Original Korean pictures and specs mid-life update Kia sorento The full-size SUV has been leaked online ahead of its Australian launch in the fourth quarter of 2023.
As published by auto spyupdate Sorento pick up one EV9-same as external refresh. Exterior highlights include vertically oriented LED headlights, machine-finished alloy wheels and tweaked LED taillights, among other minor changes.
Inside, the updated Sorento removes the current model’s separate instrumentation and infotainment system setup and instead opts for a wraparound array containing both. It looks very similar to what is offered in the EV9.
The updated Sorento also gets a capacitive touch bar, like EV6 And sportcan be used for both vehicle and HVAC control.
The rest of the interior appears to be unchanged from the pre-updated model, although Kia Australia says the updated Sorento will support wireless smartphone mirroring and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
It will also opt for the Kia Connect network-based telematics system that brings online functions and remote services to the infotainment system and is also accessible via a smartphone app.
Leaked images show that the updated Sorento for the Korean market will continue to be equipped with a two-tone black and brown interior. It is unclear whether this will be made available in Australia.
In Korea, the updated Kia Sorento will be available with three different powertrains: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel and a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid.
All of these engines on the Korean Sorento are carried over from the previous updated model.
The Australian Sorento is currently available with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (200kW/332Nm), a 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine (148kW/440Nm), a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid (169kW/350Nm) and a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol-electric plug-in hybrid (195kW/350Nm).
Orders for the limited Sorento Hybrid and PHEV are currently closed, although Kia Australia recently hinted that they could reopen once the upgraded model arrives locally.
“As soon as the order bank comes under control, this could happen to PE [product enhancement, or mid-life update]then we will reevaluate it,” Kia Australia CEO Dennis Piccoli said in June.
In Korea, the updated Sorento will be offered in a five-seat configuration, with six- and seven-seat configurations available as options. The current Australian specification Sorento is offered exclusively with seven seats.
EQUAL Note aboveUpdated Sorento to launch in Q4 of 2023, alongside EV9 three-row electric SUV and updated version Picanto light hatchback.
THAN: Everything Kia Sorento
