The Kia Sorento is a stylish seven-seater SUV with sophisticated looks that has earned the reputation for delivering true value for money. The SUV is extremely popular in Dubai and other lucrative markets; hence Kia is consistently striving to enhance the appeal of the SUV within the midsize segment.
To remain competitive, Kia is launching the upgraded version of the Kia Sorento. The 2019 Kia Sorento has been fine-tuned by Albert Biermann, a former BMW M executive, who is also credited with improving Kia Stinger’s driving dynamics.
The 2019 Kia Sorento will be launched at the LA International Auto Show and it will be available in five trim levels; namely L, LX, EX, SX, and SX-Limited. The L-trim’s starting price will be $25,990 while the high-end SX-Limited model will be priced at $45,000. The top-end model has got a hefty price tag due to the technical features and the designing tweaks that it has received.
Technology Features
The 2019 Kia Sorento is equipped with the advanced UVO infotainment system that provides various functionalities for navigation and entertainment. The system also features a Bluetooth-enabled voice recognition system for hands-free communication. Standard applications like Android Auto and AppleCar have been installed in the system.
Customers can choose between a 7-inch touchscreen display or an 8-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system. Customers also have the option of installing a high-end Harman Kardon surround-sound system in the vehicle.
Powertrain
The base model of the 2019 Kia Sorento system comes with a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine that delivers a power of 185 hp. The high-end SX-Limited gets a 3.3-litre V6 engine that delivers a power of 290 hp. The 2.4-litre engine is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission system while the V6 engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission system.
The city, highway and combined mpg figures for the V6 engine are 19/24/21 mpg respectively. Experts who have tested the 2019 Kia Sorento under different road conditions that the EX-trim level proves to be the most competitive because it is not only priced much lower than the costly SX-Limited model but also powered by the V6 engine.
Competitors
The Kia Sorento primarily competes with Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer. The growing competition in the midsize SUV segment has exposed the Kia Sorento to new competitors like Subaru Ascent and Volkswagen Atlas. Sorento’s upgradation is a clear indication that Kia aims to kill the competition for staying relevant. Will it prove to be a worthy contender that will help Kia to increase market share? Please share your viewpoints by posting comments in the box given below.
