Hot Mods

Two customized 2021 Kia Sorentos were inspired by Yosemite, Zion National Parks

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Nov 30, 2020, 1:38 pm

The Sorento Yosemite Edition is a one-off Kia model designed to showcase the company's new Sorento accessories line.

Photo courtesy of Kia Motors

For the 2021 model year, Kia redesigned its Sorento SUV. That fresh face began arriving in showrooms this month, with more trail-ready capability than ever before found on the model. To celebrate that, Kia has worked with LGE-CTS Motorsports to create two custom Sorentos inspired by America's National Parks.

Each of the models is built on the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line model, an SUV that features 20-inch wheels, increased ride height (8.2 inches versus the Sorento's traditional 6.9-inch height), improved approach and departure angles (18.4 degrees and 23.3 degrees, respectively, versus 16.8 degrees and 22.1 degrees), all-wheel drive with Snow drive mode, and a more robust roof rack.

2021 Kia Sorento Yosemite Edition

2021 Kia Sorento Yosemite Edition

Photo courtesy of Kia Motors

The 2021 Sorento Yosemite Edition is named after California's Yosemite National Park, one of the country's first national parks. It's finished in a matte Pine Green paint job and has gloss and matte black exterior accents.

The 2021 Sorento Zion Edition gets its name from Zion National Park in southwest Utah. Like Yosemite, Zion is known for its long canyon full of trees with hills rising far above. The SUV wears a Desert Sand gloss paint color and has gloss black exterior accents. The Sorento Zion Edition has a full-length cargo top on its roof.

Both models have custom fender flares and ride on 32-inch all-terrain tires. Their body armor includes custom skid plates and brush guards finished in satin chrome.

Kia will be offering the Sorento with a range of port-installed and dealer-installed accessories including roof racks, tow hitches, and side steps.

2021 Kia Sorento Zion Edition

2021 Kia Sorento Zion Edition

Photo courtesy of Kia Motors

Traditionally, these types of models would have debuted at a major auto show, like the LA Auto Show, then been shown at smaller auto shows throughout the country over the next year. Instead of that, these models debuted during Kia dealer meetings and will make their way across the country making what Kia calls "special appearances".

These models are not for retail sale.

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New hybrid SUV

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid gets reasonable starting price

The 2023 Sportage Hybrid starts at around $28,000.

Kia

Kia's moving full steam ahead to an all-electric future, but the automaker's intermediate models should not be overlooked. Kia and Hyundai do hybrids as well as anyone, and the 2023 Sportage Hybrid is coming soon with new tech, updated styling, and a value-forward price. The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid goes on sale in spring.

2023 Kia Sportage HybridThe Sportage Hybrid delivers up to 39 mpg.Kia

Kia offers the Sportage hybrid in three trims: The $28,505 LX, $32,205 EX, and $37,405 SX-Prestige. All models come with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and a 44kW electric motor that combine to produce 226 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission with a rotary shifter is standard, and all-wheel drive become standard at the EX trim. The powertrain is efficient for an SUV, delivering up to 39 mpg when paired with front-wheel drive.

Kia says the Sportage Hybrid's interior features a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for almost 25 inches of display. Standard tech is generous, and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also plenty of safety tech. Kia adds standard gear that includes:

  • Driver attention warning system
  • LED headlights
  • Lane following assist and lane keep assist
  • Forward collision warnings with cyclist detection
  • Rear occupant alerts
  • Rearview monitor
  • Reverse parking distance warnings
Several optional features are available, including blind spot warnings, forward parking distance warnings, navigation-based cruise control, and more.

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New PHEV SUV

2023 Kia Sportage PHEV on the way with 32-mile electric range

The 2023 Sportage PHEV will land late this year.

Kia

The Sportage is Kia's longest running nameplate, and is entering its fifth generation with a complete redesign for 2023. With it, a new plug-in hybrid variant is on the way, and today Kia outlined specs for the new electrified SUV. The 2023 Sportage PHEV builds on the standard model with decent all-electric range and a frugal electrified powertrain.

2023 Kia Sportage PHEVThe aggressive X-Line package comes standard with all PHEV models. Kia

Two trims will be available: X-Line PHEV AWD and X-Line Prestige AWD. The Sportage PHEV will look and feel a lot like the standard Sportage, which is also all-new for 2023. The big difference here is that the PHEV comes standard with the X-Line package, which adds blacked-out exterior trim and black wheels. Kia overhauled the Sportage line in general with new boomerang LED running lights, a more prominent grille, and a new, more upscale interior.

Power for the Sportage PHEV comes from a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that makes 177 horsepower. It's paired with a 66.9-kW electric motor and a 13.8-kWh lithium polymer battery. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard, and Kia says the battery pack provides enough juice for a 32-mile all-electric range.

As they are for the standard Sportage, several advanced safety features come standard. They include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, speed limit assist, safe exit warnings, and much more. The top Prestige trim adds a navigation-based cruise control system that uses map data to adjust vehicle speed in response to changing road conditions.

2023 Kia Sportage PHEVThe Sportage PHEV shares many of its features with the standard Sportage. Kia

Kia hasn't elaborated on pricing yet, but we expect the Sportage PHEV to start in the mid-$30,000 range. It's scheduled for release in late 2022, and more information will trickle out close to that time.

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