Thank you for identifying the intent. Yes, this is a cosmetic modification (the way that it is applied will not damage the dash), The whole intent is to fill the gap "white space" between the radio and environmental control panels. The gap looked so void and bulbous and the mod is to blend in this gap to give the dash a fuller look. I have now added a SORNETO emblem to make it more distinguished (new image).
This might actually be useful since the Sorento doesn't have any nice flat surfaces to attach a magnetic phone mount. I know they make mounts for vents but i'd rather not block a vent and the 3m adhesive tape needs a non-textured surface so this is actually a good idea for that.
What do you think this is attached with? Probably some double sided adhesive, providing no more grip than what you would use on the phone anyway. If you really want to mount your phone on the dash, investigate 3M UHB (ultra high bonding) double sided tape. Clean with denatured alcohol on both surfaces, use the UHB tape, let sit overnight and you've got pretty much a permanent installation. Want less grip, try VHB (very high bonding) tape instead. The cup holder phone mount works for me since I don't need to touch the phone anyway since it Bluetooths throughout the car and voice recognition works just fine.