Blog

So you’re shopping for a new car, considering KIA and you’re wondering why everyone is so fanatical about the brand. You think to yourself “Maybe it’s time to learn about the brand?” but you’re not sure where to start — that’s okay, this blog has got you covered. KIA is more than just a car brand, it’s the efforts of an entire country, it’s a family and most importantly it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re new to the brand or a lifelong fan, this list of five fun facts is sure to make you smile. Once you’re done reading this list, make sure to pay a visit to Reading’s favorite KIA dealer — Savage KIA. Here at Savage KIA, we carry Reading’s largest selection of new and used KIA vehicles, including the electrified EV6. If you want to get the best deal on your next KIA, don’t shop anywhere else but at Savage KIA located in Reading. Korea’s Oldest Automaker Originally founded in May of 1944, KIA is Korea’s oldest motor vehicle manufacturer. KIA originally began as a bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer under the name of Kyungsung Precision Industry, producing bicycle parts and steel tubes. By 1952, the company had switched its name to Kia Industries and began building Honda-licensed motorcycles just five short years later. With over 75 years as a company, KIA has managed to become the world’s fifth-largest auto manufacturer — producing over 1.4 million vehicles annually. KIA operates 14 manufacturing and assembly facilities across eight countries, employing more than 40,000 people and bringing in over $17 Billion in annual revenue. Safe to say, KIA is one company you’ll be seeing around for a long while. Step by Step As mentioned before, when Kia first began, it produced bicycles and motorcycles long before it began producing cars. Before KIA began producing cars, they made Korea’s first domestic bicycle under the brand name Samchully in 1951. By 1973, KIA had opened its first integrated automotive assembly plant called the Sohari Plant. At the Sohari Plant, KIA was producing cars based on the Mazda “Brisa” platform until 1981. For a short period of time after 1981, KIA focused its efforts on producing light trucks — with no passenger cars being produced again until 1986. In 1986, KIA teamed up with Ford and resumed production of passenger cars. This resulted in the budget-friendly KIA Pride being produced, a vehicle that was based on the Mazda 121 and Avella platforms. By 1992, KIA had found its way into the United States, with the first dealerships opening up in Portland, Oregon. This would prove fruitful, as KIA has been a staple in the United States auto industry ever since. KIA’s Largest Competitor Is itself. You read that right! Kia’s most significant competitor is Hyundai, its own sister company. By 1997, KIA was filing for bankruptcy due to the Asian financial crisis and turned to fellow Korean automaker Hyundai for some help. Hyundai then entered a bidding war with Ford Motor Company, with each company attempting to gain control of the valuable Korean car brand. Just a short year later, the two Korean automakers joined forces thus forming The Hyundai Motor Group. This merger made The Hyundai Motor Group the world’s fifth-largest vehicle manufacturer. More than Commuter Cars Although KIA may excel at producing and selling fun, reliable and affordable commuter vehicles — that isn't all they sell. Since 1976 KIA has manufactured military-grade vehicles for the South Korean Army as a part of its KIA Defense division. KIA Defense produces six vehicles for the South Korean Army currently, with ongoing R&D being done on a Kaiser Jeep M715-type vehicle. Not much else is known about KIA Defense, as the company does like to keep its military-grade vehicle plans somewhat of a secret. However, we can assume that the same reliability we have come to expect in commuter KIA vehicles is the exact same reliability one could expect in a KIA-built military vehicle. Hopefully one day there will be a museum with all of KIA’s produced military vehicles so all of us KIA fans could enjoy them together. It Isn’t Just a Name KIA is much more than a catchy name and flashy logo, it actually has meaning. “KIA” is a mashup of two Sino-Korean characters 起 ( ki) which loosely translates to “to rise” and 亞 ( a), which stands for “East”. Together the characters spell the brand name KIA, which when translated, means “Rising from the East”. And rise KIA did — in 77 short years, KIA has become world-renowned for its reliability. Aside from its impeccable reliability and reputation, KIA is also known for having some of the most affordable vehicles on the planet. In 2016, J.D. Power and Associates proudly named KIA as the United States' top-ranking auto manufacturer when it comes to reliability. This honor made KIA the first non-luxury brand to top that list since 1989. Welcome to KIA While this may be your first KIA, we assure you that it won’t be your last. Equipped with some fun facts about the brand and new KIA vehicle, it’s time for you to hit the road in style. Each time you get behind the wheel of a KIA you get to experience over 75 years of passion and innovation — so why drive anything else? For all of your KIA servicing needs, make sure to stop by Savage KIA located in Reading. Here at Savage KIA, we don’t just sell KIAs — we keep them running too. Our KIA-certified technicians are dedicated to keeping your car in tip-top shape, so schedule an appointment or stop by our service center today! Reading’s favorite KIA dealer, Savage KIA is where you will find the best deals on new and used KIAs — including the new EV6.

