New Kia Sorento revealed ahead of 2024 introduction

European specifications for the new Kia Sorento have been revealed today, with a range of updates coming to the popular SUV when sales commence in 2024. With a refreshed design, new colours and sustainable materials, the new Sorento also boasts a revamped user experience, focusing on safety, easy-to-use technology, and comfort.

Available as a seven-seater (with individually folding third-row seats), the new Sorento offers peace of mind to people with busy, fast-paced lifestyles. With a line-up of efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, it supports Kia’s transition into a sustainable mobility solutions provider.

“The new Kia Sorento supports Kia’s journey towards a new era of more responsible driving,” said Sjoerd Knipping, Vice President of Marketing and Product at Kia Europe. “A rich package of advanced safety features, combined with a comprehensive line-up of highly efficient and electrified powertrains, make the new Kia Sorento the perfect vehicle for customers looking for a safe, reliable, and relaxed drive.”
 

A striking on- and off-road appearance

A strong exterior design refresh gives the new Kia Sorento a striking, eye-catching appearance. The latest model to embody Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the D-segment SUV represents the ‘Bold for Nature’ pillar of this strategy, demonstrating how nature and modernity can co-exist.

The new Kia Sorento features an updated exterior design, embodying futuristic boldness for a more premium look. At the front, a new bonnet implements an upscaled SUV design with a higher volume and a more defined silhouette. The Kia logo has additionally been moved to the top of the bonnet from the front grille. Unique vertical headlights and star map DRLs emphasise a progressive and high-tech image, as does a new radiator grille design with a 3D mesh pattern.

Together, the vertical geometry of the headlight and taillight graphics create a visual harmony and emphasise a capable and solid look as an SUV. Sequential front turn signals complete the high-tech look. The redesigned front lower bumper exudes robustness and confidence, with a wide skid plate, redesigned fog lamps, and vertical air intake underlining a strong and technical image.

To the side, a new fender design features increased 3D looks. The new Sorento also comes with three new wheel designs: 18-, 19-, or 20-inch alloy wheels. The 18- and 20-inch alloy wheels are only available for the internal combustion engine (ICE) Sorento, while the 19-inch alloy wheels are available on all powertrain variations. The 17-inch alloy wheels are available for both the hybrid and ICE Sorento.

The rear of the vehicle features a refreshed taillight design with diagonal LEDs. The vertical star map graphics, created by connecting two distinct taillights, emphasise the design-connectivity of the Kia Sorento’s new look. The slim LED high-mounted brake light suggests a high-tech, high-class image, while the updated rear bumper and exhaust trim give it a more rugged look. The wide rear skid plate, combined with graphic elements from the black cladding, creates a solid SUV image.


 

Three new colours for more choice

The new Kia Sorento is offered with a choice of up to 10 exterior colours in Europe, including three new colours: Volcanic Sand, Interstellar Grey (previously seen on the EV6), and Cityscape Green (as offered with the Niro). Clear White, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, Silky Silver, Gravity Blue, Steel Gray, and Mineral Blue continue to be available.
 

An interior refresh for maximum in-vehicle comfort

Inside, the Kia Sorento’s panoramic dimensions create a sense of wideness. This horizontal image is further emphasised with the application of subtle interior mood lighting throughout the interior and across the dashboard. Available in 64 colours, this ambient lighting is visible along the dashboard, on the gear knob, and on the front door trims. The curved display and the multimode touch display create a high-tech and modern feeling. The shift-by-wire gear knob has been redesigned, while a black headliner, metal pedals, and a panoramic sunroof give the new Sorento a technical, bold and modern edge.

The new Sorento is also equipped with the latest comforts and conveniences, including new front relaxation seats, a Driver Ergo Motion seat with air-cell lumbar support and power adjustable bolster support, and the option of memory function seats. The steering wheel, trimmed in artificial leather, can be heated in winter and is also available with the option of tilt and telescopic electronic adjustment. Power-adjustable, ventilated, and heated front seats, as well as heated outer second-row seats, ensure maximum in-vehicle comfort.
 

