The Sorento is a really interesting car which has been released in 2014. Why? Well, even though it hit the market after Kia’s change of corporate look, it still looks like none of their current models. This is both good and bad. The car looks amazing and doesn’t really have much in common with any other car out there. However, it is different and it hurts Kia’s image as it doesn’t look like a Kia. In order to solve this and also add a few new features to the car, they are already working on an update. This will be revealed with the upcoming 2018 Kia Sorento.
RELEASE DATE AND PRICE
A precise date when the car will be showcased hasn’t been offered so far. However, considering the previous model it is safe to assume that the new one will also be showcased in August next year. Until then the current one will have to do. While many people suggested that the 2018 model would, in fact, be an entirely new car, this is highly unlikely. We do expect it to get major changes to its looks, a better interior and a revision of its engines. Besides all of these, the car should remain pretty similar to the ongoing model. Its price should also be kept around $26,000. This is by far one of the best values for money on the market today and that will especially show on the next model.
2018 Kia Sorento CHANGES: EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR
How? Well, because the upcoming 2018 Kia Sorento will receive the needed design change, it should have no problem becoming the best selling crossover in its class. People already got past that phase when they thought that cars manufactured by Kia are not good. Instead, Kia now offers some of the best cars in their class for a lot less than their competitors. The new Sorento should make no exception. The largest change for the new one will definitely be its design. In the front, the car is expected to share a lot more in common with the new Optima. The grille will change, it will definitely receive a slimmer set of headlights and it should also get a more expressive general design. At the back, the changes will be kept to a minimal for sure. New colors, wheels, and trim levels should be a given at this point.
Another part of the car which will not change that much will be the interior, more precisely the design of the dashboard and the layout of the seats. Here don’t expect anything more than just some updated materials, likely a new infotainment system and that should be pretty much it.
ENGINE
Also, the updates will move under the hood as well. Here, the upcoming 2018 Kia Sorento should still get three engines. However, this time around the old 2.4 liters naturally aspirated mill might be gone. In its place the new Sorento could make use of Kia’s 1.6 liters turbocharged inline 4 unit. This is a highly capable direct injected engine which could easily make well over 190 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. The mid-range version will definitely continue to use the same 2 liters turbocharged inline 4. With 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque available on a really wide rev range, this should be perfect for most and quite efficient if driven carefully. Its top end model will definitely get the 3.3 liters naturally aspirated V6. Currently, this only makes 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. Despite having less torque at a much higher rpm, the V6 is one of the smoothest offerings in its class. With it, the Sorento truly feels like a premium crossover. Because of that we really think that the 2018 model will make use of the same engine or an improved version of it.
2018 Kia Sorento
Summary
Its top end model will definitely get the 3.3 liters naturally aspirated V6. Currently, this only makes 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. Despite having less torque at a much higher rpm, the V6 is one of the smoothest offerings in its class. With it, the Sorento truly feels like a premium crossover. Because of that we really think that the 2018 model will make use of the same engine or an improved version of it.
Price: $26,000
