2021 Kia Sorento to be premiered on February 17, images leaked

KUALA LUMPUR: Kia will be premiering the fourth-generation Sorento at a stand-alone event in South Korea instead of presenting it at the Chicago Auto Show that’s taking place in February. While the sense was that the automaker would do the formalities at the auto show since it’s renowned for trucks and big SUV reveals, Kia has some other plans. The date of the premiere slated is February 17. Kia will start taking orders from the same date. 

With only three weeks left for the Sorento’s global premiere, the images have been leaked by an Instagram user named ‘onecar.1’. Upfront, the new Sorento gets a distinctive front grille design with a U-shaped pattern and Kia’s signature “Tiger Nose” grille flanked by boxy headlights. There is a neat chrome surround to accentuate its looks. At the back, the taillights get vertical alignment, with overall shape and size like the previous model. 

Inside, there is are a few radical changes, it gets a centrally-positioned touchscreen infotainment system, aggressive and protruding air vents and a digital gauge cluster ahead of the driver’s seat. 

The Sorento is aimed at auto enthusiasts who like off-roading. Its rugged avatar better showcases what the automaker is up to with bringing in the new SUV. While another SUV in Kia line-up that looks similar to the Sorento is the Mohave. The Mohave is around since 2008 in South Korea and is still available in the market. The company has also proceeded with a complete redesign of the SUV. Since both the SUVs are similar, the Mohave is more luxury-focused, whereas the Sorento is an off-roader. 

Meanwhile, the South Korean automaker has confirmed that the new Sorento will be available with plug-in hybrid as well as hybrid powertrains. Moving forward, you can also expect a fuel cell (hydrogen) variant coming. 

Also read: Kia Telluride wins prestigious automotive awards for 2020