The reality of a breakdown during the hostile Dakar
The Dakar Rally is often portrayed as a heroic clash between man, machine and an unforgiving wilderness.
- Industry News
- 14 December 2025
Kia has refreshed its Sorento with some new design elements, advanced technology and outdoor-ready capability. Although the car was initially launched in 2002, the latest facelift has transformed the Sorento into a more desirable vehicle.
What is it?
The Kia Sorento is a modern and luxury SUV for large families. The seven-seater Sorento is leading Kia’s local SUV line-up, which includes the Sonet, Seltos and iconic Sportage.
Exterior:
A strong exterior design upgrade gives the new Kia Sorento an eye-catching appearance. In front, the new bonnet implements an upscaled SUV design with a higher volume and a more defined silhouette. It also boasts vertical headlights and star map DRLs and a new radiator grille design with a 3D mesh pattern.
The redesigned front lower bumper exudes robustness with a wide skid plate, redesigned fog lamps and a vertical air intake.
All derivatives within the range come standard with 20-inch wheels.
The rear of the vehicle features a refreshed taillight design with diagonal LEDs. The updated rear bumper and exhaust trim give it a more rugged look.
Interior:
New mood lighting throughout the interior and across the dashboard is provided. This ambient lighting is visible along the dashboard, on the gear knob and on the front door trims. The shift-by-wire gear knob has been redesigned and there are a black headliner, metal pedals and a panoramic sunroof.
Dual panoramic integrated screens grace the interior: a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation and a 12.3-inch driver instrument cluster. In addition, a 10-inch head-up display allows drivers to see basic vehicle and traffic information without taking their eyes off the road.
In addition, the new Sorento incorporates a wireless phone charger, six USB-C charging ports (two per row) and a Bose premium sound system in the top range SXL model.
ADAS technology is upgraded and available across the range, aligned to the trim spec. These features include, but are not limited to Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which now includes Junction Turning and Crossing, Evasive Steering Assist, lane change oncoming, and lane change side.
Engine:
A four-cylinder, 2.2-litre diesel engine is available in the fourth-generation Sorento. The powerplant produces 148kW and 440Nm of torque and is paired with Kia’s new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission (8DCT).
Prices:
Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater EX+ 2WD 8DCT (R999 995), Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater SX AWD 8DCT (R1 199 995), and the Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater SXL AWD 8DCT (R1 299 995).
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