Kia has officially launched the improved model of the fourth-generation Sorento, ‘The New Sorento’, which began sales on the 18th.
Since its release in 2020, the fourth-generation Sorento has sold over 60,000 units annually in South Korea, maintaining its position as the top-selling mid-size SUV for three consecutive years. Up until June this year, over 36,000 units have been sold, reflecting its popularity among customers.
The newly launched Sorento features a refined and robust exterior based on Kia’s design philosophy, ‘Opposite United’, along with a spacious and convenient interior.
Kia has equipped the Sorento with advanced features such as wireless software updates, e-hichpass, streaming plus, built-in cam 2, and Kia Digital Key 2, as well as cutting-edge driver assistance systems including forward collision-avoidance assist (including functions for cross-traffic, side approach vehicles, oncoming vehicles during overtaking, and evasive steering assist) and highway driving assist 2.
Additionally, it includes a 10-airbag system, projection-type reverse guide lamps, and various convenience features such as digital center mirror, smart power tailgate, driver’s ergo motion seat, and front relaxation comfort seats to aid in safe and comfortable travel for passengers.
Customers can choose from three powertrains: 2.5 gasoline turbo, 2.2 diesel, and 1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid, as well as select from the Prestige, Noblesse, Signature trims, and the design-specialized trim Gravity.
The price range for the Sorento trims is 35,060,000 won to 41,930,000 won for the 2.5 gasoline turbo, 36,790,000 won to 43,660,000 won for the 2.2 diesel, and 41,610,000 won to 48,310,000 won for the 1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid 4WD, while the hybrid 2WD model starts from 37,860,000 won to 44,550,000 won after eco-friendly car tax benefits.
Kia has elevated the Sorento’s exterior and interior design to new levels of sophistication and luxury, inspired by the brand’s design philosophy of boldness in harmony with nature.
The Sorento’s exterior showcases a concept of ‘futuristic boldness’, embodying a forward-looking and muscular SUV design.
The front features a harmoniously arranged radiator grille and ‘Signature Starmap Lighting’ daytime running lights (DRL), complemented by a voluminous hood and bumper, along with a skid plate that presents a robust SUV appearance.
The side profile showcases vertically arranged headlamps and rear combination lamps that flow along the character lines, emphasizing a solid and refined feel with newly designed alloy wheels.
The rear end adopts a starmap graphic connecting the two rear combination lamps, implementing a wide rear skid plate harmonizing with the lower bumper for a robust image.
Inside, the theme of ‘seamless continuity’ is conveyed through horizontal forms, creating a high sense of openness.
The 12.3-inch cluster and navigation are seamlessly connected by a panoramic curved display featuring Kia’s next-generation infotainment system, ‘ccNC’, providing a unified display of diverse information.
Below the display, sleek air vents stretch to the right and left, complemented by a transitional control unit that operates the infotainment and climate control systems, achieving an organic and technical harmony.
The design-specialized Gravity trim features unique design elements including a dedicated radiator grille and wheels, with black accents on the outside mirror covers and roof rails, enhancing its strong image along with dedicated front and rear skid plates and exclusive leather seats for added luxury.
The Sorento will be available in five exterior colors, including Volcanic Sand Brown, Cityscape Green, and Interstellar Gray, along with three interior colors, including the new Olive Brown.
Kia has equipped the Sorento with various new advanced features to deliver new mobility experiences to customers.
The Sorento supports wireless software updates, ensuring navigation map updates and allowing customers to update major controls of the vehicle without visiting a service center. The e-hichpass feature enables toll payments without a physical high-pass card.
Streaming Plus provides a data environment for enjoying video and high-quality audio content via the infotainment system, and customers can use this service for a specified period on a monthly basis through the Kia Connect Store.
The built-in cam 2 saves QHD high-quality video and audio to an external SD card, accessible through the infotainment system, and connects wirelessly to the Kia Connect app for easy viewing and downloading of footage.
Kia Digital Key 2 allows drivers to unlock doors and start the engine using their smartphones or smartwatches, even without a physical smart key. It also supports user-specific personalization settings.
The fingerprint authentication system can be used to start the vehicle or for in-car payments, helping customers move with convenience.
Kia has equipped the Sorento with advanced driver assistance systems and safety features to enhance user convenience and ensure safe mobility.
Among the advanced driver assistance systems applied to the Sorento are forward collision-avoidance assist, which includes functions for responding to cross traffic, side approach vehicles, oncoming vehicles during overtaking, and evasive steering assist, as well as highway driving assist 2, which supports lane changes with navigation-based speed control.
Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with 10 airbags, including side airbags in the second row, and projection-type reverse guide lamps to enhance visibility during reversing, helping others identify the vehicle’s movement direction.
The Sorento features ‘Crosswind Stability Control’ to manage steering and braking in strong lateral winds, preventing lane departure. The hybrid model also offers ‘Dynamic Torque Vectoring’, which optimally distributes torque across wheels during turns using braking power and motor drive forces for stable cornering performance.
Additionally, it includes a digital center mirror that provides a clear and wide rear view, smart power tailgate with an automatic closing feature when moving away from the vehicle with baggage (while carrying the smart key), driver’s ergo motion seat, front relaxation comfort seats, and a 10-inch head-up display, among various convenience features.
Kia plans to offer the Sorento with three powertrains: 2.5 gasoline turbo, 2.2 diesel, and 1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid, along with trims including Prestige, Noblesse, Signature, and the design-specialized trim, Gravity.
The price range for the Sorento trims is 35,060,000 won to 41,930,000 won for the 2.5 gasoline turbo, 36,790,000 won to 43,660,000 won for the 2.2 diesel, and 41,610,000 won to 48,310,000 won for the 1.6 gasoline turbo hybrid 4WD, while the hybrid 2WD model starts from 37,860,000 won to 44,550,000 won after eco-friendly car tax benefits.
Kia is launching a marketing event themed ‘The Mainstream’, capturing the essence of the Sorento’s evolution alongside customer lifestyles to commemorate its release.
Kia will premiere advertisements showcasing the new Sorento and the diverse lifestyles of its customers across various media, including TV and social media, starting from the 18th.
From the 18th to the 27th of this month, a special exhibition will take place at the Shinsegae Department Store Central City Open Stage in Gangnam, Seoul. Visitors can experience the actual Sorento and participate in a prize event by scanning the QR codes attached to the vehicle. (For further details, refer to Kia’s social media pages like Meta and Instagram)
A Kia official stated, “The Sorento, which has led the standards in the domestic mid-size SUV market, has acquired a more sophisticated design and innovative product value. The Sorento reflects the flow of the times and will establish itself as a definitive mainstream model in the mid-size SUV sector.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr
