CARS.COM — Kia is set to debut changes to the Kia Sorento three-row SUV at the International Motor Show Germany in Frankfurt next week, including a new trim level, safety features and updated styling inside and out.
Related: 2018 Kia Sorento Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus Award
We should note that Kia promises these updates for the forthcoming European version of the Sorento, which debuts later this year. Here in the U.S., the 2018 Sorento is already on sale without the overseas updates, but we could see some of these updates arriving in the near future — especially for the styling and safety. Cars.com reached out to Kia to see which of these changes might head here, but we haven't heard a response as of this writing.
The European Sorento's new styling isn't a great departure from the older model, but the nose has been sharpened thanks to a new front bumper, LED headlights and a dark metallic finish on the grille. There are two new paint colors (New Rich Espresso and Gravity Blue), and Kia says the 17-, 18- and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels get a new design. The interior features a new steering wheel and instrument cluster as well as a new LCD display for the climate controls.
Kia positions Europe's new trim level, dubbed GT Line, as the sportier trim; its visual upgrades include four-lamp LED foglights, red brake calipers, more prominent side sills and GT Line badging. Inside, it features contrast gray stitching and chrome highlights.
There are also a few new safety features, including a driver attention warning system to fight driver fatigue and drowsiness, plus lane keep assist, high-beam assist and adaptive headlights.
The Sorento landed a slightly above-average performance in Cars.com's most recent Three-Row SUV Challenge, placing third out of eight contenders. Stay tuned to see if, and when, these updates make it stateside.
