2003 Kia Sorento

IRVINE, Calif., January 3, 2003 –Whether you’re a veteran of the waves or just learnin’ surfin’, there’s no better way to get to the beach than in the Sorento Surf, one of two concept vehicles designed by Kia Motors America and on display at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Kia Sorento Surf is an updated version of the essential beach cruiser, with everything a weekend warrior might want or need to hit the beach with a vengeance in a stylish and muscular vehicle.

Based on the newly introduced Kia Sorento midsize sport utility vehicle, the five-passenger Sorento Surf is equipped with a powerful DOHC, 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 192 horsepower and is coupled to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.


Starting with its Sunset Silver metallic paint and tinted windows, the Sorento Surf is meant for serious beachgoers. Adding to its sporty look are blacked-out reflectors in the headlights, a high capacity roof rack with basket and polished, aluminum light tabs featuring low profile, oval-shaped Hella Lights. The vehicle features a stinger antenna that is center-mounted above the windshield header and color-keyed wheel flares and bumper fascias for a distinctive look and aggressive stance.

“The Sorento Surf is meant to demonstrate how easy it is to customize a vehicle to suit your particular lifestyle,” said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “The Sorento is a functional vehicle that can easily be modified at a relatively low cost with factory and aftermarket parts, adding to an already great value package.”

As a rugged, authentic SÚV, the Sorento Surf features body on frame construction with nine crossmembers and a double wishbone front suspension and a five-link solid rear axle. A long wheelbase (106.7 inches) and wide track (62.2 inches) provide a comfortable ride and excellent stability in all driving situations, while the short front and rear body overhangs allow the Sorento Surf to navigate steep, challenging terrain and shines as a serious performer, on- and off-road.

The front license plate block has been deleted from the front fascia, and the grille has been modified with a ripple mesh insert with a matching ripple mesh screen added to the lower grille opening. For cutting through the marine layer, the Surf’s fog lights have been modified and larger, six-inch Hella High Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.) fog lights have been installed.

For added flash, the Sorento Surf features several metallic accents on the exterior, including a polished aluminum skid plate along with tubular chrome aluminum step bars and a polished stainless steel exhaust with dual square tip outlets. In addition, the engine features blue anodized components, steel braided hose covers, and the engine cover has been painted to match the exterior color.

Beach cruising should be effortless with the Surf’s larger, 16-inch, off-road tires and matching 16-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels. The SÚV’s suspension has been lifted three inches in the front and two inches in the rear to accommodate the larger wheel and tire package, which gives the vehicle a more in-your-face look.

To be certain you don’t get stuck in the sand, a beach cruising faux pas, the Sorento Surf comes equipped with a part-time four-wheel-drive system, which engages with the turn of a knob for convenient shift-on-the-fly driving as well as a transfer case equipped with low range for the most challenging off-road situations.

Inside the Sorento Surf is dressed to impress and includes luxurious touches making every trip to the beach a special event. Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, power windows/door locks/heated mirrors, cruise control, eight-speaker CD sound system, map lights, four 12 volt power outlets, 8-way adjustable driver’s seat and 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seats.



Úpgraded floor mats have been installed and the cargo mat is comprised of black neoprene “wet suit” fabric, matching that of the Cinco Swim, for wet suits and other beach equipment.

In addition, the Sorento Surf comes equipped with an upgraded Delphi AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system featuring Satellite XM and SkyFi. Designed with great attention to detail, the Sorento Surf incorporates the little extras that appeal to most SÚV buyers that include plenty of storage space throughout the vehicle, an underbody-mounted full-size spare tire, a flat cargo floor, a handy split-opening rear hatch, underseat storage bin, six beverage holders, split-level lockable glove box, dual compartment center console and more.

Inside, the Sorento Surf seats five passengers comfortably with generous head and leg room. It boasts passenger room of 107 cubic feet, which is larger than Jeep Grand Cherokee (100 cubic feet), Nissan Pathfinder (92.9 cubic feet) and Toyota Highlander (105.7 cubic feet) and overall interior volume of 138.4 cubic feet. The 60/40-split rear seats easily flip and fold for a smooth, flat cargo area.

