The KCD-1 Slice, its official name, uses a fully independent sport-tuned suspension for carving up corners, incorporating double wishbones, coil springs and tubular shocks up front and a multi-link setup with coil springs and tubular shocks in the rear, plus stabilizer bars at both ends. An engine-speed-sensitive power assisted rack-and-pinion steering system connects through to 235/45R19 tires mounted 19-inch alloy wheels.
The sporty suspension is beneficial in maximizing its athletic 2.7-L DOHC, 24-valve V6 engine's performance. It gets multi-port electronic fuel injection and a dual-mode intake system, a wide torque band and reportedly strong horsepower. Gear changing comes via Kia's Sportmatic automatic transmission with manual-mode actuation.
The vehicle potentially offers front or all-wheel drive, the all-weather option also necessary in order to categorize it as a true crossover. The Slice rides on the Magentis platform, but with a 152 mm (6 in) stretch in wheelbase to 2,845 mm (112 in), which should improve its ride. Just the same the lengthened wheelbase doesn't translate into a longer vehicle. At 4,496 mm (177 in) the Slice ends up 203 mm (8 in) shorter than Kia's flagship sedan. While it looks small, mostly due to oversize wheels, the Slice is actually about the same length as a Hyundai Santa Fe, one of the larger compact SUVs. At 1,829 mm (72 in) in width it's slightly wider than the spacious Hyundai and at 1,753 mm (69 in) high, taller by 78 mm (3.1 in) making it more of a midsize SUV.