Although there’s no official date for its U.S. release, the 2021 Kia Sorento made a splash in the European market this March. Following up on the release of the Kia Telluride, the 2021 Sorento features some of the Telluride’s build design while building a whole new name for itself. At a predicted $28,000 or so, the 2021 Kia Sorento boasts an entirely new redesign, both inside and out.

MotorTrend recently listed the 2021 Kia Sorento along with the rest of the next year’s upcoming SUVs. On the positive side, MotorTrend expects an increase in ride quality with the Sorento’s new base. While we’ll have to wait for the official release of the vehicle in America, we can take cues from the European rollout to get a better idea of what to expect.

How did the 2020 Kia Sorento fare?

The Kia Sorento isn’t all-new for 2021 – Kia has been producing this SUV for 20 years. In 2020, the Sorento was largely outshined by its cousin the Kia Telluride. With stellar reviews and even more awards, the all-new Telluride embraced its status as the new car on the block.

But following up an excellent freshman year will be a difficult effort with the Sorento poised to overtake. The 2020 Kia Sorento checks all the boxes necessary for a great 2021 model. It’s reasonably priced, has safety down pat, and comes with a full list of features.

Changes coming to the 2021 Kia Sorento

For the 2021 model, Kia plans to roll out an entirely new suspension system that minimizes noise and vibrations felt within the cabin, providing the smoothest ride possible. The 2021 Kia Sorento will also offer an AWD option. A bigger cabin, upgraded infotainment system, and USB chargers accessible from every seat will make the Sorento a hit with the entire family.

When can we expect the 2021 model?

Unfortunately, the United States will not be immediately behind the rollout of the 2021 Kia Sorento in Europe. Partially due to logistics and partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be months before we see the 2021 model stateside. Kia will likely push everything possible to get the 2021 model year available for sale before the year 2021 actually starts, but with the world still reeling, it’s going to be tough.

Although it’s likely still months away, the debut of the 2021 Kia Sorento will be exciting. It’s a new entry in the SUV class with an impressive redesign over last year’s model. Everything Kia learned from the success of the Telluride will be implemented in the 2021 Sorento, and it will continue to excel in the departments that Kia always has.

It’s difficult to accurately predict too much at this point, but Kia will be doing their best to keep appetites whetted as Kia fans wait for the 2021 model to make landfall.

Potential alternatives?

In addition to the new Sorento model, Kia fans are waiting on the 2021 Kia Seltos. Unfortunately, early reviews of the Seltos have been mediocre at best, largely criticizing the vehicle for not offering the luxury it claims to. With the Seltos likely out of the picture, the door opens for the Telluride to follow up on its incredible 2020 with another strong year.

However, any major changes to the 2020 World Car of the Year are unlikely. If the 2020 Kia Telluride checks all the boxes for you, it might be worth picking up in its current model year (hopefully at a slightly cheaper price). But if you’re set on the 2021 Kia Sorento, hang on and don’t compromise. It’s coming.