The
Sorento has always been a sweet spot in its segment. It offers SUV-like characteristics with a focus on practicality and ease of use. The latest model adds a lot more in terms of style, technology and value for money.
This, the fourth generation of
Kia’s large family SUV is designed and engineered to take on everything life throws at it. From a design perspective, the
Sorento might look a bit ‘American’ and that is because it was a collaborative design effort between
Kia’s worldwide design network in South Korea, Europe and the USA.
The design maintains the robust, tough-looking aesthetic of earlier generations of
Sorento , while applying a greater degree of refinement and elegance, and even a sense of sportiness. Its bodywork incorporates sharp lines and creases, noticeably more sculpted than its more rounded-edged predecessor.
The front of the
Sorento evolves with a new interpretation of
Kia’s hallmark
‘tiger nose’ grille, displaying a wider shape which organically wraps around the integrated headlamps on each side. The new headlamps feature updated LED daytime running lights which further add to the visual appeal of the front.
In profile, the proportions of the
Sorento are subtly adapted to make it appear longer. The new model is 10mm longer than its predecessor, now 4 810mm, yet it features shorter front and rear overhangs. The additional length is found in the wheelbase, which has grown by 35mm to 2 815mm. At the rear, the
Sorento adopts new vertical tail lamps which wrap around the side of the body. Sharper lines in the bodywork echo the straight, technical appearance of the front of the car, with horizontal shapes used to make the vehicle appear wider and more imposing on the road.
On the inside, I was pleasantly surprised by the premium-quality materials and cutting-edge infotainment. At the same time, the
Sorento retains the spaciousness and versatility that has characterised it over its two-decade existence.
The attractive, upscale cabin introduces a feature-packed next-generation design. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system at the centre of the dashboard is wireless Apple CarPlay compatible and is easy to use. There are also new haptic buttons on either side of the screen, which also feature further down the dashboard for the climate control system.
One of the highlights though for me was the material quality which has been enhanced, with a cabin that blends metallic trim, leather upholstery, and embossed satin-effect surfaces.
The
Sorento also offers generous space for up to seven passengers as well as one of the largest luggage capacities in its class – up to 821 litres with the third row stowed. This means the car can accommodate five people in comfort, and a significant amount of luggage.
The new
Sorento is now powered by a new engine in the form of a four-cylinder, 2.2-litre
‘Smartstream’ diesel. The power plant produces 148kW and 440Nm of torque. Furthermore, it is paired with
Kia’s new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission which offers such smooth shifts that one hardly notices them. The motor is frugal and the driving experience is effortless.
I absolutely adore this vehicle because it is able to deal with everyday life without hassle. It’s as easy to drive around town as it is on the long, open road. It should most definitely be on your list when shopping in the segment.
Credit: Justin Jacobs