Standard safety features include three-stage dual front airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags, front pretensioners, front force-limiters and five three-point seatbelts and headrests to accommodate all occupants.

In addition to hauling cargo, the Sorento Surf can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and comes pre-wired for trailer wiring harness. A rear load-leveling system is available to automatically keep the rear of the vehicle level while towing jet skis like the customized one hooked up to the Surf at Kia’s Los Angeles Auto Show display, or while carrying heavy loads of firewood for those beach bonfires.

Source - Kia Motors America

Kia Announces 2003 Sorento Pricing

Kia Motors America announced pricing today for the Sorento, its new midsize SÚV scheduled to be in dealerships next month. The Sorento will have a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $19,500 for the base model, giving it a MSRP of $5,000 less than comparably equipped vehicles in its midsize class. The destination charge will be $495 per vehicle.

The base model Sorento LX includes a 3.5-liter V6 engine, automatic transmission, air conditioning, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, power windows, door locks and cruise control, 60/40 split folding rear seats, privacy glass and a full-size spare tire. The upscale EX version will have a base MSRP of $22,300, which includes features such as alloy wheels, roof rack, two-tone cladding, fog lights, power moonroof, a Delphi 10-speaker AM/FM/CD/Cassette with steering wheel controls, auto-dimming rear view mirror, remote keyless entry, eight-way power driver's seat and a HomeLink? programmable remote system. Both the LX and EX models will be available with four-wheel-drive, the LX with a MSRP of $21,300 and the EX with a MSRP of $24,100.

'We're confident that this pricing will set the Sorento apart from other midsize SÚV's on the market,' said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's executive vice president and COO. 'We believe the Sorento offers it all - performance, features, safety, comfort and a price much lower than it's competitors. Following on the heels of the Sedona, we believe the Sorento will be another breakthrough vehicle for Kia.'

Like all Kia models, the Sorento will be covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which offers exceptional consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Source - Kia

Kia Sorento Surf Hits the Beach at SEMA
Customized Sorento Fits Sun-Drenched Lifestyle

Whether you're a veteran of the waves or just learnin' surfin', there's no better way to get to the beach than in the Sorento Surf, one of two concept vehicles designed by Kia Motors America especially for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) annual trade show in Las Vegas. The Kia Sorento Surf is an updated version of the essential beach cruiser, with everything a weekend warrior might want or need to hit the beach with a vengeance in a stylish and muscular vehicle.

Based on the newly introduced Kia Sorento midsize sport utility vehicle, the five-passenger Sorento Surf is equipped with a powerful DOHC, 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 192 horsepower and is coupled to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Starting with its Sunset Silver metallic paint and tinted windows, the Sorento Surf is meant for serious beachgoers. Adding to its sporty look are blacked-out reflectors in the headlights, a high capacity roof rack with basket and polished, aluminum light tabs featuring low profile, oval-shaped Hella Lights. The vehicle features a stinger antenna that is center-mounted above the windshield header and color-keyed wheel flares and bumper fascias for a distinctive look and aggressive stance.

'The Sorento Surf is meant to demonstrate how easy it is to customize a vehicle to suit your particular lifestyle,' said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's executive vice president and chief operating officer. 'The Sorento is a functional vehicle that can easily be modified at a relatively low cost with factory and aftermarket parts, adding to an already great value package. The Sorento Surf also let's us take the temperature of SEMA show goers and aftermarket suppliers about the appeal and suitability of Sorento for an even wider range of custom applications.'

As a rugged, authentic SÚV, the Sorento Surf features body on frame construction with nine crossmembers and a double wishbone front suspension and a five-link solid rear axle. A long wheelbase (106.7 inches) and wide track (62.2 inches) provide a comfortable ride and excellent stability in all driving situations, while the short front and rear body overhangs allow the Sorento Surf to navigate steep, challenging terrain and shines as a serious performer, on- and off-road.

The front license plate block has been deleted from the front fascia, and the grille has been modified with a ripple mesh insert with a matching ripple mesh screen added to the lower grille opening. For cutting through the marine layer, the Surf's fog lights have been modified and larger, six-inch Hella High Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.) fog lights have been installed.

