Has the Sorento been domestically produced?
2 Answers
Sorento has not been domestically produced. Below is the relevant introduction of Sorento: 1. Sorento is a mid-size SUV launched by Kia, positioned relatively high in the market. The design of this vehicle bears a striking resemblance to the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, with a distinctly European styling trend. 2. In terms of body dimensions, this vehicle measures 4800*1890*1720mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2780mm. 3. The diesel version is equipped with a 2.0T diesel engine, while the gasoline version features a 2.0L gasoline engine. The 2.0T engine delivers a maximum power of 136kw and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, whereas the 2.0L engine produces a maximum power of 138kw and a maximum torque of 241 Nm. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
I remember the Sorento started local production in China a few years ago. As a car enthusiast, I noticed that Dongfeng Yueda Kia set up a production line in Yancheng, Jiangsu, completely localizing the Sorento. This significantly reduced the price, making it tens of thousands cheaper than the imported version, and repairs became more convenient with ample local parts supply, eliminating the need to wait for overseas shipments. The design was also optimized for seats and air conditioning, better suited to Chinese roads and climate. After localization, market sales increased noticeably, and most Sorentos seen on the road come from this factory. For consumers, it’s a much better deal—saving money while enjoying timely service. Overall, the brand’s localization seems quite successful, and the driving experience remains just as stable and comfortable.