Kia has released a host of new images of
the 2021 Kia Sorento for the Australian market, while also announcing pricing
and powertrain details.
In Australia, two engines will be on
offer. The first is a 2.2-liter Smartstream four-cylinder diesel engine that
produces 198 hp and 440 Nm of torque. This engine is coupled to an
eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission. Aussie customers will also be able
to buy the new Sorento with a Smartstream 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine with 268
hp and 332 Nm of torque.
In the United States, the 2021 Sorento is
available with a new hybrid 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that features
a 44.2 kW electric motor and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It produces a
total of 227 hp and 350 Nm of torque and features a six-speed
automatic transmission. The North American market will also be offered a
2.5-liter T-GDI engine producing 277 hp and 421 Nm of torque.
These new photos provide us with a detailed
look at the SUV’s head-turning exterior and interior designs. Kia says its
designers were inspired by the concept of ‘refined boldness’ when creating the
new Sorento. As such, the vehicle uses Kia’s trademark tiger nose grille and
also features ‘tiger eye’ LED daytime running lights. The rear is also a
dramatic departure from the previous-generation Sorento thanks in part to the
presence of vertical taillights inspired by the Telluride.
Inside, key upgrades include a 12.3-inch
digital instrument cluster that works alongside a 10.25-inch touchscreen
infotainment and navigation system. Kia has yet to release U.S. pricing for the
new Sorento but Australian prices have been announced. The range will kick off
at AU$ 46,990 (US$ 34,135) drive away for the entry-level 2WD S Petrol AT model
and tops out at AU$ 64,990 (US$ 47,211) drive away for the flagship 4WD GT-Line
Diesel DCT.