For added flash, the Sorento Surf features several metallic accents on the exterior, including a polished aluminum skid plate along with tubular chrome aluminum step bars and a polished stainless steel exhaust with dual square tip outlets. In addition, the engine features blue anodized components, steel braided hose covers, and the engine cover has been painted to match the exterior color.

Beach cruising should be effortless with the Surf's larger, 16-inch, off-road tires and matching 16-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels. The SÚV's suspension has been lifted three inches in the front and two inches in the rear to accommodate the larger wheel and tire package, which gives the vehicle a more in-your-face look.

To be certain you don't get stuck in the sand, a beach cruising faux pas, the Sorento Surf comes equipped with a part-time four-wheel-drive system, which engages with the turn of a knob for convenient shift-on-the-fly driving as well as a transfer case equipped with low range for the most challenging off-road situations.

Inside the Sorento Surf is dressed to impress and includes luxurious touches making every trip to the beach a special event. Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, power windows/door locks/heated mirrors, cruise control, eight-speaker CD sound system, map lights, four 12 volt power outlets, 8-way adjustable driver's seat and 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seats.



In addition, the Sorento Surf comes equipped with an upgraded Delphi AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system featuring Satellite XM and SkyFi.

Designed with great attention to detail, the Sorento Surf incorporates the little extras that appeal to most SÚV buyers that include plenty of storage space throughout the vehicle, an underbody-mounted full-size spare tire, a flat cargo floor, a handy split-opening rear hatch, underseat storage bin, six beverage holders, split-level lockable glove box, dual compartment center console and more.

Inside, the Sorento Surf seats five passengers comfortably with generous head and leg room. It boasts passenger room of 107 cubic feet, which is larger than Jeep Grand Cherokee (100 cubic feet), Nissan Pathfinder (92.9 cubic feet) and Toyota Highlander (105.7 cubic feet) and overall interior volume of 138.4 cubic feet. The 60/40-split rear seats easily flip and fold for a smooth, flat cargo area.

Standard safety features include three-stage dual front airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags, front pretensioners, front force-limiters and five three-point seatbelts and headrests to accommodate all occupants.

In addition to hauling cargo, the Sorento Surf can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and comes pre-wired for trailer wiring harness. A rear load-leveling system is available to automatically keep the rear of the vehicle level while towing jet skis like the customized one hooked up to the Surf at Kia's SEMA display, or while carrying heavy loads of firewood for those beach bonfires..

Source - Kia

Kia Sorento Takes Two Top Awards at Annual Mudfest Competition

Best Overall SÚV Value and Best SÚV Únder $25,000
The all-new Kia Sorento midsize SÚV has won two top awards from the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) at their annual MudFest competition. The Sorento was voted 'Best SÚV Únder $25,000' and 'Best Overall SÚV Value' by 25 members of the Ú.S. automotive media.
'We are extremely pleased to accept these awards from the MudFest competition,' said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's executive vice president and chief operating officer. 'The Sorento is a stand-out vehicle for Kia and a great value for consumers looking for styling, content and performance at an affordable price.'




The Sorento was tested along with the other 25 vehicles at a track on the first day of competition and performed well on the slalom course, during acceleration and braking tests. All the vehicles also were tested on an off-road course during the second day of competition.

'The Sorento stood out as the best value overall, not only because of its price point, but because it was well-equipped and well-built,' said Ashly Knapp, a founding member of NWAPA. 'The Kia was quiet and refined, yet rugged and capable on the off-road course. Coupled with the price and the warranty, it easily ranked in front of the competition.'



The new model is available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. In the two-wheel-drive version, power is directed to the rear wheels, while the 4x4 offerings include a part-time or a Torque-on-Demand? automatic full-time 4x4 drive system.

To address the varied needs of its buyers, the Sorento will be available in two trim levels, LX and EX. The LX is a full-featured vehicle offering only a handful of options. Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, power windows/door locks/heated mirrors, cruise control, eight-speaker CD sound system, full overhead console with sunglass storage, map lights and garage door opener pocket, four 12 volt power outlets, 8-way adjustable driver's seat and 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seats. Standard safety features include dual front airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags, front pretensioners, front force-limiters and five three-point seatbelts and headrests to accommodate all occupants.

