Face off? 2024 Kia Sorento family SUV hitting showrooms in weeks, but what else has changed aside from the Toyota Kluger rival's bold new design?

Kia has already given us a few glimpses of its new Sorento but the brand has used LA Auto Show to officially debut the updated SUV, and it will be rolling into local showrooms very soon.

"Dealer deliveries will start in December and we'll release pricing and specifications in line with that timing," a spokesperson for Kia Australia told CarsGuide.

Buyers can very likely count on an increase in price. The current range starts at $47,650 and the new entry model could easily nudge the $50K mark.

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This is a facelift of the current generation, which arrived in 2020, but the restyling gives the seven-seat SUV a more upright front end similar to the brand’s EV9 electric flagship. 

The stacked, vertical LED headlights are also reminiscent of the EV9’s design, however, the Sorento features a broad, blacked-out grille.

An intriguing feature of the new Sorento is the amber running lights which skirt the flat bonnet’s edge and cascade down beside the headlights. Amber running lights are also present on the brand’s Telluride SUV in the United States. 

Whether or not the amber DRLs will meet Australia Design Rules is yet to be confirmed.

Other changes to the Sorento exterior are a wider skid plate under the front bumper for a more rugged look and newly designed tail-lights.

Inside, the dashboard has been redesigned with twin 12.3-inch curved screens replacing the previous flat ones, while the large centre air vents have been removed and in their place are streamlined horizontal vents. 

Adding to the less cluttered look is a haptic climate control panel, similar to the unit found in the smaller Kia Sportage.

It’s not all just about looks, the new Sorento has been outfitted with some serious technology upgrades. 

There’s Kia’s new-gen 'Connected Car Navigation Cockpit'. Introduced on the EV9, it’s a faster, smarter sat nav with over-the-air updates. 

A digital key system will also be available on the 2024 Sorento allowing owners to use their smartphones to lock, unlock and drive the vehicle.

A machine learning adaptive cruise control function will also feature on the new Sorento which will ‘get to know’ your driving style and adapt to suit.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also be available, along with USB Type-C ports in all three rows.

The updated looks may help the Sorento's sales performance. A total of 7685 units registered so far this year lags behind many of the three-row SUVs Kia stablemates including the Sportage (12,642), Carnival (9646) and Seltos (8883).