Kia Highlights The Sorento X-Line’s Off-Road Chops With New Yosemite And Zion Concepts

Kia has introduced the Sorento Yosemite and Zion concepts.

Named after two of America’s national parks, the concepts are based on the 2021 Sorento X-Line and have been modified by LGE-CTE Motorsports.

Starting with the Sorento Yosemite, the crossover was designed for “high elevation adventuring and mountain living. It features a matte Pine Green exterior with matte and gloss black accents.

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The model has also been equipped with satin chrome skid plates, a roof rack and LED auxiliary lighting units. Lastly, the concept has custom fender flares and 20-inch wheels wrapped in 32-inch all-terrain tires.

The Sorento Zion is largely identical, but it’s billed as a “desert escape vehicle made for stomping dunes.” As a result, it has a Desert Sand paint job with gloss black accents. The model also has a roof-mounted cargo carrier and two-tone 20-inch wheels.

While the vehicles are simply concepts, they’re based on the Sorento X-Line which has improved approach and departure angles as well as a lifted suspension which provides 8.3 inches (211 mm) of ground clearance. The model also features a beefier roof rack and an upgraded all-wheel drive system.

The 2021 Kia Sorento is currently arriving at U.S. dealerships and pricing starts at $29,390. An assortment of engines are available including an entry-level 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 191 hp (142 kW / 194 PS) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque. Customers can also opt for a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 281 hp (210 kW / 285 PS) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque.

There’s also a hybrid variant which features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a small battery pack. This enables the 227 hp (169 kW / 230 PS) crossover to have an estimated fuel economy rating of 39 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined.

A plug-in hybrid variant will follow next year with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a more powerful electric motor and a larger 13.8 kWh battery pack. This setup provides 261 hp (195 kW / 265 PS) and an electric-only range of approximately 30 miles (48 km).