About 18 years after the launch of the first generation and with three million units sold, the Kia Sorento , which should have been publicly presented at the (cancelled) Geneva Motor Show, is now in its fourth generation.
Developed on the basis of a new platform, the Sorento grew 10 mm compared to its predecessor (4810 mm) and saw the wheelbase increase 35 mm, rising to 2815 mm.
Aesthetically, the Kia Sorento has the already traditional “tiger nose” grill (that's how the South Korean brand calls it) which in this case integrates the headlamps that feature LED daytime running lights.
At the rear, the headlamps were inspired by Telluride and stand out for their straight styling. There is also a small spoiler and the model designation appears in a central position, just like on the ProCeed.
The interior of Kia Sorento
With regard to the interior of the new Sorento, the main highlight goes to the screens on the instrument panel and the infotainment system, which now features the UVO Connect system.
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The first presents itself with 12.3” and the second with 10.25”. In addition to these, the spatial organization of the dashboard was also revised, abandoning the “T” scheme of the predecessor, adopting horizontal lines, “cut” only by the ventilation outlets, with vertical orientation.
When it comes to space, like its predecessor, the new Kia Sorento can count on five or seven seats. In the five-seater configuration, the Sorento offers a luggage compartment with 910 liters.
When it has seven seats, it has up to 821 liters, which goes down to 187 liters with the seven seats mounted (179 liters in the case of hybrid versions).
Technology at the service of connectivity...
As you would expect, the new generation of Kia Sorento has a considerable technological reinforcement compared to its predecessor.
In terms of connectivity, in addition to the UVO Connect, the South Korean model has the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, both wirelessly pairable. The BOSE sound system has a total of 12 speakers.
… and security
When it comes to safety, the new Sorento features Kia's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
The new Kia Sorento is 5.6% (54 kg) lighter than its predecessor.
Depending on specifications these include systems such as Front Crash Prevention Assistance with detection of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles; dead angle monitor; intelligent cruise control with Stop&Go function among others.
Also in terms of driving assistance systems, the Sorento features level two autonomous driving technology. Called “Assistance to Circulation in the Roadway”, it controls acceleration, braking and steering according to the behavior of the vehicle in front.
Finally, if you opt for all-wheel drive, the Kia Sorento features the “Terrain Mode” system that facilitates progression on sand, snow or mud, controlling stability control and torque distribution across the four wheels and adapting times of cash transfers.
The engines of the new Sorento
With regard to engines, the new Kia Sorento will be available with two options: a diesel and a hybrid gasoline.
For the first time Kia Sorento will have a hybrid version.
Starting with Diesel, it is a tetra-cylindrical with 2.2 l and delivers 202 hp and 440 Nm . 19.5 kg lighter than its predecessor (thanks to the block being made of aluminum instead of cast iron), it is combined with a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
As for the hybrid version, this one combines a 1.6 T-GDi petrol with an electric motor with 44.2 kW powered by a 1.49 kWh capacity lithium ion polymer battery pack. The transmission is in charge of a six-speed automatic transmission.
The end result is a maximum combined power of 230 hp and 350 Nm torque . Another of the new features of this engine is the new technology of “Continuous Change in Valve Opening Time”, which allowed a reduction in consumption by up to 3%.
A hybrid plug-in version is planned for later, however no technical data is known yet.
When arrives?
With arrival in European markets scheduled for the third quarter of 2020, the Kia Sorento should see the hybrid version arrive in Portugal in the last quarter of the year.
As for the plug-in hybrid version, it should arrive in 2020, but at the moment there is no precise date for its arrival.
As usual at Kia, the new Sorento will have a warranty of 7 years or 150,000 kilometers. For now, it is not known how much the new South Korean SUV will cost.
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