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.
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 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 US$ 29,390. An assortment of engines are
available including an entry-level 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 191 hp and 245 Nm of torque. Customers can also opt for
a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 281 hp and 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 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 and an electric-only range of approximately 48 km.
