Now in its fourth generation, the 2021 Kia Sorento is slightly larger than its predecessor, but 114 pounds lighter. Kia

The all-new 2021 Kia Sorento midsize SUV is all about choices. With five trim levels and three powertrain options, as well as front- and all-wheel-drive variants, the fourth-generation Sorento casts a wide net in terms of appeal. It the three-row people hauler also offers the choice of seating for six or seven passengers. And for buyers interested in fuel efficiency that don’t mind waiting, the Sorento will be offered with a plug-in hybrid model next year.

Kia uses the phrase “tiger nose” to describe the 2021 Sorento’s modern grille, a design that represents an evolution of the brand’s look and feel. The new grille pushes out toward the standard LED headlights on the sides, and buyers can opt for the bottom of the front lights to be framed by daytime running lights. The wheelbase for the new Sorento stretches 1.4 inches longer than the outgoing model, which allows for more interior room and creates spaces for the batteries inside the hybrid and forthcoming PHEV powertrain variants.

Kia says the new Sorrento can scoot to 6 mph in 7.4 seconds when equipped with the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Kia

The most powerful of the three initial three powertrain options is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder that produces 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It also offers an estimated 25 mpg combined and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (the other powertrains can tow 2,000 pounds). A more-efficient naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four delivers 191 horsepower, 182 pound-feet of torque and 27 mpg combined. Both of are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and come configured with a front- or all-wheel drivetrain. The hybrid is FWD only and uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine and a 44-kilowatt electric motor to produce 227 horsepower along with an estimated 37 combined mpg.

Both the hybrid and the upcoming plug-in hybrid, which will be available in 2021 as a 2022 model year vehicle, use a six-speed automatic transmission. The PHEV has a larger 13.8-kWh battery pack with an estimated 30 miles of all-electric range. The plug-in hybrid’s powertrain will produce 261 horsepower and is only available with all-wheel drive.

2021 Sorento Hybrid, Sorento X-Line and Sorento SX from left to right. Kia

Kia is offering five trims for the 2021 Sorento: LX, S, EX, SX and SX-Prestige. All trims are available with either FWD or AWD, and a more rugged X-Line package that increases ride height by an inch and adds a roof rack and snow mode comes only in AWD.

Kia has yet to specify what features will be found in each trim levels, but promises plenty of options. An 8- or 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility screen complements a new optional 12.3-inch digital meter cluster behind the wheel. Eight USB ports (six in the LX trim) should allows charging all around, and the Sorento’s UVO link means drivers can store a profile in the cloud and then access it from other vehicles. A UVO account is required for this feature as well as the remote Rear Occupancy Alert and the ability to control the engine from afar (like the Automatic Engine Shut Off feature). The SUV can also send pictures to the Kia Access UVO app to make locating it easier. A 12-speaker Bose premium sound system is available, as is wireless smartphone charging.

Standard equipment includes a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen (10.25 on SX and above), a center console and steering-wheel mounted audio controls.

On the safety front, Kia offers 16 different advanced driver-assistance safety technology, including Standard Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, which automatically changes the speed of the adaptive cruise control based on changes to the speed limit. All 2021 Sorentos will come with lane keeping assistance, driver attention warning, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. Bicyclist collision avoidance, blind spot collision avoidance and parking distance warning are optional.

Kia has sold almost 1.5 million Sorentos since the introduction of the SUV in 2002. The 2021 model will go on sale later this year, with pricing and confirmed fuel economy numbers to be announced closer to the on-sale date.