The Car Connection Deems 2021 Kia Sorento Three-Row Crossover “Spacious and Stylish”

During late winter here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, its a time of true transition: many of our loyal customers are enjoying firsthand their looks at the 2020 available models, but also looking forward to future horizons. The 2021 Kia Sorento is a model asked about quite frequently, and one that has risen drastically in popularity. As Managing Editor Aaron Cole said in his most recent blog for The Car Connection, the 2021 model will boast brand-new looks, a new engine, and a new frame when it arrives in the States.

This rising star of a crossover will make its formal debut to the public at the Geneva auto show in March, although Kia has revealed a fair amount about the 3-row and fit family hauler so far. The 2021 model will be available with two turbo-4 engine options. There will be a 2.5-liter turbo-4 snagged up from the new Genesis GV80 crossover that makes 277 horsepower and a 1.6-liter turbo-4 mated to hybrid batteries as well as an electric motor that will make 227 hp combined. Both engines will be paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Plausible rumors also say that a plug-in hybrid version could arrive after this year. The wheelbase on the 2021 Sorento is about an inch longer than the outgoing model, and we expect the new model to brandish much more interior space. The nose on the new crossover is a bit more like the Seltos, featuring a horizontal grille, a more creased hood, LED headlights that have been stretched, and a distinctly angled front bumper. A glance at the back shows features that are a bit closer to what you see on the Telluride, including vertical taillights, wider badge, and a bumper situated lower with dual exhaust ports.

We always love the outlook and insight that the Motor Trend staff offers up as well, and after they hailed the Telluride as the 2020 SUV of the Year, they were glad to see that the Sorento was taking cues from its design stance. There's a rotary shifter, fine-appearing upholstery on the seats, and distinctly unique ambient lighting. It will be the first SUV based on a brand-new platform that was built to accommodate a new hybrid powertrain.

Overall, the new Sorento's proportions have been designed to give the appearance that the crossover is longer than it really is, and that is thanks to very smooth surfacing on the entire body. Another great feature will be the new “remote smartphone surround-view monitor”: it allows folks to look at the vehicle's surroundings on their smartphone through an app, which can help you keep a watch on a parked car while you're inside running your errand.

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!

2016 Sorento CUV Brings Refined Look While Still Maintaining Functionality

Third-generation KIA Sorento still keeps space expected of CUV yet keeps modern look 

The KIA Sorento has been providing St. Louis families with a functional crossover for more than a decade. The form and functionality of the Sorento hasn’t changed over the years, but the look certainly has. Even though it has grown in size since 2002, the Sorento has shaken off the bulkier look of the past to create a modern CUV.

On the inside, the Sorento has grown to accommodate more trunk room, head room and leg room, meaning a more comfortable ride and storage for more of your items. A sliding second-row arrangement gives more passenger space for the rear. The cabin is European-designed and adds to the longer, wider and lower body.

Exterior changes throughout past styles that make the Sorento look modern include update side panels, LED daytime running lights and a strong front end. The available UVO infotainment system brings a modern flare to the Sorento, and the seats feel luxurious without a luxury price tag. Available features such as rearview camera and parking sensors help create a safer environment for the Sorento and its precious cargo.

Handling has been improved since the Sorento’s inception, and the 0-60 time of just less than10 seconds is impressive considering the size of the vehicle. The Sorento’s towing capabilities make it an excellent choice for a vehicle for St. Louis families as it can tow up to 4,400 pounds.

The 2016 KIA Sorento at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield, MO, is proof that style can be functional and functionality can be stylish. When opted with the all-wheel drive, a Sorento might just be the perfect choice for your next family vehicle!

To learn more about the KIA Sorento or to schedule a test drive, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our new Sorentos in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your new vehicle purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

Shop our Sorento selection!

2016 Sorentos at St. Louis KIA Dealer Receive NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating

Durable, top safety-rated KIA CUVs available at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley

The 2016 Sorento now has the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-star rating to go along with its IIHS Top Safety Pick from earlier this year.

The CUV and small SUV market is booming, and families across the country are taking a flier on this popular segment. With its top safety awards, St. Louis families looking for a new CUV should head to Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley and check out our 2016 KIA Sorento selection.

The 5-star rating from the NHTSA is the top tier a vehicle can earn its way into. For 2016, the Sorento has an improved platform. The unit-body consists of 53-percent Advanced High Strength Steel, a 115 percent increase over the previous model. This extra steel makes the Sorento more durable and stiffer than ever.

“Meant for customers with active lifestyles, Sorento is the perfect getaway vehicle for adventurers and families on the go, and they can feel confident knowing their vehicle scored a 5-star NHTSA rating,” Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning at KMA, said.

However, it’s not just the body of the Sorento that’s seen an improvement in the past year. The 2016 Sorento combines a strong base with additional design improvements to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and provide a comfortable and quiet interior environment.

Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield Valley has a wide selection of 2016 Sorentos to choose from including some with all-wheel drive. The 2016 Sorento is bred for adventure and has three engines (2.4-liter inline-4, turbocharged 2.0-L inline-4 and 3.3-L V6) across eight trims with a long list of features that make for an outstanding family vehicle or the “perfect getaway” vehicle for a camping weekend.

To learn more about the 2016 Sorento, call us today at 888-392-6606. As your St. Louis Kia dealer, we invite you to check out the Sorento in person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler Kia, you can make your Sorento purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights Kia dealer.

Search Jim Butler KIA's 2016 Sorentos!

2016 Sorento ‘Perfect Getaway’ Campaign Continues With Yahoo Video Series

“The Getaway Guide” airing on-demand features 2016 Sorentos available at Jim Butler Kia

Building on the 2016 Kia Sorento’s Super Bowl Commercial appearance earlier this year, Kia has launched a web mini-series to further promote the Sorenton as the “perfect getaway” vehicle. The six-episode series on Yahoo Screen entitled “The Getaway Guide” highlights those with Kia Sorentos taking their friends and family on exciting weekend getaways.



“The effort expands upon Kia’s ‘The Perfect Getaway’ campaign featuring the Sorento in a variety of situations that outdoor enthusiasts can appreciate,” Tim Chaney, vice president of marketing communications for Kia Motors America, said.

The videos not only show how the Kia Sorento can be the perfect vehicle for an outdoor weekend trip but also target those with active and outdoor lifestyles and those in the market for a CUV. Other episodes of “The Getaway Guide” will debut throughout April.

The completely redesigned 2016 Sorento CUV is available at Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield Valley — your St. Louis Sorento dealer! The Sorento raises the bar on the segment with its refinement and first-class amenities and is larger and more capable than ever with more room for passengers and cargo.  Standard premium features and luxurious amenities span the line of five trim levels and the Sorento is now offered in three engine choices, including a 240 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-charged inline-4.

To learn more about the 2016 Sorento, call us today at 888-392-6606. As your St. Louis Kia dealer, we invite you to check out the Sorento in person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler Kia, you can make your Sorento purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights Kia dealer.

Search our 2016 Sorento inventory!