The new turbocharged Cerato Hatch wasn't Kia's only trick at today's Chicago Auto Show, with the new Cross GT SUV concept also unveiled.

Billed as a large luxury hybrid-powered SUV, the Cross GT is both larger than the big Sorento - suggesting it will not replace the current model - and more upmarket in its intent.

The Cross GT is built on the same platform that underpins the GT four-door coupe concept, featuring a long wheelbase and short overhangs at both ends.

Kia's familiar 'tiger nose' grille design dominates the front end, with an inverted mesh grille bordered by a bold chrome frame.

The big SUV's slender headlights also suggest a possible new step in Kia's next-generation styling, moving away from the large - and still fresh - headlight design of the brand's newest models.

Inside, the Cross GT showcases the usual concept appointments, with re-harvested American Walnut highlights and "100 percent eco-friendly" wool felt featured throughout.

A large touch screen offers controls for climate, telematics and infotainment, actioned through a central control on the console.

Power for the big SUV is provided by a new all-wheel-drive hybrid system, matching Hyundai-Kia's 3.8 litre V6 petrol engine with an electric motor houses in front of the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Kia says the system will produce a combined 298kW and 677Nm of torque, and an all-electric driving range of around 32km is possible.

Both the SUV and the hybrid system are described as a strictly concept-only experiment, it is likely we can expect this new style and technology to filter down to future Kia models.

• Related News & Reviews at TMR ▼

• Sorento | Kia | SUVs | Concepts
• Chicago Auto Show

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• reply ” like !

  

  5 valve per cylinder says,
  3 months ago

  That face is very similar to Toyota's updated Kluger.. I find this concept unimaginative coming from Kia.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Balthazaaaargh says,
    3 months ago

    Yeah, agreed. It does look good, but I can't help but imagine that Schreyer and his team might have an email somewhere in their inbox that says "hey, Peter, nice reinterpretation of our Kluger/Highlander."