Founded in 1944, Kia is one of the oldest Korean motor vehicle manufacturers. It has launched many vehicles that have gained ground because of prime performance, higher drivability and advanced safety features. One such model, Kia Sorento, was introduced in the SUV lineup, and greatly appealed to car enthusiasts because of its good driving dynamics and spacious seating capacity.
Here is a walkthrough of the Kia Sorento history and its evolution through the years.
GENERATIONS OF KIA SORENTO
According to the annual used car market report 2021, the Kia Sorento is one of the most popular cars in the UAE.
We have put together the details of different Kia Sorento generations that will depict how it became a popular SUV choice in the UAE.
FIRST-GENERATION KIA SORENTO (2002-2009)
Kia Sorento’s first generation rolled out in 2002 as a compact SUV with a body-on-frame layout. The front fascia was highlighted by curved-angle headlights and a wide radiator grille with the Kia logo placed in the centre. The car had a lower and unpainted bumper area which was joined to the curved tailgate. It housed a wheelbase of 107 inches.
The interior layout was well-laid with a seating capacity of 5. The steering wheel was equipped with control and the car came with an audio system and an optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
The first generation offered two variants of engines.
- A 2.4-litre I-4 engine produced 140 hp
- A 3.5-litre V6 engine generated 192 hp
Both variants came with the options of a five-speed manual and four or five-speed automatic transmissions. An AWD drivetrain system was offered for both versions.
FIRST-GENERATION KIA SORENTO FACELIFT (2007)
The first generation received a facelift in 2007. The front fascia was redesigned with a three-slat grille and coloured-strip headlights. The taillights were modified with small reversing lights.
The interior was upgraded with a new dashboard and wooden trims. The former 3.5-litre engine was replaced by 3.3-litre and 3.8-litre V6 engines. They generated power of 235 hp and 263 hp respectively.
SECOND-GENERATION KIA SORENTO (2010-2015)
Four models were introduced in this generation of Kia Sorento named base, LX, EX and SX.
The second generation was launched with an improved aerodynamic and more cohesive look. The front fascia appeared sharper with a grille wrapped around the headlamps on both sides.
The new models came with an upgraded interior. It included a newly designed centre console and dashboard, rearview camera, keyless entry and panoramic glass roof. The seating space was increased to seven.
The second generation was unveiled with a number of engine variants. They included 2.4-litre engines that generated powers of 175 hp and 191 hp and 276 hp 3.5-litre V6 engines. Moreover, the following transmission options were offered:
- Five-speed manual
- Six-speed manual
- Five-speed automatic
- Six-speed automatic
SECOND-GENERATION KIA SORENTO FACELIFT (2014)
In the second generation facelift, the car featured a wider front grille and larger headlights. The interior was equipped with advanced technology features and an infotainment system with AndroidAuto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. A 3.3-litre V6 engine with 290 hp replaced the former 3.5-litre engine.
THIRD-GENERATION KIA SORENTO (2016-2020)
The third generation was available in five trims: base, LX, EX, SX and base L.
The third-generation Kia Sorento models featured the famous “tiger-nose” grille and swept-back headlights. The wheelbase was extended 3.1 inches longer. Moreover, the vehicles came equipped with bi-xenon headlights, LED fog lights and a new grille.
The extended wheelbase provided more cargo space. Climate-controlled seats and an advanced sound system were also added.
This generation had the following engines paired with a six-speed automatic transmission:
- 2.4-litre I-4 engine with 185 hp
- 3.3-litre V6 engine with 290 hp
THIRD-GENERATION KIA SORENTO FACELIFT (2019)
In the 2019 facelift, the front fascia featured new grilled and projector headlights. A multi-function steering wheel, a seven-inch infotainment system screen and a climate control switchgear were also added as advanced features. An eight-speed automatic transmission also arrived for the third generation in 2019.
FOURTH-GENERATION KIA SORENTO (2021-PRESENT)
The Kia Sorento fourth generation is available in different trims: LX, S, ES, SX, SX-Prestige and a hybrid model.
The all-new Kia Sorento has a boxier exterior with an upgraded and wider front fascia. The car features standard LED headlamps and daytime running lights. The wheelbase has been extended to 111 inches. Six different designs of alloy wheels are offered that range from 17 to 20 inches.
The interior is decorated with leather-embossed quilt patterns. An 8-inch infotainment display with a split-screen option is available with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Kia Sorento’s latest models have multiple engine options. They include a 191-hp 2.5-litre I-4 engine and a 2.5-litre turbocharged I-4 engine which produces a power of 281 hp. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) has replaced the powertrains of the previous models.
In addition to upgraded transmission, the new Kia Sorento comes with the latest safety features. They include:
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Forward-Collision Advance Assist ( FCA)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- Leading Vehicle Departure Alert ( LVDA)
- Lane Following Assist (LFA)
In 2022, Kia introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It features a turbocharged four-cylinder and 77kWh electric motor.
This is all on the Kia Sorento history. These facts and details reflect how it became a top-pick SUV. Comfort, design and safety have become the core features of this model through the years. Therefore, if you also wish to avail these features, you can go through these used Kia Sorentos in the UAE and pick a car of your choice. You can also buy Kia’s latest cars from Kia showrooms in Dubai.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on different car models and facts.
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