Recently announced as KIA’s first full-electric vehicle, the EV6 is a small crossover SUV designed to usher in KIA’s new era of electric vehicles. Quick to production, KIA only just announced the EV6 in 2021 and already has plans on selling them to the public in quarter one of 2022. An exciting piece of news on its own, the first fully-electric KIA just got much more exciting with the announcement of its EPA-certified all-electric range (AER) of up to 310-miles. Whether you’re located in Reading or Ephrata, Savage KIA is the KIA for you! Here at Savage KIA, we not only stock the largest selection of new and pre-owned KIA cars, trucks and SUVs in the Reading area — we offer the best deals too! Stop by Savage KIA and get your hands on the fully-electric KIA EV6 today! EPA-Certified As a part of the development of the EV6, KIA has subjected its fully-electric SUV to all sorts of vigorous testing, including tests from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In it’s extensive testing of the KIA EV6, the U.S. EPA found that KIA’s first full-electric vehicle gets an outstanding all-electric range of up to 310-miles on a single charge. Based on the rear-wheel-drive equipped EV6 models with a 77.4 kWh battery — like the EV6 GT-Line and EX+ — the EPA-certified range varies depending on how the EV6 is equipped. Customers that opt for all-wheel-drive on their EV6 will see a decrease in their AER, only being able to travel up to 274-miles on a single charge. While this may be seen as quite a significant loss of range, the addition of all-wheel-drive more than surely makes up for the shortened range. A budget-friendly model of the EV6 — the EV6 EX — will come equipped with a 58 kWh battery, capable of a 232-mile AER. “Offering EV6 customers over 300 miles of all-electric range per charge, combined with the ability to recharge quickly and efficiently, is foundational to the rollout of our Plan S Strategy that positions Kia as an EV leader,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia North America, Kia America. The outstanding EPA-certified range of the EV6 is all due to KIA’s ingenious aerodynamic design and motor performance. Carefully crafted by the engineers and designers at KIA headquarters, the EV6 is a groundbreaking vehicle and is the signal of a changing of times. KIA has recently shifted its focus from traditional, internal combustion engines, and focused on electric vehicles for a more sustainable market. This move is proving to be quite the success, as preorders for the EV6 are piling up. Electrified Performance and Features Available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, the all-new EV6 will deliver a jaw-dropping performance each time you get behind the wheel. Other incredible features include DC fast charging, vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality and a flat-floor interior. On top of these great features, the KIA EV6 interior utilizes a variety of sustainable materials for a reduced environmental impact. Environmentally-friendly materials and all-wheel drive aren’t all the EV6 has to offer. Owners of the EV6 will enjoy near-instant acceleration and a 4.6-second zero-to-sixty time when properly equipped. In addition to its next-level performance, the EV6 EX+ comes standard with 23 advanced driver assistance features and 19-inch alloy wheels. Heated and ventilated front seats offer exceptional comfort in all weather conditions, while the 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system keeps you and your passengers entertained. Well-equipped at all trim levels, the EV6 is sure to be a fan favorite as soon as it releases in the first quarter of 2022. On the GT-Line features available include a power sunroof, 20-inch wheels, vegan leather seating, blind-spot monitors, and remote park assist. Customers that choose the GT-line will also enjoy an exclusive GT-line exterior and interior trim, as well as an augmented reality head-up display. If you’re looking to get your hands on the all-new KIA EV6 and are located in Reading or the surrounding areas, Savage KIA is the dealer for you. Stop by Savage KIA located in Reading to place your order for the 2022 KIA EV6 today! Order Your EV6 Today! While the EV6 has yet to drop for the 2022 year, preorders are currently being accepted at KIA dealers throughout the United States. If you would like to get your hands on KIA’s first fully-electric vehicle, then you’ll want to stop by Savage KIA to place your order today! Here at Savage KIA, we stock the Reading area’s widest selection of new, pre-owned and certified pre-owned KIA cars, trucks and SUVs. Stop by and place your order for the all-new 2022 KIA EV6 today, here at Savage KIA located in Reading, PA. Source Article: KIA Newsroom

