Kia has unveiled a mid-life update to its Sorento family SUV, pushing the model upmarket to bolster its appeal.

The manufacturer's South Korean website unveiled changes to the model this week, presenting a mildly refreshed look both inside and out. 

A "tiger nose" grille styled by renowned designer Peter Schreyer has a new look that joins reworked headlamps with new LED daytime running lights. Kia's ice cube-inspired foglights take their place at the bottom of a retouched bumper, and a similar treatment to the rear involves minor changes to the car's appearance.

The inside is a more significant, bringing an upgraded touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and wireless inductive charging.  

Kia reworked the car's steering wheel and gear selector, adopting a premium look with perforated leather joined by quilted leather trim in luxury models. The car retains its seven-seat versatility and powered tailgate.

A new eight-speed automatic transmission is on the way, as well as a revised V6 petrol engine expected to offer improved efficiency over the outgoing model.

Kia Australia says the facelifted model will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2017.

It can't confirm prices and specifications for local models, which may differ from what is offered in Korea. 

Australian models will feature locally developed suspension tunes in place of Korea's softer suspension. A spokesman for the brand says the local arm is unlikely to adopt a range of cosmetic and performance parts such as lower springs and twin exhausts developed for the car.

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