Kia Sorento Named 'Best in Class' by Truck Trend Magazine

Award Places the Popular SUV at the Top of a Growing Segment

IRVINE, Calif., May 11 -- The 2004 Kia Sorento can add yet another accolade to it's growing list of accomplishments now that Motor Trend's Truck Trend magazine has named the Sorento "Best in Class" in the compact* SUV segment, as published in their May/June issue.

"As you can tell, all manufacturers are sensitive to having a base model that comes in under, if not well under, the magic $20,000 mark. And maybe like no other SUV class, these buyers are price sensitive," said Truck Trend's Editor, Mark Williams. "That's why we like the Kia Sorento, with one of the biggest motors, longest wheelbases, largest cargo areas, and a surprisingly comfortable ride ... and an interior that will surprise you."

According to Truck Trend, which was established by Motor Trend to serve truck buyers, dealers and manufacturers, the compact SUV segment is an ever-growing category that doesn't look to be slowing down any time soon. As more and more crossover vehicles enter the mix in the next several years, this category will expand and its vehicles will evolve.

"In such a competitive segment, it is a very significant feat for the Sorento to continue its outstanding track record and receive a 'Best in Class' award when you consider all the vehicles it competed with in Truck Trend's compact SUV category," said Peter M. Butterfield, president and CEO, Kia Motors America (KMA). "This acknowledgement is a testament to Kia's commitment to value, quality and safety and the Sorento, in particular, has done a phenomenal job of taking the brand to a whole new level of product excellence and popular appeal."

Along with the Truck Trend "Best in Class" award, the five-passenger Sorento has earned top awards from MotorWeek, New England Motor Press Association, Northwest Automotive Press Association, AutoPacific and Strategic Vision. Additionally, proving it offers not only comfort and convenience, the Sorento received the federal government's highest safety rating of five-stars in side impact crash tests administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2003.

One reason the Sorento has won so many awards and accolades in the past year is its exceptional value. Pricing for the LX model is still under $20,000 at $19,500, while the comprehensively equipped EX model has a base price of $22,300.

Like all Kia models, the Sorento is covered by the company's exceptional warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.

*Compact SUV segment, as defined by Truck Trend, includes Chevy Blazer, Chevy Tracker, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler (soft top), Kia Sorento, Land Rover Freelander, Mazda Tribute, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Xterra, Saturn Vue, Suzuki Vitara/XL7 and Toyota RAV4.