The 2018 Kia Sorento is finally arriving in Europe,
after its unveiling in South Korea earlier this year. It benefits from those
same visual updates, which might not be groundbreaking, although they do make
the SUV stand out a bit more.
These include the revised bumpers on both ends, new
LED headlights and taillights, dark metallic finish applied to the signature
grille, fresh patterns for the alloy wheels that range between 17- and 19-inch
in size, and two exterior paint finishes applied to the color palette - Rich
Espresso and Gravity Blue.
Inside, the 2018 Kia Sorento is said to have an
increased proportion of soft-touch materials and leather for a more premium
feel, new steering wheel, instrument cluster, and climate control LCD display,
an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and
Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging within the center console.
Buyers can also opt for a new Harman/Kardon sound system, and they can choose
between the optional brown or light grey leather upholstery, among others.
New for the 2018 Kia Sorento is the addition of an
8-speed automatic transmission, designed in-house. The gearbox is only
available on models powered by the 2.2-liter diesel engine, and it replaces the
previous six-speed automatic. In this flavor, drivers can choose between four
different modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, with each one customizing the
powertrain's responses to inputs, enhancing fuel economy or acceleration
depending on the preference.
Kia's 7-seat flagship SUV is now available, for the
first time, with the Drive Wise ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems),
which combats distracted or drowsy driving. The system monitors several inputs
from the car and driver, and if a lapse in concentration is noticed, it will
sound a warning chime and display a graphic in the instrument binnacle. Other
safety features available on the facelifted Sorento are the full LED headlights
with Dynamic Bending Light, High Beam Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist.
Joining the 2018 Kia Sorento is the new
'sport-inspired' GT Line version. This model benefits from a range of upgrades
for added style, such as the four-lamp LED fog lights, red brake calipers,
prominent sill step, and subtle 'GT Line' badging, while diesels also get a
distinctive chrome twin exhaust tip.
Looking inside, the Sorento GT Line has the same
improvements as the regular version, to which it adds quilted seats in black
leather with grey stitching, unique gear shift paddles, satin chrome highlights,
and the 'GT Line' embroided emblems. Set to be launched on the European market
from Q4, this tweaked SUV will also be displayed at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor
Show.
