The fourth-generation Kia Sorento receives a mid-lifecycle update three years after its debut. This refresh is crucial to maintain its edge in the fiercely competitive midsize SUV segment.
It’s worth noting that the Kia Sorento competes directly with the Honda Pilot, which recently underwent a complete makeover. It also vies for market share with its Korean counterpart, the Hyundai Santa Fe, and the American family-favorite SUV, the Toyota Highlander.
Thus far, the Sorento has held its ground, primarily due to its competitive pricing, a plethora of features, roomy and versatile interior capable of seating up to seven individuals, and an efficient yet peppy engine.
To stay relevant in the increasingly competitive SUV arena, it’s unsurprising that the Sorento is getting an update. Buyers in the USA and Canada can anticipate seeing these changes in the upcoming 2024 or 2025 model years.
2025 Kia Sorento: What’s New?
I was genuinely taken aback by the fresh looks of the 2025 Sorento. The SUV now sports a refreshed front face and a more contemporary interior reflecting Kia’s evolving and sophisticated style. What’s intriguing is how quickly this update followed the major overhaul of its close cousin, the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Echoing elements from the EV9 flagship SUV and the Picanto city car, the Sorento’s new design is truly impressive.
Its slimmer, vertically-stacked LED headlights steal the show at the forefront, nestling perfectly beside the iconic tiger-nose grille.
The bumper? Clean, crisp lines that make you want to take a second look. Plus, the hood has been adjusted to align smoothly with the nose.
Around the back, there’s a redesigned bumper, a touch of flair with the new Kia emblems, and some subtle tweaks to the LED taillights.
And let’s not forget the fresh alloy wheel designs and the vibrant new exterior color choices that amp up the charisma.
Interior
Stepping inside, the first thing I noticed was the remodeled dashboard. It’s sleeker, embodying modern elegance with its uncomplicated lines.
The crown jewel? An enormous curved display that combines two 12.3-inch screens ensures that the latest infotainment software is always within easy reach.
Kia hasn’t stopped there: the space below this digital wonder features refined climate vents, a captivating ambient lighting stripe, and a revamped set of climate controls – a nod to the design cues of the EV6.
New Features
With innovation at its heart, the new Sorento hasn’t skipped on tech. A standout is the fingerprint authentication system, placed strategically on the center console.
It’s not just about starting the car; it’s about activating valet mode or making secure payments without a hassle.
On the aesthetic side, the new upholstery options caught my eye. The black and olive brown combo, with those leather-wrapped seats, is luxurious and inviting.
Under The Hood
Mechanically, the facelifted Kia Sorento promises a myriad of choices. For its home market in Korea, options include petrol, diesel, and hybrids.
However, in North America, I expect continuity with the current lineup, including
- 191 HP 2.5-liter engine
- 281 HP 2.0L turbocharged
- 227 HP 1.6L hybrid
- 261HP 1.6L plug-in hybrid.
And for those who crave versatility, Kia’s got you covered with both 2WD and 4WD options.
2025 Release Date and Price
Anticipation is high for the North American specification model, expected to be announced later in 2023.
As for its market entry? It could be labeled as a 2024MY or even a 2025MY, hinging on its rollout plan.
On the pricing front, I’m predicting a figure that won’t stray far from the existing models. Starting at around $30,000, the 2025 Kia Sorento promises to bring value, style, and innovation to the table.
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