For the third consecutive year, the KIA Telluride has found its way onto Car and Driver’s 10 Best list, a list that honors the best trucks and SUVs on the market. Being named on this list is no small feat, but it is well deserved as the KIA Telluride boasts a luxurious interior, sleek exterior design, and the smoothest of rides. With sales up nearly 39-percent this year, the KIA Telluride isn’t just Car and Driver’s favorite car, it’s the people’s favorite car as well. Want to find out why Car and Driver put the KIA Telluride in their 10 Best list? Then stop in today here at Savage KIA, as we have the largest inventory of new and certified pre-owned KIA cars available in the Reading, PA area. Up against 67 other vehicles, the KIA Telluride decimated the competition on it’s way to Car and Driver’s 10 Best list for the third consecutive year. The team of expert judges chosen by Car and Driver was basing its judgment on a few criteria, including value, mission fulfillment, and even road manners. The field of 67 vehicles was made up of all-new or significantly updated vehicles with a base price below $90,000, as well as the previous year’s winners. As expected, the KIA Telluride rose to the top of the list quite quickly as it’s one of the best values available on the market today. For the 2022 model year, the KIA Telluride only received a minor facelift, with new KIA badging added, a redesigned radiator grille, and a slew of additional convenience and safety features throughout all trim levels. “The KIA Telluride remains one of our favorite SUVs on the market,” says Sharon Silke Carty, Car and Driver editor in chief. “It is a well-rounded top choice in its segment and is a benchmark family vehicle that never lets us down.” Such high praise is well-deserved for the KIA Telluride, as it’s been one of the most sought-after vehicles pre and post-pandemic. “After earning the most awards of any KIA vehicle within its first year on the market, the Telluride has sustained that momentum, earning accolades from some of the most esteemed automotive voices in the industry,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, KIA North America, KIA America. “We are honored to have a place on Car and Driver’s 10Best List once again – a testament to KIA’s proven quality and world-class lineup.” As the KIA Telluride continues to be one of the best-selling KIA vehicles to date, KIA has its sights set on having its entire lineup on the best-selling list. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV or a sporty sedan like the KIA Stinger, KIA has an award-winning vehicle to suit your needs. When it comes to finding the perfect family-friendly vehicle, with next-level performance, plenty of features, and unparalleled value, there truly is only one answer...and that is the 2022 KIA Telluride, the winner of Car and Driver’s 10 Best vehicles, and one of the best values on the market. If you like sensible vehicles for incredible prices, you’ll want to stop in at Savage KIA, Reading’s favorite KIA dealer. If you’re located in the Reading, PA area and looking for a new, pre-owned, or certified pre-owned KIA, Savage KIA is the KIA dealer for you, as we have the area’s widest selection of KIA vehicles available. Stop in today and talk with one of our sales professionals about test driving the 2022 KIA Telluride, we’d be happy to get you behind the wheel of one of America’s favorite and most reliable brands. Source Article: KIA Newsroom

