Freshened 2019 Kia Sorento Gains Refinements
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The Kia Sorento SUV has been a solid performer at CR’s test track and in our reliability ratings. The next version of the people-hauler doesn’t mess with success, refining its interior, exterior and technology without radical changes.
Kia hopes the 2019 Sorento, unveiled Thursday at the LA Auto Show, with a more sophisticated appearance and lots of new integrated luxury and safety features, will push it toward the premium end of its segment.
“The Sorento is a clear example of how world-class design and craftsmanship are executed,” said Orth Hedrick, Kia Motors America’s vice-president of product planning. “Our popular utility now ups its game even further with enhancements in styling, packaging, and content.”
The 2019 version will have key safety features, like automatic emergency braking, standard on all trims. Other advanced features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot detection are only standard on EX trims or higher.
Kia is easing out its 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine. The two options will now be a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder or a 3.3-liter V6. The SUV will keep an advanced all-wheel-drive system that automatically routes power to different wheels to maximize traction.
The interior gets some upgrades, too. All trim levels now have three rows of seats standard. There’s a more tactile steering wheel, a new shifter design, and a revised instrument cluster with improved graphics. The front seats are both heated and ventilated. Kia has integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay into all trim levels. Consumers looking for the best sound can opt for a 630-watt, 10-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system.
Kia hasn’t released sale dates or pricing information yet, but the 2019 Sorento should be on dealer lots sometime next year.
Read our current Kia Sorento road test.
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