The 2021 Kia Sorento has been caught undisguised during a photo shoot in California.

Looking far more upscale than its predecessor, the redesigned crossover has an edgier grille which flows into the headlights. The latter have three prominent lighting units which reside above LED daytime running lights.

Further below, there’s vertical air intakes and a new bumper with angular accents. We can also see a faux skid plate and horizontal fog lights.

Also Read: 2021 Kia Sorento Can’t Stop Exposing Itself Ahead Of Rumored February 17 Debut

Elsewhere, designers added a bulging hood, plastic body cladding and a silver accent on the front fenders. The influence of the Telluride is also visible as there’s metallic window surrounds and a pronounced accent on the C-pillar.

Other notable highlights include streamlined bodywork, a curved shoulder line and a gently sloping roof. The latter is topped by roof rails that appear to have metallic accents.

Continuing to the rear, there’s distinctive taillights and a stylish tailgate. The model also has a ventilated rear fascia and a plastic bumper with metallic trim. The latter gives us an Audi vibe and there are no visible exhaust tips.

The upscale styling will continue in the cabin as previous spy photos have shown the model with have higher quality materials and a more modern design. Drivers will sit behind a new leather-wrapped steering wheel and find themselves facing a digital instrument cluster. To their right will be a freestanding infotainment system which is mounted above a revamped center stack with metallic accents.

Elsewhere, there will be a new center console with gloss black trim and metallic flourishes. Drivers will also find a new rotary shifter, beefy door handles and luxurious leather seats that are similar to those found in the Telluride.

Engine options remain unconfirmed, but speculation has suggested there will be an assortment of petrol, diesel and hybrid options. Full details could be announced on February 17th, but one of the choices could be the Optima’s turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that produces 286 hp (213 kW / 290 PS) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque.

Update: As some of you noticed and noted in the comments (thanks LE!), the Sorento model caught by our man with the long lens is the ECO Hybrid. At this point, we don’t know any specifics, but for what it’s worth, the outgoing 2020 Optima Hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder to an electric motor producing a combined 192 hp and 271 lb.- ft of torque.

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Picture credits: CarPix for Carscoops