STUD or DUD: Is The Third-Gen Kia Sorento TOO DULL For YOUR Taste?

One of the things I LOVE and HATE about AutoSpies.com are the commenters. Some are incredibly informed and bring a lot to the table. Others, well, they have an IQ hovering around the 60s.

So when I saw that a frequent commenter, MattDarringer, expressed that the teaser images of the Kia Sorento were a "tad dull," I figured it would be a good question to pose since we're now seeing the vehicle doing the full monty.

Personally, I am seeing a bit of Volvo XC60 in the vehicle's front end, some Acura MDX in the D-Pillar and a dash of the Nissan pathfinder in its hind quarters.

So, is the all-new Kia Sorento a STUD or DUD?


Kia's press release follows:

Kia reveals first official photos of third generation Sorento

(SEOUL) August 11, 2014 – First photos of the all-new Kia Sorento released today confirm that the third generation of the popular SUV will feature a new look, with bold, swept-back styling and sophisticated surface detailing.

Longer, lower and wider, with an extended wheelbase, the new Sorento builds on the success of the outgoing model, delivering a premium look and feel, with more space and numerous innovative features.

With the brand's hallmark design features and a more mature appearance, the new model is instantly recognizable as a Sorento. The new look is an evolution of the current vehicle, incorporating fresh visual elements inspired by the Kia Cross GT concept that debuted at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, carrying over the long bonnet and the distinctive treatment of the wide D-pillars from the previous generation.

The exterior styling of the new Sorento was led by Kia's Namyang design studio in Korea, with significant levels of input from the brand's Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California design studios.

The front of new Sorento features a larger, more upright 'tiger-nose' grille, with a distinctive three-dimensional diamond pattern, and long, swept-back headlamps. The lower roofline, higher beltline and more muscular, rounded shoulders at the rear give the car a dramatic appearance.

The sleeker look is enhanced by an increase in length (+95 mm to 4,780 mm)* and a 15 mm reduction in height (down to 1,685 mm), while the 80 mm longer wheelbase (now 2,780 mm) ensures more passenger space in all three seat rows.

Soon-Nam Lee, Vice President of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corp., said, "While we have retained the name based on the tremendous success of the outgoing model, the all-new Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered, and promises to surprise customers with its thoroughly updated styling, a host of new convenience and safety technologies, as well as enhanced space, driving comfort and handling response."

The all-new Kia Sorento will be showcased in Korea in late August and make its European premiere on Thursday 2 October at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

chewy - 8/12/2014 2:26:35 AM

+1 Boost

Kia and Hyundai are both getting more grown up looks as of late. It's got a bit of of a Borrego look to it perhaps because of the bigger size, which was one of the most random vehicles in recent years.

PUGPROUD - 8/12/2014 9:34:19 AM

+1 Boost

When first entering the market style, flair and difference were key ingredients to gain attention against more common drab established brands. Now that their volume and at risk market share are both up they have gone conservative and risk adverse. A shame putting more pressure on quality and pricing to gain share in crowded market. Time will tell but I for one am disappointed in this version.

jtz7 - 8/13/2014 9:40:31 AM

+1 Boost

Na I disagree. Sure the new Forte's look is forgetfully boring and plain and Sorento is too. But the new Sedona, which was unveiled this year was nice.

The K900....it looks alright nothing grounbreaking like the GT look or GT4. It just looks like an ordinary luxury car with BMW greenhouse and Missariti stille front. Nothing special in that car either. If I'm going to buy a 65K Kia, I want it to turn heads like the GT would. I wish the GT went on sale over the K900.

MattDarringer - 8/12/2014 10:34:16 AM

+1 Boost

It's not ugly, but it's not "gotta have" either. This is a misstep.

w222 - 8/12/2014 12:59:00 PM

+3 Boost

It looks fine, just not as nice looking as Kia's own sedans.

jtz7 - 8/13/2014 9:36:24 AM

+1 Boost

What's so special about this outdated greenhouse also on Venza, Mdx, Saab 94-X, Lexus RX, Veracruz? It's a Dud. They should have used the Cross GT's greenhouse it would have felt like a real redesign. I'm tired of CUVs with slanted D pillars!!!! I can bring up 25 CUVs with slanted D pillars. I'll wait for hughjazz to have a reason to do it first. Bwahahahahahahah.

gkearns56 - 8/13/2014 3:06:06 PM

+1 Boost

What are those alien lights below the headlight.