Wonkyu Kang, the new Head of Design Innovation at Kia Motors As Kia Motors continues their evolution into one of the top vehicle manufacturers in the world, they make another splash with the hiring of former BMW Automotive Creative Director Wonkyu Kang. With the addition of Kang as the Head of Design Innovation, Kia Motors looks to increase their presence in the ever-evolving electric vehicle segment. After 15+ years as a part of BMWs design team, Wonkyu Kang has resigned from his position as Creative Director at BMW and joined forces with Kia Motors as the Head of Design Innovation. An influential part in BMWs “i Brand” conceptualization and design, Kang also played a major role in BMWs foray in electric vehicles. Bringing his BMW chapter to a close, Kang has accepted a position at Kia Motors as the head of their Design Innovation group, set to use his expertise in electric vehicles to propel Kia Motors into the future. Who is Wonkyu Kang? Wonkyu Kangs most notable BMW Concept, the 3.0 CSL Hommage A 15+ year veteran of the BMW creative design team, even spending three years as the Automotive Creative Director, Wonkyu Kang is a vehicle design expert with a specialization in electric vehicles. Beginning his career with Hyundai Motors in 2001 as an interior designer, Kang had his sights set higher and left to pursue his BS in Transportation Design shortly after. Graduating from Southern California’s Art Center College of Design in 2005 with a bachelors in Transportation Design, Kang is an automotive interior and exterior design specialist, who played an influential role in the development of BMWs “i Group” electric vehicles. In his time with BMW not only did Kang play a big role in developing the “i Group” vehicles, but he also was the main designer of the 2015 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept car, a highly praised concept vehicle that unfortunately never saw the light of day. Kangs role as main designer of the 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept garnered him worldwide praise amongst BMW and motorsport enthusiasts alike, with many calling for the design to be put into production. Proving his ability to design vehicles ranging from production vehicles and EVs all the way to high-end concept cars, Kang is a valuable addition to the Kia Motors team as they push to be a top manufacturer. What’s this Mean for Kia Motors? The Kia GT Concept Car, proof of what's to come for Kia With the hiring of Kang, Kia Motors is ready to charge into the future with an all-new focus on electric vehicles. The hiring of Kang has not been Kia Motors only move as of late, with them recently hiring former BMW and Infiniti designer, Karim Habib as Chief Designer. Both Kang and Habib will work side by side in the design department, making Kia Motors a force to be reckoned with. Assembling a great team filled with brilliant minds has been Kia Motors main strategy in their quest to the top of the automotive manufacturing world. With their sights set squarely on the top, Kia Motors begins to work away on their previously announced “Plan S”, a plan to bring a full lineup of EVs to the consumer market in the coming years. Keep an eye on Kia Motors as they are sure to be bringing sweeping changes to the market. Bright Roads Ahead Big things are ahead with the likes of Wonkyu Kang and Karim Habib at the helm of the Kia Design team, Kia Motors is steadily moving along with their “Plan S” strategy and doing so with ease. Quoted as saying "I'm excited to be part of this journey with the committed design team at Kia to further strengthen its product line and design strategy," Kang is ready to guide Kia Motors into the future of automaking. With an all-star design team and big plans for the future, Kia Motors embarks on their “Plan S” strategy to reach the top of the automaking world. Experience Kang’s unique artistry and vision in the all-new 2022 Kia models, coming soon to Savage Kia located in Reading, PA.

With sales of Kia’s iconic Soul up nearly 20 percent year-on-year, the 2022 model arrives largely as a carryover with minor visual enhancements, the most apparent being the bold new Kia badge on the hood, liftgate and wheel center caps. Updates to the S, X-Line and GT-Line include a standard 10.25-inch display screen with navigation, dual automatic climate control, push-button start with engine immobilizer, wireless smartphone charger and dual USB chargers. The LX with manual transmission variant is discontinued. The new LX Technology Package adds 16-inch alloy wheels and bundles several advanced driver-assistance systems, including: Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Change Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning. 1 Additionally, for the LX, the standard screen on the head unit is now eight inches (up one inch from last year’s model). Steel Gray replaces Sparkling Silver on LX, S and EX variants. Source Article: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/17594/kia-america-announces-2022-soul

When Kia America unveiled the refreshed 2022 Stinger it teased something special: The Scorpion Special Edition. But little information about this vehicle was provided at the time. Now, just weeks later, the Scorpion is arriving in dealers. Offered in limited batches of just 250 units per month and built exclusively for the U.S. market. It is expected to sell out quickly and is available on the GT2 FWD and AWD variants in three colors – Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, and Ceramic Silver. “Stinger was a wake-up call to a segment long populated by European sport sedans when it debuted in 2017 (as a 2018 model). It redefined what enthusiast drivers thought about Kia and proved we could compete against the best vehicles in a hotly contested space,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. “Since then, Stinger has built a loyal following of those looking for something unique and the Scorpion is set to continue that approach.” The Scorpion Special Edition features exclusive blacked out fender garnish, side mirror caps, and darkened exhaust tips Unique body-colored rear spoiler Distinctive 19-inch black wheels Exclusive carbon fiber-pattern trim inside the cockpit Available with a Red Nappa Leather or Black Nappa Leather interior Source Article: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/17504/2022-kia-stinger-scorpion-special-edition-arrives

K5 and Forte Reach All-Time Monthly Records; Best-Ever April Performances for Telluride, Sportage and Seltos Kia Motors America today announced its second-successive best-ever monthly sales total of 70,177 units, surpassing the previous monthly high set in March 2021. Two Kia nameplates – K5 and Forte – enjoyed their strongest month ever in April, powering Kia to a 121.3-percent increase over the same period last year. Additional strong performances included: Best-ever April totals for the Telluride, Sportage and Seltos Kia sales increased more than 120-percent over April 2020 “After a record-breaking first-quarter performance, Kia continued to outpace the industry in April as even more customers discovered our world-class and award-winning design and quality,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia Motors North America . “With five Kia models setting sales records in April and the successful launches of the Sorento SUV and the all-new Carnival MPV continuing to drive customers to showrooms, Kia is experiencing unprecedented momentum. Given the showroom traffic our dealers are reporting ahead of the summer opening of the country we are confident our strong performance will continue through the year.” Complimenting April’s record-breaking sales, the month also saw Kia recognized with prestigious awards and accolades, including: Sorento SUV named to Parents magazine’s Best Family Cars for 2021 thanks to the vehicle’s high-tech performance, safety, and convenience features Forte GT-Line (compact) and Soul LX (compact hatchback) recognized by Vincentric, a leading cost and analysis group, as the 2021 Best Fleet Value in America Award in their respective categories Source Article: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/17303/kia-achieves-best-monthly-sales-in-company-history-in-april-2021

