2011 Kia Sorento at 2009 L.A. Auto Show

• Competes with: Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4
• Looks like: It’s still bland but in a modern way
• Drivetrain: 175-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 276-hp, 3.5-liter V-6; six-speed automatic transmission, front- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Early 2010

Kia is in the midst of redesigning its entire lineup, and in L.A. today, they’ve taken the veil off the 2011 Kia Sorento. The five- or seven-seat compact SUV gets a new look, but it isn’t anything radical. We’re happier to see upgraded powertrains for both the four- and six-cylinder engines and a new six-speed transmission. It’ll be competitive against the Nissan Rogue on price because it’ll start at under $20,000, and it takes on other compact crossovers that have a third row like the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander.

The interior looks to get a major upgrade and appears similar to, if not nicer than, the new Kia Forte.

As expected with a Kia, it comes in a pretty bare-bones base model that offers some interesting standard features, including 17-inch wheels, USB port, Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. You have to move up to the LX trim to get illuminated vanity mirrors and an auto up/down driver’s window. The top-of-the-line EX trim has push-button start, fog lights, dual-zone automatic climate control and backup sensors.

More photos below.

Comments

I think it looks nice better than the ugly Rogue, wierd looking Forester or the frumpy Rav-4.

I don't see much similarity to the Forte in the interior design, but there's definitely some Borrego in there.

same steering wheel as the new lux model "Cadenza"....front reminds me of it's sister, the "Santa Fe"....rear looks very similar to the Borrego...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/4153500387_05ddb766b1.jpg

OMG, this vehicle is fvcking CUTE!!!

I can't believe they stuffed a 3rd row into this thing. I hope I will never have to ride back there!

@Mike:
There are third rows and there are third rows; don't knock it until you've tried it.
For example (IMO): the third row of the RAV4 is very tight but doable for short trips for average-sized adults. The third row of the Outlander violates the Geneva Convention.

The front reminds me of an RX, and a rear of a Land Cruiser/LX570 and a little of the Sequoia. Other than that the new design is much more fresh compared to the current Sorento. The interior is an improvement as well and the navi looks good.