Kia Sorento 2020 launched with 227-hp hybrid variant

Updated Nov 27, 2020 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Let’s check out the fourth-generation Kia Sorento – the most high-tech Kia model to date.

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.

2021 Kia Sorento - First Look at Exterior, Interior and Engines

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. 

A picture of the 2020 Kia Sorento in a hyper-modern looking facility

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.

A picture of the 2020 Kia Sorento from the side

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.

A picture of the 2020 Kia Sorento from the rear

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.

A picture of the 2020 Kia Sorento's dashboard, steeringwheel and center console

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.

A picture of the 2020 Kia Sorento's interior with all seats folded down

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

A picture of the 2020 Kia Sorento's folded middle row with a 50:50 split third row

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.

A picture of the 2020 Kia Sorento with its trunk open

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.

Know more about Kia Sorento 2024

Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento 2024 is the midsize crossover entry of the Korean automaker. Currently, Kia Philippines is offering the fourth-generation version of the nameplate which was introduced in 2020.  It is available in two variants with a price that ranges from Php 2,448,000 for the base EX to Php 2,638,000 for the flagship SX. Under the hood, this vehicle comes standard with a 2.2-liter Smartstream inline-4 diesel engine that is capable of making 199 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque. Only an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is used to send power to the front wheels.

Dimensions-wise, the Sorento has a length of 4,810 mm, a width of 1,900 mm, and a height of 1,700 mm. Additionally, it has a wheelbase and ground clearance rated at 2,815 mm and 176 mm, respectively. Locally, this Korean midsize crossover competes against the likes of the Ford Explorer, Subaru Evoltis, and Mazda CX-9.

Is the KIA SORENTO as impressive as it looks? | Philkotse Reviews

>>> New and used Kia Sorento 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Kia Sorento Launch

The Kia Sorento Philippines was initially introduced as a compact SUV in 2002. In 2009, it was marketed as a midsize crossover as demand for such vehicles rose internationally. The third generation of the Kia Sorento was then introduced in 2014 but was offered in the local market a year later.

In 2021, Kia Philippines then brought in the fourth-generation Sorento, particularly the EX trim. The top-spec SX trim will then follow in January 2022. Both of the said variants use a 4x2 drivetrain.

Kia Sorento 2024 Exterior

The Kia Sorento 2024 measures 4,810mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,695mm tall. Though it is now in its fourth generation, it still displays the tiger-nose grille with polished chrome details, a trademark of Kia Motors. A pair of LED headlights with LED daytime running daylights, and LED front fog lamps.

Kia Sorento exterior

The rear of the Sorento boasts chrome trimmings, a rear spoiler, turn signal indicators, high mount stop lamp, and an LED taillight cluster for illumination. To wrap up its look, it then rides on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels and possesses the right amount of lines and curves to match its sophisticated aura.

Kia Sorento side end

Kia Sorento 2024 Interior

Its spacious cabin can comfortably accommodate seven fully-grown passengers. Both trims get leather upholstery, but the top-spec SX comes with electronically adjustable front seats with cooling. Passengers in the middle and rear can relax more as their area is equipped with air-conditioning vents. The rear has two seats that can be folded to expand its cargo capacity.

Kia Sorento seats

Kia Sorento 2024 Colors

The 2024 Sorento for the Philippine market can come in three colors. These colors for the all-new Sorento include white (Snow White Pearl), silver (Silky Silver), and black (Aurora Black Pearl).

Technology & Safety Features

To keep its occupants entertained, the Kia Sorento 2024 Philippines is equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen capable of connecting through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said headunit is then paired with a six-piece speaker system. Moreover, the top-spec SX trim also gets a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, and a wireless phone charger.

Kia Sorento steering wheel

In terms of safety, the standard in all Sorento variants is six airbags. It is also kitted out with ISOFIX tethers for child seats, hill start assist, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, and vehicle stability management.

Meanwhile, the top-spec SX gets several driver assist features. These include a blind-spot monitor, a 360-degree view camera, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, as well as following assist.

Kia Sorento Platform & Chassis

The Sorento has a unibody chassis construction that provides a smoother ride compared with vehicles with a body-on-frame chassis. Also, it is less likely to roll over as it has a low center of gravity.

The suspension on its front is Macpherson Strut paired with a stabilizer. At the rear, the Sorento uses a multi-link system that enhances the vehicle’s overall stability. Of note, the Sorento uses the Hyundai-Kia N platform which it shares with the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Hyundai Tucson, among others.

Engine & Drivetrain

Under the hood of the all-new 2024 Kia Sorento is a 2.2-liter VGT CRDi SmartStream D engine. At maximum, it can produce up to 202 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque. For both the EX and SX variants, power is then sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Kia Sorento engine

Despite being one of the latest to receive a major update, the Kia Sorento still manages to keep a relatively affordable price tag as compared to rivals such as the Mazda CX-9 and Ford Explorer.

Kia Sorento 2024 Price List

 Variants Price
Kia Sorento 2.2 EX AT 4x2 ₱2,448,000
Kia Sorento 2.2 EX AT 4x2 (Pearl) ₱2,458,000
Kia Sorento 2.2 SX AT 4x2 ₱2,638,000
Kia Sorento 2.2 SX AT 4x2 (Pearl) ₱2,648,000

Kia Sorento Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Premium-looking crossover
  • Relatively affordable as compared to rivals
  • Decent set of safety bits

Cons

  • It is available in one powertrain only
  • Only one paint comes with no extra charges
  • No X-Line AWD

Kia Sorento FAQs

1. How much is a 2024 Kia Sorento?

The price of the new KIA Sorento in the Philippines ranges from 2,488,000 Php for the entry-level model to 2,638,000 Php for the top-of-the-line model.

2. Does the 2024 Sorento have a remote start?

Yes, the advance of the Remote Start offers the convenience of enabling you to remotely start Kia Sorento up to 500 feet away.

3. How many seats does the Kia Sorento offer?

The Kia Sorento offers 7 seats that can accommodate 7 fully grown passengers comfortably.

4. What are the colors available in Sorento Philippines?

Kia Sorento 2024 colors are available in 3 colors in the following shades: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver and Aurora Black Pearl.

5. What is the ground clearance of Kia Sorento?

The ground clearance of the Kia Sorento is 176 mm.

 

₱ 2,448,000 - ₱ 2,648,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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