Kia has announced that its Sorento crossover will be getting an upgrade for the 2012 model year, with a new engine expected to boost fuel efficiency and performance.

Official EPA numbers aren't available for the new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, but USA Today says it will "almost certainly boost gas mileage" for the crossover, which already earned 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway, very good numbers for a crossover vehicle.

On the performance front, the new engine uses direct injection technology, a change for the brand. Autoblog states that horsepower will be boosted from 175 to 200 for the new Sorento. Typically, upgrades to fuel economy and performance are mutually exclusive: a bigger engine means more fuel usage. So this is a rare coup for the South Korean automaker that's sure to move some models.

The Sorento will also enjoy an upgrade on the interior, courtesy of the new UVO hands-free "infotainment" system. Kia and its parent brand Hyundai are beginning to incorporate UVO into their vehicles, so it makes sense that the family-friendly crossover would be one of the first to get the treatment.

That said, new car prices are high right now, so drivers may want to hold off for the time being. Waiting for the Sorento to hit the used car market can bring drivers significant savings.