Korean carmaker Kia has given their largest crossover, Sorento, a facelift. The mid-cycle facelifted model has already been released in South Korea, its home market, while it is expected to make its debut in the UAE and other Middle Eastern car markets by the end of 2017.
The refreshed model is not a total makeover and the changes are quite subtle. The traditional stance of the Sorento has not been modified a great deal, but some fine improvements have been made to the design to give the vehicle a more attractive and modern appeal.
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Exterior of Kia Sorento 2018
The new design changes in the exterior and the interior are quite subtle. Sorento’s front has a larger signature tiger-nose grille and long swept-back projector beam headlights with a set of “ice cube shaped” LED fog lights. The grille and bumper have been tweaked to give a bold yet purposeful look to the front fascia.
The dual exhaust pipes at the back have been updated with a more angular design, but the LED tail lights hold their distinctive Sorento look. The sides of the crossover now have a new set of running boards and the wheels have been upgraded from 17-inch to 19-inch multi-spoke alloy rims. These changes enhance the overall appeal of the crossover, thus making it more aggressive and intimidating.
Interior
The interior with tan-coloured leather upholstery was already quite impressive in the previous version and it remains the same in the facelifted Sorento. The front, second and third row seats are reasonably spacious for seven passengers, while the crossover allows sufficient cargo space if the second and third row seats are folded. The seats are luxurious and boast of quick-drying and stain-resisting capabilities to offer the best possible comfort and convenience.
Other highlighting features of the facelifted Kia Sorento include an 110V inverter and four 12V outlets for easy-access charging ports.
Kia Sorento also offers a “Smart Power Liftgate” functionality that lifts the rear hatch when the smart key is near, making it easier to place luggage at the back for a complete hands-free experience.
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Powertrain
Kia has not made any change to the powertrain of the facelifted model and the engine options will remain the same as with the 2017 model. Kia Sorento offers three engine options that are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a choice between all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
The engine options are:
- Standard 4-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that can produce 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
- Optional 0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
- Optional naturally aspirated 3-litre V6 engine that produces 290hp and 252 lb-ft of torque.
State-of-the-art Technologies
Kia Sorento offers advanced technologies to deliver a truly delightful and personalized experience. The brand has introduced its latest infotainment system along with a standard integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, two-zone electronic temperature control and Kia’s own Clari-Fi Audio System that has been updated for enhanced sound quality and improved user-experience.
The ultimate aim of equipping the vehicle’s interior with top-of-the-line comfort and convenience features is to create a personalized space that can be a source of entertainment and pleasure, especially on the long and monotonous journeys.
Sorento Brings Advanced Safety as Standard
With Sorento, the safety of the occupants of the crossover has been given its due importance with the Kia’s very own Drive Wise Technologies. These technologies not only assist a driver in staying attentive and active while driving, but also ensure maximum safety of the passengers with advanced airbag system and highly adjustable seatbelt anchors.
The Drive Wise Technologies offer multiple driver assist features that include:
- Surround View Monitor
- Lane Departure Warning
- Advance Smart Cruise Control
- Blind-Spot Detection
Listed below are Sorento’s notable safety features:
- Airbag System with Sensor to Detect Impact Levels for Proper Inflation
- Seatbelts with Highly Adjustable Anchors, Over-the-lap and Shoulder Straps
- Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (Latch) for Installation of Child Safety Seat
- Electric Stability Control
- Torque Vectoring Cornering Control for All-Wheel-Drive Mode
- Traction Control System
The strong body design of the vehicle makes it less vulnerable to a complete physical collapse even in a major collision, thus providing a sense of added security to the passengers. The structure of Sorento is strengthened with industrial-strength adhesives, patented construction techniques and high-strength steel for enhanced sustainability and rigidity.
Launch Date and Price of Kia Sorento Facelift Model
The 2018 Kia Sorento with its new updates and facelift will be launched in the UAE and other GCC car markets by the end of 2017 and its price will be revealed near the market launch of the vehicle.
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