2020 Kia Sorento SUV. 4th generation
The following modifications of the new Sorento are offered for Israel: a front-wheel drive version with a 2.5-liter petrol engine with 180 hp, a hybrid based on the same engine, a diesel version with a 2.2-liter engine with 202 hp, a plug-in all-wheel drive hybrid with 180 hp and a 13.8 kWh battery.
The Kia Sorento is a mid-size J-segment SUV, which has been produced by the South Korean automobile maker, Kia Motors, since 2002. It can be either all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, a 5- or 7-seater version. In 2020, Israeli buyers could purchase the third generation SUV after the 2017 restyling and waited for the release of the 4th generation.
In March 2020, the manufacturer introduced a new, fourth generation of the Kia Sorento SUV. Israeli buyers will be able to buy it only in 2021. The fashionable and well-equipped vehicle has a new body and is the first SUV of the South Korean brand to be built on the new Hyundai platform, used for the latest generation Hyundai Sonata.
The 2021 SUV is 4,810 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,690 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,815 mm. It has become 10 mm larger, and the wheelbase has been increased by as much as 35 mm. The overhangs have become a little shorter, the ground clearance equals to 176 mm. The trunk volume of the 5-seater version is significantly increased compared to its predecessor and is equal to 705 liters. The three-row 7-seater version has the trunk with the volume of only 187 liters, but with the second row seats folded down, it increases to 821 liters.
Distinctive features
The 2021 Kia Sorento looks stricter and sportier. The SUV has acquired a large-mesh radiator grille designed in compliance with the ‘tiger nose’ corporate style and more compact head optics. The shape of the front bumper has changed, which now has vertical ventilation slots in the side sections. The side of the body is decorated with chrome inserts. The vehicle now features two-section taillights and an upgraded bumper with the same ventilation slots on the sides.
The interior has become more spacious. For a surcharge, you can order the third row of seats or separate ‘captain’ seats for the second row. As a result, the new Kia Sorento can have five, six or seven seats. The interior has a new 12.3-inch virtual dashboard and a 10.25-inch multimedia system monitor, albeit only in top-end trim levels. The basic equipment comprises an analog dashboard and 8-inch multimedia system. All versions are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. As an option, there is an extended interface to display traffic jams, free places in the nearest parking lots, the current location of the car, weather forecasts and other useful information.
Engines
The 2021/2022 Kia Sorento comes with petrol, diesel and hybrid engines. As standard, the vehicle still has front-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive transmission with a clutch to connect the rear axle is also available for a surcharge. It is still unknown what engine will be installed on the new SUV that will be supplied to Israel.
- A 2.5 liter petrol engine produces 179 hp and works together with an automatic transmission.
- A 2.2 liter turbocharged diesel engine produces 200 or 202 hp (440 Nm) and works in conjunction with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission.
- A hybrid modification is represented by a 1.6-liter T-GDi turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine with 180 hp works in conjunction with a 6-speed automatic transmission, comprising a 60 hp electric motor. The peak performance of this unit reaches 230 hp (350 Nm). However, the lithium-ion traction battery located under the floor of the passenger compartment has a very small capacity of only 1.49 kWh. The company has already promised that a full-fledged rechargeable hybrid will appear in the future.
Trim levels
It is reported that the top-end trim levels of the 2021/2022 Kia Sorento can have eight airbags at once, including a central one, located between the front seats. In the event of an accident, it is designed to protect the driver and front passenger from collisions with each other.
A number of electronic assistants are available for the new SUV, including automatic braking, blind spot monitoring system, lane departure warming system, adaptive cruise control, which allows you to resume movement after a complete stop.
