Launched around five years ago the latest fourth-generation Sorento from Kia receives major updates with a refreshed exterior and interior design, and an expanded specification line-up in the brands bid to challenge the premium car market.
The updated Sorento takes design inspiration from the brand’s all-new flagship SUV, the Kia EV9. This includes new vertical headlights and ‘star map’ daytime running lights, with redesigned alloy wheels and a new bonnet design to further emphasise the Sorento’s bold, rugged appearance. The car features a redesigned gloss black radiator grille, as well as black side sill and wheel arch mouldings, giving it a distinctive stance on the road. Highlights and chrome details around the exterior bring a shine to the new model and contrast the black for a premium and refined appearance.
Inside, the Sorento is newly aligned with Kia’s latest SUV models, fully embracing Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. The new Sorento remains one of the best-equipped models in its segment, benefitting from several new premium features, dual curved 12.3-inch displays, ambient lighting, and fingerprint recognition and a customisable head-up display on ‘4’ grade models. The new model benefits from artificial leather and recycled PET cloth throughout the cabin and upholstery, a further demonstration of Kia’s dedication to sustainability.
The Sorento’s innovative interior packaging means it can offer all this while accommodating Kia’s ‘Smartstream’ diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain, making it one of the few models offered as a diesel, HEV and PHEV. The new Sorento is available in well equipped ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘4’ specification levels across all three powertrains, making a total of nine model configurations available.
A vast spec on all Sorento models include: automatic headlight control; LED: DRLs, front and rear fog lights, rear lights, headlights; electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors with LED indicators; roof rails and rear spoiler; rain-sensing front wiper; dual automatic and rear air conditioning; heated front seats and heated artificial leather steering wheel; start/stop button with smart entry system; 2nd row sliding and auto folding seat; 6x USB-C charge ports (2x front, 2x front seats, 2x third row); 2x 12v socket (1x rear, 1x luggage compartment); luggage area: LED light, under-floor storage, net and load cover; 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; free 7-year Kia connect services; Bluetooth connection with voice recognition; Ecall emergency service; over-the-air software updates; smart cruise control with stop/go functionality; intelligent speed limit assist and manual speed limiter; drive mode select; electronic stability control; dynamic brake control; trailer stability assist; multi-collision braking system; paddle shifters; lane keep and lane follow assist; reversing camera system; and front and rear parking sensors.
The Sorento ‘2’ models, which are priced from £42,675/£43,685/£47,405 (Diesel/HEV/PHEV) additionally include: 17-inch alloy wheels (19-inch on PHEV); all-round electric windows with driver auto up/down function; cloth and artificial leather upholstery; auto-dimming rear-view mirror; manual front seat height adjuster; manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel adjustment; 4-inch driver display screen; 6-speaker audio system; forward collision avoidance assist; and highway driving assist.
The mid-range Sorento ‘3’ models, priced from £47,290/47,885/£51,605 (Diesel/HEV/PHEV) benefit from extra equipment that includes: 19-inch alloy wheels; LED ‘small cube’ headlights with low beam assist; sequential indicators; privacy glass; all-round electric windows with front and rear auto up/down function; black leather upholstery; power adjustable seats (front); driver electric lumbar support; outer 2nd row heated seats; 2nd row manual window blinds; height adjustable smart power tailgate; rear LED cabin light; ambient lighting; 12.3-inch driver display screen; Bose premium sound system with 12 speakers; wireless mobile phone charger; blindspot view monitor; 360-degree around view monitor; forward collision avoidance assist; blindspot collision avoidance assist with rear-cross traffic alert; parking collision-avoidance assist; highway driving assist; and rear self-levelling suspension.
Flagship of the new Sorento line-up is the ‘4’ which, priced from £51,790/£52,385/56,105 (Diesel/HEV/PHEV) boasts the following extra kit: 19-inch alloy wheels for HEV and PHEV (20-inch on diesel); panoramic sunroof with tilting/sliding function and automatic electric blind; black Nappa leather upholstery; driver power adjustable memory seat; front passenger power seat; front passenger and driver electric lumbar support; driver and front passenger premium relaxation seats; ergo motion driver seat; ventilated front seats; rear side airbags; electric tilt and telescopic steering column; electronic rear view mirror with full display; alloy pedals; rear LED personal lights; digital key; fingerprint recognition; customisable head-up display; and remote smart park assist.
Engine wise, Kia’s 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine produces 190bhp with 440Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the road via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Over 40mpg should be achievable, and it can tow up to 2,500kg so ideal for equestrian towing and caravans.
Opt for the HEV and you get a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol direct injection (T-GDi) with a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. Producing peak power output of 212bhp and peak torque of 367Nm, you can expect a return similar to the diesel unit. Power is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission via a transmission-mounted electrical device, resulting in immediacy in acceleration response at any speed, with direct access to battery power at higher speeds.
The business friendly PHEV is the most powerful and lowest emitting model in the Sorento line-up, thanks to its plug-in powertrain and zero-emissions electric driving range. Featuring the same 1.6-litre T-GDi engine as the regular HEV model, the larger battery pack and electric motor give the Sorento PHEV a 36bhp boost in peak power. The engine and motor are paired with a high-capacity 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. This enables the seven-seat SUV to deliver an equivalent all-electric range (EAER) of up to 34 miles (WLTP) from a single charge, enough to complete short journeys on EV power alone. The plug-in hybrid model produces peak power of 248bhp and offers a maximum torque output of 367Nm.
The model tested and pictured, a Sorento ‘2’ HEV proved to be surprisingly nippy and pulled well no matter the road. It is big and heavy, noticeable under braking and on a back road can become a little boaty and unsettled. The third row of seats is really only suitable for young children. The front two rows provide an abundance of room for even the tallest of passengers. Being used as just a fiver seater, the boot is massive and it easily held two kids bikes and a folding city bike.
Kia offer a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty. 12-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation warranty. 5-year/100,000-mile paint warranty. And 1-year kia roadside assistance. Servicing should be done at 12 months/10,000 miles.
