While many who were avidly watching the beloved and award-winning brand we love to support so much unveil the Kia Proceed concept, the wraps were also taken off an updated version of the Sorento Crossover SUV at Frankfurt's annual auto show. Notable differences were a refreshed exterior with new front and rear fascias, a heavily updated grille, revised headlights and taillights, and several upgrades to the interior. A brand-new steering wheel design, as well as a revised climate-control screen are present, along with an updated 8-speed automatic transmission, adding two gears to the previously existing 6.
Kia did not confirm right away exactly when the updated Sorento will hit the American market, but we do suspect that the U.S. Model will also have additional safety features on top of the other additives for the 2019 model year. If you've been spending a bit too much time for the day behind the wheel, you will also be happy to put the driver-drowsiness monitor on board to use. There are many times after a long haul that you have to call it quits on your supposed strong endurance, and pull over to safety where there's a place for you to get the rest you need to function well!
185 horsepower is the four-cylinder standard, with the availability of a 240-hp turbo 4 and 290-hp V-6 as options with a bit more to offer when hurrying off the line. All-drive models of the Sorento can tow up to 5,000 lbs, and will not leave you hanging when heavy-duty pull strength is your premium need. We expect that the LX will still be a trim option that adds third-row seating for the comfortable addition of more passengers for your journeys.
On the current 2017 model, the addition of the LX Convenience package adds an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated front seats, automatic headlamps, and a driver's seat that is equipped with a useful memory feature: who doesn't love getting into a car that “remembers” the settings for the longest (or shortest) legged family member at the helm?
Last year's model showed consumers just how great it was to engage in a V-6 driven environment, while the SXL versions are equipped with HID headlights, a 360-degree camera system, and adaptive cruise control to help on the drives that lean towards the longer side of things. The automated emergency braking system that was new last year was bundled into the Advanced Technology package in the LX and SX, as well as the Advanced Touring package in the EX.
One of the things that we noticed most about the Sorento was the exterior noise level: it was seven decibels quieter than the new 2017 Audi Q7 during idling, and we know that lack of noise is a huge deciding factor among those looking for a quiet commuter. Come see us at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis soon, and feast your eyes on the mid-size crossover that Car and Driver adamantly claims “needs to be on your shortlist”.
