Kia Offers First Look of 2021 Sorento ahead of Geneva Motor Show

Kia has chosen the Geneva Motor Show—widely considered as the biggest car show in the world—to unveil the all-new 2021 Sorento crossover SUV.

Now on its fourth generation, the Sorento’s latest version, according to Kia is, “designed and engineered to take on everything life can throw at it.”

Kia gives a taste of the Sorento’s new look via the first batch of official exterior images.

The evolution of the Tiger Face is immediately obvious. Now wider and more expansive than before, the mesh grille seamlessly integrates with the headlamps and LED runners for a more streamlined look

The Sorento’s sheetmetal is also made more stylish than ever by sharper lines and a conscious increase in its uninterrupted surfaces. This gives it a more sculpted look than its curvier predecessor. The contemporary geometric details are also given an elongated and more swept-back appearance.

Its new proportions also extend to the hood via vertical character lines. Meanwhile, the A-pillar is pushed 30mm to the rear of the front axle for a more ‘cab-rearward’ design. The trailing edge of the hood wraps around the front wings and turns into a single, strong character line which extends along the side of the Sorento and flows into the new vertical taillights.

The new Sorento is the latest addition to the South Korean car maker’s reinvigorated SUV lineup. It is the first vehicle to use Kia’s new-gen midsize SUV platform, and so there’s a lot of expectations riding on the release of their flagship global SUV.

Kia claims that the new Sorento offers a cabin space on a par with larger vehicle, thereby raising the standards in its segment for practicality. The new model also marks the first-time inclusion of hybrid power in the Sorento family.

Kia is targeting the global SUV market by applying a range of innovations to the new Sorento, including advanced driver assistance systems and progressive connectivity and infotainment features.

Although Kia has been careful with the release of the details, images of the car’s exterior and interior has been popping up on the internet before this latest reveal, particularly those from the commercial shoot meant to promote the vehicle. Spec numbers have also been released via an Excel spreadsheet accidentally made public.

The spreadsheet, listing the details for a crossover given the MQ4, the official codename for the new Sorento, comes in three engine options—the first is a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, the second a 2.0-liter turbocharged four, and the third a 2.5-liter turbo four. Transmission options include an 8-speeed dual clutch for the diesel and a 6-speed automatic or manual for the gasoline variants.

Industry pundits are expecting the Sorento hybrid to come with a 1.6-liter turbo four paired to an electric motor.

Details about the interior have also been announced, beginning with 12.3-inch digital cluster at the steering wheel, seemingly integrating effortlessly into the 10.25-inch infotainment display at the center on the console, given a number or buttons and toggles to enhance ease-of-use.

A mainstay of Kia’s global line-up, more than three million Sorento models have been sold worldwide since its launch in 2002. The all-new Kia Sorento will be revealed for the first time on March 3, 2020 at the famed car event at the Swiss city.

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