2021 Rio 5-Door earns top spot in the Subcompact Hatchback segment Subcompact’s technology package, sporty style and exceptional value stand out from the competition The Kia Rio 5-Door has earned a 2021 Vincentric Best Value in America Award, ranking number one in the Subcompact Hatchback segment. A leading source of cost-of-ownership data and analysis within the automotive industry, Vincentric determined the winners by analyzing current market price and total cost of ownership for all 2021 model year vehicles. “Kia’s transformation into a world-class car company has earned the brand significant accolades across its entire vehicle lineup, and this latest honor from Vincentric is further testament to Kia’s commitment to quality and value,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia Motors America, Kia Motors North America. “We are proud to have a company like Vincentric recognize the Rio for its significance in a segment very important to many American families.” The refreshed 2021 Kia Rio 5-Door is an attractive option for customers looking for stylish efficiency. Loaded with essential technology and convenience features like an 8-inch touchscreen color display with rear camera, LED headlights and automatic temperature control, the sporty subcompact offers a strong value proposition in a sophisticated yet space-efficient package. “The Kia Rio had the lowest repair and depreciation costs of all Subcompact Hatchback vehicles,” said David Wurster, president, Vincentric. “These low costs helped the Rio outperform the competition for the 2021 Vincentric Best Value in America Awards and prove its strong value in the consumer market.” Source Article: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/16888/kia-rio-wins-2021-vincentric-best-value-in-america-award

Aggressive Custom SUVs Signal Brand’s Focus on Adventure, Capability and Trail Readiness Sorento Yosemite Edition aims at exploring high-elevation locales and mountain living Sorento Zion Edition is a dune-defeating desert escape vehicle Since the arrival of the award-winning Telluride last year and the head-turning Seltos in early 2020, Kia Motors America (KMA) has had its sights on building a robust and reimagined SUV line-up.  As the next step in this capability-focused product strategy, the all-new 2021 Sorento is poised to bring customers a new level of trail-ready toughness not yet seen from the brand.  To celebrate this rugged personality, KMA unveiled a pair of custom-built Sorento SUVs – the Yosemite Edition and the Zion Edition – during the brand’s virtual national dealer meeting this week.  The two wilderness-themed SUVs build upon the production Sorento X-Line model, a variant that highlights off-road prowess with unique 20-inch wheels, increased ride height to 8.3-in., improved approach/departure angles, more advanced AWD with snow-mode, and a more robust roof rack than the outgoing Sorento. Customized by LGE-CTS Motorsports of San Dimas, CA, each vehicle receives its namesake and inspiration from the outdoor environments found in America’s great national parks.  The Sorento Yosemite Edition is a dream build for high elevation adventuring and mountain living, painted in “Pine Green” in a matte finish with gloss and matte black accents.  The Sorento Zion Edition is a desert escape vehicle made for stomping dunes, painted in “Desert Sand” in a gloss finish with gloss black accents. Both feature custom fender flares that sit atop 20-inch wheels and 32-inch all-terrain tires. Body armor includes custom skid plates and brush guards in a satin chrome finish.  For packing gear, the Yosemite edition wears a brawny roof rack, while the Zion Edition comes equipped with a full-length cargo top.  The duo will be making special appearances around the country to capture the imagination of adventurers and enthusiasts, alike. While most customers will not take their Sorento to the level of customization seen on the Yosemite and Zion Editions, many have shown a penchant for personalizing their Kia SUVs.  To satisfy that desire, Kia will offer an exciting range of port-installed and dealer-installed accessories.  Customers can tailor their Sorento to their lifestyle and needs with attachments such as roof rack crossbars, tow hitches for trailers, and side steps for easier load-in of toys. The 2021 Kia Sorento will arrive in showrooms beginning in November. *The Telluride, Sorento and K5 are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. Source Article: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/16785/kia-unveils-two-rugged-x-line-sorento-concepts-built-for-the-wild

