While we may have just witnessed the launch of the wildly-redesigned all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, it’s unfortunately not quite time yet for its mechanically-related sibling, the Kia Sorento. It’ll instead be getting a mid-lifecycle update, and Kia has now released the first photos of the new 2023 Sorento for your viewing pleasure.
The front fascia of the facelifted 2023 Kia Sorento is where it’ll catch most people’s attention, as the changes here are rather significant, to say the least. Most notably are the new T-shaped headlights that take inspiration from the Kia EV9, with its daytime-running lights (DRLs) protruding into the grille itself. The Kia logo has now been moved onto the bonnet just above the shutline, while the lower air intake has also been redesigned for a cleaner and more modern look.
On the side, the Kia Sorento’s profile has largely remained the same, albeit with newly designed alloy wheels. As for the back, Kia has given the facelifted 2023 Sorento a new set of taillights, with the two vertical elements now conjoined at the top. The reverse lights are now located even lower than before, and are now pretty much stuck right at the bottom of the rear bumper, beneath the silver skid plate-like element.
The interior of the new 2023 Kia Sorento facelift might seem untouched at first glance, but it’s also been given a visual revamp with a focus on minimalist aesthetics. Unfortunately, that means replacing the unique split air vents from before with simpler and more matured-looking ones, and even completely removing the triangular motif on the centre stack.
As a result of the reworked centre stack, the old-school air conditioning controls are now replaced with a slim touch-activated panel, as seen on the EV6, while the myriad of buttons that surrounded the pre-facelift model’s infotainment screen seems to also have been removed, and is now substituted by a larger 12.3-inch panoramic curved screen. Boo.
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Moving further down, the centre console now houses a rotary shifter, taking the place of the traditional gear knob in the outgoing model. Interestingly, the car even comes with a fingerprint scanner, which can be used as an authentication method for scenarios such as starting the car or when making payments.
As for now, no technical details or specifications regarding the Kia Sorento facelift have been announced just yet. For context, the fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe that was just revealed last week is fitted with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, together with all-wheel drive.
Closer to home, the current 2023 Kia Sorento is offered in either 2.5-litre petrol or 2.2-litre Diesel engine options, and is available in both AWD or 2WD configurations, in six- or seven-seater options.
Prices start from RM211,498 for the entry-level 2.5L petrol seven-seater 2WD variant, and top out at RM255,229 for the 2.2D diesel six-seater AWD variant. For more details, do check out our gallery article and video review of the car.
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