Kia Sorento: mid-life facelift for large SUV | CarAdvice

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Kia Sorento: mid-life facelift for large SUV

KIA SORENTO
By Tim Beissmann
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The first official images of the 2013 Kia Sorento have been released, revealing a cleaner and more sophisticated design for the large Korean SUV.

Partially revealed in earlier spy shots, the mid-life upgrade brings redesigned headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, a new tailgate with Audi-inspired LED tail-lights, and new front and rear bumpers with vertical fog lights.

A greater area of body-coloured surfaces creates a more refined, urban appearance.

Kia is yet to reveal the upgraded Sorento’s interior, although it says there will be a higher percentage of soft-touch plastics, a new LCD instrument cluster, a revised centre stack with an eight-inch display screen, and a leather boot around the automatic transmission’s gear lever.

The optional panoramic sunroof is now larger, doing away with the centre cross beam, and features a power sun blind.

The most significant changes will take place under the skin, with the 2013 Kia Sorento to benefit from a new platform and enhanced powertrains – both shared with the upcoming third-generation Hyundai Santa Fe.

Kia promises the upgraded model will feature enhanced powertrains offering best-in-class fuel economy and reduced emissions, and improved ride, handling and refinement.

Kia Australia, which will launch the 2013 Sorento after its local debut at the 2012 Sydney motor show in October, is currently completing a ride and handling program with the new model to develop a unique suspension tune suited to our market.

Specific powertrain details will be revealed closer to the launch of the 2013 Kia Sorento in the coming months.

Read CarAdvice’s review of the 2012 Kia Sorento.


 

  • Alvdog

    I think that if I just say ‘Q7′ and nothing else, everyone will understand what I mean.

  • Joof

    Looks like they buy their wheels from the same place Nissan does for the Dualis…

  • bruzzer

    i love the look of this car except for the price. i really do hope they bring their prices down to the low $40,000′s to be a more attractive option.
    im talking about the platinum version.
     

    • Henry Toussaint

       That’s a big ask for this though, I doubt that would happen. It would be amazing if it was though!

  • D987

    The changes seem subtle but overall work well. I like the new tail lights better.

    • Noddy

      The tail lights are an improvement, but the rear bumper reflectors and front fogs look terrible.

      • Weatherbey

        That’s the part they tried to make look different from Audi …

  • Sumpguard

      They’ve done enough to make sure it is seen as an upgrade. You listening Holden?  A simply headlight redesign would have seen the commodore selling stronger than it is now.

    • nickdl

      Mate it got a touchscreen!

  • rabbitsbutt

    Nice, very nice:) I hope they can convince their parent company, Hyundai to use the turbo four, looks like a beauty!

  • Schn

    They’ve done a good job in ensuring the car still looks modern in terms of style. A few odd bits here and there though. 

  • Robin_Graves

    There has been rumours of a twin turbo 2.2R diesel with around 160kW and 500+ Nm.  Not sure of the validity but would make it an attractive buy if you were after a mid size SUV

  • Jackhudsonthurlow

    Looks good, I really wish Kia brought back the 4WD with Low Range :(

  • Pete

    Don’t like the fog lights, they look like tic tacs

  • Pirate Post Office

    Had a look at a Platinum and then a Skoda Superb wagon… The Kia looked plasticky, tinny and cheap compared to the Skoda… Unless 7 seats where a must have, for similar money the Skoda walks all over the Kia.

    • logger

      You are comparing the Skoda to the current Kia. Not the Kia Sorento discussed here which has has had the internals reportedly improved to get rid if the plasticky cheap feel . 

      The Kia walks over the Skoda when it comes to towing. Assuming this updated Sorento retains the tow specs of the current model (and this is a big if..) it can tow 2500kg manual and 2000kg auto whereas the Skoda is limited to 1500kg!  Furthermore the Skoda diesel is only 125kw x 350nm  vs Sorento 145kw x 436nm.    

  • Moesspot

    I’ve had a cvx kluger for 7 years, best car i have ever owned. I compared the current sorento platinum to kxs kluger. Anyone who thinks this is expensive is being a badge snob (…..a Kia can’t cost $50000….) Features are comparable to Grande($70000), it handled better and then there is the diesel. The let down was the interior feel. If they have got that right in this new model with improved chasis and features, I will be first in line cheque book in hand.
    Looks good too a little RR Evoque at the front.