The Kia Sorento started life as a body-on-frame SUV for the 2002 model year and was redesigned in 2010 and 2014. Come 2017 and Kia gave the third-generation SUV its mid-cycle facelift by adding new design features on the outside and updating the tech package inside the cabin.

The refresh also saw one of the two four-cylinder engines discontinued, leaving the Sorento with a choice of two drivetrains. However, Kia did announce that the hauler will get a diesel soon. Info about the oil burner is not yet available, but we know everything else about this SUV, so let's have a closer look at the data in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Kia Sorento

2019 Kia Sorento Exterior

Design changes are far from massive, but this is not surprising for a facelift. Up front, the grille retains the shape and size of the outgoing model, but the chrome inserts are bigger, which gives the SUV a more premium look. The headlamps also carry over as far as shape goes, but they've been redesigned under the lens and feature a thin DRL strip at the bottom. New LED lights are also available, but they're standard only on the SX and SXL trims.

Down below, the bumper remains similar, but the center vent was reshaped, likely for improved cooling and aerodynamics. Kia also redesigned the "ice cube" foglamps onto the sides, now with LEd technology on the SXL trim.

There aren't any notable changes on the sides save for the three new wheels designs that range from 17 to 19 inches in diameter. However, the rear section boasts slightly revised taillights with new light clusters and LED tech on trim EX and higher. The rear bumper gained new chrome trim around the brake lights, as well as a fake vent just above the apron.

Needless to say, the update isn't very comprehensive, but it will keep the Sorento fresh for a few more years.

2019 Kia Sorento Interior

Design updates are mild inside the cabin too, but the SUV did get a brand-new steering wheel. The unit has four spokes instead of three, revised controls, and a more rectangular center section. The shifter knob is also new, while the revised instrument cluster has improved graphics. Kia also claims that it revised the A/C vents, but they look about the same to me.

Design-aside, the Korean carmaker made some changes to the equipment lines and added new standard and available features. Options include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 14-way power driver and 8-way power passenger seats, driver’s seat thigh extension, and a 4-way headrest with one-button adjustment. For 2019, the Sorento comes with two-way powered lumbar support for the front passenger on SX and SXL trims.

There's also available dual-zone HVAC and panoramic sunroof, as well as premium Nappa leather trim seating surfaces similar to those found in the Kia Stinger. Newly available interior/seat colors include Mahogany and Terracotta for the SX and SXL trims. An upgraded navigation system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is offered on higher trim levels, alongside an available 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The second-row seat has a 40/20/40 folding layout, while the third-row seats fold 50/50. The configuration is now standard on all trim levels. As far as third-row space goes, the Sorento offers 31.7 inches of legroom and 36.3 inches of headroom. That's less than what you get in the Honda Pilot, but more than the Toyota Highlander. Cargo room is rated at 74 cubic feet with the seat folded flat. That's inferior to both the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, which offer up to 83.9 and 83.7 cubic feet of luggage room, respectively.

2019 Kia Sorento Drivetrain

Under the hood, the Sorento lost one of its three engines. Kia decided to discontinue the turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, mostly due to poor fuel economy figures compared to the V-6. The engine wasn’t powerful enough for the seven-seat configuration anyway.

The remaining 2.4-liter four-cylinder and the 3.3-liter V-6 carry over unchanged. The former delivers the same 185 horsepower and mates to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic shifting. The V-6 continues to generate 290 horsepower, but now mates to a new eight-speed gearbox. The automatic transmission, borrowed from the Cadenza sedan, provides smoother and more seamless shifting. Kia said that the Sorento will eventually get a diesel in the United States, but didn't provide additional information.

The SUV rides on the H-shaped subframe, four-point bushing mountings, and Hydraulic Rebound Stopper-type shock absorbers. Kia offers a rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) with direct mounting of the electric motor on the steering rack, enhancing steering response and improving handling.

Sorento continues to use the company's advanced AWD system designed to automatically route power to the wheel with the most traction. The system also provides drivers the added stability of Torque Vector Cornering Control (TVCC), which is activated when yaw and steering sensors detect unwanted understeer.

2019 Kia Sorento Safety

This is where Kia a big update, as the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite of safety features is now standard on Sorento EX trims and higher. In addition to Forward Collision Warning System, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Surround View Monitor, the SUV also comes with Driver Attention Warning and Lane Keeping Assist.

The former detects driver fatigue by monitoring vehicle and driving behavior and issues visual and audible warnings to encourage the driver to take a break. The latter helps alerts the driver and can even steer the vehicle back to its original position should the system detect the vehicle moving out of its lane.

All Sorento trims continue to boast standard active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Brake Assist System, Hill-start Assist Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Antilock Braking System. Features like Roll Over Mitigation and Cornering Brake Control are also standard on all-wheel drive models.

2019 Kia Sorento Prices

Pricing for the Kia Sorento starts from $25,990 in L trim. Upgrade to the LX model and the sticker jumps to $27,490. Next up is the LX V6, which retails from $31,290, while EX V6 fetches $35,590 before options. Finally, the SX costs $39,990, while the range-topping SX Limited comes in at $44,690.

2019 Kia Sorento Competition

Honda Pilot

Having been launched in 2016 and updated for the 2019 model year, the current Pilot is fairly new. The Japanese SUV is now more appealing than ever design-wise and boasts an impressive tech package. The base trim is fitted with a rearview camera, a seven-speaker sound system and, as of 2018, the Honda Sensing driver assists package. The only engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet. As far as third-row roominess goes, the Honda Pilot provides 38.9 inches of headroom and 31.9 inches of legroom. While second-row legroom is above average at 38.4 inches, third-row legroom is mostly on par with the competition. The Pilot retails from $31,450 in base trim, but Honda also offers a premium-oriented version. It’s called the Elite, it costs $48,020, and adds features like AWD, panoramic roof, wireless charging, heated second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather, and multi-zone audio, among others.

Read our full review of the 2019 Honda Pilot.

Toyota Highlander

Launched in 2013, the latest Highlander looks decidedly more modern than before thanks to its more polished front fascia and updated interior. Six models are available, ranging from a base, no-frills SUV that gets the job done to the LE Plus, which add a more powerful V-6 engine, a power liftgate, smartphone integration, and a large eight-inch touchscreen display. Premium features like a panoramic moonroof, leather seats, Bird’s Eye camera, and heated second-row captain’s chairs are also available with the range topping Limited Platinum model. The Highlander can seat up to eight people and provides 35.9 inches of headroom and 27.7 inches of legroom for third-row passengers. Pricing for the Highlander starts from $31,230, while the range-topping Limited Platinum version fetches $45,400 before options. Unlike most of the competition, the Highlander can also be had with a hybrid drivetrain.

Read our full story on the 2018 Toyota Highlander.

Conclusion

Although it was far from dated, it's cool to see the Sorento get an upgrade so soon. The exterior updates will definitely keep things fresh for few more years, but it's the cabin enhancements that make it much better than before. With new features and more standard equipment, the Sorento is finally on part with most of its competitors and even wins the battle against some of them. While the 2.0-liter engine was discontinued, the Sorento still has a couple of drivetrains to choose from, which can't be said about other SUVs in this niche. With a diesel underway, Kia might gain an advantage here. On the flipside, the Sorento has a somewhat small trunk compared to other three-row vehicles.

Spy Shots

March 14, 2016 - Facelift Kia Sorento caught on a transport truck