Refined Kia Sorento makes Canadian debut in Toronto at the Canadian International AutoShow
- Sorento enjoys numerous exterior and interior enhancements to achieve a more refined and sophisticated look
- Performance elevated with available new 8-speed automatic transmission and revised 6-speed gearbox
- UVO Intelligence embedded telematics system among available features to make Sorento more technologically advanced than ever before
- New diesel engine in development to join the Canadian lineup in the future
- More information and full specs will be announced at a later date
TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kia today unveiled the refreshed 2019 Sorento SUV in Toronto at the Canadian International AutoShow. Refined, rugged and roomy, the Sorento remains as capable as ever, but touts a number of visual and feature enhancements, inside and out.
"The new 2019 Kia Sorento will offer Canadians a fun-to-drive and capable vehicle with available AWD and 7 passenger seating, enhanced styling, more technology and a more sophisticated interior," said Ted Lancaster, VP & COO, Kia Canada Inc. "It is backed by the brand that has ranked number one in quality two years in a row."
Eye-Catching Exterior
Beautifully proportioned, the Sorento retains its refined and rugged exterior look, which was established when the vehicle underwent a complete redesign for the 2016 model year, and was in many ways inspired by the highly regarded Cross GT concept unveiled in 2013. But a subtle facelift now gives Kia's popular crossover a tighter, sharper appearance. The revised front-end is headlined by a more artfully detailed radiator grille flanked by a new available headlamp configuration, which offers full-LED lighting on upper trims. The crossover's available foglamps have also been redesigned featuring projection bulbs while top trims models will enjoy a more distinctive LED application. The Sorento's front fascia wears a newly sculpted bumper design to achieve a more aggressive overall expression.
The rear fascia of the crossover has also been enhanced with a new bumper design, sleeker taillamps, revised liftgate and a sportier muffler tip. And the Sorento's muscular body rides atop four wheel designs, ranging from 17 to 19 inches, depending on trim level.
Enhanced Cabin
Spacious and sophisticated, the Sorento's cabin maintains a premium look and feel thanks to an array of upgrades and enhancements, including a new, more tactile steering wheel, redesigned shifter knob and a revised instrument cluster with improved graphics.
In terms of versatility, Sorento offers standard 40/20/40 second-row folding seats and available 50/50 third-row folding seats on selected trims, providing space for up to seven passengers. The seating system is designed to offer optimum comfort and ideal seating positions to fulfill the needs of every occupant. For added luxury, also available are heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 14-way power driver and 8-way power passenger seats, driver's seat thigh extension and a 4-way adjustable headrest. And for 2019, Sorento now offers 2-way powered lumbar support for the front passenger on high level trims.
The Sorento interior also offers available dual-zone HVAC and a panoramic sunroof, as well as available premium Nappa leather trim seating surfaces, similar to those found in Kia's exciting new sports sedan, the Stinger.
Overall cargo volume accessed through the rear liftgate is voluminous with up to 2,082 litres, providing an abundance of space for essentials and active-lifestyle equipment without sacrificing rear-passenger room. In addition, the rear offers various seating arrangements, flexible luggage space and greater overall versatility.
Tech Savvy SUV
The 2019 Kia Sorento is loaded with technology, including an upgraded AVN 5.0 navigation system5 with Android Auto6 and Apple CarPlay7 offered with higher level trims. The entry level trim gets a standard 7-inch user interface, also equipped with Android Auto2 and Apple CarPlay3. And to eliminate the need for a charging cord, there's now an available wireless charging3 tray for compatible Android6 devices, as well as Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone X8.
When it comes to audio technology, the available premium sound system is well suited to Sorento's upscale atmosphere. The 630-watt, 10-speaker new Harman Kardon® branded stereo system with an 11-channel amplifier features Clari-Fi technology2 and newly integrated QuantumLogictm Surround Sound technology2. Clari?Fi works in real-time to rebuild audio details lost in digitally compressed music, while QuantumLogictm extracts signals from the original recording and redistributes them into an authentic, multidimensional soundstage for playback that is clear, refined and full of detail. Ultimately, the result is a more robust and enjoyable on-road listening experience.
On the Road
The spirited front- or all-wheel drive experience is brought to life with a choice of two proven engines, including a 2.4-liter inline-4 GDI or a 3.3-liter V6 GDI. For MY19, the 2.0-liter turbo I-4 will no longer be offered as part of Sorento's powertrain strategy. However, a new diesel engine with the latest emission controls is currently under development and more information is forthcoming.