Vehicle Donation to Highlight and Promote the Use of Alternative Fuel Vehicles Kia Motors America has donated a 2020 Niro EV to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in an effort to raise awareness and increase adoption of alternative fuel vehicles. The Niro EV will be used by MIT employees and other authorized individuals for university-related purposes and whenever feasible, the Niro EV will also be included in MIT-sponsored events pertaining to alternative energy or clean energy initiatives. When the vehicle is not is use, MIT’s Information Systems and Technology Department will park the vehicle in various campus locations, therefore drawing attention to alternative fuel vehicles as a normal course of business. “Donating a Niro EV to MIT, one of the most revered institutions of higher learning in the country will raise the profile of alternative-use vehicles and draw attention to the important role these vehicles will play in the future of mobility,” said Russell Wager, director, marketing operations, Kia Motors America. “Kia is committed to a sustainable future and has invested $12 billion to develop autonomous and green technologies.” Source Article: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/16762/kia-motors-america-donates-2020-niro-ev

More off-road capability: New X-Line trim features 1.0-in. higher ground clearance, improved approach/departure angles, more advanced AWD with snow-mode and a more robust roof rack than outgoing Sorento More performance capabilities: New 2.5-Turbo option with 281 horsepower and 311-lb-ft of torque mated to a segment-exclusive 8-speed wet-clutch DCT for more responsive around-town or mountain-pass driving New Turbo-Hybrid powertrain: Features 42 additional horsepower and nearly 50% better fuel economy than outgoing Sorento base engine 1 Most Powerful HEV in its class1: 227-horsepower and estimated 37 MPG combined Available Plug-in Hybrid option with 261 horsepower and an estimated 30 miles of pure electric driving range More interior flexibility: Improved legroom and cargo room than outgoing Sorento, and available second-row captain’s chairs, allowing buyers to select either 4+2 or 5+2 seating. Best-in-class front/rear legroom and overall interior passenger volume 2 More Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) now standard: New Sorento adds Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Occupant Alert Available new Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist – Parallel exit Available new Passenger Safe Exit Assist Available new Blind View Monitor Bold SUV design: Exterior and interior designed in the US at Kia’s Irvine, Calif., studio. Crisp lines, bold fascias and distinctive details combine with an interior that exudes rugged elegance and features available Bose premium audio, panoramic sunroof and up to eight USB ports Sorento remains one of Kia’s most important and best-selling vehicles with nearly 1.5 million units sold since its introduction in 2002 Proudly assembled in West Point, Georgia alongside the award-winning Telluride SUV and the all-new K5 sedan. Source post: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/16710/stunning-all-new-2021-kia-sorento-sets-a-new-suv-benchmark 1 Sorento superior HEV HP statement based on comparison of conventional HEV powertrains (not compared to PHEV or mild-hybrid systems) 2 Based on research data from AutoSource, Inc.

The redesigned 2021 Kia Sorento has finally made its U.S. debut. Revealed months ago for global markets, the new Sorento will go on sale in the States by the end of the year, and it adds a hybrid option and an off-road-oriented X-Line model. Engine Options The Sorento’s base engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It’s available with either front- or all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The upgrade engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, which is also available with front- or all-wheel drive and uses an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2.5T can tow an estimated 3500 pounds. A FWD-only Sorento hybrid joins the lineup and uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four combined with an electric motor for a combined 227 horsepower. Kia claims 37 mpg combined, 1 mpg higher than the Toyota Highlander hybrid. A plug-in hybrid with standard AWD will arrive in 2021; it has a slightly higher combined output of 261 horsepower, and its 13.8-kWh battery pack enables an estimated 30 miles of electric range. Models and Features Trim levels include LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige, and there’s an optional X-Line package that comes standard with AWD and offers a 1.0-inch increase in ride height. The X-Line is also dressed up with all manner of rugged trim including different bumpers and wheels and a roof rack. A third row of seats is standard across the board, with a second-row bench that provides seven-passenger capacity. Captain’s chairs are optional for the second row, which reduces the passenger count by one. Most Sorentos have eight USB charging ports, save for the base LX which makes do with six. The standard infotainment screen measures 8.0-inches, and a 10.3-inch screen is optional. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also optional, as is a 360-degree camera view, various UVO connectivity features, and the expected driver-assistance systems. Source Article: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a34101543/2021-kia-sorento-usa-details/