Kia has announced the 2023 Kia Sorento facelift for its Korea domestic market. However, prices and mechanical details are still kept under wraps as the model will only be launched in August.

What we do know is that its front-end now looks dramatically different from before. Instead of a very horizontal design motive emphasizing the 3-row seat SUV’s wide stance, the new Sorento facelift has T-bar, almost Cadillac-like design motive. Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille has also been reinterpreted.

Inside, the changes for the new Kia Sorento are even more significant. The dashboard has been completely changed, with new instrument panel, infotainment screen’s housing, and air-conditioning control panel.

The new design fuses the 12.3 digital instrument panel and infotainment display (new generation ccNC system) as one unified curved panoramic screen.

The new Sorento’s ignition is activated by fingerprint. It starts not just the engine but is also used to approve payments (via in-vehicle apps) and deactivating valet parking mode.

Kia says the new 2023 Kia Sorento facelift will be launched with a range of petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants. Details will be announced mid-August.

The outgoing model Kia Sorento sold in Korea had three powertrain options – a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel, 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol, and 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid.

Closer to home, our Kia Sorento is locally assembled, so there will be a longer lead time before a new model is launched here. Also, right-hand drive markets typically trail major left-hand drive ones by at least 6 months.

Bermaz Auto’s subsidiary Dinamikjaya Motors is currently selling the locally assembled (CKD) Kia Sorento for:

• 2.5G naturally aspirated petrol 2WD 7-seater, 6AT – RM 211,498
• 2.5G naturally aspirated petrol 4WD 6-seater, 6AT – RM 235,498
• 2.2D turbo diesel 4WD 6-seater, 8-speed DCT – RM 255,228