10 Things To Know About The New Kia Sorento 2021
Korean automaker, Kia has recently revealed the new-gen 2021 Kia Sorento SUV, which will soon be launched in the USA and other European and North American markets. The new model was scheduled to make global debut at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show; however, the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a reminder, Kia had showcased the previous generation Sorento at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo. Here are 10 interesting facts you should know about the new generation 2021 Kia Sorento SUV –
1. New-gen N3 Platform
The new-gen Kia Sorento SUV is based on the third-generation N3 platform, which will also underpin the next-gen Carnival MPV. This platform is compatible enough to accommodate different body styles and different engines including hybrid, petrol and diesel.
2. 7-Seater SUV
Similar to the previous model, the new-gen Sorento is available in both 5 and 7-seat options. This model is positioned under the Telluride SUV in the Kia’s global SUV line-up. In the global markets, it directly rivals the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace and others.
3. Shares design with Kia Telluride
It comes with all-new styling, which is inspired by Kia’s latest SUVs including Seltos and the Telluride. Foreign media claims that the new Sorento wants you to thing it is a mini Telluride; though significant changes can be seen on the outside to make it look a completely different product.
4. 10.25-inch touchscreen
The cabin of the new Kia Sorento features twin digital displays in the dashboard. There is a 12.3-inch digital driver instrument console, which merges well with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system at the centre of the dashboard. The connection makes the twin digital displays to form a single unit.
5. Premium Interior
The interior of the new-gen Kia Sorento shares a lot of features and advanced technologies from the bigger Telluride. Some of the features include Mood Lighting system, wireless smartphone charger, a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound system, automatic climate control, UVO Connect telematics system, charging points for second and third row of seats, heads-up display, etc.
The company claims that the material quality of the cabin has been enhanced. The cabin offers premium feel, thanks to the use of metallic trim, leather upholstery and embossed satin-effect surfaces. In the European market, the Sorento is available with a choice of black leather or black quilted Nappa leather.
6. Bigger than previous model
Thanks to the new platform, the new Kia Sorento is slightly bigger than the previous model. The new model is 10mm longer than its predecessor, measuring 4,810mm in length. It features shorter front and rear overhangs, creating more space inside the cabin. The wheelbase has been raised by 35mm to 2,815mm, which should help the brand to improve legroom space for both second and third row occupants. The height has been raised by 10mm.
7. Bigger Boot
The boot space of the SUV has been increased by 32 per cent in the 7-seater model. It offers 187-litres of boot space with all seven seats in place. The boot space can be further extended up to 821-litres by folding the third row of seats.
8. Safety Features
The new-gen Kia Sorento is available with wide range of active and passive safety features. The advanced driver assistance system comprises of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Blind Sport Collision Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limited Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & GO, Lane Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Highway Driving Assist.
The SUV also gets a rear view monitor with reverse parking collision avoidance assist and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist. The European-spec model also gets new Remote Smart Parking Assist. It comes fitted with up to seven airbags, vehicle stability management and electronic stability control system.
9. Multiple Engine Options
The new-gen Kia Sorento is available with multiple engine options in the global market. The global model gets hybrid powertrain with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor producing 227bhp and 350Nm of torque. The North American model gets a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 277bhp and 422Nm of torque. It also gets a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The SUV also gets a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, which also underpins the Kia Carnival and the Telluride SUV. This engine is capable of producing 199bhp of power and 440Nm of torque. Instead of the 8-speed torque convertor, the Sorento gets an 8-speed wet-plate DCT.
10. India Launch?
The Korean automaker is evaluating the new Sorento and the Telluride SUVs for the Indian market. The Telluride is available in the left-hand-drive version only and is not gaining RHD version in near future. The company is most likely to introduce the new-gen Sorento SUV in India in the next couple of years. If it launch in India, the Kia Sorento will take on the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace.
