2017 Kia Sorento gets sharper looks, technology and gearbox

Official images of next Kia Sorento SUV have been released, showing the brand’s flagship model sporting a subtle makeover inside and out.

Due to arrive before the end of the year, the refreshed seven-seater will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. Along with its new look, the Sorento will gain Kia’s latest technology and a sporty GT Line trim level.

As with any good facelift, the bumpers have been reprofiled and the headlights and rear light clusters have been modernised, this time by adding LED technology. Look even more closely and Kia’s trademark ‘tiger-nose’ grille has been given a dark finish for a more purposeful look. Owners can choose from two new paint colours: Rich Espresso and Gravity Blue, while the 17, 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels also get new designs.

To reaffirm the Sorento's flagship status, Kia has increased the quota of soft-touch materials and leather trim inside. You can choose from a black theme, or a two-tone black-and-beige look, with cloth or leather upholstery. The infotainment system has an eight-inch screen and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections. There’s also a wireless smartphone charger in the centre console and the option of a Harman Kardon stereo upgrade.

The new gearbox also has four driving modes, called: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Smart, changing the response of the engine and the weight of the steering. Smart mode is intended to predict the driver’s behaviour for different road conditions and adjust the car accordingly.

A six-speed manual gearbox will also be available, giving CO2 emissions of 147g/km and fuel economy of up to 50.4mpg. In European markets, the Kia Sorento will also be available with 183bhp 2.0-litre diesel and 2.4-litre petrol engines, but just the 2.2-litre has been confirmed for the UK.

Safety technology has been given an overhaul, too, with the arrival of active safety kit designed to avoid or lessen the severity of collisions. There’s a system to detect driver fatigue, lane-keeping assistance, auto-dipping headlights and full-LED headlights with Dynamic Bending Light.

While official pricing has yet to be announced, the revised car should cost around as much as the current Sorento, which starts from just under £30,000. It arrives this winter and like all Kias will come with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.