KIA’S second-generation Sorento helped change consumer perceptions about the one-time cheap and cheerless Korean ‘value’ brand.

Now there’s a heavily modified facelift, complete with worthwhile engineering changes for improved packaging, refinement, and driveability, as well as an increase in standard features, to help keep the seven-seater SUV in contention.

With the evergreen Ford Territory TDCi still setting the benchmark, has Kia done enough to improve the Sorento? We drive the base diesel auto to find out.