Earlier this month Kia Motors America(KMA) unveiled the 2019 Sorento at the Los Angeles Motor Show.
The subtle exterior facelift provides the Sorento with fresh front and rear fascias, a modified grille and a new headlamp configuration, which offers full-LED lighting on upper trims and a new fog-light design.
Inside, the cabin is more upmarket and seven seats are now standard on all trim levels, with the overall cargo volume a generous 2 095 litres. The SUV also gains new tech, with Apple Car Play, Android Auto and a wireless charging tray available. The Harman Kardon stereo system gets new QuantumLogic surround sound.
Wheels will come in sizes from 17 to 19 inches and front- or all-wheel drive will be available with a choice of two engines. These include a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre petrol mill (currently fitted the the range-topping model in South Africa) mated to a revised six-speed automatic gearbox, or a 216 kW, 3.3-litre V6 GDI that comes with a new 8-speed automatic transmission for ‘an even smoother and more seamless driving experience.’
A new diesel engine with the latest emission controls is currently being developed and Kia will give more details in future.
Kia has also replaced the former driver mode select across all trim levels in the Sorento with a system that ‘automatically activates the optimum drive mode – Eco, Sport or Smart – based on driving style or may be set by driver preference.’