A month ago, KIA Korea launched the New Sorento, a product enhancement model of the 4th generation Sorento in an event in Seoul, but the last week KIA America showed the updated US-Spec Sorento at the National Dealer Meeting, and we want to share with you the very first pictures of the new Sorento for the North American market.
Sorento’s product enhancement model has a sophisticated and strong exterior design based on the Kia design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, along with a sense of openness and convenience. Kia applied advanced specifications such as wireless (OTA) software update, e hi-pass, built-in cam or Kia digital key 2 to Sorento, as well as advanced driver assistance systems such as forward collision prevention assistance (including crossover vehicle/side approach vehicle/over-ward vehicle/clue steering assistance function), highway driving assistance 2 (HDA 2). In addition, various convenience specifications such as 10 airbag system, projection type reverse guide lamp, digital center mirror, smart power tailgate, driver’s seat ergo motion seat or first row relaxation comfort seat are added to help passengers move safely and comfortably.
With the change of the new car-class design, it has a stylish and strong exterior and a high-open interior. Inspired by the boldness of the brand design philosophy harmony with nature, Kia has changed Sorento’s interior and exterior design to a new level, raising the sense of luxury. Sorento’s exterior has a futuristic and slodious SUV design with the concept of ‘Futuristic Boldness’.
The front is a harmoniously arranged radiator grille with a ‘signature star-map writing’ daytime light (DRL), and a voluminous hood, bumper and skid plate combine to show the appearance of a tough SUV. The side features a vertically arranged headlamp and rear combination lamp along the character line to blend and apply a new design of alloy wheels to accented a hard, refined feel.
The rear part features starmap graphics connecting two rear combination lamps and a robust image with a wide rear skid plate that blends with the bottom bumper. The interior creates a high sense of openness through horizontal modeling under the theme of ‘Borderless Wideness’.
KIA America showed different trims, from the basic (on the right of the image) to the top of the reach (the one in left).
The 12.3-inch cluster and navigation are seamlessly connected like a single screen, and the panoramic curved display features Kia’s next-generation infotainment system ‘ccNC’ to provide a unified display of information. Below it, the sleek vents that lead to the left and right ends, and the convertible operating system that can operate the infotainment system and air conditioning system are organic and technical in harmony.
The design-specific trim gravity features a dedicated design radiator grille and wheels, and a black-colored front and back skid plate and a dedicated leather seat that is black on the outside mirror cover and roof rack, enhancing the toughness and luxury. Sorento’s colors are available in 5 exteriors, including Volcanic Sand Brown, Cityscape Green, and Interstellar Grey, and 3 interiors, including the new color Olive Brown.
Kia has newly applied a range of cutting-edge specifications to Sorento to bring a new mobility experience to its customers. Sorento supports wireless software updates, allowing customers to update navigation map information, major controls in the vehicle without having to visit the service center, and the e-pass feature allows paid for tolls without a physical Hi-pass card.
Kia Digital Key 2 allows drivers to unlock and start the door when they get close to the vehicle with a smartphone or smartwatch without a smart key, and also supports user-specific personalization settings. The fingerprint authentication system can be used as an authentication method when starting up, making a simple payment in-vehicle, or turning off ballet mode, to help customers move easily.
New Kia Sorento will be available with three powertrains options, a 2.5 naturally aspirated gasoline engine, a 2.5 gasoline turbo and the 1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
