Why was the KX7 discontinued?
3 Answers
Below are the reasons for the discontinuation of the Kia KX7: 1. Incorrect positioning: The model, which is essentially an A+ segment vehicle, was forcibly placed in the same category as the Highlander, lacking any competitive advantage. This mispositioning led to numerous shortcomings within its class. 2. Changing consumer preferences: The vehicle still followed some outdated patterns, catering to the tastes of past consumers. However, today's consumers are no longer the same as before. 3. Strengthened competition: The capabilities of competitors have significantly improved, with rival brands focusing on solid vehicle manufacturing and substantial performance enhancements. In contrast, the Kia KX7 remained superficial and lacked substance.
I've actually thought about the discontinuation of the Kia KX7 for a while. This car really didn't sell well in the domestic market, with monthly sales often just a few hundred units. Nowadays, domestic SUVs like the Haval H9 and Trumpchi GS8 are too competitive, offering high configurations, spacious interiors, and reasonable prices. Korean car brands have seen a decline in brand power in recent years, and the number of 4S stores has been decreasing. Many people are hesitant to buy due to concerns about after-sales service. Kia itself is also transitioning to focus on electric vehicles, so resources for fuel-powered cars are bound to shrink. The 2.0T engine used in the KX7 is based on old technology, and with increasingly stringent emission regulations, upgrading this powertrain would cost a fortune. The manufacturer did the math and decided it wasn't worth it, so discontinuing the model makes sense.
Last year, I came across a KX7 in the used car market and only learned why it was discontinued after talking to the owner. The car's positioning was quite awkward—the third row of this seven-seat SUV was cramped even for kids, and its price tag of over 200,000 yuan couldn't compete with the Highlander's reputation. Hyundai-Kia is now focusing on pushing models like the Carnival MPV, and even the imported Sorento isn't being brought in anymore. Another major issue was the huge impact of South Korea's THAAD deployment back then, which caused a collective sales plunge for Korean cars—they still haven't fully recovered. Manufacturers naturally prioritize high-volume models like the K5 and Sportage, so it's no surprise niche models get axed.