The Kia Sorento is a full-size SUV that offers a high level of comfort and spaciousness, two of its main selling points in the SUV market. It’s not a cheap car, which might be a problem for some people. Kia cars are costly, but the Sorento is worth every penny.
Sorento fans won’t be disappointed to hear that Kia had stayed true to the principles that made the first-generation model so famous when it first appeared on the “SUV” scene in 2002 with the fourth-generation model.
Kia Sorento is a spacious and powerful SUV with a length of 4.8 meters. It features all-wheel drive, three rows of seats, and a vast cargo area. It boasts powerful engines and Kia’s famous seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, making it an excellent towing vehicle.
The fourth-generation Kia Sorento has the same basic look as its predecessors but features many improvements under the skin. For example, a broader and longer bodywork provides better passenger space and comfort, while diesel and petrol hybrid engines are now available as options. Interior fit and finish have also been improved, making Kia’s massive SUV competitive with Land Rover, Audi, and Volvo.
The Sorento’s ease of use, comfort, and standard features make it a top choice for families. LED headlights, a touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats, and air controls for passengers in all three seat rows are some practical innovations included with the base Model 2. All models come with a pressurized spare tire.
Like other large SUVs, the Kia Sorento doesn’t offer exceptionally responsive or exciting driving dynamics. The controls are responsive, and the steering is light and precise, but there is no feedback. And so, the Sorento looks less desirable than competitors like the Skoda Kodiaq and Audi Q5.
We suspect many Sorento owners will be upset by the SUV’s lack of precision in handling. The Sorento is so much fun to operate due to its high-tech suspension, which smooths out even the tiniest road imperfections.
The Sorento’s 1.6 T-GDI HEV Petrol Hybrid engine is one of the most significant engines in a large SUV. It has a high level of performance along with low fuel consumption. Don’t worry if you’re craving a diesel engine. The reliable Kia 2.2 CRDi engine is available for the current generation Sorento. A fully automatic transmission is standard on both gas and diesel models.
The price of the Kia Sorento is the main complaint of the latest generation. The Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008 are currently being sold for less money. The Sorento isn’t as cheap as a few years ago, but it’s still an excellent car for families. In addition to being one of the few seven-seater SUVs available, it’s also one of the few that can be had as a petrol-electric or plug-in electric vehicle. Our best hybrids and hybrid SUV guides are excellent places to learn about hybrid cars.
Kia Sorento 2022 Is it right for you?
The Kia Sorento is an easy recommendation due to its high comfort level and equipment. With its spacious cabin and three rows of seating, it’s one of the most excellent seven-seater SUVs today, earning our recommendation as one of the most practical in its class.
The Sorento can seat seven full-size adults, which is more than can be said for some of its competitors. While the third row of seats may not be ideal for taller passengers, those under six feet tall should feel comfortable for the duration of their flight. The third row of seats folds completely flat into the trunk floor when unused.
The Kia Sorento is available in petrol and diesel engines, and all trim levels feature all-wheel drive. The 1.6 T-GDI HEV petrol hybrid engine was our top pick because of its excellent performance and low fuel consumption. However, the 2.2 CRDi diesel is a great choice for those who travel far. The four-cylinder engine delivers low fuel economy, good performance, and heavy-duty towing capacity and is carried over from the previous-generation Sorento.
In recent years, Kia has been trying to upgrade its image from economy to luxury. Prices reflect this, with the most expensive Sorento (the new 1.6 T-GDI HEV). Used cars can be pricey, but you can tell they’re in good condition because the fourth-generation Sorento is Kia’s best large SUV yet.
What is the best model for the Sorento?
Diesel is usually your only engine option in a seven-seat SUV. However, Kia bucked the oil industry trend by offering a variety of petrol, hybrid, and all-electric powertrains for the Sorento.
With 202 hp and 350 Nm of torque, the 1.6 T-GDI HEV Hybrid is a delicious treat. With the electric motor powering all four wheels on battery power, the car can move silently and quickly in low gears thanks to hybrid technology.
The Sorento Hybrid can also function as a reliable tow vehicle. The maximum towing ball capacity of the 1.6 T-GDI HEV is 100kg, which makes it suitable for trolley towing. The 1.6 T-GDI HEV Hybrid claims to get 40.9 miles per gallon on highways.
If you were a fan of the previous generation Sorento, you’d be happy to know that the reliable Kia 2.2 CRDi engine is also an option. It generates more power and torque than the hybrid (202 hp and 440 Nm, respectively), but it’s not as smooth and makes more noise when you first start driving and put your foot on the ground. Regarding fuel economy, Kia claims 42.2 mpg for the four-cylinder diesel engine.
