One of our favourite large SUVs, the Kia Sorento, has been treated to a light mid-life update after its Australian launch in June 2015. This update will be the last update to the current model ahead of the next generation arriving towards the end of this decade.
A light styling update with all-LED lighting, revised lights and added interior technology headline the changes due in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year, and are expected to keep the Sorento in its healthy sales rise with a 21.7 percent improvement in sales compared to last year.
Most significantly, the Sorento now comes with an eight-speed automatic across its two engine range – a 199kW/318Nm 3.3-litre V6 or the more popular 147kW/441Nm 2.2-litre turbo diesel. Both engines remain unchanged, so expected improvements in fuel economy will be solely because of the new transmission. Overseas markets also receive the 2.0-litre turbo four from the Optima.
The Sorento already featured one of the most luscious and comfortable interiors in the large SUV class, and didn’t need many changes to keep it ahead of most competitors. Kia has gone ahead and added more equipment however, with a new eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now available.
There’s also wireless phone charging for compatible devices, as well as heated and cooled front cupholders. Finally, available interior trims have been revised with a new quilted tan leather option appearing to add an even more upmarket feel to the interior.
The steering wheel and gearknob appear in a new design, and a new design for the climate control area.
Kia have revised the Sorento’s exterior styling as well, with all-LED headlights now available with LED indicators filling in a slight restyle of the Sorento’s headlight shape. New front and rear bumpers also feature, and the ‘ice cube’ LED foglamps of the current GT-Line appear to have filtered down to lower spec models.
Kia Australia have indicated to local media that the updated Sorento will be launching here in the fourth quarter of 2017. Kia Australia recently added a value-packed Si Premium spec to the Sorento range, and are enjoying healthy sales with the model line. 2,568 have been sold so far in 2017, an improvement of 21.7 percent compared to last year.
Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for any news regarding the launch of the updated Kia Sorento.
