Kia reveals the all-new 2015 Sorento for foreign markets, to come to US as 2016 model

Kia revealed a newly redesigned Sorento for the 2015 model year. Because foreign markets have a tendency to be revealed before the US, the new model is expected to come to North America as a 2016 model.

Not much else is known, as the pictures speak for themselves. The new 2015/2016 Kia Sorento gets a much cleaner design with less angles and smoother lines for a more upscale look.

Mechanical details and interior pictures also have been withheld, though there shouldn’t be much deviation from the same choices of a 2.4L base Theta II GDI gasoline four-banger and a 3.3L Lambda II gasoline V6, both from Hyundai. The base 2.4L makes 191hp and 181 lb-ft of torque while the V6 is good for 290hp and 252 lb-ft of torque.

Check out the press release after the jump.

Kia reveals first official photos of third generation Sorento

(SEOUL) August 11, 2014– First photos of the all-newKia Sorento released today confirm that the third generation of the popular SUV will feature a new look, with bold, swept-back styling and sophisticated surface detailing.

Longer, lower and wider, with an extended wheelbase, the new Sorento builds on the success of the outgoing model, delivering a premium look and feel, with more space and numerous innovative features.

With the brand’s hallmark design features and a more mature appearance, the new model is instantly recognizable as a Sorento. The new look is an evolution of the current vehicle, incorporating fresh visual elements inspired by the Kia Cross GT concept that debuted at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, carrying over the long bonnet and the distinctive treatment of the wide D-pillars from the previous generation.

The exterior styling of the new Sorento was led by Kia’s Namyang design studio in Korea, with significant levels of input from the brand’s Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California design studios.

The front of new Sorento features a larger, more upright ‘tiger-nose’ grille, with a distinctive three-dimensional diamond pattern, and long, swept-back headlamps. The lower roofline, higher beltline and more muscular, rounded shoulders at the rear give the car a dramatic appearance.

The sleeker look is enhanced by an increase in length (+95 mm to 4,780 mm)* and a 15 mm reduction in height (down to 1,685 mm), while the 80 mm longer wheelbase (now 2,780 mm) ensures more passenger space in all three seat rows.

Soon-Nam Lee, Vice President of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corp., said, “While we have retained the name based on the tremendous success of the outgoing model, the all-new Sorento has been completely redesigned and re-engineered, and promises to surprise customers with its thoroughly updated styling, a host of new convenience and safety technologies, as well as enhanced space, driving comfort and handling response.”

The all-new Kia Sorento will be showcased in Korea in late August and make its European premiere on Thursday 2 October at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.