Kia came to LA to show its heavily revised Sorento crossover, with 80 percent of its parts new or significantly redesigned.

The American-built machine is highlighted by an all-new chassis, a new direct injected V6 engine and a redesigned interior with a new infotainment system.

While a four-cylinder engine remains the CUV's base mill, the Sorento now gets the same 3.3-litre V6 we'll see in its sister product, the Hyundai Santa Fe XL. It produces 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque here, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional all-wheel drive system now offers Torque Vectoring Cornering Control (TVCC) for better handling.

Speaking of handling, the Sorento's new chassis is 18 percent stiffer that the 2012 model, with Kia saying most of its changes were done to improve ride and handling.  

Exterior refresh not withstanding, the interior also gets a redesigned instrument panel, optional digital gauges, a larger touchscreen (diagonally spanning eight inches) and the first application of Kia's new-gen UVO infotainment system.

Check the box for a new, top-of-the-line SX Limited trim and premium kit like self-leveling HID headlights, nappa leather seats, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats all come aboard. Sorento will also be the first Kia to offer a blind spot detection system.