Spied: 2009 Kia Mesa

Hard to tell if these recent spy photos are really the 2009 Kia Mesa or not, but now that the Hyundai Veracruz has been unveiled it's not much of a stretch to think Kia would want a three row SUV of its own. You can see a few styling cues from the Mesa concept in this prototype like its broad grille and boxy shape. Those six-spoke wheels also look straight out of the Kia/Hyundai parts bin. With the Veracruz scheduled to go on sale later this year, expect to see the Kia version hit the streets about a year later.

Edmunds Straightline

Those wheels look tiny. But it may end up looking better than the Hyundai version.

Hmm, I didn't get a very good look. I spent the whole time staring at the Saturn Outlook ad.

REBAGING IS TEH AWSUMNESS!!!11

REBAGING IS TEH AWSUMNESS!!!11

Looks a lot boxier and more upright to me than the apparent Hyundai basis, which would make sense I guess.

Then again, Hyundai is going to have 3 relatively similar ute's itself (just minor size differences and such), which is the latest trend, so why wouldn't Kia join in.

Although Hyundai will have 3 SUV's this Mesa is reported to be replacing the Sorento which is scheduled for no return. Thus only giving Kia 2 in half (the Rondo is sorta kinda SUVish) SUVs.

Although Hyundai will have 3 SUV's this Mesa is reported to be replacing the Sorento which is scheduled for no return. Thus only giving Kia 2 in half (the Rondo is sorta kinda SUVish) SUVs.

That would be interesting if it were true. Unfortunately it's not.

Edited January 23, 200719 yr by CD/BP