by Dieter Pey / Franco Theron
The facelifted 2024/2025 Kia Sorento has arrived in Southern Africa with several updates that push it further into the premium SUV space. While the vehicle keeps its core dimensions and engine, the design, technology, and interior quality have all been significantly improved.
This is a mid-cycle facelift of the fourth-generation Sorento, which first arrived locally in 2021. But while the fundamentals remain the same—2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, seven-seat layout, front- and all-wheel drive options—the visual and technological upgrades are significant enough to warrant attention.
A Sharper Exterior Design
Kia’s current design language, dubbed Opposites United, can be hit or miss depending on your preferences, but the Sorento wears it well. The front end is now much more vertical and squared-off, with upright headlamps flanking a wide grille with a new 3D mesh pattern. DRLs (dubbed “Star Map” by Kia) form a distinctive light signature, while the bumper and skid plate have been reworked to emphasise the SUV’s off-road aspirations—at least in theory.
The side profile remains mostly unchanged aside from revised fenders, but all models now ride on 20-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, diagonal LED elements and updated taillights give the Sorento a more upmarket presence, aided by a high-mounted brake light and chunky lower bumper detailing.
Interior: Familiar layout, more finesse
Inside, the Sorento gets a new panoramic curved display that merges the digital driver cluster and infotainment screen into one sleek unit. The centre console has been updated with modern switchgear that allows drivers to easily switch between infotainment and climate controls. The materials and dashboard finish have also been upgraded to create a more premium and refined cabin experience.
As before, it’s a spacious and practical interior with three rows of seating and decent legroom in the middle row. The third row remains best suited to kids or shorter trips, but the folding mechanism is simple and quick. The panoramic sunroof, standard across the range, adds to the sense of openness.
Powertrain: No changes, but still competent
Under the bonnet, it’s business as usual. The sole engine option remains a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel producing 148kW and 440Nm. It’s mated to Kia’s eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (8DCT), which the brand says offers improved fuel efficiency and smoother shifts compared to a conventional automatic.
Front-wheel drive is standard on the base EX+ model, while SX and SXL derivatives feature all-wheel drive. There’s no petrol or hybrid option—at least not yet—which might disappoint those watching fuel prices or environmental impact more closely.
Technology and safety: A step forward
The most meaningful upgrades arguably come in the tech and safety departments. The 2025 Sorento offers features like a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and Bose premium sound system on top-end models. Six USB-C ports (two per row), a wireless phone charger, and wireless smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) are all standard.
Kia’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) has been expanded and now includes junction-turning collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring with avoidance, lane following assist, and even a centre airbag between front passengers—a feature rare at this price point.
Top-tier SXL models add surround-view cameras, side parking sensors, and reverse collision avoidance, helping the Sorento keep pace with more expensive European rivals.
Model line-up and pricing
All models come with Kia’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, roadside assistance, and a six-year/90,000km maintenance plan.
Standard equipment across the range is generous, with even the EX+ offering full LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, leather-look upholstery, 12.3-inch infotainment, and a suite of safety features.
All three trim levels – EX+, SX, and SXL – share the same exterior appearance, with the main differences being in interior features and safety tech. Pricing starts at R999,995 for the EX+, R1,149,995 for the mid-spec SX, and R1,299,995 for the top-spec SXL. The vehicle comes with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, a 6-year/90,000 km maintenance plan, and 5 years of roadside assistance.
