By Malusi Msomi

We recently headed down to a chilly Cape Town for the local launch of the refreshed Kia Sorento – and while the weather wasn’t exactly playing along, the SUV certainly was. Now sharper-looking and tech-heavy, the Sorento remains a solid family option, just with a bit more edge.

Visually, it’s had a proper glow-up. The front end now features vertical LED daytime running lights, a redesigned grille, and a more squared-off stance that gives it a confident presence on the road. It’s a noticeable shift from the softer look of the outgoing model – and it works.

Inside, things are just as modern. Dual 12.3-inch displays stretch across the dash, giving the cabin a more premium, digital feel. Depending on the trim, you also get features like a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, ambient lighting, and a punchy Bose sound system. In our SX AWD tester, heated seats and a heated steering wheel came in clutch during the icy coastal mornings. 

Overall, it’s a comfortable and practical space, with intuitive button placement and a cabin that feels both solid and refined. The third row folds flat for added flexibility – always handy when juggling between passengers and stuff.

Under the bonnet, it’s business as usual – and that’s not a bad thing. The trusty 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine delivers 148 kW and 440 Nm, paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. It feels smooth, torquey, and well-suited to everyday driving. On our route, we managed an average fuel consumption of 6.8 L/100 km, not far off Kia’s claim of 6.0 L/100 km. The ride is composed, the cabin is quiet, and everything just works the way it should.

Kia’s updated safety suite is also onboard, including Forward Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, and up to seven airbags. All of it combines to make the Sorento feel like a safe bet – literally and figuratively.

Pricing

• Sorento EX+ 2WD – R999,995
• Sorento SX AWD – R1,199,995
• Sorento SXL AWD – R1,299,995

In a sea of crossovers and SUVs, the updated Sorento stands out not by being flashy, but by being well-thought-out. It’s more premium, more stylish, and still incredibly practical. It might not be the loudest in the segment, but it speaks clearly where it counts – and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.