Kia has prepared a lot of novelties for its most popular crossover. Sorento is a representative in the mid-size class. Buyers love this segment because of the practicality and fuel economy, while these vehicles are still able to perform well. Also, safety is at a very high level. So, it is clear why 2019 Kia Sorento caused a lot of attention at LA car show.
With the latest updates, we are expecting it to be one of the best of the 2019 new midsized SUVs.
The SUV from Kia debuted as the 2003 year model, with the body on frame styling. In recent 15 years, through three generations, Sorento evolved to a stylish crossover. Now, with so many fans, expectations are very high. The Korean manufacturer decided to take a big stage during LA auto show and present the new model of 2019 Sorento.
Changes on this vehicle are numerous. Wherever we look, we will find updates and modifications compared to its predecessor. Starting from outside, we could be disappointed with the number of updates. But, inside, there are some significant upgrades on infotainment and safety systems. Finally, the most notable changes are coming under the hood. One drivetrain is out for 2019 season, while replacement could come with a diesel engine. All in all, a crossover worth of waiting and exploring.
2019 Kia Sorento New Powertrains
Fans were surprised with the news that Kia is dropping the 2.0-l turbo-four drivetrain from the lineup for 2019 Sorento. Nevertheless, the Korean company is preparing a replacement. It will be a diesel unit. The manufacturer bosses confirmed this, but other info is not available yet. We could guess what could be under the hood of a diesel version, but it is still early to do that. At this point, we know that the drivetrain is in development.
Engine lineup for 2019 Sorento
So, the 2019 Kia Sorento will come now with the same standard unit as before. That means a 2.4-l four-cylinder drivetrain is taking the position under the bonnet for entry-level crossover. This naturally-aspirated engine is capable to deliver 185 hp. Another option is a 3.3-l V-6, that is more potent than I-4 version. With it, new Kia Sorento can produce 290 horses.
Two drivetrains will use different transmissions. A V-6 unit is sending power through an 8-speed gearbox. For inline-four powertrain buyers will get a 6-pace automatic transmission. Kia installed a Smart driving mode system for both boxes, with Sport and Eco modes. The system switch modes automatically. Another choice for buyers comes with an AWD model as optional drive method.
Could we see a 2019 Kia Sorento as a hybrid?
This is one of the major questions about 2019 Kia Sorento. The company already has a representative in the plug-in crossover segment. It is Kia Niro. However, Sorento is bigger and more powerful, so it is not easy to use the same hybrid system on both vehicles. Plans are not considering bigger brother as a plug-in model, so it is unlikely to see Kia Sorento getting help from electric batteries in near future.
2019 Kia Sorento Redesign and Changes
We use a word redesign when there are big changes on the upcoming model. For 2019 Kia Sorento we must think twice before we do it. At the first sight, the crossover is the same as before. Size of the vehicle is not changed since the SUV is 188 inches long and 74.5 inches wide. Wheelbase length is 110 inches. Exterior changes are minor. Only true fans will find differences, while for other enthusiasts, matching details between 2019 Sorento and its predecessor will be a puzzle.
Exterior updates
The most notable updates outside the crossover will come with new colors. Current Sorento has six paint jobs in the palette. Model for 2019 could add two or three more. Also, owners of previous editions just love 5×114.3 bolt pattern of its wheels. So, designers decided not to change anything there. Well, look for the rims come redesigned, but bolt pattern remains the same.
Interior and Safety
In the cabin of the new Kia Sorento for 2019 fans will find more updates. From what we saw, there is a new steering wheel to complete the revisit of a dashboard. Improvements of graphics will modernize instrument panel. In 2019 Sorento, we will find Android Auto and Apple CarPlay even in base models. Third-row bench is also standard for L trim, as well as lane departure assists feature.
Trim Levels
The 2019 Kia Sorento will definitely keep the trim level lineup from its predecessor. That means we will find entry-level models in L version. Upper trim is LX, available for both inline-four and V-6 drivetrains. It adds more equipment to existing features from L level. Nevertheless, it goes even further with upper trims. If we compare EX vs LX, we will find larger 18-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, features list is long, with the addition of leather upholstery, LED lighting, and power-folding mirrors. However, the previous edition of LX trim had a turbocharged engine, which is not in the lineup for 2019 season.
2019 Kia Sorento Expectations and Competition
The rise of the Sorento SUV is almost unbelievable. The Korean carmaker managed to compete with the well-known companies, and even to take away some buyers. With a lot of innovations, Kia Sorento established itself as a reliable, modern, and capable crossover. Appetite is now bigger, as well as the expectations and rivals respect. With upgrades of 2019 Kia Sorento, we can expect the response from other companies. However, we already have reports about new mid-size SUVs coming in 2019, and one of them is VW Atlas. This is not the only competitor since Sorento has already drawn a lot of attention.
Release Date and Price
We saw a debut of the 2019 Kia Sorento. Now, we can expect the launching date every day. However, diesel model is making confuses all experts. They don’t know if Kia is going to wait for it to launch the entire lineup, or this version could be released later. All in all, all should be over in first half of 2018.
Company bosses remain quiet on the pricing for new Kia Sorento. We doubt that base model could cost significantly higher than the current model priced from $26,000. Nevertheless, price tags of upper trims will get revisits. Top of the lineup SX model will definitely go over $40,000. Prediction about diesel model price is still unavailable since there is no clue what kind of drivetrain is coming.
