FAST-IMPROVING Kia has added two-wheel drive variants to its Sorento as part of an extensive make-over that it expects will draw more buyers to its flagship SUV in Australia.

While most buyers of the previous AWD-only model were drawn to the top-shelf Platinum variant, the addition of the new front-drive models in mid-range V6 petrol specifications is expected to appeal to families with more mainstream needs.

The move is Kia’s response to the success of the market leading Toyota Kluger and Ford Territory 2WD variants, which account for half of their sales.

So, how does the new Sorento rate as a family wagon and do those updates under the familiar skin shine through?