompact segment, continue to offer a long list of standard features. Check out their fresh new looks, inside and out!

Rio 4-door in Signal Red

Rio 5-door in Digital Yellow

Refreshed Exterior

The biggest changes to the exterior include the new front look and rear valances, which both add visual width and give the car a more sporty attitude, and a wider range of colors, including Digital Yellow and Urban Blue.  The revised grille insert reveals a similar geometric pattern as found on other Kia vehicles and a new fog light housing. The lights have been repositioned inward for a more aggressive appearance. At the rear of the car, the rear reflectors have been redesigned and repositioned to the far corners of the car.

Rear of the enhanced Rio 5-door

Premium Interior

Inside the car, an increased amount of high density foam has been used in both the A and B pillars of the vehicle. This is to reduce the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) of the vehicle and to provide new technology features and premium touch points for customers. The audio system and ancillary controls also feature subtle changes, including a new piano black center console surround. North American drivers will also find the upgraded UVO eServices technology.

High Performance

In North America, the 2016 Rio continues to be powered by an efficient 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder GDI engine producing 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 123 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm to the front wheels.  A six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic are available depending on trim level.