IAB Rendering - Next gen 2016 Kia Sorento isn't shadowing cousin Santa Fe

The vehicle is based either on the Santa Fe or the Sedona platform.

The 2016 Kia Sorento is expected to premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November before it goes on sale next year. Here is a rendering of the third generation model by our in-house designer Shoeb Kalania, based on the official teaser sketch.

The Kia Sorento which until now has been Kia's version of the Hyundai Santa Fe, features a more upright front fascia with sleek headlamps that are peeled back all the way to the fenders in the 2016 model. The trademark 'tiger shark' grille has grown in size. The new front bumper houses a wider secondary airdam and triangular foglamp enclosures that also host LED daytime running light elements.

In profile, the crossover would have a longer silhouette. The waistline is higher and the greenhouse has been stretched at the rear, resulting in a thinner C-pillar. The new design has less visual bulk than the outgoing model. The rear fascia would also undergo a comprehensive redesign with possible twin exhausts, revised bumper and combination lights. The interior will also be revamped with a wrap-around design featuring soft-touch plastics.

Reports suggest that the higher variants of the 2016 Sorento would borrow the 3.3-litre GDI petrol motor from the Sedona while the lower variants could be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor. The SUV will offer an AWD system as an optional feature.

Competitors: Chevrolet Equinox, Honda Pilot, Toyota RAV4, Ford Edge

Launch Date: Early 2015