2005 Kia KCD-II Mesa Concept

At first glance the new concept looks larger than Kia's midsize Sorento; a belief

Even at first glance the new concept looks larger than Kia's midsize Sorento. (Photo: Kia Canada)

substantiated after a quick read of the Mesa's exterior dimensions. At 4,877 mm (192 inches) in length, 1,976 mm (77.8 inches) in width, 1,819 mm (71.6 inches) in height, and spanning a wheelbase of 2946.5 mm (116 inches), the Mesa is lengthier than the Sorento by a substantial 310 mm (12.2 inches), wider than the front-wheel drive Sorento by 113 mm (4.4 inches) and slightly broader four-wheel drive model by 92 mm (3.6 inches), taller by a nominal 0.9 mm (0.04 inches), and features a wheelbase that's 236.5 mm (9.3 inches) greater.

The additional size translates into a much larger cabin, of course, and the option of 7-occupant accommodation. This feature will be important to the Sorento replacement, as most of its midsize competitors are either

The option of seven passenger accommodation is important for the Sorento replacement. (Photo: Kia Canada)

currently offering a third row of seats, or have announced increased seating capacity is forthcoming.

Whether or not Kia's Sorento replacement will feature anything near the Mesa's interior design, is questionable. The automaker has gone all the way with this one, featuring a black, orange and aluminum-trimmed cabin that would be sure to brighten up the mornings of even the most lethargic early-riser.

Still, Kearns considers the SUV's interior minimalist, stating, "The Mesa's highly usable interior design leans toward minimalism, while the exterior portrays the unique go-anywhere, do-anything attitude that Kia buyers have come to expect from the brand."