2021 Kia Sorento Release Date

2021 Kia Sorento Release Date and Hybrid Rumors (Spy Photos and Video)

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The new generation of the Kia Sorento is due to the 2021 season. Although the company is not confirming it officially, videos on YouTube are showing a test mule running (check out the video by Carspotten Jeroen HERE). With the model for 2020 season already announced without big updates, it didn’t take too long to realize the spotted vehicle is the next-gen 2021 Kia Sorento. Few details are notable and we are sure the exterior is new. However, there are no clues about the interior and drivetrains.

So, we have to turn to rumors. Speculations say that the new Sorento could get a hybrid engine. This is somehow expected if the company wants to remain competitive. Sales dropped last year and the Korean carmaker decided to make changes as soon as possible. The 2021 Kia Sorento enters the new generation with new styling and the fresh engine lineup.

The last time we saw the redesign, the move was not fruitful. The facelift didn’t improve sales in 2018, but the fourth generation, with all updates, will do it better. Kia also launches the full-size Telluride model, so fans will definitely find many similarities between these two.

2021 Kia Sorento spy photos

2021 Kia Sorento Changes

The new generation of the mid-size SUV is certain. But, what will Kia do to catch up with the competition (which is, by the way, stronger than ever)? The first thing is a redesign. from what we can see, the new  2021 Kia Sorento will introduce the new exterior design. Well, the size is similar to the current edition. The carmaker is probably increasing the overall length to provide more space for the interior. Sorento remains a seven-seater with an option without the third row.

We can see that the back of the roof is sloping towards the tail. It will make the SUV more aggressive. On the other hand, that is definitely affecting the headroom for passengers in the third row. Until the 2021 Sorento shows up at some auto show, the exact proportions are unknown.

Wheels and front fascia are also new, although spy photos are not unveiling too much. There is a lot of camo on the body. Although it hides the changes, the camouflage also says there will be something behind these panels. Also, the appearance on the Nurburgring circuit is showing that a new drivetrain setup is being tested with an aggressive ride.

Interior

While there is a point of talking about the exterior thanks to the spy photos, there are no too many clues about the interior of the 2021 Kia Sorento. Well, at least these images are showing a larger SUV. That means more space inside, and the current storage area is 73 cubic feet with all seats folded. The higher capacity is improving chances among larger families. Kia is also trying to keep up the pace with modern technologies, so expect their mid-size SUV packed with some advanced features. Of course, higher trim levels are coming with more equipment, especially safety and infotainment accessories.

2021 Kia Sorento hybrid

2021 Kia Sorento Engines

The 2021 Kia Sorento is going to be available with four- and six-cylinder engines in the USA. In other markets, buyers can find diesel versions of the SUV. The base package includes a 2.4-liter unit, which is more suitable for the compact class. It produces 185 hp and there is no way it can compete with likes of Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, or Ford Explorer. So, the company adds a stronger V6 engine.

With 290 hp and 252 pound-feet of torque, it is more likely that buyers will pick this one over the four-banger. The only thing that can make you choose a less potent version is the fuel economy. A smaller unit returns 25 mpg combined, while the 3.3-l displacement consumes more gasoline (22 mpg). On the other hand, towing capacity is the advantage of the V6 model (2,000 pounds with 4-cylinder, 5,000 lbs with V6).

Hybrid

Well, if the gas mileage is one of the most important things when buying a car, then wait for the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The company is going to combine a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor to get better mpg numbers. Well, details about this vehicle are still unknown, but the Korean company is due to release info about a hybrid minivan, Sedona. These two vehicles are pretty similar, and we believe the same drivetrains will lay under the hood of both models.

2021 Kia Sorento prime

2021 Kia Sorento Release Date

The new generation of the Sorento SUV is not arriving before the second half of 2020. Sales will start even later. Kia will choose a big car show to introduce the refreshed vehicle, but we still don’t know if this is happening in the US. The company will increase the price of the vehicle, which is one of the cheapest mid-size three-row SUVs in the market. Well, if you pick a four-cylinder engine. This one will cost around $28,000 when the new generation comes around.

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