The new generation of the Sorento SUV is postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company planned a serious of events during 2020 to promote the upcoming vehicle and start producing it as the 2021 YM. However, everything is on the pause for now and it seems the next-gen SUV is coming as the 2022 KIA Sorento.
The vehicle had a successful transformation from a minivan-like model to one of the most attractive SUVs. The Korean company will continue to develop its flagship model, although they had a lot of work around the new Telluride, the largest model in the lineup. Well, this SUV gives us some hints about how could 2022 KIA Sorento look like. Also, there are spy photos and other sources providing more details about the new generation.
Cosmetic changes and redesign are going to be followed with the mechanical upgrades. The SUV will keep a four-pot engine as the base option and a V6 is an additional choice with more power. Another configuration will join the lineup and the most recent rumors say Kia is after the PHEV system.
2022 KIA Sorento: Expectations
This is a new vehicle we are talking about, so the fans are keen to see it in the market. The 2022 KIA Sorento will definitely boost the sales and make the SUV more competitive. The main markets are the United States and the homeland. The vehicle could arrive sooner than usual, since the SUV should have been released already according to the initial plan. The level of changes is high, spy photos are indicating. We will repeat again – that is exactly what we expect from the new SUV.
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2022 KIA Sorento Specs, Hybrid
The base configuration on the 2022 KIA Sorento is still relying on a 4-cylinder engine. A 2.4-liter displacement is good for 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Yes, this is an engine we will more likely find under the hood of some compact crossover. However, the small powerplant makes the price of the SUV more attractive and gives an option to buyers who don’t need too much power.
If you are looking for a more potent drivetrain, a 3.3-liter V6 is there with 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of twist. Not only engine but also the gearbox is new – instead of a six-pace case, the larger powerplant will use an eight-speed auto transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on both setups, while buyers can upgrade the system to AWD. A larger unit is more capable of towing, reaching the capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Fans are still asking about a 3.8-liter V6 mill which debuted on the new Telluride. A smaller 2022 Sorento could also replace a 3.3-l displacement with the engine that delivers 290 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Experts are pretty impressed with this unit, so we keep this as an option until the company confirms or denies the arrival.
Also, the new 2022 KIA Sorento is about to get a hybrid system. On the other hand, sources are not providing precise details about the development. The most recent rumors mention the plug-in version with an electric range of at least 25 miles. Well, if Kia wants to be competitive, chiefs will have to speed up the process.
Interior Changes, Exterior Redesign (CONFIRMED)
The upcoming SUV is entering the next generation with fresh styling. That is the start of the redesign process. The engine upgrades are optional. Heavy camouflage is hiding a lot of details, but the test mule is showing we can expect big things. The front fascia is under the reconstruction and fans will see the most modifications there. Well, that is the first thing we spot on the vehicle and Kia wants to draw the attention. The SUV is going to be slightly larger than before, gaining two inches. We’ll see how that is affecting the driving performance.
Extra length will allow designers more creativity inside the cockpit. The interior will be modern, with some advanced features available at higher trim levels. The 2022 KIA Sorento interior will get a new layout, with more space for passengers. The base configuration can seat seven persons, and the SUV will gain extra cargo space. Currently, it offers 11 cu-ft, which is among the worst capacity in the class. With the third row down, the room raises to 38 cubic feet. Its new sibling, Telluride, is more comfortable with 21/46 cubic feet with/without the third row.
2022 KIA Sorento Release Date
Since the new generation is on the way, we can expect it as soon as the automotive market recovers from the COVID-19 outburst. Everything is still at idle, and we don’t know when the new 2022 KIA Sorento comes out. The Korean company is going to skip the next season to leave more time to designers and engineers to tune the SUV for upcoming challenges.
Source: Car and Driver
Let’s hope they illuminate both tail lights instead of just using one and the other for a turn signal. The Honda Passport is an example of cheap tail light configuration. People (customers) like lights, the more the better.