New, restyled models intensify SUV battle in S.Korea

Global automakers are racing to release new and restyled sport utility vehicles in South Korea, intensifying the battle to dominate the biggest automobile sector in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.

Hyundai Motor Co., the country’s top carmaker, started selling the all-new Santa Fe on Aug. 16 and its affiliate Kia Corp. unveiled a facelifted model of the Sorento mid-sized SUV. German high-performance sports carmaker Porsche AG has introduced a redesigned model of the Cayenne, while Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. brought its mid-size crossover SUV Highlander to market. 

KG Mobility Corp., formerly Ssangyong Motor Co. specializing in SUVs, plans to launch the Torres EVX, an electric trim of its mid-sized SUV, in September.

SUVs have grown more popular in South Korea, making up more than 70% of local passenger car sales last year, industry sources said. That was stronger than the global trend with SUVs accounting for 40.8% of the world’s automobile sales in 2022, according to the Korea Automotive Technology Institute.

Among SUVs, mid-sized models have been top sellers in the South Korean car market for five straight years from 2018 through 2022 as their large space and offroad performance attract drivers looking for cars for families and outdoor activities. Mid-sized SUVs accounted for 15% of domestic passenger car sales on average during the period.

ALL-NEW SANTA FE, NEW SORENTO

The all-new Santa Fe offers a larger interior space and more convenience features than those of previous models.

The fifth generation of Hyundai’s steady seller mid-sized SUV has a 50-millimeter longer wheelbase with a 35-mm taller overall height compared to the prior model.

The boxy SUV is equipped with H-shaped headlamps, reinterpreting the company's“H” emblem.

The All-New Santa Fe is offered in two powertrain options -- the 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline model with 281 horsepower and the 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid model with 180 horsepower. The company has decided not to release a diesel trim.

Kia earlier this month unveiled the new Sorento, a facelift of the fourth-generation Sorento, which was the country’s No. 1 mid-sized SUV over the last three consecutive years. The Sorento topped the best-selling passenger car in South Korea last year, taking the throne from the Hyundai Grandeur large sedan, or the Azera.

The redesigned Sorento features Signature Star Map Lighting daytime running lights and a panoramic curved display with next-generation infotainment.

Kia offers the new Sorento in three powertrain options – the 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline model, 2.2-liter diesel model and 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline hybrid model.

PORSCHE CAYENNE, TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Porsche introduced a partially revamped version of the Cayenne, its mid-sized luxury crossover earlier this month in South Korea.

The German carmaker is set to sell the car in three trims -- the Cayenne, Cayenne Coupé and Cayenne Turbo GT.

The Cayenne is equipped with a 3-liter V6 turbo engine with 360 horsepower, while the Cayenne Turbo GT, the most advanced model among them, has a 4-liter V8 biturbo engine with 673 horsepower.

Toyota began selling the Highlander this month. The seven-seater SUV is larger than the All-New Santa Fe and the New Sorento but its fuel efficiency is good as the passenger car has a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with a hybrid system.

ELECTRIC SUVS

KG Mobility is scheduled to unveil the Torres EVX in September. The company plans to install lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to lower the EV’s price. It can run 420 kilometers (261 miles) on a single charge.

Meanwhile, Volvo launched the 2024 model of its C40 Recharge.

The all-electric small luxury SUV is equipped with a 78-kilowatt-hour battery, improving its mileage by 51 km to 407 km.

Write to Sungsu Bae at baebae@hankyung.com
 
Jongwoo Cheon edited this article.