Kia has taken the stage at the LA Auto Show to reveal the facelifted version of its popular seven-seater SUV, the Kia Sorento. Following a sneak peek on social media in July, the latest iteration boasts a modernized exterior, a tech-savvy interior, and an enhanced driving experience. Let’s dive into the details of the changes that make the new Kia Sorento a noteworthy contender in the competitive SUV market.
Exterior Upgrades
The exterior of the new Sorento showcases a sleek and contemporary design. Drawing inspiration from Kia’s EV9, the front end adopts a more modern light treatment with bold T-shaped LED daytime running lights and concealed, stacked LED headlights. The front grille is not only larger but also more striking, contributing to a bolder overall appearance. The reprofiled bumpers with a wider skid plate add to the SUV’s robust and commanding presence.
The rear changes are subtle yet effective, featuring minimalist light clusters that align with the Star Map theme introduced at the front. Thin, vertical LEDs create a sophisticated and cohesive design. The repositioned Sorento badge and further bumper reprofiling complete the refined rear aesthetics.
Interior Tech Overhaul
Inside the Sorento, a major technological upgrade awaits drivers and passengers. The interior design takes cues from the popular Sportage model and the EV9, offering a premium and futuristic feel. A panoramic curved display dominates the dashboard, hosting twin 12.3-inch screens equipped with Kia‘s latest operating system. This promises not only more features but also faster reactions for a seamless user experience.
One of the standout features is the integration of over-the-air updates, ensuring that the vehicle’s software is always up-to-date. Additionally, the Sorento now supports smartphone digital key functionality, allowing users to control various vehicle functions through their smartphones. Despite these tech enhancements, the three-row, seven-seat layout remains unchanged, providing ample space for passengers.
Powerful Hybrid Engine Options
The new Sorento maintains its commitment to environmentally friendly driving with a hybrid engine lineup. Two notable options include a 226bhp 1.6-litre HEV and a 261bhp PHEV. The latter pairs the same 1.6-liter engine with a 13.8kWh battery and an electric motor, offering an efficient plug-in hybrid solution. All models come equipped with four-wheel drive, though it’s anticipated that the previous diesel option might no longer be available in the UK.
Streamlined Model Lineup
Leading up to the facelift, Kia has streamlined the Sorento range. With the introduction of the updated model, the lineup is expected to align closely with the rest of Kia’s offerings, featuring GT-line and GT-line S models as primary options. This strategic move reflects Kia’s commitment to providing a cohesive and varied range of vehicles that cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Anticipated Arrival and Pricing
The eagerly awaited facelifted Kia Sorento is set to hit UK showrooms in the middle of the next year. Prices are estimated to start at around £40,000, signaling a potential return of more affordable entry-level cars to the lineup. This pricing strategy aims to make the Sorento more accessible to a broader audience, further solidifying its position as a competitive player in the SUV market.
Conclusion
The facelifted Kia Sorento combines a refreshed exterior, cutting-edge interior technology, and environmentally conscious power options. With a focus on modern design, enhanced connectivity, and a streamlined model lineup, Kia aims to captivate SUV enthusiasts and set a new standard in the seven-seater segment. The arrival of the new Sorento in UK showrooms is eagerly anticipated, promising a driving experience that seamlessly blends style, innovation, and sustainability.
