10/06/2024 The big seven-seat Sorento SUV has been given a makeover. Sorento comes with a choice of PHEV plug-in hybrid power or a good old 2.2 litre diesel. KIA has sharpened up the styling with significant revisions to the front end, lights and grille. The badging had moved up onto the bonnet and this allows the Sorento visually associate with the current and next generation of KIAs. The rear lights and tailgate get freshened up too. 19 inch alloys are standard as is a black leather interior.
Inside the driver’s display and centre screen are now one unit in our well-equipped test car. It has been redesigned and will the dash revisions will feel familiar to drivers of modern KIAs. The driving position is great and there are plenty of large storage places to be found in the cabin. The middle row is perfect for adults and the seats slide. The rear two pop up when not stowed flat. The last two seats can accommodate relatively flexible adults!
The boot is vast as a five-seater and cosy at best with all seven seats in place. Connectivity and the charging of devices is well catered for. Near Field Communication is available and through an app you can have a digital key. Both versions get comprehensive equipment as standard e.g. panoramic roof, power front seats, wireless phone charging, and tailgate. Standard ADAS includes Highway Driving Assist 2 and Blind-spot Avoidance Assist.
The PHEV is an all-wheel drive and gets its power from a 1.6 litre T-GDi engine (183hp) and an electric motor. It pushes out a combined 265hp and has an 11.1kWh rechargeable battery. The PHEV has a claimed driving range in electric-only EV mode of 57km. It can charge at a basic single-phase rate of 3.3kW max. Power is delivered to the wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Our test car is a 2.2-litre CRDi diesel with 200hp. It is two-wheel drive and uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The diesel is smooth, economical (we averaged circa 6and a quiet and capable cruiser. Sorento’s size is imposing at 1.9m wide, 1.694m tall and 4.815m long. Despite these dimensions, the car is easier to manoeuvre and park than you might think, thanks to its great driving position and blocky shape.
KIA Sorento pricing starts from €63,300 for the PHEV (plug-in hybrid) and the diesel Sorento starts from €64,300. We used the Sorento as both a mile muncher and a load lugger and it performed really well. No matter the road surface or distance the car got us effortlessly to our destination in comfort and feeling refreshed. Yes, it is a big car, especially if you are one-up driving – but the fact remains it is versatile and very comfortable. Michael Sheridan
