Facelifted 2018 Kia Sorento SUV coming to Frankfurt 2017 with new gearbox, extra tech

In-and-out nip and tuck puts the Sorento in line with the times

Kia will show the Euro-bound facelifted Kia Sorento SUV at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show kicking off next week. Besides visual enhancements, new technology and mechanical bits and bobs are on the menu.

On the outside, the revised Sorento earns redesigned bumpers front and back, new LED headlights and taillights plus two new exterior paint choices: Rich Expresso and Gravity Blue.

Cabin-wise, Kia's SUV adds new steering wheel, instrument cluster and climate control LCD screen. On the visual side, the cockpit is similar to what you get inside the Sportage.

Kia's press blurb also mentions an increased proportion of soft-touch materials (including better quality leather) and adjustable front seats. Additionally, users have the 8.0-inch infotainment system at their disposal. It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and offers Tom Tom navigation.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is now available on models fitted with the 2.2-liter diesel engine, as it comes to replace the six-speed automatic one. Four drive modes are on the table: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart.

Together with the facelift, Kia offers a new trim level for the Sorento, namely GT Line. You'll know one when you see it from the four-lamp LED fog lights, red brake calipers, and the compulsory GT Line badges.

The engine lineup stays unchanged and comprises two diesels (2.0-liter and 2.2-liter with 185 PS and 200 PS, respectively) and a 2.4-liter petrol unit with 188 PS on tap.

READ MORE on how SUVs are gaining more and more ground when it comes to European sales