New Sorento Returns After 6 Years, What Does the Revealed Design Look Like?

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Kia Motors has unveiled the interior and exterior renderings and teaser video of the 4th generation new Sorento, scheduled for release next month. The news that the Sorento, regarded as the ultimate family car, is returning as a full-change model after 6 years has attracted attention from both the industry and consumers.

According to Kia on the 16th, the 4th generation new Sorento, a full-change model after 6 years, will be launched in March. The new Sorento applies a new platform and powertrain and features an upgraded design to overcome the limitations of existing mid-size sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

In particular, it is expected to lead the popularization of a new eco-friendly SUV by applying a gasoline turbo hybrid engine for the first time among domestic mid-size SUVs. In addition, by applying a new platform, it secured interior space comparable not only to SUVs in the same class but also to large SUVs in the higher segment. It also boasts a large number of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and IT convenience features at the highest level in its class, positioning itself as a smart family car.

Looking at the teaser and rendering images of the new Sorento released on the 11th, the concept combines the toughness of an SUV with the sophistication of a sedan. The front features a grille emphasizing horizontality, giving a wide and strong impression, while the rear applies vertical rear lamps to emphasize a distinctive feeling different from the front.

The design direction of the 4th generation Sorento’s exterior is 'refined intensity.' It expresses the concept with sharply refined lines and surfaces while maintaining the toughness and presence, which are the traditional design sensibilities of the Sorento.

The interior design focuses on functional sensibility. It enables intuitive operation preferred most by SUV drivers while not missing the functional aspects of advanced technology. A Kia Motors official explained, "The new Sorento can be an attractive choice not only for consumers considering mid-size and large SUVs but also for customers who have both sedans and SUVs in mind."