Just few models in the last twenty years have supported Kia’s ambitions to approach the premium market better than the Sorento, interpreter of the high range and in fact the flagship of the European range. This is a role that it has shared for a few months with the large electric SUV EV9, not dissimilar in terms of layout and image. Precisely to underline this affinity, the Sorento update, which thoroughly renews the fourth generation launched in 2020, draws inspiration from the EV9 and its “Halo Car” style and which brings the “Opposite United” philosophy that guides the design of the new Kia.
The sealed grille of the electric SUV has in fact been taken up in the form of the new 3D effect grille of the Sorento, which also stands out for the design of the vertical headlights with a “star map” motif, the redesigned bonnet which now bears the new Kia logo on the top and the new sequential turn signals.
The rear part has also been revised and simplified: the bumper has a less elaborate design, without the fine rear slits, and the pairs of vertical lights also with a “star map” design are now joined in the upper part. The Sorento lettering then changes, returning to the left side of the tailgate, and the latest version of the logo makes its debut here too. Also new is the design of the alloy wheels, which, depending on the model and trim level, range from a minimum of 17″ to a maximum of 20″ and for the bodywork the choice of colors rises to 10 options, with three new shades that they are the new Volcanic Sand and the Interstellar Gray and Cityscape Green variants taken from the palette of other models.
The EV9 was also an inspiration for the update of the interiors: the large curved display divided into two parts now offers, for the one dedicated to the actual instruments, the possibility of modifying the graphic style, moving from a more classic one with depicted instruments according to the traditional form of the analogue ones to the “high tech” and digital one of the electric SUV. A 64-colour ambient lighting line, gear selector and redesigned seats have also been introduced. The technological transfer between the high-end models also emerges in the materials: Sorento adopts new upholstery in fabric made from recycled plastic or ecological imitation leather.
