Kia has unveiled its fourth generation Sorento SUV which will be available with diesel, petrol/electric hybrid and PHEV powertrains for global markets.
It sits at the heart of Kia’s reinvigorated global SUV line-up, which also includes the Seltos and Sportage. More than 44,000 Sorento models have been sold in Australia since the model was introduced in January 2003.
“The Sorento’s evolution over the last 18 years echoes that of the Kia brand as a whole,” says Kia Motors Europe chief operating officer Emilio Herrera.
“While the car was initially launched in 2002 as a utilitarian all-terrain vehicle, the fourth-generation Sorento has been transformed into something more desirable. It is an important model for Kia, particularly now that it also represents the first use of electrified power in our flagship SUV.”
It is the first vehicle to be based on Kia’s new-generation midsize SUV platform. Paired with a larger body to maximise cargo and luggage space, the platform ensures the Sorento is one of the most versatile and spacious three-row SUVs on the road.
Innovative interior packaging means it can offer all this while accommodating Kia’s new ‘Smartstream’ electrified powertrains – the first time that hybrid power has featured in the Sorento line-up (not for Australia at launch).
This will be Kia’s most high-tech car yet, thanks to its progressive connectivity, driver assistance and infotainment technologies. Its twin digital displays deliver advanced graphics, new telematics features and full wireless smartphone connectivity.
The new model is the result of a collaborative design effort between all three studios within Kia’s worldwide design network, in Korea, Europe and North America.
Its bodywork incorporates sharp lines and creases – noticeably more sculpted than its more round-edged predecessor.
The front of the Sorento evolves with a new interpretation of Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger nose’ grille, displaying a wider shape which organically wraps around the integrated headlamps on each side. The headlamps themselves feature a new ‘tiger eye’ LED daytime running light, adding extra focus to the design.
It is 1900 mm wide, 10 mm wider than the third-generation Sorento and is 10 mm longer (now 4810 mm), yet it features shorter front and rear overhangs. The additional length is found in the wheelbase, which has grown by 35 mm to 2,815 mm.
The new Sorento will be available in Australia with a choice of seven exterior paint finishes, and 17-, 18-, 19- and 20-inch aluminium alloy wheels, depending on trim grade.
Material quality is enhanced, with a cabin that blends metallic trim, leather upholstery, and embossed satin-effect surfaces. In Australia the Sorento will be available (grade dependent) with embossed black cloth, leather appointed black cloth and black quilted Nappa leather.
Kia’s newest SUV will be available with hybrid power – a first for a Sorento – and buyers will eventually able to choose from hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants.
The Sorento Hybrid is powered by a new ‘Smartstream’ electrified powertrain, pairing a 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) with a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and 44.2 kW electric motor. The intelligent packaging of the Sorento’s new platform means the battery pack can be located under the floor beneath the front passenger, with minimal impact on cabin or luggage space.
Power is sent through the six-speed automatic transmission via a transmission-mounted electrical device, allowing the full power of the engine and motor to be transferred in parallel with minimal loss of energy.
The Sorento Hybrid will go on-sale in select European markets from launch, with others to follow later in 2020. The new Sorento will also be available as a Plug-in Hybrid variant from late in 2020.
The new four-cylinder 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine produces 148kW and 440 Nm torque. The newer engine is 19.5 kg lighter compared to that found in the third-generation Sorento and it is paired with Kia’s new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission (8DCT).
Fuel efficiency and emissions data for the Sorento’s new powertrains will be announced closer to the car’s European on-sale date later in 2020. Like its predecessor, the new Sorento will be built for Europe and Australia, at Kia’s Hwasung manufacturing facility in Korea.
Australian sales of diesel models will commence in June while the petrol models will be available in the fourth quarter of this year. As with all Kia models it will be covered by the 7-Year unlimited kilometre Warranty, 7-Year Capped Price Service and 7-Year Roadside Assist.
