Updated Kia Sorento gets futuristic new exterior

Kia has revealed the refreshed Sorento at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The most notable change for the three-row SUV is its redesigned head lights, which now comprised of vertically stacked LED projectors and mirror the shape of the lights found on the EV9 all-electric SUV.

High specification models of the Kia Sorento in the U.S.A will come with a bridge-type roof rack as well as front and rear bumpers with a molded-in skid plate garnish

The car also gets the firm's Star Map lighting elements at the front and the rear for a futuristic touch, while the front bumper now gets a wider skid plate garnish for added rugged appeal. These all pair with the SUV's squared off edges and upright front bonnet to give the car strong road presence.

Within the cabin, the SUV continues to utilise two integrated 12.3-inch screens for the driver's instrument cluster and infotainment system, although this is now a curved display that has lost its cowl (a 4.3-inch TFT screen for the driver and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen is standard in the U.S.A).

The system also now houses Kia's latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit operating system, which Kia states offers faster processing speeds. The new operating system also now allows users to access their frequently used controls via a Quick Controls menu, accessed with a swipe of the screen. The new operating system can also now receive over-the-air updates.

The updated Sorento comes with a panoramic curved display that integrates two 12.3-inch screens that now house Kia's Connected Car Navigation Cockpit operating system

High specification models in the U.S.A will be available with new Olive Brown and Sage interior colours, while on the outside, Kia is now offering the Sorento in a new Roadrider Brown inspired by the Sorento plug-in hybrid that competed in the 2021 Rebelle Rally.

High specification examples of the Sorento will also get added rugged flair thanks to the addition of a roof rack, special front and rear bumpers, as well as a gloss black front grille and 20-inch gloss black wheels.

The SUV is also now available with an ultrawideband-based Digital Key, which will allow customers to use their compatible Apple and Samsung smart devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as a virtual vehicle key to lock, unlock, and drive. The Sorento also now gets a smart cruise control that makes use of machine learning which allows it to adapt and match the driver's driving style.

Kia will reveal more about the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants of the Sorento in 2024

The SUV comes powered by a 2.5-litre diesel engine that produces 188bhp and 245Nm of torque. High specification models will get a power boost, bringing total output to 277bhp and 422Nm of torque. This more powerful engine is paired to an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.

The updated Kia Sorento is expected to arrive in showrooms across the U.S.A by the first quarter of 2024. Details of the refreshed hybrid and plug-in hybrid Sorento will be revealed by Kia come 2024. Catch our review of the pre-facelift Kia Sorento hybrid here.