2021 Kia Sorento unveiled ahead of official debut

MANILA: Even though the 2020 Geneva Motor Show is yet to transpire, Kia has already thrown at us the first-look images of its much-awaited and highly-anticipated Sorento SUV. And, with the seven-seater SUV not out in the flesh, the journey of leaks, spy shots, speculations, and rumours has also come to a halt. All set to rival the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe, and others in various automobile markets around the world, the 2021 Kia Sorento is sure to give its competitors a good run for their money with its attractive styling, plush interiors, and different powertrain options.

The major change on the seven-seater South Korean SUV can be recognised at first glance, as the 2021 Kia Sorento flaunts a rather sharp, muscular, and boxy look as compared to the outgoing model. The elements that provide the SUV with a unique, attractive, and fresh appearance include a square-ish tiger-nose grille flanked by a pair of slim LED headlamps, which also incorporate LED DRLs. There is another grille in the lower part of the bumper with more lights. Yes, we also see the SUV sporting skid plates at both front and back. Similar to the front, the rear end of the 2021 Kia Sorento is also completely different than that of the previous model with a boxy look, square-ish LED taillamps, tailgate-mounted spoiler with high-mount stop lamp, and dual wide exhaust outlets.

On the inside, we find the old instrument cluster to have been replaced by a new full-digital unit. The dashboard layout has also been updated with the infotainment system now sitting parallel to the instrument cluster, and the climate controls residing between the central air vents. Also, the old gear knob doesn't make it to the Sorento anymore as we see the SUV sporting a rotatory gear selector. Moreover, the upholstery will feature quilted leather.

Coming on to the mechanicals of the 2021 Kia Sorento, the SUV is said to come with all of the petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrain options. The diesel motor will be the new R 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder that will be coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, whereas the petrol options will include the Theta-III 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that works in tandem with a six-speed automatic and a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder mill paired with the same six-speed automatic gearbox. The last mill, that is, the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder will also get an optional AWD system.

In case of the hybrid variant, the 2021 Kia Sorento will house a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine along with an electric motor, and the power will be channelled to the wheels via a speed automatic transmission. For more information regarding the upcoming 2021 Kia Sorento and other happenings from in and around the automobile space, stay tuned to ZigWheels Philipines.

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