Until now, Kia made sure that its new generation Sorento prototypes were firmly dressed in camouflage to keep the SUV’s styling details hidden from common sight, but not so much anymore, as our spies caught a rather revealing tester.

From these photos, it looks like the new Sorento (2016MY for North America, 2015 for Europe and elsewhere) has worked out, appearing to have grown in size and in…muscle.

It’s not as futuristic as the Cross GT from last year’s Chicago Auto Show, but the concept’s styling DNA is there with the corporate nose, the sculpted sides and the relatively low window line, all of which give the SUV a beefier appearance, something that will no doubt appeal to buyers in this vehicle category.

Our spies were able to grab a quick shot of the center console before Kia’s testers dropped down the plastic covers. In it, we can see the large screen for the infotainment and navigation systems, and the modern controls for the A/C.

The new Sorento shares its underpinnings with the latest Hyundai Santa Fe, so it should get a similar engine lineup, which in Europe, will include diesel options.

A Paris Motor Show world premiere is rumored, but not yet confirmed.

By John Halas

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

PHOTO GALLERY

2015-Kia-Sorento-New-12015-Kia-Sorento-New-22015-Kia-Sorento-New-32015-Kia-Sorento-New-42015-Kia-Sorento-New-52015-Kia-Sorento-New-62015-Kia-Sorento-New-7