2018 Kia Sorento Facelift Dressed In Euro Clothing For Frankfurt

After getting a nip and tuck at home in South Korea, the Kia Sorento is visiting its European tailor for a new suit to wear it on the occasion of the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. As it is the case with most mid-cycle refreshes, the design changes are limited to the new graphics of the headlights and taillights together with a slightly modified look for both bumpers.

Kia's corporate "tiger nose" front grille now adopts a dark metallic finish while the body can be painted in Rich Espresso or Gravity Blue that are being introduced with the facelift. Rounding off the novelties on the outside are the updated alloy wheel designs ranging in size from 17 to 19 inches and this sporty GT Line version as seen on several other Kia models. It brings four-point LED fog lights, red brake calipers, and a slightly more aggressive body. In the case of the diesel, you also get chrome dual exhaust tips.

Hopping inside the seven-seat SUV's cabin, the first thing you will probably notice is going to be the new steering wheel. Kia went to the trouble of tweaking the instrument cluster and installing a new display for the climate control system. In addition, the 2018 Sorento has been fitted with the company's latest and greatest 8-inch infotainment system with TomTom services as well as Android Auto & Apple CarPlay integration. To provide a more upscale feel, the interior now has additional leather and more soft-touch plastics

At an additional cost, the large SUV is going to be available with an optional Harman Kardon sound system packing 10 speakers for a total power of 640 watts. Those willing to reach deeper into their pockets will be given the possibility to order the Sorento with full-LED adaptive headlights joining an updated array of safety and assistance systems, such as driver attention warning, lane keeping assistant, and high beam assist.

A more important change is the adoption of a new eight-speed automatic transmission, which is making its debut on an SUV from Kia. It's the end result of 143 patented technologies and will be available for the 2.2-liter diesel Sorento to replace the old six-speed 'auto. Not only does it deliver smoother and quicker gear changes, but it has also slashed CO2 emissions from 172 to 159 g/km. Alternatively, the model will continue to be available with a six-speed manual.

Kia will have the 2018 Sorento on display beginning with next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show where it will share the spotlight with the Picanto X-Line and a gorgeous shooting brake concept acting as a preview for the third-gen cee'd due next year.