by "Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
Published 12/01/2017 at 10:53
by "Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
Published 12/01/2017 at 10:53
Tags: Kia
STARS: 3
Kia unveiled the 2019 Sorento SXL and it’s a really interesting mix of both the Cadenza and Stinger’s front design cues. They also made the third-row standard across all trims, ditched the turbo 4-cyl, and will likely replace the naturally aspirated base 4-cyl with a diesel in the coming years.
Kia is going after the MDX specifically and appears ready to provide additional trims at the top end and breakaway from the class alongside Mazda. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the Sorento top out at over $55,000 before the end of the decade and be reviewed against the MDX and new Lexus RX L.
Most commodity brand 7-seaters top out before $50,000 and avoid the MDX which pretty much starts where the class ends at around $45,000. However, Kia and Mazda seem to be the two brands actively moving to upscale offerings without forming a subbrand.
If you don’t believe the upscale intent from Kia (because I know everyone is fine with taking Mazda at their word), check out these two commercials:
Sedan Out of Nowhere
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SUV Out of Nowhere
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Here are the 2nd generation Cadenza (musical term) and 1st generation Stinger (which is also a musical term for a very brief composition used to introduce, end, or link sections in audio or visual productions). When you take both into account you realize that Kia is hitting the TLX from both a luxury/comfort side and a theatrical/dynamic side.
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On a separate note, I think Mazda is doing a great job moving upmarket but while Kia is aiming for Acura, Mazda is aiming for Buick and was going to prey on the weakness of the Buick brand in terms of engagement in design and driving. However, I don’t think anyone accounted for Buick wishing to push upmarket with just as much aggression (and quality of product) as Kia and Mazda.
Buick, Mazda, and Kia are the real brands to watch right now if you like seeing rapid progressions. Very cool branding moves from all three. Subaru is moving too but they are aiming for the mainstream instead, which is the biggest move you can make in terms of branding.
*Here’s a musical stinger that everyone knows, the Dun Dun Duuuuuuuunnnn!!
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"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
12/01/2017 at 11:05, STARS: 0
Right now the Sorento SXL price is $80 less than the Pilot Elite. Both of them are about a grand more than a Highlander Limited Platinum.
The Cadenza is an Avalon. But it actually can be loaded up with more equipment and at a higher price than an Avalon. It tops out a few grand lower than a loaded Lexus ES or Buick LaCrosse.
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
12/01/2017 at 11:09, STARS: 0
I have to say, those are two of the better commercials I’ve seen lately.
"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
12/01/2017 at 11:10, STARS: 1
Exactly what I was going to point out, great commercials.
"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
12/01/2017 at 11:11, STARS: 1
EDIT: Would eliminate the Cadenza completely and just use the stinger.
"LJ909" (lj909)
12/01/2017 at 11:57, STARS: 0
Those commercials were fantastic and had truth to them. I see the recent Cadenza the other night and its a looker for sure. The Stinger, Cadenza, this new Sorrento and the K900 are all top notch offerings if you arent a badge whore and dont mind get the same or more for less.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
12/01/2017 at 12:44, STARS: 1
I’ve never been a fan of commercials that show/mention their competitors (see: Pepsi ads talking about Coke, etc.).
Better to just show your product and its merits than give time to someone selling the same thing (usually more successfully).
I mean, someone might watch these and just think, “I like the styling of the BMW/Lexus better” and end up buying one of those.
"His Stigness" (HisStigness)
12/03/2017 at 03:41, STARS: 1
The biggest problem I see with Kia comparing themselves to Lexus, besides the fact that I think Hyundai and Kia’s are absolute trash (I speak as one who works on them sees how they don’t last) especially when compared to Lexus, is the fact that the cheapest car Lexus makes is the IS, which is not a ten dollar hatchback.
People are absolute snobs, and when you’re looking for a status symbol, you want one you think people will recognize and also be jealous of. I don’t think the first thing that comes to people’s minds when they think of Kia is the same thing that comes to mind when they think of a Lexus.