Kia Philippines is coming off a big 2024. The Korean carmaker, along with its distribution partner ACMobility, broke its own sales record with a total of 6,692 units, while further boosting its EV lineup.
It also quietly capped 2024 with the release of the new Kia Carnival Hybrid. This marks the first hybrid local offering from Kia, and perhaps sets the stage for future hybrid or EV releases.
This brings us to January 2025, and it looks like Kia is done with subdued announcements. If you check out the Kia Philippines Facebook page, there are a couple of teasers that hint towards a brand-new SUV release. Our guess? The new Kia Sorento.
It has been almost three years since we last heard about the Sorento. The most recent model impressed us back in 2022, both in its design and overall performance. It borrowed some styling cues from Kia’s EV lineup, but was powered by a decent 2.2-liter turbodiesel powertrain.
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Judging from the teaser, this new SUV features Kia’s updated design language, fronted by that snarling, chain-like grille we’ve seen on the newest Carnival. Kia’s new linear headlights have also been displayed on these teasers, further hinting at the new Sorento.
If the new Sorento is indeed coming to the Philippines, we’re hoping ACMobility will bring in the entire lot. The turbodiesel Sorento gave us pretty good performance, but in foreign markets, the hybrid powertrain has been praised for its efficiency and power.
We’re also hoping that this new Sorento will finally bring in an AWD configuration. The front-wheel-drive variants are okay, but having the option of an all-wheel drivetrain would inspire drivers to venture onto any terrain and tackle any driving condition.
However, we won’t really know until Kia pulls off the covers of whatever new SUV makes it on stage on launch day. In the meantime, check out the teasers for yourselves, and tell us what you think.
