Where do we start? The fourth-generation 2021 Kia Sorento is an entirely new vehicle, a hugely important re-launch of a hugely successful vehicle.
Canadians have driven home in over 145,000 second and third-generation Sorentos over the last decade, so Kia knew it was essential to give those owners exactly what they want in a new Sorento while also broadening this SUV's appeal as the Sorento nameplate begins its 20th year.
You can check out the full image gallery below, but first, here are key points to keep in mind as we approach the 2021 Sorento's release date at the tail end of 2020.
• There will be six trim levels on the 2021 Sorento in Canada: LX+, LX Premium, X-Line, EX, EX+, and SX.
• All-wheel drive will be standard equipment on every trim level in Canada – no extra charge.
• Three-row seating will be standard on every trim level with two different configurations: 4+2 with second-row captain's chairs or 5+2 with a second-row bench.
• There are two engines available in the 2021 Sorento, including a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque hooked up to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Expect a 5% improvement in fuel economy compared to the 2020's entry-level engine.
• A new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 281 horsepower and an earth-twisting 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine is linked to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic with "lightning-fast gear changes without interrupting power delivery." The 2.5 turbo should improve fuel economy by 11% compared with the 2020's optional V6 engine while providing more torque. It's rated to tow 3,500 pounds.
WHAT IS THE X-LINE?
X-Line is a rugged new Sorento trim level that elevates ride height by an inch, comes equipped with bold 20-inch gloss dark grey wheels, improves approach and departure angles for tricky off-pavement negotiations, and adds a bridge-type roof rack.
WHAT IS A DUAL-CLUTCH?
Dual-clutch transmissions, often referred to as direct-shift gearboxes, aren't new to Kia. These performance-oriented transmissions have been available in sportier Kias in the past. This new wet dual-clutch design greatly increases torque capacity and improves fuel efficiency. A dual-clutch transmission is always primed for a gear change by linking first, third, fifth, and seventh gears with one clutch while the second side prepares second, fourth, sixth, and eighth. It's still a two-pedal transmission, so you can drive it like any other automatic. The dual-clutch is simply prepared to get the job of shifting done more quickly.
WHAT IS N3?
N3 is the Sorento's new platform. The wheelbase, or the distance between the centre of front and rear wheels, is 1.4 inches longer than before to create more interior space. Yet even though the new Sorento's N3 platform is bigger, weight is reduced by 3% and strength increases by 4%.
IS THERE ANY TECH?
The 2021 Sorento is a remarkably advanced vehicle. There will be an optional 12.3-inch gauge cluster, centre touchscreens measuring either 8 or 10.25 inches, up to 8 USB ports spread around the cabin, and UVO Intelligence telematics providing traffic info, weather, rear occupancy alert, automated roadside assistance, and a Find My Car function that uses the vehicle's cameras to capture images of the Sorento's surroundings.
Active safety tech is abundant. There's even an available Forward Collision Avoidance Assist dedictated to spotting cyclists, Highway Driving Assist that uses navigation data to "automatically adjust speed to be within the posted speed limit and maintain distance with the vehicle detected in front," and an available Blind Spot Collision Avoidance system with Parallel Exit, which "uses the rear-corner radar to detect a collision risk with parallel traffic when leaving a parking spot."
WHY DOES IT LOOK SO GOOD?
It's all in the details. The hood actually wraps around the body side. There's a ton of LED lighting, vertical taillights, and side character lines that are very muscular and defined. There's a wave shape below the c-pillar (at the back of the rear doors) that further distinguishes the Sorento and a bunch of wheel designs that'll help you spot different trim levels.
As Kia Canada releases more Sorento details we'll be publishing specifications here, breaking down equipment by trim level and offering details on pricing and fuel economy.
