By Otsile Kadiege

Kia recently shared a few images of the updated Sorento seven-seater SUV. Yes, the model which was officially launched in SA in 2022 is now ready for a mid-life refresh, but don’t expect it to hit our local dealerships anytime soon. The automaker hasn’t issued a full press release yet on what’s new, but here are a few things we’ve noticed with the facelifted model.

Updated exterior

On the outside, the updated Kia Sorento’s front-end sports a bolder look, which is heavily inspired by the new automaker’s EV9 electric SUV. Highlights include vertically stacked LED headlights with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights, a redesigned and noticeably larger radiator grille with a different gloss black mesh pattern, vertical air inlets, and a faux skid plate.

Apart from a set of newly designed wheels, the profile still looks the same. At the rear, Kia updated the LED taillights with a new cluster design which look like they have been darkened. Kia reduced the ‘SORENTO’ lettering font size on and moved it to the lower-end of the tailgate. Another noteworthy update is the prominent rear diffuser finished with a contrasting silver colour.

Interior updates

Inside, Kia has done away with the vertical air vents in favour of a slim horizontal design. The Sorento adopts the Sportage’s nifty media/climate control display and the integrated digital instrument cluster/touch displays have a redesigned theme. The infotainment shortcut buttons have also been deleted.

Powertrain

We doubt Kia will update the current powertrain with uprated power and torque figures or some form of hybridisation. That said, the current model is powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine developing 148 kW and 440 Nm. It’s paired to an 8-speed wet double clutch transmission and has a claimed fuel consumption of 6.8l/100 km.

Kia Motors South Africa is yet to announce local availability of the updated Sorento which will then be followed by local specifications and pricing closer to local launch date.