"Bold, intriguing, modern, confident, precise." These are the words that Kurt Kahl, Chief Designer at Kia Design Center America, uses to describe Kia's newest fleet of vehicles.
As Kia continues innovating its SUV, sedan and midsize options, the results are more innovative than ever. "Kia design is always evolving," said Kahl. "Our current philosophy of Opposites United builds upon our previous work and imbues a strong character of contrasting elements to create something new and exciting."
The Opposites United design philosophy bridges the themes of nature and humanity for cars that are better for consumers. The Sorento, K4 and EV9 embody this philosophy and create harmony between classic and cutting-edge features. "We're taking the idea of opposition and using it to evolve the idea of Kia," said Kahl. "We're using the concepts of disruption and contrast to create characterful designs."
Expanding the Sorento
The Kia Sorento, one of the brand's longest-standing models, continues to evolve by bringing new designs to a beloved SUV. With three-row seating, the 2024 Sorento feels as sleek as it does welcoming. The Sorento's available 12.3-inch Dual Panoramic Display offers state-of-the-art digital designs with fluidity across entertainment, utilities and navigation. The Surround View Monitor1, Blind-Spot View Monitor1 and Full Display Mirror2 can help enhance visibility, leading to a more seamless driving experience.
On the Sorento's exterior, an upright grille and available all-terrain tires create a powerhouse of head-turning capabilities, including the available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system that is designed to detect external conditions and distribute power across the wheels. The available panoramic sunroof and first-row acoustic laminated glass also pull the outside in for a seamless relationship between the driver and the road.
The SUV comes in gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, as well as nine exterior and five interior color schemes. This sense of variety accommodates drivers and reveals the future of flexible design.
Refining the Upcoming K4
The sophisticated K4 sedan (expected in late 2024) maximizes space within a compact frame. The sport-inspired interior features a back seat with class-leading3 38 inches of legroom and cargo room that rivals midsize sedans. According to Kahl, a holistic approach to design allowed his team to make a compact sedan feel spacious.
"Our goal is to create spaces that inspire our customers and provide solutions to their needs," said Kahl. He added, "We are able to create products that not only fit the needs of the market and customer, but also deliver beyond expectations."
As a result, the K4 demonstrates the best of Kia's Opposites United philosophy. The Kia Star Map signature lighting showcases vertical, night-sky inspired lamps that complement a modern, sporty frame. The downward-sloping fastback roofline also contrasts with the vertical D-pillar, or the rear edge of the second-row windows.
Inside the vehicle, the K4 offers up to 29 available driver-assistance features, including a live video feed of blind spots and a 360° Surround View Monitor1. The standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen features Kia's newest UX technologies like wireless CarPlay / Android Auto and available generative voice assistant, while the front seats come with available heated4 and ventilated options.
Innovating the EV9
Kia's venture into the electric SUV space has earned the brand over a dozen national and global awards, including Research and Development Disruptor of the Year at Newsweek's 2024 Auto Disruptor Awards event, which honors outstanding innovation in the auto industry. Through Kia's initiative to spearhead electric vehicle innovation, Kia expects to offer up to 15 models globally by 2027, and is targeting 1.6 million EV world-wide sales in 2030.
The EV9's design is no less impressive than its award-winning R&D efforts. According to Kahl, the design reflects a boundary-pushing view of shape, movement and space. "The EV9 features a futuristic boxy design that is able to offer both optimized aerodynamics and ample interior volume," he said.
The EV9's striking exterior angles create an eye-catching contrast with the relaxing interior, which includes optional reclining seats with extendable leg rests. In the second row, the legroom exceeds that of the EV9's rivals like the 2023 Cadillac Escalade, 2023 Mercedes Benz EQS SUV and 2023 Range Rover P400 3-Row5.
The EV9 also has an Onboard Power Generator6 system, capable of delivering up to 1,920 watts of electrical power to plug-in appliances. The generator enables drivers to explore the roads less traveled, merging human adventure with nature's opportunities.
Designs that Lead by Example
To cultivate the Opposites United philosophy, Kahl and his team look to the world around them. "During the creative process, designers take inspiration from a wide variety of sources including art, fashion and architecture," he said.
The attention to creativity in spaces beyond the auto industry achieves a feeling of unity, bringing together themes that challenge and build upon one another. And this success is evident in the Sorento, K4 and EV9. "Opposites United is clearly expressed in our latest models with sharp geometric shapes paired with softer sculptural elements," said Kahl.
By leaning into tension instead of shying away from it, Kia promotes thought-provoking designs that set the bar high for its peers. "Our philosophy of Opposites United contains the message of positivity and harmony," said Kahl. He continued, "This friction from diverging perspective can ultimately spark new ideas, creativity and progress."
1 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.
2 Full Display Mirror® is a registered trademark of Gentex.
3 Comparison based on publicly available data regarding 2nd-row legroom in 2024 compact sedans as of February 2024. Compact sedan class as defined by Kia segmentation.
4 Use extreme caution when using the seat warmers to avoid burns. Refer to the Owner's Manual for more safety information.
5 Comparison based on publicly available information.
6 Onboard Power Generator requires the purchase of separately sold additional equipment and may not be compatible with all devices. These features can be used until a 20 percent battery state of charge. Refer to the vehicle's Owner's Manual for warnings and instructions.
This article was done in paid partnership with Kia.
