The brand new
Sorento now sits at the heart of our comprehensive line-up here at J
im Butler Kia of St Louis, and many review teams have greatly admired its high-tech cabin and modern exterior design. Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, commented that “The Sorento's evolution over the last 18 years echoes that of the Kia brand as a whole. It is an important model for Kia, particularly now that it also represents the first use of electrified power in our flagship SUV.” This in-depth look from Motor1.com provides some great information about specs and photos of this awesome incoming vehicle.
The Sorento's redefined exterior design boasts sharper lines, high-tech details, and proudly long proportions, that now give it a mature presence. Once inside, the cabin has not been skimped upon and boasts premium-quality materials along with the best in infotainment technology. The new Sorento is the first generation of the model to now receive an electrified powertrain. This “Smartstream” mill is the result of a combination of a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine with a 1.49-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and 44.2 kW electric engine. Output is ranked at 227 horsepower, and 258 lb-ft of torque, and is sent to all 4 wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission as well as a transmission-mounted electrical device.
Make sure to fully explore the different trim levels and options for the new Sorento: some of the optional equipment are very useful elements such as forward collision and avoidance assist, blind-spot view monitor, surround-view monitor, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go-function, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. The new smartstream electrified powertrain provides the ability to offer greater fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and higher performance than models before it. This is going to be Kia's most high-tech car ever, thanks to its extensive connectivity, driver assistance, and infotainment offerings.
When you see the Sorento coming, the front has seen gradual evolution with a new interpretation of Kia's “tiger nose” grille, with a wider shape wrapping around each side's integrated headlamps. The new model has seen its proportions adapted to make it appear longer and retains the characteristic wide D-pillar and distinctive wheel arches that have been definitive of all three Sorento models. We love how the trim on the sporty lower rear bumper now draws attention to the dual tailpipes, and there is a skid plate that adds to a rugged SUV stance.
Special attention has been given to the cabin design, which is much more intuitive and tech-oriented than before. It still holds the quality of spaciousness and versatility that the Sorento has enjoyed over the years, and customers will no doubt enjoy the twin digital displays in the dashboard. They are located clearly within the driver's sightline, and provide the user with an authentic wide-screen experience. Ask us about the available Mood Lighting system: it creates soft ambient downlighting from under the door trim, evoking an upscale feel and a more defined sense of space.
