Kia Sorento (2014): Kia goes super-sized with new SUV

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

11 August 2014 16:54

The new 2014 Kia Sorento has been unveiled ahead of its debuts in Korea and Paris this autumn. It’s the third-generation of Sorento, and doesn’t deviate far from the format of the previous two crossovers.

The new Kia Sorento is quite distinct from the Sportage, with a more American/Asian design vibe; it was designed in the Namyang studio in Korea.

This is a full-sized crossover, not a five-seater aimed at Europe and, seen from behind, it ain’t going to win any rear-of-the-year awards. It’s all about packaging over posing.

Little has been confirmed about the new Sorento yet, but we do know this car is longer (+95mm), lower (-15mm) and wider than today’s model. The car had previously been teased in these early design sketches.

There’s a 80mm longer wheelbase, too, all the better for making more space for bags and bodies inside.

Kia claims the new Sorento is inspired by the design template set by the Kia Cross GT concept from the 2013 Chicago motor show. Prices are expected to start at around £25,000 for an entry-level model.

You bet. As you can tell from these first official pictures, there are three rows of seats in the new Sorento. It is likely that only diesel engines will be offered; today’s model offers just a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, developing 194bhp and 311lb ft of torque.

Soon-Nam Lee, Kia’s vice president of marketing, said: ‘While we have retained the name based on the tremendous success of the current model, the all-new Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered, and promises to surprise customers with its thoroughly updated styling, a host of new convenience and safety technologies, as well as enhanced space, driving comfort and handling response.’

More details to follow nearer the European debut in Paris on 2 October 2014.

By Tim Pollard