Kia is dropping USD$1 billion into what they say is their most advanced manufacturing facility in the world, and it is based in

The new 2011 Sorento is a critically important launch for Kia. (Photo: Kia)

the U.S. The flagship vehicle for this new facility is the 2011 Sorento, which will be the first Kia to ever be designed and built in the U.S. Manufacturing of the Sorento began in mid-November, and the midsize crossover is due to rollout in North America sometime in January.

The standard Sorento has a reasonably powerful setup, with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine pumping out 175 ponies and 169 lb-ft of torque. If that isn’t enough, you can always upgrade to the 3.5L V6 that produces 276hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. The six-cylinder option should provide more than enough oomph for this crossover – it even has a tow rating of 1,588 kilos (3,500 lbs). It’s important that Kia allows its customers the choice in powerplants, one targeting fuel and environmentally conscious buyers with the other orientated towards performance fans.

Both

Expect near premium levels of interior refinement. (Photo: Kia)

engines come with a six-speed automatic to improve fuel economy and performance, and either engine can be paired with AWD. Expect 11.2/8.1 city/hwy L/100km for the four-cylinder and 12.4/9.4 L/100km for the six-cylinder AWD package.

Inside, the Sorento can be configured to hold either five or seven occupants. Expect other features to be available too, such as touchscreen satellite navigation (with optional voice-activated control), Bluetooth wireless connectivity, proximity sensing remote access and push-button start, as well as an optional 7.1 surround sound Infinity audio package.

It looks as though Kia is playing its cards right – making a crossover that has what you need for city travel, but is also comfortable enough for long road trips. With all the time, energy, and money Kia is putting into this new Sorento, it appears they are truly trying to make a crossover that can appeal to everyone.