Kia Wants To Let A Hit Keep Playing
Most cars run on a predictable schedule of updates and redesigns. The current-generation Kia Sorento—which reached the United States as a 2021 model and received a refresh for 2024—is nearing the redesign point of that schedule. But Korean Car Blog reports that Kia is holding off on introducing a new, fifth-generation Sorento because the current model is still selling well.
According to the website, Kia has decided to postpone the launch of the next-generation Sorento—codenamed MQ5—to late 2027. That’s when the new model is scheduled to debut in Kia’s home market of South Korea, but the U.S. and Europe reportedly won’t get it until early 2028. That means the MQ5 Sorento could be a 2028 or 2029 model in the U.S.
No Need To Rush
Kia
Korean Car Blog cites “record-breaking global sales,” with particularly strong demand for hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, as the main reason for keeping the current-generation MQ4 Sorento around longer. That will allow Kia to capitalize on existing demand, as production of the current model is already fully ramped up, while spending more time refining the next-generation MQ5, the website notes.
According to Kia’s first-half sales results, U.S. Sorento sales increased from 46,663 units in the first half of 2024 to 50,919 units in the first half of 2025. However, June sales remained more or less steady at 7,050 units, compared to 6,925 units in June 2024. The Sorento was Kia’s fourth-bestselling model in the first half of 2025, behind the Sportage, Telluride, and the combined K4 and Forte.
The Sorento’s most recent refresh, which included exterior styling changes and a panoramic dashboard display, also wasn’t that long ago. Gasoline models got it for 2024, but the hybrid and plug-in hybrid had to wait until the 2025 model year.
What To Expect From The Next Sorento
Kia
The next-generation Sorento will be worth the wait, Korean Car Blog reports. A styling rethink will bring it closer to the Kia EV9 electric SUV, while the powertrain options will reportedly include a plug-in hybrid with up to 62 miles of electric range. Like the current Sorento, a curved dashboard display incorporating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen will be available. But it will have a new operating system from Pleos, the software division of Kia’s corporate parent Hyundai.
