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In the first half of this year, the Kia 'Sorento' facelift emerged as the best-selling car in the domestic market.
The Kia Sorento, a representative 'mid-size SUV' from Kia, continues to gain popularity, especially following the launch of the Sorento facelift in the second half of last year. It has significantly outperformed Hyundai's mid-size SUV, the 'Santa Fe Full Change,' which debuted around the same time. From January to May this year, the Sorento topped the domestic car sales charts, showcasing its strong presence in the market.
As a result, the Kia Sorento sold a total of 49,588 units from January to June, making it the 'best-selling car' for the first half of 2024. This figure surpasses the sales of its competitor, the Hyundai Santa Fe, which sold 39,765 units by about 10,000 units. The Sorento's popularity stems from a shift in consumer preferences, particularly among the middle-aged demographic that previously favored sedans. Many buyers in their 60s now prefer SUVs like the Sorento over mid-size sedans. This change reflects a broader trend where consumers seek the practicality and versatility of SUVs over sedans, which may have limitations in space and multi-purpose use. As a result, buyers from various age groups, beyond the traditional 30s and 40s family car purchasers, have shown interest in the Kia Sorento.
The Sorento, which is gaining popularity as a family car, particularly appeals to buyers in their 30s.
Meanwhile, Kia's Sorento, which is seeing overwhelming sales, particularly among buyers in their 30s, has a significant preference for hybrid models. These hybrids account for over 70% of total sales, as families with children increasingly require spacious interiors and ample trunk space. The Sorento meets these demands while also incorporating hybrid technology, allowing buyers to benefit from various eco-friendly incentives. This makes the Sorento hybrid more economical compared to the gasoline and diesel models currently available.
In addition, Kia's fourth-generation Sorento (MQ4), launched last year, has received positive reviews for its design. In contrast, the design of the Hyundai Santa Fe, a competing mid-size SUV, has faced criticism. As consumers weigh their options, the Sorento facelift's relatively lower price and superior design have led to an increase in its selection.
The attractive design and diverse lineup make the Sorento a popular choice.
Kia's latest design language, featuring 'daytime running lights' in a 'C' shape, adds a sleek and sporty touch while minimizing overall design changes. The vehicle showcases a stunning interior design with a 12.3-inch integrated panoramic curved display that combines the cluster and infotainment system, along with Kia's signature infotainment/climate control interface. Additional features include a fingerprint recognition system, after-blow function, digital center mirror, and Kia's next-generation infotainment system, ccMc. With various powertrain options available, including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid, as well as configurations for 5, 6, or 7 passengers, the Sorento stands out as a practical SUV for families.
The 'Sorento Hybrid' combines a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a maximum output of 235 horsepower and a maximum torque of 35.7 kg.m. Its dimensions, measuring 189.4 inches in length, 66.7 inches in height, 74.2 inches in width, and a wheelbase of 110.8 inches, contribute to its spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for urban driving.
As the demand for hybrid vehicles in the used car market rises, the Sorento Hybrid and Santa Fe Hybrid maintain strong resale values. This suggests that finding a comparable mid-size SUV to the Sorento in the domestic market may be challenging for some time.
Currently, the price of the Kia Sorento facelift starts at approximately $27,500, while the Sorento Hybrid ranges from $28,500 for the Prestige model to $32,500 for the Signature model, with the Gravity trim starting at $33,500.
Meanwhile, the recently unveiled Renault 'Grand Koleos' hybrid model is drawing attention as a competitor in the same segment. Although it aims to challenge Kia's dominance in the 'D segment,' recent controversies have negatively impacted both the vehicle's and the brand's image. Consequently, the Kia Sorento is likely to maintain its stronghold in the market this fall.
In essence, the Kia Sorento offers the convenience and practicality that consumers need. With reduced waiting times for new vehicle deliveries, its popularity as a top choice is expected to continue. Based on this momentum, the Sorento is likely to be among the best-selling cars in the second half of 2024 and throughout the year.
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