Built on Kia’s new midsize SUV platform, the all-new 2021 Sorento gets a bolder exterior and inside more space, says the Korean car brand.

The new model’s exterior design – with sharper lines, bold detailing, and elongated, swept-back proportions – gives it a much more confident and dynamic presence, says Kia.  

Inside, the new cabin introduces more premium-quality materials, cutting-edge infotainment technologies, while boasting increased passenger space, greater levels of comfort and a more flexible seating and stowage arrangement than ever before

The interior of the fourth-generation Sorento represents a step-change in design for Kia passenger cabins.

“The design language we see in the new Sorento follows on from the refined-bold approach that Kia has taken in recent times, starting with the Seltos small SUV, and in the larger vehicle it looks particularly stunning,” says Todd McDonald, Managing Director of Kia Motors New Zealand. 

“The same cutting-edge refinement and technology flows into the interior of the new Sorento and I am sure buyers will be very impressed with the execution.”

The new Sorento provides superior space for people and cargo through more intelligent packaging. The result is one of the most versatile and spacious cars in its class, due to a generous increase in vehicle length and width.

For passengers, the new platform maximises space in all three rows, offering more head-, leg- and shoulder-room. The new platform has created a significant amount of extra legroom for first- and second-row occupants, as well as more headroom for third-row passengers.

In addition to offering generous space for up to seven passengers, new Sorento has one of the largest luggage capacities in its class. With all seven seats in place, boot space is increased by 32 per cent compared to its predecessor. Controls in the side wall of the luggage area allow the second-row seat backs to be folded at the touch of a button.

The next-generation cabin design is based around twin digital displays in the dashboard. The 12.3in digital driver instrument cluster is twinned with a 10.25in touchscreen infotainment and navigation system with split screen function at the centre of the dashboard on most models. 

The cabin subtly integrates a range of other technologies, including a Mood Lighting system found on top models. This emits soft ambient downlighting from beneath the dashboard and door trim, creating a lounge-like feeling and greater sense of space and security. The system allows the interior to be illuminated in one of seven pre-set ‘core’ colours selected specifically by Kia interior designs, or from a full gamut of 64 colours.

Top Sorento models also have a wireless smartphone charger that sits at the base of the centre console and they are equipped with a powerful BOSE® 12-speaker surround-sound system that provides a more immersive in-car audio experience.

The infotainment system also allows Bluetooth smartphone pairing for two phones concurrently, enabling separate phones to be used for phone calls and music.

Usefully, all seven occupants have the ability to keep their mobile devices charges thanks to charging points in the second and third rows, as well as in the front.

The Sorento is expected to be launched in New Zealand soon.