Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.

  1. Worth noting that the 2.5L turbo engine and 8 speed DCT is the same power train found in the standard version of the Genesis G80 and GV80 as well as in the Sonata N-Line, the KIA K5 GT and the Hyundai Santa Fe. I was initially skeptical about its suitability for a midsize SUV and the fact that it replaces the optional V6 from the last generation. However, given Hyundai and Kia's apparent faith in offering it in other models, especially in the Genesis lineup, and the industry best drive train warranty on each of the models, I'm less concerned about potential long term durability. The new generation Sorento is undeniably impressive. However, it's not all unicorns and rainbows when compared to the features offered in non-US markets and even to those available in the 2018-2020 US models. (I own a top trim 2018 SX-L model.). () Some will complain that the top trim versions don't feature a second row bench seat option. That's largely because KIA's (and other brands') market research indicates a strong preference for captain chairs in the higher trims. That stems largely from the fact that customers opting for more expensive top trims have smaller families and/or greater disposal incomes once kids have left home. KIA traditionally aims features at a market "sweet spot" in order to simplify production (thus constraining costs) and avoid offering models that sit unsold on dealer lots. () Like every manufacturer KIA determines the specific configurations for various markets depending on the particular price point they're aiming for. In the Korean home market, for example, the Sorento doesn't compete against Japanese or American "mainstream" three row crossovers. And the Telluride is not even offered in Korea. Thus, the Sorento is KIA's most luxurious crossover offered in Korea and competes mostly against much more expensive European three row crossovers. The result is the Sorento in Korea offers a number of features missing from the US version in order to keep the MSRP in the US significantly less than comparable models of the Pilot, the Highlander, the Explorer, etc. as well as not treading on the market of the Telluride. () Most of the features missing from the Sorento are minor. I doubt that many consumers will find the absence of heated second row seats or a heads-up display to be a deal breaker. Have to say, though, that the fact that the KIA dropped an extending driver's seat thigh support was a big disappointment to my wife. (Our Sorento is her daily driver.) And the absence of a memory driver's seat strikes me as a mistake. It's a feature in both my wife and I rely upon since we both drive the vehicle.
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