In the latest issue of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s vehicle declaration catalog, Automotive Industry Focus has obtained the new car declaration information for the Kia Sorento. As a mid-cycle facelift model, the new car features significant exterior adjustments, largely continuing the design of the overseas version. It offers both 1.5T and 2.0T engine options.
In terms of appearance, the new car adopts a completely new design language. The rectangular blackened front grille blends seamlessly with the large headlights, forming a unified design, and features a continuous LED daytime running light strip embedded above. The headlights use a vertically arranged light source design. The front bumper is wider, accented with a silver front lip. On the side, the overall design of the car remains largely unchanged, with two wheel sizes available: 17 inches and 18 inches. At the rear, the car is equipped with a roof spoiler and an embedded high-mounted brake light. The taillights are connected by a black continuous trim, and the main light source of the taillights is recognizable when illuminated. In terms of size, the new car measures 4695/1865/1678(1680) mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2755 mm, positioning it as a compact SUV.
Inside, referencing the overseas version, the new car is equipped with dual 12.3-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and the central control screen. Below the screens, a large number of physical buttons remain, with slight adjustments to the overall layout. The steering wheel features the latest dual-spoke design, and the car adopts a rotary shift mechanism. The position of the rotary knob has been moved to the left, bringing it closer to the driver.
In terms of power, the new car will offer 1.5T and 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The 1.5T engine delivers a maximum power of 147 kW, while the 2.0T engine delivers a maximum power of 180 kW.
The Sorento was officially launched in November 2022, positioned as a compact SUV and can be considered the successor to the Kia KX5. The Sorento is offered with three powertrain options: 1.5T + 8AT, 2.0T + 8AT, and 2.0L HEV + 6AT. The 1.5T turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 200 horsepower and 253 Nm of torque, while the 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 234 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque.
The Sorento is the fifth generation of the Kia Sportage. The second, third, and fourth generations were introduced and produced in China by Dongfeng Yueda Kia, under the names Shoupa, Zhipao, and KX5. According to product iteration information, the KX5 replaced the Zhipao, while the Zhipao replaced the Shoupa. However, the Zhipao did not replace the Shoupa after its launch, and both models were sold simultaneously until the KX5 was launched. Due to the Shoupa’s inability to keep up with market developments, it was discontinued. However, Dongfeng Yueda Kia launched the new generation Zhipao in April 2018 and introduced the Zhipao Ace in July 2021, a model exclusive to the Chinese market. In November 2022, the KX5 successor, the Sorento, was officially launched. The name “Sorento” is a direct transliteration from the Sportage, and it is currently Kia’s only model with a four-character name.
As a compact SUV, the Sorento is currently priced between 179,800 and 237,800 RMB, with major competitors including the Honda CR-V/Haoying, Toyota RAV4 Rongfang/Weilanda, and Volkswagen Tiguan L Pro. Retail data shows that from January to August 2025, the Sorento’s cumulative sales reached 9,210 units, which is lower than 10,000 units, while the RAV4 Rongfang sold 133,944 units, the CR-V sold 111,666 units, and both Weilanda and Haoying had sales above 70,000 units. As an international brand, Kia has a lower presence in the Chinese market, which is the primary reason for the Sorento’s sales lagging behind its competitors in the same segment.