The Sorento may be in two trim levels of “2” and one trim level each of “3” and “4”. The “3” trim level is a good compromise between the base and higher models in the lineup, and it comes standard with features like a 10-inch touchscreen navigation system, leather upholstery, power front seat adjustment, and auto. Adjustment rear suspension.
What other cars are similar to the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento competes with many other seven-seater SUVs, including the Seat Tarraco, Volkswagen Allspace Tiguan, and the stunning Peugeot 5008. The Hyundai Santa Fe is a related model.
It’s in the same price range as the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Land Rover Discovery Sport, all of which are luxury SUVs.
The Kia Sorento has been so perfected that it can hardly be distinguished from a luxury car. It’s also one of the few large SUVs available as a diesel, petrol, or PHEV.
Kia Sorento, a car known for its luxurious interior
The interior design of the new Kia Sorento is much better than the previous model. Many high-quality fabrics are soft, and the overall fit and finish are excellent. The Sorento’s lengthened and widened frame allows for increased interior volume compared to its predecessor.
The Kia Sorento has always been a spacious and comfortable car, but newer models take those qualities to a new level. The fourth-generation Sorento features a broader mechanical base, which results in more passenger space in all three rows.
The driver’s seat in every Kia Sorento is height adjustable, making choosing a good driving position easy. You’ll need to spend more and look for a Sorento in “3” trim or higher if you want lumbar adjustment (and who doesn’t?).
The massive touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard that controls just about everything gives the new Sorento a futuristic look. Fortunately, some original controls have been retained, such as those for the heater, radio, and volume.
There is plenty of room for the driver and front passenger in the front. Slide-and-recline comfort seats are available in the second row. With its sheer size, the massive Kia Sorento is out of this world. The result is plenty of space for even the tallest passengers in the rear seat.
It is not difficult to get to the third row of seats; they are pretty spacious. Pulling the handle allows the second row of seats to fold forward and down. The third row may be tight for taller passengers, but it easily accommodates two adults. However, guys of any age shouldn’t have a problem settling down.
Finish and quality in the Kia Sorento
Kia is an automobile manufacturer that strives to make high-quality cars. Few vehicles are better than the current generation Sorento to illustrate this point. There are plenty of high-quality materials and soft-touch plastics around the cabin, which make it feel premium. Kia is so confident in the vehicle’s reliability that it offers a legendary seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, and that confidence is reflected in the vehicle’s exceptional fit and finish.
The “3” Kia Sorento has a well-appointed cabin for its price, with features such as leather upholstery, heated rear seats, programmable ambient lighting, and a power tailgate. Our models have front and rear parking sensors and a backup camera.
Find a used Kia Sorento. You’ll have everything you could want in a massive family SUV with this top-of-the-line ‘4’ model. Stay cool in summer with ventilated front seats, a 360-degree parking camera, a Bose sound system, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery.
Touch screen, USB, navigation and stereo
The Kia Sorento comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice calling and music playback through Bluetooth are also included.
The base model “2” has an 8.0-inch touchscreen and digital audio broadcasting. The Model 3 is worth more money because it has a more advanced 10.2-inch touch screen. Not only is the ‘3’ infotainment system more user-friendly thanks to the dash-mounted widescreen profile, but it also includes real-time traffic updates and navigation as standard equipment.
A 12.3-inch screen is standard on all Sorento models and can be mounted behind the driver’s seat. This display replaces the standard gauges and can be programmed to provide directions and other vehicle information.
The spacious and functional cargo space of the Kia Sorento
With dimensions of 4.8 meters long and 1.9 meters wide, the Kia Sorento is a full-size sports car. The positive is that it offers space and functionality similar to a van’s. The front row of seats is roomy, supportive, and luxurious, and the second row of outboard seats tilts and slides to make long trips more bearable.
With the third row of seats folded down, you can fit six people inside while still having plenty of storage space. The Kia Sorento has a cargo capacity of only 187 liters despite being a seven-seater. When the third row is folded, there is an additional 821 liters of storage space. You can save 2,011 liters of luggage space by lowering the second row and folding the third row flat to the floor.
The Sorento has many convenient features, including three USB connections and a 12-volt plug in the back seat. This means everyone should avoid getting into heated discussions about connecting their phones, tablets, and other electronic gadgets.
The Sorento’s middle and rear seats have USB ports,
The handling, ride, and control offered by the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento checks all the essential boxes for a full-size SUV, being easy to drive, comfortable, and refined.” While the smooth, understated handling won’t be a breath of fresh air on a winding road, the Sorento achieves its goals with a tactile agility that belies its size.
