Photo: Kia
The South Korean mid-size SUV will make its North American debut this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. At first glance, only a set of chintzy chrome wheels differentiate it from the Euro-spec Sorento.
But dig a little deeper and you’ll find out there’s more to it than just the bling. On the visual front, the polished chrome of the wheels is furthered by chrome side mirror caps. The 2016 Kia Sorento also gets ice cube fog lights a la the Optima and Cee’d GT instead of rectangular units as we’ve seen on the European version of the car at the Paris Motor Show.
Compared to the 2015 Sorento, the third generation makes some changes in terms of trim level lineup. These are the adoption of a new entry-level spec called the L, while the range-topping Limited of today will be called the SXL for the 2016 model year. Of course, seating for seven will come as standard.
As for turbo diesels, they won’t find their way over the Atlantic. That’s why the second powerplant option will most likely come in the form of a 3.3-liter GDI V6 with at least 290 hp and 252 lb-ft (341 Nm).
Expect a single transmission option - the six-speed automatic of yesteryear, albeit with a little bit of fine tuning. Lastly, even the entry-level 2016 Kia Sorento L will boast with Euro-penned cabin design, better materials and fit & finish, as well as standard features as air conditioning, a high-resolution UVO touchscreen infotainment system, rearview paking camera and Bluetooth phone connectivity.
Compared to the 2015 Sorento, the third generation makes some changes in terms of trim level lineup. These are the adoption of a new entry-level spec called the L, while the range-topping Limited of today will be called the SXL for the 2016 model year. Of course, seating for seven will come as standard.
Kia “forgot” to share other details on the Sorento, but there’s nothing surprising about the 2016 model
Powertrain options will surely start with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, similar to the one of the European Sorento, but compared to that one’s stats, this mill will likely churn out the same 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) as the outgoing US-spec four-cylinder gasoline-fed powerplant.As for turbo diesels, they won’t find their way over the Atlantic. That’s why the second powerplant option will most likely come in the form of a 3.3-liter GDI V6 with at least 290 hp and 252 lb-ft (341 Nm).
Expect a single transmission option - the six-speed automatic of yesteryear, albeit with a little bit of fine tuning. Lastly, even the entry-level 2016 Kia Sorento L will boast with Euro-penned cabin design, better materials and fit & finish, as well as standard features as air conditioning, a high-resolution UVO touchscreen infotainment system, rearview paking camera and Bluetooth phone connectivity.
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