Kia Drops A Boatload Of New Photos And Information On 2021 Sorento

If you need to see more of the new fourth-generation Sorento, we’ve got you covered as we’ve added more than 130 photos along with a short video showing the European-spec model on the road. 

After a lengthy promotional campaign and some official photos, the 2021 Kia Sorento has finally premiered. It represents a huge leap over the outgoing model and will be sold in many countries around the world.

The first thing to note about the new Sorento is the distinctive exterior design. Kia opted against making the SUV look anything like the outgoing model and has created something fitting of a flagship model sitting alongside the Stonic, Seltos, Sportage, and Telluride in the marque’s family.

Kia’s designers were inspired by the concept of ‘refined boldness’ when creating the new Sorento and looked to combine a tough-looking aesthetic with refinement and elegance. The front of the SUV sports Kia’s trademark ‘tiger nose’ grille as well as new headlights with integrated ‘tiger eye’ LED daytime running lights. Elsewhere, the new SUV sports a sharp bumper lip and skid plate.

Related: Watch 2021 Kia Sorento Presentation Here Live On March 1

Viewed from the side, the proportions are noticeably different than the outgoing model with the new Sorento growing by 10 mm and sporting shorter front and rear overhangs. Other key design elements include a characteristically wide D-pillar, vertical taillights inspired by the Telluride and sharper body lines all around. Kia says Australian buyers will have seven paint finishes to choose from while shoppers in Europe will have a palette of ten colors.

Dramatic improvements have also been made throughout the cabin of the fourth-generation Sorento. For example, there is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster working alongside a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system. Located on either side of the infotainment display are touch-sensitive buttons providing haptic feedback.

Kia has also worked hard on improving the materials found throughout the cabin. Included materials are metallic trim, leather upholstery, and various embossed satin-effect surfaces. Black cloth and quilted Nappa leather will also be available in some variants.

Underpinning the 2021 Sorento is Kia’s third-generation ‘N3’ midsize SUV platform that features a 35 mm longer wheelbase than the previous iteration.

What engines will be offered?

Various powertrains will be available depending on the market. In Australia and Europe, for example, Kia will sell the Sorento with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine that produces 198 hp and 324 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque. Paired to this engine is Kia’s new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission.

The most important new addition to the family of powertrains is the arrival of Kia’s Smartstream hybrid setup that couples a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol four-cylinder with a 44.2 kW electric motor and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. This variant pumps out 227 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque and features a six-speed automatic transmission.

In North America, the Smartstream hybrid powertrain will be available, as will a 2.5-liter T-GDi engine with 277 hp and 310 lb-ft (421 Nm) of torque. This 2.5-liter engine will be coupled with the aforementioned eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The Kia Sorento is also equipped with a plethora of active and passive safety systems. Depending on specification, the Sorento is offered with Kia’s Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Blind-spot View Monitor, Surround View Mointor, Blind-spot Collision-avoid Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Smart Cruise control with Stop & Go, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Highway Driving Assist, Rear View Monitor, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist.

Also featured is Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist that enables drivers to move the car autonomous in and out of a parking space remotely with their key fob.

The 2021 Kia Sorento will be produced at a host of facilities around the world, including Kia’s Hwasung manufacturing facility in Korea and Kia’s production plant in Georgia, USA. Pricing details haven’t been confirmed.