Kia Sorento.
The all-new Kia Sorento is the first vehicle to be based on Kia’s new midsize SUV platform. The new platform is paired with a larger body to maximise cargo and luggage space.
The concept of “refined boldness” has inspired designers. They wanted the Kia Sorento to have the robust, tough-looking aesthetic of earlier generations while delivering a greater degree of refinement and elegance.
The Kia Sorento has new sharp lines and creases, geometric details and more swept-back, elongated proportions.
NEW HYBRID POWER
Hybrid power is also now available in the Kia Sorento, with plug-in hybrid variants planned from late 2020 onward.
The Kia Sorento Hybrid’s “Smartstream” electrified powertrain pairs a turbocharged 1.6-litre GDi engine with a 58hp electric motor.
Kia has located the 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack under the floor of the car for a minimal impact on cabin or luggage space.
The electrified powertrain produces 227hp and 350Nm torque, while guaranteeing low CO2 emissions and high levels of performance.
The new 1.6-litre T-GDi engine features Kia’s new Continuously Variable Valve Duration technology, regulating valve opening time according to driving conditions, instead of operating on a fixed opening time.
This boosts performance at low-to-mid engine and enhances fuel efficiency. The powertrain is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
IMPROVED CABIN QUALITY
Inside, the Sorento delivers an attractive, upscale design based around the twin digital displays in the dashboard. The 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster is paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system.
Haptic buttons on either side of the screen allow the car’s many functions to be controlled. A vertical ventilation stack features a chrome-effect surround that extends onto the centre console below.
Material quality has been enhanced, with a cabin that blends metallic trim, leather upholstery, and embossed satin-effect surfaces.
A powerful 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system is also available, while the Mood Lighting system offers 64 colour options.
NEW SAFETY FEATURES
The Sorento is the first Kia available in Europe to feature the new Remote Smart Parking Assist. The system enables drivers to move their car autonomously out of a front-and-back parking space remotely with their key fob.
A new, front centre airbag also now provides additional head protection for front-seat occupants by preventing their heads from coming into contact during a collision.
The Kia Sorento Hybrid will go on-sale in select European markets from launch, with others to follow later in 2020.
Click here for our review of the Kia Sorento GT Line
Read our review of the outgoing Sorento here
