Kia pulls covers off facelifted Sorento
Kia pulled the covers off its facelifted Sorento range at the LA motor show ahead of the large SUV’S December arrival Down Under – but the beefedup X-pro version that debuted in California remains off the cards for this market.
The range offers a redesign of the 2020 Sorento, with design cues from the flagship EV9 and new hybrid models that Kia says will be launched ‘later in 2024’.
First leaked in July, the facelifted Sorento features a boxy front-end with vertically-stacked headlights and unique amber daytime running lights, a redesigned grille and an overall stance that looks to be more off-road oriented compared with the current model.
Further hinting at the new Sorento’s off-road focus, Kia has added an Xpro
variant it says is ‘ready for happier trails’ with increased power and towing capacity, 17-inch wheels shod with all-terrain tyres, centre locking diff, skid plate garnish and unique styling.
The X-pro also has about 25mm more ground clearance and the revised front and rear bumpers look to offer improved approach and departure angles, but without true fourwheel drive it is likely aimed at ‘softroaders’.
Kia Australia confirmed the X-pro was unlikely to reach Australian shores, as the variant was built in North America and not South Korea.
Inside, the incoming Sorento features a horizontal design theme across elements including the air-conditioning vents, while dual 12.3-inch screens create a panoramic curved display running Kia’s new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, ccnc, operating system.
A new digital key system also allows owners to unlock and start the Sorento using an Nfc-enabled smartphone, presumably via a mobile app.
The safety technology onboard the Sorento includes forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, lane following assist, and a machine-learning smart cruise control system that adapts to match the acceleration and braking patterns of the driver.
Pricing and specifications will be announced when the Sorento lands in showrooms in a few weeks, but we expect the new range will come at a premium – likely up from the current $47,650 starting price.