A seven-seat SUV segment has never been so competitive. These vehicles offer extra space. It’s perfect when you have a large family. One of the rising stars in the class is the 2021 Kia Sorento. There are a few reasons we believe the Korean carmaker could be a surprise of the next season. Its SUV is going through a redesign process. Spy photos are unveiling much more aggressive vehicle. Besides that, we could spy inside the Sorento and see the cabin is also under the reconstruction.
Spy shots are not showing what is happening under the hood of the 2021 Kia Sorento. But, some leaking sources are claiming the changes are even bigger than the redesign. Experts with trusted sources are reporting the new SUV is getting a hybrid powertrain. Also, the plug-in system is possible.
With all these changes, we believe the new model will be worth waiting for. Kia is catching up with the carmakers that have a better and longer reputation. But, the modern technologies, cool look, and reliable engines will make the Sorento one of the best buys in 2021.
Spy photos source: Autoblog
2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid Confirmed, We Also Expect the PHEV
The premiere of the 2021 Kia Sorento will happen soon. However, the company will just make official the things we already know – the SUV will be redesigned. But, details about the hybrid engine won’t be available immediately. We will have to wait until the official release to find out everything about the upcoming SUV. Various sources are claiming the new Sorento will enter the market with the old drivetrains, while the new systems are arriving as the first update in 2021.
We still don’t know in which phase of development the 2021 Kia Sorento hybrid is. Well, the Korean company is already in this market, but a smaller class, with hybrid and electric Niro and Soul (as well as their close sibling, Hyundai Kona). The late one is delayed for the next season, and we could see it together with the larger sibling. These rumors have a foundation, although we don’t know what kind of engine will be the main source of power. Existing V6 is a favorite, but a smaller inline-four is also an option. Toyota did it with Highlander, and Kia could use the same recipe for its mid-size model.
V6 and I4 Specs
Currently, the Sorento offers two options for the engine room. The entry-level model comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit which is capable to produce 187 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Well, this output fits better to the compact segment. Still, the small block is going to be fuel-friendly with 25 mpg of the combined fuel economy. A hybrid system could boost outputs, but we doubt that configuration will satisfy the needs of buyers looking for more power.
A V6 can deliver 290 horsepower and it can be a good alternative. A 3.3-liter powerplant also crunches 252 lb-ft of torque and sends it to front wheels. An eight-speed automatic transmission can also distribute power to all wheels. In this case, the fuel economy of a V6 drops to 21 mpg, while the FWD returns 22 miles per gallon. Sorento makes it up with a towing capacity increased to 5,000 pounds.
Redesign and Interior
There are opposite opinions about the future of the 2021 Kia Sorento. The company recently brought Telluride as another mid-size three-row model. It is larger than the existing Sorento. This makes another question – is there room for two similar models within the same company? We doubt. Even FCA is separating Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee to different platforms to improve the offer. According to some experts, the Sorento SUV will be available only with two rows of seats.
We could see the interior thanks to spy photos. Unfortunately, these images are not giving answers to these questions. In the first row, there are big changes, including seats, dashboard, and infotainment screen. However, this doesn’t tell anything about the third row. We can spot a two-tone upholstery for buckets. Well, until the new Sorento comes out, the company can test more options and features, while the hybrid and PHEV systems require special equipment.
When Will 2021 Kia Sorento be Available?
The new SUV is now certain. The redesign is big and important, so not only fans are waiting eagerly for the first appearance of the 2021 Kia Sorento, but also rivals. The Korean company will do it by mid-2020, while the sales are about to start in the last quarter of this season. The price is going up thanks to the changes we expect. However, the SUV will remain competitive and we consider it one of the best offers in the market.
We can take a look at the new Telluride to see what to expect from its smaller sibling. Interestingly, Hyundai is still silent about the hybridization of its Santa Fe, mechanical twin of the Sorento SUV. Here, we might find more info before the vehicle’s debut.