(December 10, 2014) LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The 2016 Kia Sorento was introduced here this week and Kia calls the new crossover "more capable than ever before with increased towing capacity, more room for passengers and their gear and a newly available turbocharged engine."

The 2016 Sorento owes many of its design inspirations to the highly regarded Cross GT concept that was unveiled in 2013.  Kia’s design and engineering teams focused on a stronger body structure, delivering premium-grade NVH reduction and providing the driving confidence to enable the active lifestyle CUV owners covet.  



Sorento buyers have their choice of three engines, including a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder, the silky smooth 3.3-liter V6 and an improved 2.4-liter normally aspirated inline-4. Standard premium features and luxurious amenities will be available across five trim levels – L, LX, EX, SX and SXL — when U.S. sales begin in January, 2015.

“The all-new Sorento has been passionately designed and obsessively crafted, delivering class-up premium materials and features in a more capable package,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, Product Planning, KMA.  “Increased use of advanced high-strength steel and additional structural reinforcement have resulted in improved torsional rigidity, which pays dividends behind the wheel in the form of better ride comfort and driving dynamics.  Couple that with significant reductions in NVH and it’s clear that the 2016 Sorento sets Kia’s new standard for the blending of refinement and capability.”

The 2.4-liter engine, with new Electronic Intake Continuously Variable Valve Timing (E-CVVT) delivers 185 horsepower.  On the other end of the engine range, the Sorento’s V6 gallops to the tune of 290 horses on the open road and with that power, the Sorento is now able to tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with AWD. 

In the middle, the new turbocharged I-4 provides a best-of-both-worlds scenario, making a stout 240 horsepower while also delivering commendable fuel efficiency.  All three engines channel energy through an electronically controlled six-speed automatic gearbox featuring Sportmatic shifting.

Sorento continues to offer an advanced AWD system that automatically routes power to the wheel with the most traction.  When conditions call for more sure-footed capability, the 4WD Lock Mode splits engine power evenly between the front and rear drive shafts. The system also provides drivers the added stability of Torque Vector Cornering Control (TVCC).  The TVCC system is activated when yaw and steering sensors detect unwanted understeer.

Inspired Exterior

Reimagining the Sorento was no easy task for Kia’s designers, as the previous generation was lauded for its exceptional design.  Not unlike the sophisticated Cross GT concept, which debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in 2013, the new Sorento finds some of its design inspiration in nature, as well as in the journey to nature’s outdoor adventures, revealing a vehicle of exceptional exterior presence that is larger than the outgoing model in nearly every way.

Overall, the all-new Sorento takes on a brawnier, more planted stance, communicating its edginess and rugged personality. The clean profile is easily recognizable as Sorento, enhanced with stronger shoulders and a long hood to deliver a more aerodynamic and sleek appearance.  Combining a significantly longer 109.4-inch wheelbase (up 3.1 inches) and overall width that’s broadened to 74.4 inches (increased by 0.2 inches), the Sorento’s packaging is more efficient and allows for greater interior room. 

The aggressively styled front end, with its narrower headlight design, is an evolution of the upper fascia seen on the Cross GT concept and bears a strong family resemblance to the all-new highly praised Sedona multipurpose vehicle.  Distinctive LED positioning lights set the Sorento apart from others in the midsize CUV segment.

With an overall interior theme focused on the stability of a horizontal plane, the design motif provides a strong foundation for the premium textures and high-quality materials found throughout the 2016 Sorento’s cabin.  The liberal application of soft-touch materials is particularly evident around the instrument panel, center console and door panels.

Overall cargo volume in the new Sorento increases from 72.5 to 74 cubic feet, while cargo volume behind the 3rd row increases from 9.1 to 11 cubic feet, providing increased space for essentials and active-lifestyle equipment without sacrificing rear-passenger room.  In addition, an easy-folding lever allows various seating arrangements, flexible luggage space and greater overall versatility. 

Users can fold the second-row seatback without opening the rear door by pulling the lever mounted on the luggage-area side trim. This feature allows quick and easy loading of large cargo.