All-new 2021 Kia Sorento gets bold looks, more tech and a hybrid variant too

Kia revealed the new Sorento in February this year and then the South Korean carmaker released a few technical details about its completely overhauled SUV. But now, it has given us all of the official information - and numbers - and we must say, it looks good...

The big news is that the new Sorento is the first generation of the model to get an electrified powertrain...

It is called Smartstream and it combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection engine with a 1.49-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and a 44.2-kW electric motor...

Total output stands at 227 horsepower and 350Nm of torque.

Power is channeled to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission and a transmission-mounted electrical device, allowing “the full power of the engine and motor to be transferred in parallel with minimal loss of energy.”

Some markets will also get a beefier 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with 277 horses and 421Nm mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

In terms of safety and assist systems, it'll be offered with a wide range of technologies such as forward collision and avoidance assist, blind-spot view monitor, surround view monitor, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and-go-function, and many more will be available.

The looks of the Sorento have evolved; its nose is closer to the Seltos, with a creased bonnet, horizontal grille, stretched LED headlights, and angular front bumper.

Around back, it borrows from the bigger Telluride, including vertical taillights, wide badge, and lower bumper with dual exhaust port outlines.

While an 8.0in touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, a 10.3in touchscreen is available, along with a 12.3in digital instrument cluster on certain trims.

A head-up display, 12-speaker Bose sound system, and an ambient sound maker as well as mood lighting complete the feature options for the 2021 Sorento.

The family hauler is loaded with active safety features, ranging from automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection to adaptive cruise control. Kia will specify standard equipment and pricing when the Sorento goes on sale late this year.

The interior of the fourth-generation model represents a step-change in quality and design for Kia cabins.

Material quality is enhanced, with a cabin that blends metallic trim, leather upholstery, and embossed satin-effect surfaces.

It offers generous space for up to seven passengers as well as one of the largest luggage capacities in its class - up to 821 litres (for seven-seat models) or 910 litres (for five-seat models), depending on specification.

A huge panoramic roof bathes the cabin with natural light to enhance the feeling of space.