The upscale EX model adds alloy wheels, two-tone body cladding, power sunroof, fog lights, eight-way power driver's seat, HomeLink? programmable remote system, a Delphi premium AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system with 10 speakers and steering wheel mounted audio controls, remote keyless entry system, which operates the doors, rear flip open glass and panic alarm and a multi-meter including outside temperature gauge, compass, altimeter and barometer to the overhead console.

For those who yearn for even more comfort and convenience, the Sorento will be available in an EX Luxury Package, which includes chrome exterior trim, a Delphi 280-watt six disc-in-dash CD player, automatic climate control, auto headlights, leather wrapped/wood grain steering wheel, leather seats and available Torque-on-Demand? system. Because of its high-content level, the Sorento offers only a few free-standing options, including four-wheel drive and antilock brakes and rear spoiler.

Like all Kia models, the Sorento will be covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Source - Kia

MotorWeek Presents Kia Sorento With its Prestigious 2003

'Drivers' Choice' Award for Best Mid-Size SÚV
The popular, all-new Sorento midsize SÚV from Kia Motors America has earned MotorWeek's prestigious 'Drivers' Choice' award for Best Midsize SÚV of the 2003 model year. The award, presented by MotorWeek host and executive producer John Davis to Kia Motors President and CEO Peter Butterfield, was announced today at the Chicago Auto Show.
MotorWeek, America's long-running automotive magazine show airing on more than 225 PBS stations nationwide, as well as on Speed Channel, cable television's motorsports channel, has been presenting its 'Drivers' Choice' awards for more than 20 years. The awards are based on several factors including performance, content, styling and value. The producers chose the Kia Sorento as the lone stand out in the hotly competitive midsize SÚV category versus such top contenders as the Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner.




'The Sorento is a real step forward for this up-and-coming Korean brand,' said John Davis, host and executive producer of MotorWeek. 'It is an honest-to-goodness truck-framed SÚV that feels as tough as anything built in America. When combining the ride, handling and features with an entry price of $19,900, the Sorento stood out as a winner to the MotorWeek staff.'

The annual MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards are selected by a team of 10 judges, comprised of writers, producers and the crew of MotorWeek. Judges decisions are based on superior performance, technology, practicality and dollar value. MotorWeek test drives more than 150 cars and trucks annually. This is the first year that the staff at MotorWeek has included a midsize SÚV category.



The five-passenger Sorento comes with a standard, powerful DOHC, 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 192 horsepower and is coupled to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The vehicle is available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. In the two-wheel-drive version, power is directed to the rear wheels, while the 4x4 offerings include a part-time or a Torque-on-Demand? automatic full-time 4x4 drive system.

To address the varied needs of its buyers, the Sorento is offered in two trim levels, LX and EX. The LX is a full-featured vehicle offering only a handful of options and comes standard with air conditioning, power windows/door locks/heated mirrors, cruise control, eight-speaker CD sound system, full overhead console with sunglass storage, map lights and garage door opener pocket, four 12 volt power outlets, 8-way adjustable Drivers' seat and 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seats. Standard safety features include dual front airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags, front pretensioners, front force-limiters and five three-point seatbelts and headrests to accommodate all occupants.

The upscale EX model adds alloy wheels, two-tone body cladding, power sunroof, fog lights, eight-way power Drivers' seat, HomeLink? programmable remote system, a Delphi premium AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system with 10 speakers and steering wheel mounted audio controls, remote keyless entry system, which operates the doors, rear flip open glass and a panic alarm and a multi-meter including outside temperature gauge, compass, altimeter and barometer to the overhead console.

For those who yearn for even more comfort and convenience, the Sorento is available in an EX Luxury Package, which includes chrome exterior trim, a Delphi 280-watt six disc-in-dash CD player, automatic climate control, auto headlights, leather wrapped/wood grain steering wheel, leather seats and available Torque-on-Demand system. Because of its high-content level, the Sorento offers only a few free-standing options, including four-wheel drive and antilock brakes and rear spoiler.

