(December 1, 2017) LOS ANGELES — Kia has unveiled the refreshed 2019 Sorento SUV at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.  Refined, rugged and roomy, the Sorento remains as capable as ever, but touts a number of visual and feature enhancements, inside and out. 

Aside from new front and rear fascias, which help achieve a more sophisticated appearance, the cabin is now decidedly more upscale and integrates newly-added technology, including Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keep Assist and QuantumLogic Surround Sound.

In addition, the Sorento now pairs its available 3.3-liter V6 with a new 8-speed automatic transmission for an even smoother and more seamless driving experience.

“In the highly-competitive crossover category, the Sorento is a clear example of how world-class design and craftsmanship are executed,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA.

“Our popular utility now ups its game even further with enhancements in styling, packaging and content, making it even more attractive to shoppers seeking a premium level 3-row SUV.”

Beautifully proportioned, the Sorento retains its refined and rugged exterior look, which was established when the vehicle underwent a complete redesign for the 2016 model year, and was in many ways inspired by the highly regarded Cross GT concept unveiled in 2013.  But a subtle facelift now gives Kia’s popular crossover a tighter, sharper appearance. 

The revised front-end is headlined by a more artfully detailed radiator grille flanked by a new headlamp configuration, which offers full-LED lighting on upper trims — SX and SXL.  The crossover’s familiar ice cube-style foglamps have also been redesigned featuring projection bulbs for EX and SX trims while SXL enjoys the more distinctive LEDs.  The Sorento’s front fascia wears a newly sculpted bumper design to achieve a more aggressive overall expression.

The rear fascia of the crossover has also been enhanced with a new bumper design, sleeker taillamps (LED bulbs for EX trim and higher), revised liftgate and a sportier muffler tip.  And the Sorento’s muscular body rides atop three newly designed wheels, ranging from 17 to 19 inches, depending on trim level.

Spacious and sophisticated, the Sorento’s cabin maintains a premium look and feel thanks to an array of upgrades and enhancements, including a new, more tactile steering wheel, new shifter knob and a revised instrument cluster with improved graphics.  The makeover also includes alterations to the air vents and the center console design.  Although these are minor changes individually, the cumulative effect is a more attractive interior space to be seen, felt and experienced.

In terms of versatility, Sorento offers standard 40/20/40 second-row folding seats and 50/50 third-row folding seats now comes standard on all trims, providing space for up to seven passengers.  The seating system is designed to offer optimum comfort and ideal seating positions to fulfill the needs of every occupant. 

For added luxury, also available are heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 14-way power driver and 8-way power passenger seats, driver’s seat thigh extension and a 4-way headrest with one-button adjustment.  And for 2019, Sorento now offers 2-way powered lumbar support for the front passenger on SX and SXL trims.

The 2019 Kia Sorento is loaded with technology, including an upgraded AVN 5.0 navigation system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay offered with higher level trims.  The base level L trim gets a standard 7-inch user interface, also equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.  And to eliminate the need for a charging cord, there’s now an available wireless charging tray for compatible Android6 devices, as well as Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone X.

When it comes to audio technology, the available premium sound system is well suited to Sorento’s upscale atmosphere.  The 630-watt, 10-speaker new Harman Kardon branded stereo system with an 11-channel amplifier features Clari-Fi technology and newly integrated QuantumLogic Surround Sound technology.  Clari–Fi works in real-time to rebuild audio details lost in digitally compressed music, while QuantumLogic extracts signals from the original recording and redistributes them into an authentic, multidimensional soundstage for playback that is clear, refined and full of detail.  Ultimately, the result is a more robust and enjoyable on-road listening experience.

The spirited front- or all-wheel drive experience is brought to life with a choice of two proven engines, including a 2.4-liter inline-4 GDI or a 3.3-liter V6 GDI.  For2019, the 2.0-liter turbo I-4 will no longer be offered as part of Sorento’s powertrain strategy. However, a new diesel engine with the latest emission controls is currently under development and more information is forthcoming. 

The carryover 2.4-liter engine is mated to a revised and more efficient electronically controlled six-speed automatic gearbox featuring Sportmatic shifting and delivers a capable 185 horsepower. The Sorento’s familiar V6 brings with it a stampede of 290 horses while connecting to a new 8-speed automatic transmission shared with the brand’s Cadenza premium sedan.  The result is a noticeably smoother and more seamless interaction between engine and transmission.  This pairing also maintains Sorento’s towing capacity at 5,000 lbs when equipped with AWD.