The updated 2013 Kia Sorento is scheduled to make its public debut next month at the Paris Motor Show. Customers will have the possibility of ordering the crossover with one of the following three engines available, all of them being mated as standard to a 6-speed manual gearbox, with the possibility of opting for a 6-speed automatic transmission. These three engines are the 2.0-liter diesel with 148 hp (150 PS), an updated version of the 2.2-liter turbodiesel R unit that pumps out the same number of horsepower as before (195 hp / 197 PS) but the newer edition has lower CO2 emissions (153 g/km), along with the new 2.4-liter GDI gasoline unit with direct-injection that generates 194 hp (197 PS). The latter is replacing the outgoing 2.4-liter MPI with 172 hp (174 PS).
According to the Korean carmaker, the 2013 Sorento will be available in some international markets with the same 2.4-liter MPI 172 hp and 3.5-liter V6 276 hp gasoline engines as before. Kia did not reveal any details about the North American version of the crossover which most likely will be sold as a 2014 model. We do know that the updated Sorento will be offered with a new front end that includes LED daytime running lights, while at the back the design of the taillights is now different. Inside the cabin we shall find an updated instrument cluster and a new design for the center console.
The chassis of the 2013 Sorento is new according to Kia as it has a new subframe for both the front & rear suspensions that have received new bushings, heavy-duty shock absorbers and longer trailing arms for the rear axle. Also new is the variable ratio power steering known as Flex Steer which offers three driving modes: Comfort, Normal and Sport.
More details about the 2013 Kia Sorento, along with the North American version of the car, will probably be revealed at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.