The Kia Sorento is a massive SUV that prioritizes comfort over driving excitement. If this is what you’re looking for, keep looking. However, not many Sorento owners won’t find this to be a problem, and the Kia is a fun car to drive for long distances.
The standard “2” is more comfortable to drive due to its 17-inch wheels. The standard 19-inch wheels on the highest trim levels 3 and 4 improve handling but also transfer some road noise and ding to the passenger compartment.
The Sorento’s gentle handling helps disguise the fact that it is a large, heavy vehicle. It takes quick steering wheel cranks to scream the Sorento into a parking lot or a small downtown street, making it easy to maneuver at modest city speeds. Unfortunately, the Sorento’s steering still has a numbing effect at high rates, so you don’t get much chance of understanding how it works.
All models come standard with all-wheel drive and Kia’s Terrain Select technology, which adjusts the powertrain for different terrains like sand, snow, and mud. The terrain mode selector dial in the center console can automatically deliver more power to the slipping wheel(s). Drive Move Select is standard on the Kia Sorento, letting the driver choose between Eco, Sport, and Comfort modes for the SUV’s engine and transmission.
What types of transmissions and engines does the Kia Sorento offer?
The Kia Sorento is unusual in that it offers both a diesel engine and an electrified petrol engine, which are uncommon on large, seven-seater SUVs.
We think the 1.6 T-GDI HEV Hybrid is the best option for petrol engines. The 202 horsepower it generates is staggering for a car of its size. It takes 8.7 seconds to go from 0 to 62 mph in a sprint. The maximum load of the towing ball is 100kg, while the brake can bear up to 1650kg.
The hybrid petrol engine consists of a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 44-kilowatt electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack, which stores energy recovered during braking and deceleration. At lower speeds, the recovered energy is used to create a zero-emissions engine or to make the engine more efficient.
The PHEV has the same 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine as the regular model but with an upgraded battery and electric motor. It adds up to 265 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Sorento.
Kia’s tried-and-true 2.2 CRDi diesel engine powers the car. This four-cylinder engine is borrowed from the third-generation Sorento and produces the same 202 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque as before. The maximum brake towing capacity of 2,500 kg of the four-cylinder diesel engine makes it ideal for towing. The 2.2 diesel engine, like the 1.6 hybrid engine, has a towing capacity of 100 kg.
The Sorento only offers a six-speed automatic transmission with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. Kia’s latest and most advanced eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission powers the diesel engine.
Smoothing and noise levels
Kia Sorento is a high-class crossover. Due to the ample sound insulation in the doors and frame, the interior is quiet and comfortable. This ensures the doors produce a proper closing sound and reduce outside noise. Vehicles with 19-inch wheels can have a bit of a beat at higher highway speeds, but otherwise, the Sorento Hybrid is a peaceful and refined car.
The 2.2-litre diesel makes some noise on first start-up, though this subsides once the engine warms up. We found the 2.2-litre machine to be more refined and quieter than diesel competitors from Skoda and Land Rover, though it did make some noise when pushed to its limits.
How safe is the Kia Sorento in terms of safety features?
As Euro NCAP has not yet rated the fourth-generation Kia Sorento, there is currently no crash safety rating. However, seven airbags are standard across the board, with separate airbags protecting front passenger chests and heads.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is just one of many active safety systems available on the Sorento, and it will automatically apply the brakes if it detects that a collision with a pedestrian, cyclist, or approaching vehicle is imminent.
When backing out of a parking spot or driveway, Kia Sorento with ‘2’ or higher equipment levels includes Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert to alert the driver of oncoming traffic. Two cameras in the blind spot monitoring system send live footage to the dashboard so the driver can monitor the area right on the side of the vehicle, even when driving slowly.
The Sorento also has standard safety features like hill descent control, an intelligent speed limiter, and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA).
Standard equipment and trim levels
The Kia Sorento comes in three trim levels – “2”, “3”, and “4” premium pieces. Every Sorento comes well-equipped with standard features, including automatic LED headlights, cruise control, a rearview camera, parking sensors, heated front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a digital gauge cluster.
The Kia Sorento does not have a “1” trim level; Hence, the “2” trim is the standard. However, you should opt for the “3” Sorento model. Kia’s 10.2-inch touchscreen navigation, leather upholstery, wireless phone charging, ambient lighting with 64 color options, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are all standard features.
The top-of-the-line ‘4’ Kia Sorento adds Nappa leather upholstery, power front seats, LED lighting, a blind spot display, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
