New Models / 25 June 2025 / Michael Taylor

New Kia Sorento launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

Kia has officially launched the facelifted Sorento in South Africa, adding another seven-seater option to its catalogue.

The family SUV is available in three specifications with prices starting at R999,995, meaning it is the new flagship of Kia’s local selection.

Engine

All three iterations of the Sorento are powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel (CRDi) engine.

This provides a total of 148kW and 440Nm, while an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handles gear changes.

The base EX+ models are front-wheel-drive, while the SX and SXL feature an all-wheel-drive system.

Regardless of which version you choose, the SUV achieves an average fuel consumption of 6.1l/100km.

Features

As you’d expect, the facelift has given the Sorento a striking new design with a more prominent front end.

It has a new bonnet, a 3D mesh pattern grille, vertical LED headlights, and a set of “star map” LED daytime running lights.

It also comes with sequential indicators, a new lower front bumper, a wide skid plate, redesigned fog lamps, and vertical air intakes that run parallel to the headlamps.

At the back, you’ll find a set of new taillamps comprised of diagonal LEDs with vertical star map graphics and an updated rear bumper, skid plate, and exhaust.

The interior has been reworked, too, with subtle ambient lighting on the dashboard, gear knob, and front door trims.

The shift-by-wire gearstick has also been reimagined, and the cabin has been given a new black headliner, metal pedals, and a panoramic sunroof to provide it with a premium finish.

Mounted on the dashboard is a new dual display comprised of two 12.3-inch monitors for the instrument cluster and infotainment systems.

Getting into the model-specific details, the base EX comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, auto-folding side mirrors, keyless entry and start, a wireless charger, a leather multifunction steering wheel, synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, voice commands, six speakers, two USB ports per seat row, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It also features electronic stability control, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera with guide lines.

Moving on to the mid-range SX will then add an electric driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory settings, an electro-chromatic rearview mirror, sun shade blinds, an electric tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats.

The driver assistance options are also expanded with smart cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision avoidance assist, lane follow assist, lane keep assist, and blind spot collision avoidance.

As for the range-topping SXL, this adds side parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, a surround-view camera, mood lamps, a Bose stereo with 12 speakers, and a 10-inch heads-up display that can show traffic information.