2021 Kia Sorento Design, Release Date, and Price. Kia Motors expanded recently its crossover SUV range with new, flagship, three-row model. The all-new Kia Telluride is the largest Kia and replaced the Sorento at the top of the brand’s SUV lineup. The refined, well-riding and quiet Sorento is still important for the brand and the new-generation version is in the works. The 2021 Kia Sorento will be the fifth-generation version replacing the current model introduced for 2015. The prototype version of the all-new Sorento covered fully with camo was spotted on several locations and we can draw some conclusions about the upcoming version although many details are still missing.
What’s new?
The fifth-generation Sorento will be new from the ground up and equipped with the newest tech and safety equipment. The styling of the model will evolve to a more appealing form and we expect a techier interior. The model should also introduce electrified powertrains at some point while should replace the current V-6 with the turbocharged inline-four engine.
2021 Kia Sorento Design
The 2021 Kia Sorento was spotted on several occasions with more or less camouflage and we can detect some styling updates although the changes should be evolutionary.
The prototype version seems to have similar dimensions as the current version which measures 187.4 inches in length and is 74.4 inches wide.
The new Sorento should look more stylish and come with more defined body lines. The front section of the model seems to have a new, wider version of the tiger-nose grille similar likely to that of the new Telluride. The front-end looks more upright than on the current version and the front bumper is also reshaped. The model has also more defined creases on the hood.
The profile is also more stylish with the changes in the pillars’ and roofline flow. The beltline is also raised and combined with more pronounced fender flares.
The rear of the model has a bit larger roof-mounted spoiler and more sculpted tailgate. The design of the taillights is also new.
Interior, Equipment
The spy photographers haven’t caught the interior of the model on the camera and therefore with don’t have many details about the model’s cabin.
The model should, however, come with more premium cabin as the reports claim and equip the latest tech and safety equipment. The fifth-generation Sorento will gain more modern dashboard with more premium touches and larger touchscreen interface as well as a new instrument cluster.
There will be more standard equipment in the new version and Kia will install the latest driver assistance and safety technologies. With the new safety equipment, the model should provide semi-autonomous highway ride.
The new Sorento will come with the three-row seat configuration but could also return the five-seat setup.
2021 Kia Sorento Powertrains
There are no leaked details about the powertrain options of the new 2021 Kia Sorento. The new-generation Sorento is expected to offer both hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups at some point in the life cycle.
The model will be based on the same underpinning as the Hyundai Santa Fe and could use its powertrains. The base engine could be a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder with the power around 180 hp and 8-speed automatic transmission. The current, optional 3.3-liter V-6 producing 290 horsepower could be replaced with the smaller turbocharged unit. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 unit from the Sane Fe could be the engine of choice for the new Sorento. This unit makes 235 hp and torque of 260 pound-feet.
The Sorento will offer standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The new platform and upgraded powertrains should provide better fuel economy than the current version. The current V-6 powered Sorento returns 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with the front-wheel drive while manages 24 mpg highway with the power on the all wheels.
2021 Kia Sorento Release, Price
The redesigned 2021 Kia Sorento could reveal its secrets by the end of the year. Some sources claim that production will kick off from August 2020. The new version should increase the price slightly compared to the current Sorento which is available from $27, 650.
The new Sorento will compete with the models like the Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, Toyota Highlander and other similarly sized and equipped crossover SUVs.
