The new Kia Sorento is now available in South Africa.
Image: Supplied
Kia has launched its facelifted Sorento in South Africa, boasting a more distinctive exterior design and a smarter cabin.
The updated model is available in three variants, with the base 2.2 CRDi EX+ front-wheel drive model, at R999,995, commanding a R60,000 premium over its previous equivalent.
The EX+ all-wheel drive (AWD) model falls away, leaving the 2.2 CRDi SX alone in the middle of the line-up, at R1,199,995, while the SXL tops the range at R1,299,995. These models command a R146,000 premium over their predecessors, albeit with upgraded tech and features.
Externally, the Kia Sorento has become the third model, after the fully-electric EV9 and facelifted Picanto, to adopt the brand’s new design philosophy.
The claw-inspired taillamps are now joined.
Image: Supplied
Upfront, the previous model’s more conventional rectangular headlights have been replaced by new vertical units, with an upper LED strip running into the widened ‘Tiger nose’ grille.
The side view remains as before, barring new alloy wheel designs, and at the back we see a few subtle changes, with the claw-like taillights now joined at the top, and the lower bumper receives a cleaner design.
Kia has cleaned things up in the cabin too, with a slimmer housing for the upper dual screens and a horizontal design for the central air vents below.
The feature-packed cabin has also been redesigned for 2025.
Image: Supplied
Power, as before, comes from the familiar 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, producing 148kW and 440Nm, and paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Kia has upgraded the ADAS package of driver-assist features, however.
The base EX+ variant ships with 20-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, panoramic sunroof and wireless charging port, among other items.
The Sorento SX adds smart cruise control to the mix, along with heating and power adjustment for the front seats, powered tailgate, electrochromatic rear view mirror, rear sun shade blinds and ADAS features such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Driver Attention Alert.
The SXL adds to that a 12-speaker Bose Surround Sound System, Head-Up Display, 12.3-inch TFT driver information display, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Around View Monitor.
All Kia Sorento models are sold with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and six-year or 90,000km maintenance plan.