The 2014 Sorento will arrive to market as no mere refresh or facelift, boasting instead an all-new chassis, a powerful new Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) V6 engine, a substantially restyled interior, a next-generation infotainment system and Kia's first-ever blind spot detection system. The CUV is expected to hit the market in the first quarter of this year. "The new Sorento improves heavily on its already successful crossover formula with significant enhancements across the board to chassis, powertrain, technology, amenities and design," commented Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications, KMA.

"Now more refined and impressive than ever, the Sorento advances people-moving and family transportation to new levels of sophistication." , he added.

The engine range will now include a new 3.3 liter GDI V6 with 290HP (213 kW) at 6,400RPM and 340Nm (252 lb-ft) at 5,200RPM. It's available optionally on the LX, while residing as standard equipment in the LX V6, EX V6, SX and SX Limited.

Power is routed to either the front wheels or, optionally, to all four using an enhanced Torque On Demand all-wheel drive system that seamlessly directs power to the tire with the most traction and now includes the benefit of Torque Vectoring Cornering Control (TVCC) that aids stability under certain driving conditions.

The smaller 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder replaces the previously standard 2.4-liter MPI 4-cylinder. The new 4-cylinder GDI has 191HP (140 kW) at 6,300RPM and 244Nm (181 lb-ft) at 4,250RPM.

Regardless of engine or driveline choice, the Sorento comes standard with a smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission.  Also standard in the new 2014 Sorento, Electric Motor Driven Power Steering replaces the hydraulic unit from the 2013 model for improved efficiency and is quicker with 2.95 turns of the steering wheel, lock-to-lock.  The new steering also features an available FlexSteer™ system that offers drivers a choice of three steering modes: Comfort, Normal and Sport.

2014 Kia Sorento SX Limited is destined for market within the second quarter of 2013.  With the success of the Optima SX Limited launched earlier this year, offering a similar appearance package on the Sorento was a logical follow-up.

Offered only in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl or Titanium Silver, the SX Limited is set apart visually from the Sorento SX by unique self-leveling Xenon HID head lights, exclusive 19-inch chrome wheels and sporty red painted brake calipers.  Exclusive SX-L badges adorn the exterior to complete the look.

Inside, unique and luxurious Nappa leather trimmed seats, a wood-trimmed, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats are all standard.  The exclusive soft-touch head liner and pillar accents make the Sorento SX Limited an inviting respite from the stress and strain of urban existence.

Kia Sorento (2013)
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Source: Kia