Kia has released the first images of the facelifted Sorento, which is expected to go on sale on markets around the world next year, in line with the three-year update cycle that most of its vehicles follow.
The automaker is scheduled to reveal the pricing and specifications of the SUV in its home country of South Korea in August, during which time the company is also likely to provide an indication of when various countries can expect the new model.
However, it’s important to note that South Africa may only receive the updated seven-seater in 2025, as the previous version only arrived on local shores in January 2022 – a year after it went on sale in other markets.
What to expect
The official photos published by Kia show that the new Sorento will have a few notable visual differences, with the front being the most affected.
The LED headlights have been switched from a horizontal to a vertical design akin to the new Picanto, necessitating the creation of newly-designed daytime running lights (DRL) that have gone from a teardrop-like appearance under each lamp to a T-shape.
The reworked light clusters also mean the prominent front grille no long stretches from lamp to lamp, and the Kia badge has been moved from the grille to the front of the bonnet.
The grille itself is slightly altered, changing the shape of the pattern from a V-like appearance to a more rectangular one, similar to the Sonet, and two air ducts have been added below the headlights.
New alloy wheels are also shown, and the back appears to have a subtly different bumper and taillights.
As for the interior, Kia has made a number of changes intended to give it a more modern appearance – the most notable one being the removal of the two large vertical air vents in the centre console along with the separate operating screen for the climate settings.
In its place, the carmaker has put a much sleeker set of aircon controls similar to those seen in their other recent models like the Sportage, which now project onto the larger infotainment screen.
Two other details in the press photos show that the Sorento may be offered with a two-tone leather upholstery and aluminium sports pedals, both of which are likely to be reserved for the higher trim levels.
Further information on the seven-seater, including its engine line-up and full spec sheet, will be revealed closer to its launch date.
2024 Kia Sorento
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