A sustainable interior trim strategy for a balanced relationship with nature

With the perfect balance of rugged and sustainable elements, the interior of the new Kia Sorento also reflects the ‘Bold for Nature’ pillar of the ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy.

Kia’s new colour-material-finish strategy straddles the line between sustainable and premium. For example, the designers used PET reusable fabric on the interior to pursue a balanced relationship with nature. Double-line stitched quilted seat leather presents a more robust and luxurious feeling.

Two new optional interior trim levels give customers in Europe more freedom of choice. These include black leather with a new punching design pattern and black Nappa leather with a new quilting design and grey piping.


 

More responsible driving thanks to electrified powertrains

The new Kia Sorento offers a safe, reliable and relaxed drive. It offers maximum ease of mind and more responsible driving through electrified and efficient powertrains, offering a choice of diesel, hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain options.

The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid comes with a 1.6-litre T-GDi engine and a 13.8kWh battery paired with a six-speed automatic transmission (6AT). It features all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The Sorento Hybrid, meanwhile, features the same 1.6 T-GDi engine and 6AT, paired with a 1.49kWh battery and available with either AWD or front-wheel drive (FWD). In addition, a 2.2-litre diesel engine is available, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8DCT) and available with FWD or AWD.
 

Enhanced technology for a seamless customer experience

The new Kia Sorento is equipped with the latest technology to increase safety, reliability, and comfort. Dual panoramic integrated screens grace the interior: a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation and a 12.3-inch driver instrument cluster. In addition, a 10-inch head-up display allows drivers to see basic vehicle and traffic information without taking their eyes off the road. The digital rear-view mirror, meanwhile, can be used as a normal electric chromatic mirror or as a display for a camera picture. This enables the driver to get a safe rear view in situations when their view is obscured.

The infotainment system can be controlled with the multi-mode touch display and comes with online navigation including telematics services, voice recognition and Bluetooth connectivity. The climate control features a dual-zone, fully automatic temperature control. The infotainment system offers over-the-air (OTA) update capability for software and maps, negating the need for customers to visit a dealership for updates.

The new Sorento is also available with fingerprint recognition, allowing the driver to link their user profile and start the engine. This can also be used to activate the car’s valet mode as an alternative to entering a PIN. In addition, the new Sorento incorporates a wireless phone charger, six USB-C charging ports (two per row) and a Bose premium sound system. A smart key allows for even more convenience. Furthermore, digital key 2.0 technology enables customers to use their smartphone as a smart key, meaning one less thing to carry around.

A ‘User Profile Transfer’ feature enables users to back up their in-vehicle Kia Connect preferences via the cloud and transfer settings from one vehicle to the next. This is designed for customers who often switch between different Kia Connect-equipped cars, such as fleet drivers who use pool cars, or families with more than one Kia Connect-equipped vehicle in their household.

Using Kia Connect, drivers of the Sorento PHEV can also view and control vehicle charge status, in addition to planning a route using online navigation, syncing Apple and Google calendars, and accessing onboard features such as charge station proximity, live weather, and real-time traffic alerts.
 

Upgraded ADAS and safety features for maximum peace of mind

New to this model are Highway Drive Assist 2.0 with Lane Change Assist and Surround View Monitor (SVM) with 3D view function. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist has also been upgraded to include Junction Turning and Crossing, Evasive Steering Assist, lane change oncoming, and lane change side.

In addition, the new Sorento continues to be available with Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Safe Exit Assist (SEA), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), and Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA-R).

Its new Away Close Tailgate feature provides even more convenience, closing the boot automatically once the driver leaves the detection area behind the car.

The Sorento is fitted with up to seven airbags: dual front airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, a new second-row rear thorax airbag, and a front centre airbag. The front centre airbag, an innovation, provides additional head protection for front-seat occupants and is designed to prevent their heads coming into contact during a collision.

The new Sorento will go on sale in the UK in 2024. It comes with Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard. UK specification and pricing will be revealed nearer the on-sale date.