Car and Driver Provides Leaked Images of 2021 Kia Sorento

In official circles, Kia has yet to officially debut the newest version of our Sorento mid-size SUV, but a select few on the Car and Driver staff got their hands on some spy shots this past month. As we poured over them here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, a first look shows the blue Sorento appearing sharper than the current model, with nice detailing at the front and the rear heightening its aggressive stance. These pics seem to be of a Korea-spec Sorento, but the design is not expected to change too much for the market in the States later this year.

The roofline, doors, and overall shape of the new Sorento aren't too different from the current model, and the front and rear designs look greatly refreshed. Modern-looking LED headlights are flanking the nicely detailed front grille, and the vertical two-bar taillights on each side blend nicely with the angles of the tailgate. There is a hybrid badge on the rear confirming that gas-electric variants will be offered for the first time, as Car and Driver stated here earlier in the year.

4-cylinder gas and V6 engine choices will be the standard engines here in the states, and all-wheel drive will be available on the hybrid, as noticed when spotting the “4WD” badge visible on the rear. This 2021 model should be on sale by the end of this year, and we expect the interior to be top-grade trim with a brand-new screen layout and special air vents that are a bit reminiscent of what you'd find inside the fast and furious Ford Mustang! There are a two-tone steering wheel and quilted stitching, and the very long door is like what is seen on the larger Kia Telluride.

There is a 12.3-inch screen for the instrument cluster and 10.3 inches for the infotainment that blend in form and function quite well. Up front is the latest evolution of the prominent Kia “tiger nose” grille which nicely wraps the LED headlights in a fashion like the Seltos. The 2021 Sorento also seems at first glance to not have the same minivan vibes and features a longer wheelbase. The windshield has been moved back 1.2 inches, giving the Sorento a stance that is a bit classier like the Telluride.

We will keep you posted on anything else we see and hear regarding the 2021 release, and the public will have their first chance to lay eyes on it on March 3 at the Geneva Motor Show. We’d be willing to bet that this more rugged stance and changes to the interior will align perfectly and ultimately pair well with the finest midsize crossover available out there today!