Kia is strategically delaying the introduction of its next-generation Sorento, a mid-size SUV, opting instead to extend the lifecycle of the immensely popular current iteration. This decision stems from the unexpected and sustained strong sales performance of the existing model, particularly its hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, which have garnered significant global demand. By postponing the redesigned Sorento's debut, the manufacturer aims to fully leverage the ongoing success of the current vehicle, whose production is already operating at peak efficiency. This provides an opportune window to further refine the forthcoming fifth-generation model, ensuring it meets evolving market expectations and technological advancements.

The current Kia Sorento, known internally as the MQ4, debuted in the United States as a 2021 model and received a refreshing update for the 2024 model year. Despite its relative longevity in the market, the vehicle continues to defy typical sales cycles, prompting Kia to reassess its launch timeline for the subsequent generation, codenamed MQ5. Reports indicate that the new model, initially anticipated sooner, will now arrive in South Korea by late 2027, with North American and European markets following in early 2028. This adjustment suggests the next Sorento could be released as a 2028 or even 2029 model year in the U.S., a notable deviation from conventional automotive redesign schedules.

The rationale behind this postponement is clear: Kia's current Sorento sales are exceptionally robust. For instance, in the first half of 2025, U.S. Sorento sales saw an increase from 46,663 units in the corresponding period of 2024 to 50,919 units. While June sales remained stable year-over-year, the overall trend underscores the model's enduring appeal. The Sorento stood as Kia's fourth best-selling vehicle in the first half of the year, behind popular models like the Sportage, Telluride, and the combined K4 and Forte. This sustained market performance minimizes the urgency for a complete overhaul, allowing the company to avoid prematurely replacing a highly successful product. The recent refresh, which updated both exterior aesthetics and integrated a modern panoramic dashboard display—rolled out for gasoline models in 2024 and for hybrid/plug-in hybrid variants in 2025—has also contributed to the vehicle's continued competitiveness.

When the next-generation Sorento eventually makes its appearance, it is poised to introduce significant advancements. Anticipated changes include a design philosophy that aligns more closely with Kia's electric SUV, the EV9, signaling a bold new aesthetic direction. Furthermore, the powertrain options are expected to feature an enhanced plug-in hybrid variant, potentially offering an impressive electric range of up to 62 miles. Inside, while the popular curved dashboard display, integrating 12.3-inch digital instruments and infotainment screens, will likely remain, it is slated to run on a new operating system developed by Pleos, the software division of Kia's parent company, Hyundai. These planned innovations indicate that despite the delay, the upcoming Sorento aims to be a technologically advanced and visually striking addition to Kia's lineup.

The decision to hold off on the launch of the entirely new Sorento generation is a testament to the current model's unexpected and sustained market strength. This strategic pause allows Kia to maximize revenue from an already successful product while simultaneously dedicating additional time to perfecting the next iteration. It underscores a pragmatic approach in the competitive automotive landscape, prioritizing profitability and product refinement over adherence to a rigid generational refresh timeline. Ultimately, this extended development period should benefit consumers, as it promises a more polished, technologically advanced, and well-integrated new Sorento when it finally arrives on the global stage.