Now known as Sorento R, Kia's new big sports utility is definitely not the rig it used to be.
What had been a useful but somewhat utilitarian workhorse hauler has become a lot more sophisticated.
Softer? That too. The old-school body-on-frame structure, selectable four-wheel drive, low-range ratio and live rear axle have been dropped. There's even a front-wheel-drive model.
So much change is all about meeting the challenges of a changed world, a task made all the easier by having access to a platform parent Hyundai created for the Santa Fe.
The new look was made possible by the adoption of a monocoque body, which also allows a seven-seat option and happily improves integrity in a crash.
Six airbags and stability control also help.
There's still some mud-ability with hill descent control, hill start assist and a four-wheel-drive lock. But ground clearance has dropped 20mm, approach and departure angles suffer and tyres are seal-tuned.
Four models have been launched, most with a six-speed auto, and all have a common engine, a new 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel called the R-Series. It produces 17% more power and 10% more torque than the old 2.5, while using more than 20% less fuel.
The torquier auto outpaces the six-speed manual to 100kmh, but with either box, maximum muscle occurs at a low 1800rpm, so acceleration is strong and refined.
It's still no car (plenty of body roll, some play in the steering at straight ahead) but the ride is comfortable and mechanical noise is suppressed.
The driving position is improved and although the wheelbase has been shortened, there's more room inside, though the third row is for kids.
This model will be a good thing for Kia, even if the engine is about to go into the updated Hyundai Santa Fe.
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