The Kia Sorento 2020 is already a reality: do you want to see it?

The Kia Sorento 2020 has been officially unveiled, so here we have the fourth generation of the South Korean SUV, which has taken a huge leap forward in every respect

The SUV segment remains one of the most powerful not only in our market, but in the global market. That is why all brands want to be present and take a slice of this great pie.

Kia could not be left behind, so in recent years it has developed an SUV range that starts with the Stonic and ends with the Kia Sorento. However, the big brother of the whole family needed a replacement, because after 5 years on the market, the third generation was already falling behind its rivals.

That is why the fourth generation of the Kia Sorento is now here, a model that asserts itself as the flagship of the brand –with apologies to the Kia Stinger we tested– and that makes a qualitative leap in every respect.

The Kia Sorento 2020 debuts the new modular platform for mid-size SUVs from the Korean manufacturer. This architecture leaves a very compact space for the engine and shorter front and rear overhangs, so that the greatest space lies between the axles. As a result, this configuration will make it possible to accommodate electrified powertrains for the first time, in addition to offering generous interior space.

An American-style exterior design

Kia has decided to continue with the design line it already presented in models such as the Kia Seltos or the Kia Telluride, two models specially developed for the American market. As a result, it has much more pronounced and muscular shapes that give the new South Korean SUV far more personality.

At the front, we can see the natural evolution of the brand’s “Tiger Nose” feature. In addition, the feline features now extend to the headlights, which feature a new light design dubbed “Tiger Eye”.

These new muscular shapes are reflected in its dimensions, since it grows in every respect: it gains 10 mm in width, 10 mm in length, 10 mm in height and 35 mm of wheelbase compared with the previous generation.

The Korean brand still retains some features already characteristic of the Kia Sorento, such as a generously wide D-pillar or the wheel arches marked by plastic cladding. However, Kia has chosen to combine them with other details typical of the brand’s latest launches, such as the chrome shark-fin on the C-pillar.

The rear completes this bold design: it features vertically arranged lights that wrap around the bodywork. It also has a rear bumper with pronounced shapes that ends in a generous metallic trim piece, in line with the fashionable trend of fake exhaust outlets.

Furthermore, the new Kia Sorento will offer a wide range of different configurations, with 10 paint finishes and new alloy wheel designs from 17 to 20 inches.

Technology and roominess in equal measure

The cabin is one of the areas where the qualitative leap of the new Kia Sorento will be most noticeable, and according to the brand, “it will be one of the highest-quality interior spaces in any Kia to date”.

As a result, we will find a range of intuitive technology oriented towards the pleasure of driving, clarity and advanced infotainment systems. All of it covered in premium materials, combining metallic elements, leather finishes and satin-effect surfaces.

In this way, we will find a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and another 10.25-inch screen to control the infotainment system functions, mounted on the centre console. Of course, the latter will be compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The cabin of the new Kia Sorento will give its occupants a premium feel thanks to features such as ambient lighting or the high-fidelity sound system developed by specialist Bose.

As mentioned earlier, the new platform makes generous interior space possible, so it will offer a third row of seats as an option and a boot of up to 821 litres depending on the specification chosen.

Electrification has arrived for the Kia Sorento 2020

As is usual in the current market trend, the Kia Sorento will have new electrified variants, so there will be hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.

For now, the brand has only released information on the hybrid. In this case, it will have a 1.6 T-GDi petrol engine paired with an electric motor capable of delivering 44.2 kW, or 59 CV. This powertrain will produce a total output of 230 CV and 350 Nm of torque, while a six-speed automatic gearbox will transfer this power to the wheels.

There will also be a diesel alternative, a decision we find sensible since, if you want low consumption in a vehicle of this size, nothing beats diesel. As a result, there will be a 2.2 CRDi engine with 202 CV and 440 Nm of torque which, in this case, is paired with the 8DCT automatic transmission.

A more refined driving experience

The Kia Sorento has evolved considerably over the years, leaving behind the rugged ladder-frame and cross-member construction of the first generation in favour of a fully independent suspension system.

The brand’s engineers have worked to ensure this system absorbs road imperfections effortlessly, as well as limiting noise and vibration inside the cabin.

Despite its more refined character and its focus on tarmac, the new Kia Sorento has not forgotten its adventurous side. It features the new Terrain Mode system, a programme that works in conjunction with the optional all-wheel-drive system and optimises traction in the most demanding situations.

The new Kia Sorento is a state-of-the-art model, so it offers all the latest safety features currently available. These include a forward collision warning system, blind-spot sensor, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, lane keeping assist, driver fatigue detector and dynamic light assist. Of course, it also has a rear parking camera, rear cross-traffic alert and hands-free parking assist.

The new Kia Sorento is now a reality, although we will have to wait until the third quarter of 2020 to see it in our dealerships. We will also have to wait to learn its prices, although we do know it will keep one of the brand’s hallmarks: a 7-year or 150,000-kilometre warranty.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadKIA Sorento13 versions · from 53,645 €