Kia has unveiled the 2021 Sorento with a stylish and updated look in a bid to promote the vehicle as an SUV unlike its predecessor which was a crossover.
In-line with the Korean carmaker’s recent design language, the 2021 Sorento gets the “tiger nose” grille with new “eyeline” DRL details that sit below the LED headlights. The bonnet gets a nice bulge at the centre and near enough integrates with the shoulder line that runs along the sides.
At the rear, the taillights are vertically positioned and there is a roof spoiler as well. Six different alloy wheel designs will be offered with the SUV and the wheel sizes range from 17- to 20-inches.
Interior of the car is all-new says Kia. There is a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 8- or 10.25-inch touchscreen available surrounded by vertical air vents, and complimented overall by a bright satin finish. Metal texture inlays or open-pore wood inlays will also be available. Further, leather embossed quilt pattern will be offered on optional leather-equipped models.
Like all Kia vehicles, the new Sorento is loaded with lots of kit that includes Surround View Monitor that utilises four cameras to provide a 360-degree perspective, Blind View Monitor, up to 8 USB charging ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, UVO connected vehicle features including On-demand Find My Car and Last Mile Navigation7, voice assist, Smart Speaker Integration, Bose Premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging, among others.
There are 16 “Kia Drive Wise” Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) that are either standard or available as options on the car like Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA), to name a few.
Built on a new third generation “N3” platform that is a lighter, stronger and more flexible in design than previous models, the 2021 Kia Sorento gets a 35.5 mm longer wheelbase for added interior space.
There are four engine options available with the car, such as – 2.5-litre GDI 4-cylinder (191 HP, 247 Nm), 2.5-litre GDI 4-cylinder Turbo (281 HP, 422 Nm), 1.6-litre GDI 4-cylinder Turbo Hybrid with 44 kW electric motor (227 HP) and a 1.6-litre GDI 4-cylinder Turbo Plug-in Hybrid with 66.9 kW electric motor (available from 2021). Transmission options vary between an 8-speed auto, 8-speed wet DCT and a 6-speed auto depending upon engine chosen and the SUV can be had with Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel-Drive (AWD).
To be offered in five trims: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige, the 2021 Sorento in X-Line SX-Prestige AWD trim will get features like torque-on-demand AWD with center locking differential, descent control, increased ride height, exclusive bumper and exterior details such as unique 20-inch alloy wheels and bridge-type roof rack.
Expected to go on sale in the USA later this year and pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date. We wish Kia considers introducing this in India.
2021 Kia Sorento
- Kia has unveiled the 2021 Sorento with new styling
- Sits on a new platform and gets four engines with FWD and AWD
- To be put on sale in the USA later this year
