Kia Sorento is one savage SUV of 2020

KUALA LUMPUR: Official teaser images of Kia Sorento have been revealed ahead of its debut at Geneva Motor Show. This unexpected revelation came after few spy shots of the new crossover SUV were leaked. Nonetheless, this fourth-generation SUV looks much upgraded and refreshing in the official images.

With its completely redesigned exterior, the new Sorento is “designed and engineered to take on everything life can throw at it”, as stated by the South Korean automaker. Sorento is the latest addition to Kia's reinvigorated SUV lineage, which not only looks upmarket than the older model but also hints at the new design direction Kia is set to follow with its upcoming clan.

It is the first vehicle to use Kia’s new-gen midsize SUV platform, and so there’s a lot of expectations riding on the release of their flagship global SUV. Kia is targeting the global SUV market by applying a range of innovations to the new Sorento, including advanced driver assistance systems and progressive connectivity and infotainment features.

Compared to the outgoing models, the new Sorento has a tougher face and an overall boxier look. A lot of creases and geometric openings could be seen on the front fascia while the middle and rear portion has subtly appearance. The front face of the car looks sharper, complemented with brand's Tiger Nose grille, and LED Daytime Running Lights further enhance the visual stance. The busy front bumper has uniquely stacked fog lamps with wider air inlets and the wheelbase has been increased. Sharper rear side windows, chrome window lines and silver trimmed C-pillar also add to the styling.

Claw-styled tail-lights dominate the rear face of the car along with intensively designed boot-lid. The rear has dual vertically stacked LED tail lamps, SORENTO written on the tailgate, Kia badge in the middle of the sharper bump, and an overhauled bumper.

The interior of the new generation Kia Sorento is a reminiscence of Telluride SUV but with a more angular look and wide dashboard. It features a restyled cabin with a horizontally positioned 10.12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Kia claims that the new Sorento offers a cabin space at par with a larger vehicle, thereby raising the standards in its segment for practicality. A 12.3-inch digital cluster at the steering wheel, seemingly integrates with the infotainment display at the center on the console, given a number of buttons and toggles to enhance ease-of-use.

Although no word on the powertrain is revealed yet, the Korean automaker has confirmed that new Sorento will come with an option of electrified powertrain as well. The new-gen model joins the Seltos, Stonic, Sportage and the Telluride in Kia’s growing SUV portfolio.

After debuting at the Geneva stage, the new Sorento will go on sale soon after. Though we don’t have any official word on the launch of Sorento here, we expect Kia to consider the launching it here soon. But with the growing line-up after the Carnival and upcoming Sonet, the Sorento should be a viable member in the carmaker’s lineage.

Spec numbers have also been released via an Excel spreadsheet listing the details for a crossover given the MQ4, comes in three engine options—there is a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, the second is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four, and the third a 2.5-liter turbo four. Transmission options include an 8-speeed dual-clutch for the diesel and a 6-speed automatic or manual for the gasoline variants.

One of its kind, Sorento hybrid to come with a 1.6-liter turbo-four paired to an electric motor. The all-new Kia Sorento will be revealed for the first time on March 3, 2020, at the most famous car event at the Swiss city. Our anticipation and excitement shall be put to rest at the show.

Also Read: Kia Seltos X-Line Concept showcased