In the land of sport utility vehicles, the segment is generally associated with soccer moms piloting their trucks for the school run, grocery-grabbing and visiting that pool-cleaner guy who lives eight blocks away. Car enthusiasts like myself usually detest these lumbering people haulers, yet I do appreciate the versatility that they exude.

Kia’s entrant into this mid-sized crossover foray is the handsome Sorento; a capable, Ford Explorer competitor that shares unibody bones with its Hyundai Santa Fe stablemate.

Confusingly, Kia calls the current Sorento a 3rd generation model; casual observers would be hard picked to spot the differences between the car that debuted in 2009 and its MY2014 update. Nevertheless, the South Korean carmaker is pressing on with developing a successor – spotted recently in camouflage attire and illustrated exclusively here at Carscoops.

Bold New Design

Comparing old with new, one will immediately notice its muscular growth spurt; the Peter Schreyer-led design team has developed a design that is more assertive than ever before.

Front-end treatment continues with an evolution of Kia’s ‘Tiger Nose’ chrome grille, albeit here it’s wider and sits staunchly upright. Large fog lamps and chrome housings dominate the lower portion of the front bumper, while the LED-incorporating headlights wrap into the hood and fenders.

Sheet-metal surfacing from the A-pillar backwards is fairly clean with no radical stampings, apart from an scallop that runs just above the door sills and flicks upwards at the rear. Glasshouse is lightly changed, with an outgoing Sorento vibe to the rear quarter windows. The windshield is similar to the smaller Sportage, with upper roof indents mimicking those raised-eyebrow headlights in the process.

How Many People Can It Seat?

Like its Hyundai brother, the Sorento has grown in size to easily accommodate 7 passengers – with the 3rd row folding flat for better cargo storage. Given the extra girth, expect better seat cushioning and increased rear legroom for improved long-haul comfort.

As for the rest of the interior, spy shots indicate better overall quality than the MY2014 version. Better materials, attention to detail and a generally more curvaceous design theme should make for an aesthetically pleasing space to sit.

What Could Drive It

Expect powertrain options to follow on from the MY2014’s; cue a 2.4-liter, direct injection four-cylinder petrol, 3.3-liter V6 and potentially a hybrid too. Don’t go looking for any diesel engines on American soil just yet – at this stage, they’re still reserved for those European/Asia Pacific markets.

Power will prominently be sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic, whilst all-wheel drive is available for those whom seek broader capabilities when the weather gets rough. Torque Vectoring Control and electric power steering (EPAS) are expected to be standard

Market Positioning

With an increase in dimensions, the next generation Sorento is now closer in alignment to competitors such as the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Durango and platform stablemate – the Hyundai Santa Fe.

The Korean carmaker will be looking to surpass these rivals with fresher styling, competent handling, comfort and wireless connectivity. Whether or not Kia has the goods to sway families away from the established SUV stalwarts will be an interesting watch. Look for a South Korean reveal in September and a U.S debut tipped for November.

Let us know your thoughts in the discussion area below.

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright: Carscoops & Josh Byrnes

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