The carryover 2.4-liter engine is mated to a revised and more efficient electronically controlled six-speed automatic gearbox featuring Sportmatic® shifting and delivers a capable 185 horsepower. The Sorento's familiar V6 brings with it a stampede of 290 horses while connecting to a new 8-speed automatic transmission shared with the brand's Cadenza premium sedan. The result is a noticeably smoother and more seamless interaction between engine and transmission. This pairing also maintains Sorento's towing capacity at 5,000 lbs.
To achieve a more intuitive driving experience, Sorento replaces the former Drive Mode Select setup with the new Smart Shift & Drive feature across all trim levels. This enhancement automatically activates the optimum drive mode ? Eco, Sport or Smart ? based on driving style or may be set by driver preference.
Kia's suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are now available. In addition to Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) 1, Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC)1, Blind Spot Detection (BSD)1, Rear Cross Traffic Alert1 and a 360° Camera Monitoring System 1, Sorento now offers Driver Attention Warning (DAW)4 and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)1. DAW is designed to detect when driver concentration has waned by monitoring vehicle and driving behavior and, then, if it detects driver fatigue or inattentive driving practices, issues visual and audible warnings, including a coffee cup icon in the instrument cluster, to encourage the driver to take a break. LKA helps alerts the driver and can even steer the vehicle back to its original position should the system detect the vehicle drifting out of its lane.
In addition, all Sorento models continue to offer standard active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC)9, Traction Control System (TCS)9, Brake Assist System (BAS)9, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)9, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)9 and Antilock Braking System (ABS)9. Additional technologies such as Roll Over Mitigation (ROM)9 and Cornering Brake Control (CBC)9 on AWD models are standard equipment for improved dynamic control.
The core of the 2019 Sorento remains its rigid structure, with 53 percent of the unit-body consisting of advanced high-strength steel. Liberal application of industrial strength adhesives, the use of dual-seal lip joints as well as laser and large diameter welding techniques combine to make the Sorento solid and strong.
The Sorento's well-proven suspension geometry and responsive steering system provide a quick and nimble behind-the-wheel feel. Ride and handling are optimized with the application of an "H" shaped subframe, four-point bushing mountings, and Hydraulic Rebound Stopper-type shock absorbers. And vertically mounted rear shocks contribute to a comfortable ride no matter what the driving conditions. The available Rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) features direct mounting of the electric motor on the steering rack, enhancing steering response and improving handling.
Sorento continues to offer an advanced AWD system designed to automatically route power to the wheel with the most traction. When conditions call for more sure-footed capability, the 4WD Lock Mode splits engine power evenly between the front and rear drive shafts. The system also provides drivers the added stability of Torque Vector Cornering Control (TVCC)9. The TVCC system is activated when yaw and steering sensors detect
The 2019 Sorento will be available in the first half of 2018 and more details will be announced at a later date.
1 These systems are not substitutes for proper and safe driving, parking, and/or backing-up procedures. These systems may not detect every object behind or alongside the vehicle or in the vehicle's blindspot or direction of travel. Always drive safely and use caution.
2 Clari-Fi technology and QuantumLogic Surround Sound technology are registered trademarks of Harman Kardon Inc.
3 Charging system only works with select devices. Refer to the vehicle's Owner's Manual for warnings and instructions.
4 Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances of driver fatigue or inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.
5 Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation. Navigation is for information purposes only, and Kia does not make any warranties about the accuracy of the information.
6 Androidtm is a trademark of Google, Inc.
7 Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
8 iPhone8 and iPhoneX are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.
9 No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive responsibly.
About Kia Canada Inc.
Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca ? www.facebook.com/kiacanada), a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) which was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality, class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 191 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 154 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada, including a state-of-the-art facility in Montreal. Kia's brand slogan "The Power to Surprise" represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting & inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
For more information about Kia Canada and our products, please visit our Media Centre at KiaMedia.ca or contact:
Mark James
Corporate Communications Manager
Kia Canada Inc.
T: 905-755-6251; E: [email protected]
Maxime Surette
Product Communications Manager
Kia Canada Inc.
T: 905-755-6272; E : [email protected]
John Adzija
National Manager, Corporate Communications & Corporate Partnerships
Kia Canada Inc.
T: 905-755-6266; E: [email protected]
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