2021 Kia Sorento redesign debuts, UAE/GCC release announced

Kia Motors Corporation has revealed the first official images of the new Kia Sorento, ahead of its first public appearance at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show in March, which will be followed by a regional launch in the Middle East soon.

The design is all new as it sits on a new platform, with a 35 mm longer wheelbase while keeping the overall length almost the same. In profile, the proportions of the Sorento are subtly adapted to make it appear longer, with shorter front and rear overhangs. Its new proportions also extend the length of the bonnet, drawing the A-pillar 30 mm further back from the front axle for a more ‘cab-rearward’ design. The rear features odd-looking vertically-split tail lights.

Inside, the cabin looks decent, and comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a new 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster. Available features, at least in North America, include a new “multi-collision brake system” that automatically applies the brakes when the airbags have been deployed after the initial collision. It also has a new “remote smartphone surround view monitor” that allows you to look at the vehicle’s surroundings on your smartphone through an app, in addition to seeing it in the infotainment screen.

The North American version will get a 2.5-litre turbo 4-cylinder as well as a 1.6-litre turbo hybrid, both expected to be rated at around 277 hp. It is unclear what the GCC market will get, as the UAE traditionally gets less-sophisticated Kia engines.

The Sorento sits at the heart of Kia’s increasingly SUV-oriented line-up which also includes the Seltos, Stonic, Sportage and Telluride, none of which are true offroaders.

The new Sorento will make its debut on March 3, 2020, followed by a regional launch in the Middle East and Africa soon after, and made available to the region in the summer of 2020.

For future prices and specs, visit the Kia buyer guide.