The first official images of the facelifted Kia Sorento have been released, with the SUV scoring fresh front-end styling and a new dashboard design…

UPDATE: We’ve updated this article with additional images from the US reveal of the 2024 Kia Sorento facelift.

Official images of the facelifted version of the 4th-generation Kia Sorento have been released in South Korea, with the SUV’s midcycle update including design updates inside and out.

Though the MQ4-generation Sorento launched in South Africa as recently as January 2022, the Korean firm has already handed the SUV a fairly significant facelift. Technical details – including those around potential powertrain changes – have yet to be released, but the images tell a story all on their own.

Styling up front has clearly been inspired by the likes of the fully electric EV9 (as was the case with the recently facelifted Picanto), with the updated Sorento switching to sleek vertically arranged headlamps, complete with eye-catching daytime running lights. The grille – which retains a 3-dimensional pattern – is larger and bolder than before, while the Kia logo has been moved to the leading edge of the bonnet.

Note the wider, curved screen and sleek air vents.

The lower section of the front bumper has likewise been revised, as has the front skid plate. From what we can tell, the taillamp shells appear mostly unchanged, though Kia does seem to have tweaked the lighting signature by implementing new graphics.

There’s also a wider rear skid plate as well as an altered lower rear bumper, while the “Sorento” lettering is no longer centred on the tailgate, instead being repositioned to the far left. Finally, the automaker has rolled out a fresh alloy-wheel design.

Inside, the Korean-spec and US-spec versions of the refreshed Sorento switch to a panoramic curved screen, which combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment display, which runs on a new operating system that allows for over-the-air updates. Below this screen, you’ll find redesigned air vents that stretch virtually all the way across the dashboard as well as a new touch panel for climate and audio controls.

Kia Motors South Africa has yet to announce when the facelifted Sorento is due to launch locally. As a reminder, the current range comprises 4 derivatives, each powered by a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivering 148 kW and 440 Nm. Drive is directed to either the front axle or all 4 wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard.

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