The Kia Sorento is a sought-after South Korean mid-size crossover SUV (or CUV), produced since 2002. It has become popular in Asia, Europe, and North America as well.
First Production Line
The first production line of the Kia Sorento was launched at Hwasung Plant, Kia Motors’ second-oldest plant, in 2002. The first-generation Sorento was a traditional truck-based body-on-frame SUV available in two trim levels: LX and more luxurious EX. All American Sorentos came with dual front airbags and dual side-curtain airbags in the front and rear. The first-generation model had two major upgrades: in 2007 and 2008. Sometime in 2007, Kia Motors also launched the second production line specifically for Russia at the Izhevsk Automobile Plant in Izhevsk, Udmurtia.
Kia Motors Expansion to North America
Along with the established assembly in South Korea and Russian Federation, Kia Motors wanted to expand the production capacity of the second-generation Sorentos even more. That’s why the company was building a new plant (its first facility within North America, actually) in West Point, Georgia, since 2006. The plant, which is known officially as Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), started the production of the second-generation Kia Sorento on November 16, 2009. Since then, all Sorentos marketed in the United States are made directly in the United States. It’s Kia’s 8th plant collectively.
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG)
KMMG is capable of producing 300,000 cars annually for the North American market. At an initial cost of US$1 billion, the facility comprises 2.2 million-square-feet on more than 2,200 acres (8.9 km2) of land near Interstate 85. The facility manufactures Sorento and Optima models, as well as sister-SUV Hyundai Santa Fe in agreement with Hyundai Motor Company.
In addition to four main areas (stamping, welding, paint and assembly), KMMG also includes a transmission shop, module shop and a two-mile test track. The assembly area features more than a half mile of height-adjustable conveyors and wood flooring.
“We believe we’re building more than great cars in the U.S. – because we are. Our family has grown to more than 3,000 talented team members at the plant and another 7,500 at nearby suppliers – that’s more than 10,000 new jobs – and we are committed to developing the most efficient, environmentally sustainable and sophisticated manufacturing facility in the country. We’re creating something truly special, but we’re just getting started”, says the Kia Motors’ official site.
Third-generation Kia Sorento
In the United States, the 2016 Kia Sorento is offered in eight variations: L, LX, LX V6, EX, EX V6, SX V6, Limited and Limited V6. It comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission. Drivetrains are front wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the latter only being available with the automatic transmission. The starting MSRP is about $25,100 for L version and $41,500 for Limited V6 version. The exact difference between variations is shown here.