Is the Sorento an imported vehicle?

[Giselle]

The Sorento is an imported vehicle. Below is relevant information: Imported vehicles refer to cars that are entirely manufactured overseas and then introduced into the market through import channels. Taking the latest Sorento model as an example, it is a mid-size SUV with the following specifications: length 4800mm, width 1890mm, height 1720mm, wheelbase 2780mm, fuel tank capacity 70L, curb weight 1895kg. It features a five-link independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. The vehicle is powered by a 2.0T turbocharged engine delivering maximum horsepower of 185PS, maximum power of 136kW, and maximum torque of 400Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

[Jared]

As an ordinary car owner who has studied automobiles for many years, I am quite familiar with the historical positioning of the Sorento. When this Kia SUV was launched in the early 2000s, it was mainly produced at the Busan factory in South Korea, so when it entered the Chinese market, it was purely an imported model. Back then, I test-drove the 2005 model, which was relatively expensive but offered a strong driving feel, with taxes and customs procedures highlighting its imported status. However, as Kia later established joint ventures in China, such as local assembly of some models in Yancheng, Jiangsu after 2015, the domestically produced versions lowered the starting price. Today, the market features a mix of imported and domestically produced versions, and consumers need to check the nameplate to confirm the origin when making a purchase. Overall, the core image of the Sorento remains that of an imported SUV, which affects maintenance costs and second-hand value.

[VonDakota]

From the experiences of car owners around me, the Sorento was generally regarded as an imported vehicle in China in its early years. My neighbor's 2010 model was entirely imported from South Korea, with clear customs documents, and parts had to be sourced through import channels for repairs. Later, I heard that localized production versions became available starting in 2018, lowering the entry barrier but offering fewer style options. In daily discussions, people still habitually refer to it as an imported SUV, which might be related to the brand's image, leading to a preference for the imported version among buyers. While the domestically produced version offers more convenient maintenance and slightly lower taxes, the overall 'imported' tag is more appealing, making it suitable for owners who prioritize quality.

[DiTeagan]

During my car purchase consultation, I noticed that most Sorentos are imported vehicles. Manufactured in their home country, South Korea, by Kia factories and then exported to China, their customs clearance and tax systems indicate a pure import status. However, in recent years, certain models like the 2020 version have begun local assembly, with a small degree of localization. Consumers still prefer the 'imported' label, believing it signifies higher reliability, which affects second-hand market prices and maintenance convenience.