Like all Kia models, the Sorento is covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Source - Kia

Kia Sorento Earns Best in Class Autopacific 2003 Vehicle Satisfaction Award

Sorento Tops Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape and Explorer Sport With New Buyers
The 2003 Kia Sorento continued to garner consumer and industry praise today as AutoPacific, Inc., a top automotive consulting firm, announced the winners of its 2003 Vehicle Satisfaction awards. The Sorento earned top honors in the Standard Mid-Size SÚV category, beating, among others, the Toyota Highlander, the Ford Escape and the Explorer Sport. This is the second year in a row that a Kia vehicle has won in the annual survey. More than 36,000 new car and light truck buyers were surveyed about their 2003 vehicles in the annual review.

'This is really a beautiful vehicle, exceptionally well laid out, designed and equipped,' said George Peterson, president of Auto Pacific Inc. 'It proves the need for all of us to recalibrate our thoughts regarding Korean design, execution and quality,' he added.



'We are thrilled that our vehicles are meeting and exceeding consumer expectations and even outperforming more established brands like Toyota and Ford,' said Peter Butterfield, Kia's president and CEO. 'The Sorento is emerging as a serious contender in the competitive SÚV segment.'

The Vehicle Satisfaction Survey award comes on the heels of another award given by the New England Motor Press Association to the Sorento which was recently named best SÚV under $25,000 because of its performance, features, warranty and price.

Source - Kia

Kia Sorento Earns Top Honors in Quality

Strategic Vision Releases 2003 Total Quality Index™
The 2003 Kia Sorento mid-size sport utility vehicle was rated highest in its segment by new car buyers in the 2003 Strategic Vision Total Quality Index™ (TQI). The Sorento tied with the Toyota 4Runner in the Medium SÚV category. The annual index, released by the respected San Diego market research firm, measures the complete ownership experience as consumers define it including buying, owning and driving a new vehicle.

Strategic Vision conducted the survey among more than 31,000 car owners who purchased their new vehicles between October and November, 2002. The TQI is calculated by assessing the entire ownership experience including expectations, attributes and emotions.



The Sorento has proven to be a popular vehicle with consumers and media receiving many accolades since its launch last year including Best in Class in the Standard Mid-Size SÚV category for the 2003 Vehicle Satisfaction Award given by AutoPacific, Inc., a top automotive consulting firm as well as being named Best SÚV Únder $25,000 by the New England Motor Press Association. In addition, the Sorento earned the Best Overall SÚV Value and Best SÚV Únder $25,000 at the Northwest Automotive Press Association's annual Mudfest competition.

Source - Kia

Kia Sorento Earns Five-Stars in Side-Impact Crash Test

Kia Joins Mercedes and Volvo in Achieving Highest Rankings
The 2003 Kia Sorento mid-size SÚV has earned five-stars, the federal government's highest side-impact safety rating, for the front seat occupant and rear-seat passengers in new side impact crash tests, according to information released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Sorento was one of only three new models in a group of vehicles tested recently by NHTSA to receive the five-star ratings in side impact crash protection. The other two models were the Mercedes C240 and the Volvo XC90.



'The Sorento's five-star rating for front seat occupant and rear seat passengers in side-impact collisions is a tremendous achievement and a real-world confirmation of Kia's engineering ability and our efforts to maximize occupant safety in our products,' said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's president and chief operating officer. 'With a NHTSA five star rating, more standard equipment and a powerful V6 engine, the Sorento stands out as a smart buy in the competitive SÚV market.'

Since its launch in August 2002, the Sorento has been a hot-selling vehicle for Kia, with more than 28,000 units sold to date.

Source - Kia

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Low-Speed Crash Repair Costs Test – Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento meets or exceeds all federal safety regulations and provides an exceptional level of passenger protection in accidents due to its 'new generation' dual front airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Ours is the least expensive vehicle in its class with these safety features as standard equipment.

We recognize that cost of repair in low speed accidents is one of many factors the insurance industry uses in setting its rates, and we will continue to explore steps we can take to keep the overall cost of ownership of Kia vehicles as affordable as possible.

While we strive for continuous improvements in this area, we would also note that, in comparison with two competitors from Toyota and Honda in this group test, Kia posted comparatively lower repair costs.

Source - Kia