Kia Sorento is a flagship model for the Korean company. All the novelties and technologies are being installed in this SUV. Well, we will see if the situation is going to change next season when the new, larger model will arrive in Kia’s lineup. However, changes on the 2020 Kia Sorento will keep it fresh and interesting. A mid-size vehicle suffered a redesign last year. The next edition is going to bring some changes in the engine room. There are still four-cylinder and V6 3.3l options, but the company is adding diesel and hybrid models as well.
The Korean carmaker will keep a five-seat layout for the base SUV. Optionally, buyers can pick a model with seven seats. Trim levels are adding more versatility. At high ends, the 2020 Kia Sorento will look like a premium SUV. There is a couple of engine options. Turbo-four powertrain is history now, and the offer will include a diesel unit. This kind of engine is already available in Europe, where you might find the vehicle called Sorento Prime. In China, they call it Sorento L. Hybrid might be a more likely novelty for 2020 season.
2020 Kia Sorento Refresh
After a redesign for the 2019 year model, the new SUV doesn’t need too many cosmetic touches. Well, the focus is on the new arrivals, Kia Telluride at first place. The SUV will be the new largest in the family. However, the 2020 Kia Sorento will also get some minor changes to update its appearance. At first place, the infotainment system is getting new features. Apple CarPlay is available, and Android Auto is there as well as standard equipment for base models. A seven-inch touchscreen display keeps the position at the center of the control panel. Quick charging ports are available in higher trim levels.
Safety
One of the major advantages of the 2020 Kia Sorento is safety. After last year’s upgrades, the SUV is safer and more reliable. Crash tests showed that the vehicle is very resistant to impacts. Lane keeps assist and monitoring system are now at a higher level. Upper trims will bring advanced safety systems. For example, emergency braking will add pedestrian detection. The new 2020 Sorento will have more such hi-tech features to offer to their buyers.
2020 Kia Sorento Engines – 2.0 Dropped, 3.3l Tops the Offer
A V6 engine for the 2020 Kia Sorento remains the most popular option. If you pair a 3.3l unit with all-wheel drive, the SUV will offer the best driving impression. A new eight-speed transmission is making the fuel economy better and acceleration smoother. Total outputs of the V6 mill are 290 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle will return 20/26 mpg in city/highway drive with FWD, and 1 mpg less for all-wheel drive. Sorento is the right choice if you are looking for a mid-size SUV with excellent towing capacity. Rated at 5,000 pounds, you will hardly find any other model in the same class with better results. Buyers who need more towing capacity opt for full-size SUVs.
Meanwhile, the base Sorento is coming with a 2.4-liter engine and 185 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic gearbox routes the power to front wheels by default or all-wheels on demand. Compared to a V6, this unit creates less twisting power as well (180 lb-ft), so its towing capacity is only 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy raises up to 30 mpg (FWD, highway). AWD models are slightly more fuel efficient compared to V6. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine remains out of duty for next season as well. Fans of this drivetrain already miss its 240 ponies and excellent fuel economy.
2020 Kia Sorento Diesel
As we mentioned it earlier, buyers in the US could see the 2020 Kia Sorento diesel for the first time. This version of the SUV is already available in Australia and Russia. With 200 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, the mill consumes 30 mpg combined. Furthermore, the towing capacity of a 2.2-liter engine is around 4,500 pounds. A six-speed transmission is a power router. Sorento uses another petrol engine overseas. It is a 3.5-liter V6 which is not heading to the US.
Hybrid
Kia plans to build few hybrids for the next season. Among others, there are 2020 Kia Sorento and Sedona minivan. These two share the same engine – a 3.3l V6. This one is going to be electrified to make both vehicle more competitive with likes of Toyota Highlander in three-row mid-size SUV class, and Chrysler Pacifica in the minivan segment.
A V6 engine will reach 300 hp, and what is more important, better fuel economy numbers. With the hybrid system, it will be able to return more miles for city drive. Do not be surprised if the 2020 Kia Sorento Hybrid reaches 28/29 mpg combined.
2020 Kia Sorento Prices
The new 2020 Kia Sorento will keep the base price of around $27,000. Mid-range offer is between $30,000 and $40,000 and LX and EX trim levels with V6 engines belong there. Above $40,000 is a high-end model SX, while the top of the range is SXL with a price tag of $46,000. In other regions, fully-loaded Sorento is GT Line. Its price is very similar to the most expensive US model.
