The Kia Sorento is getting an EV9-inspired facelift, and it’s due right here within the second half of 2023.
Kia is predicted to quickly reveal extra particular launch timing.
Spy pictures shared on Korean web site Autospy depict Sorento prototypes with unchanged aspect styling however camouflaged entrance and rear ends.
Essentially the most important modifications are up entrance, with new vertically oriented headlights much like these of Kia’s upcoming electrical flagship, in addition to the Telluride we miss out on domestically.
Whereas prototypes are sporting intensive camouflage on the rear, we will see the tail lights seem largely unchanged with two separate vertical segments on all sides. Whether or not Kia will add a stylish mild bar is unclear.
These pictures additionally reveal daring new wheel designs for the Sorento, with one resembling a pinwheel and the opposite that includes squared-off components.
Anticipate modifications within the up to date Sorento’s cabin, largely centred round show expertise and a much less cluttered dashboard.
A quasi-wraparound meeting encompassing the digital instrument cluster and infotainment shows has already appeared within the smaller Seltos and Sportage, the latter supplied with a bigger 12.3-inch central touchscreen. The up to date Telluride encompasses a related setup, and we’re anticipating the identical right here.
The Sorento presently tops out with a ten.25-inch touchscreen, although in GT-Line trim it additionally boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Kia has already confirmed all up to date and new-generation fashions will acquire Kia Join.
A mix of each stay companies and a smartphone app, Kia Join makes use of an onboard modem and Optus SIM.
The media and HVAC controls are additionally anticipated to be mixed right into a capacitive contact bar, as seen within the Sportage.
Given the Sorento’s flagship standing for Kia on a worldwide degree – the Telluride is unique to markets like North America and the Center East – we may additionally anticipate to see new Hyundai Motor Group expertise and/or extra luxurious options like ventilated second-row seating and tri- or quad-zone local weather management.
Relying in the marketplace, we may additionally see issues like matrix LED headlight expertise – the brand new Sportage now gives this in Europe.
The present fourth-generation Kia Sorento launched globally in 2020, and gives a variety of powertrains relying on market.
Australia is likely one of the few markets the place a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 is obtainable, with different markets providing each naturally aspirated and turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines.
The Australian-market Sorento can be out there with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, in addition to turbocharged 1.6-litre hybrid and plug-in hybrid four-cylinder powertrains.
Given the diesel is bought in Europe, it might be in line to get a 48V mild-hybrid system as we’ve seen in different Kia fashions within the area. It’s unclear whether or not this tech would make it to Australia.
The Sorento’s facelift could give it a bolder, extra imposing look that additionally helps align it with Kia’s different SUVs, whereas additionally protecting it recent towards the rival Hyundai Santa Fe.
A brand new technology of Santa Fe is set to be revealed this yr with radically totally different styling, throwing out the curves of the present automobile for a bluff, boxy physique.