Kia Sorento 2020 launched with 227-hp hybrid variant

After teasing us with a preview of its looks and its technical details, Kia officially reveals all the things you need to know about the all-new, fourth-generation Kia Sorento 2020.

The 2020 Sorento is a significant model for Kia. It’s their first-ever flagship crossover to use electric power, and it’s also the first Kia vehicle to be built using the company’s new-generation midsize crossover platform. 

It’s also the “most high-tech” vehicle Kia has ever made as it features several cutting-edge safety and entertainment features, as well as a very premium interior.

Kia Sorento 2020: It’s bigger

On the outside, the new Sorento is noticeably larger than its previous version. It’s 10mm longer, 10mm wider, and its wheelbase has grown by 35mm.

There are also some subtle design choices that were applied to this new Kia to further emphasize its size, like positioning the A-Pillar further backward by 30mm, as well as a longer bonnet. 

Its road presence is significantly increased due to the size and style change

At the front, there is, of course, Kia’s signature “tiger nose” grille. This one on the Sorento, however, is a bit wider and is a departure, style-wise, from the ones on other Kia models.

Flanking the grille is a pair of new headlamps that feature the new “tiger eyeline” LED daytime running lights.

The new Sorento looks regal thanks to its longer overall length and wheelbase

The rear end of the new Sorento also features a pair of vertically oriented tail lamps, which is noticeably similar to the ones on the Kia Telluride.

Also present is an integrated spoiler that hides the rear wiper, and a very prominent “Sorento” logo on the tailgate.

The new Kia Sorento 2020 has seven different colors and three aluminum-alloy wheels of different sizes depending on the variant.

Note the hidden rear window wiper and the elegant looking rear lower bumper

>>> Related: Kia to debut new Sorento, another small crossover next month

Kia Sorento 2020: Let’s take a look inside

The Sorento’s interior gets a significant step up in terms of materials and design.

Dominating the dashboard is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which is paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen capable of handling navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Flanking the infotainment system are the aircon vents that look like they’ve been split in two, and down below is a circular gear shifter, several buttons, and dials for the cameras and the driving modes.

We really like the shapes of the air-con vents

Also new to the Sorento is the UVO Connect telematics system, which provides valuable information to a driver either through a smartphone or via the touchscreen. The said system includes info on traffic, parking, weather, and points of interest.

When it comes to interior space, the new Sorento is roomier. There’s also a lot more amenities on-board like several cupholders, a smartphone tray, and pull-up blinds.

Kia also claims that the new Sorento has a total of 821 Liters of cargo space with the third-row seats folded down. With all the seats folded down, it expands up to 2,011 Liters. And yes, the second-row seats are folded electronically via a button positioned in the trunk.

Looks like it can fit a two-person kayak. Nice...

The new Sorento's seats can be configured in a myriad of ways

>>> Related: Kia Sorento 2020 Philippines Preview: The most high-tech Kia vehicle

Kia Sorento 2020: Under the hood

There are two powertrain options for the 2020 Sorento. First is the 2.2-liter turbo diesel that can make up to 198 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque, coupled with a new eight-speed, wet-type dual-clutch transmission.

The other new powertrain is the “Smartstream” turbo hybrid, which consists of a 1.6-liter turbo GDi engine paired with a 44.2kW electric motor. Combined, the Smartstream turbo hybrid can produce a maximum of 228 horsepower and 350 Nm torque.

The said hybrid system also features Kia’s new Continuously Variable Valve Duration or CVVD technology, which can regulate valve opening time depending on driving conditions. This device can provide a boost in performance and enhance fuel efficiency.

Power for the Sorento Hybrid is distributed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Kia Sorento 2020: Safety features

As Kia’s most high-tech vehicle ever, the new Sorento also includes several advanced safety features on top of the already competent passive safety features.

There’s Kia’s latest forward collision-avoidance assist that detects obstacles on the road, a blind-spot view monitor, a surround-view monitor, intelligent speed limit assist, smart cruise control with stop and go, navigation based SCC, lane following assist, remote parking assist, collision-avoidance assist, highway driving assist, and driver attention warning.

Because of the aforementioned lane following assist or LFA, the Sorento is rated to have a level two autonomous driving technology. The LFA can adjust speed and maintain a preset distance from the car in front of you, and it can also detect road markings to keep the vehicle within its lane.

It looks like it's going to be a great crossover

Kia Sorento 2020: Launch

Kia Sorento 2020 was supposed to be launched at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show. With that event being canceled, the Korean company decided to hold a launch event via Facebook Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Philippine time, March 19, 2020.

For when you can buy the Sorento here in the Philippines, we think that it might be a ways off. For other markets, however, sales in Australia might commence in June and Europe sometime in September.

Do you think Kia Philippines should bring in the all-new Kia Sorento? If you do, then keep reading here on Philkotse.com for more updates on this exciting new model.