The Full-Size Kia Mesa SUV Will Arrive in 2009
Outsiders are systematically chipping away at what was once true domestic territory. After years of attempting to crack the full-size pickup truck market, Toyota finally drove the message home with the new full-size Tundra. Buyers of Escalades and Navigators also have two Japanese choices when it comes to buying a boat-towing, family-moving jumbo-sized SUV, the Infiniti QX56 and Lexus LX 470 (soon to become the LX 570), not to mention their less lavish siblings, the Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia. And while these entry-level branded Japanese SUVs fight it out against the Chevrolet Tahoes, Dodge Durangos and Ford Expeditions of the world, there’s a new threat from an entirely different country on the way… the upcoming Kia Mesa.
Back in 2005, when large sport utility vehicles weren’t so taboo, Korean automaker Kia showed off the KCD-II Mesa concept right in the heart of Motor City. It was big, the biggest SUV that the brand had ever made, and it had the underpinnings of a true large SUV utilizing a body on frame design. It also featured a proper 4X4 system, complete with a low-speed transfer case for getting out of extra sticky situations. Kia formulated this setup with its popular Sorento, and will be pulling an encore for the Mesa. Spy photos confirm that the production Mesas undergoing hot-weather testing will be akin to the concept in this way.
The Mesa might not be as long as a Yukon, but it’ll at least be as big as an X5 or a Touareg, and will therefore require a decently sized engine to not only get it moving, but to get it moving with a payload of seven and luggage, or for that matter with a trailer. The 3.5-litre V6 found under the hood of the concept might be alright on an empty load, but it’s much more likely to feature the 3.8-litre V6 engine found in the Sorento. There’s an excellent chance that it could be the first V8-powered, North American market Kia vehicle too, utilizing the Tau-series V8 engine that was introduced in the Hyundai Genesis concept car earlier this year.
While the Mesa probably won’t have the glamorous styling, oversized wheels and futuristic interior of the concept vehicle that shares its name, it will present buyers looking for a large, all-terrain capable sport utility vehicle a compelling alternative to what is currently being offered, and one with a strong warranty and a high value for money factor.
One of the highlights of the Mesa is that it offers three rows of seats, whereas its Sorento only offers seating for five. Also, it’s good to see that Kia is being given the freedom to develop some its own vehicles, rather than just become the less expensive brand beneath the Hyundai umbrella. Like the Picanto, Rondo and current Sorento, the Mesa will be a unique offering to the brand, while Hyundai offers the car-like Veracruz in the large, 7-occupant SUV class.
It won’t be long before final tweaks on the Mesa are completed, with the official unveiling taking place later this year, most likely at the LA Motor Show. At the latest, the Mesa will be on sale during the early months of 2008.