Strong diesels including impressive 2.2-litre. Comes with seven seats. New six-speed automatic. More premium feel than previous Sorento. Great value for money.
Entry level model is two-wheel drive and five seats. 4WD automatic models only tow 2,000kg.
Report frtom Australia of problems with 2.2 R-Type, presumably in a KIA Sorento: T orque converter went out at 210,000km. Rear diff clutch actuator pump motor failed 160,000km.
The original Kia Sorento built up a good reputation as an affordable, strong and neatly designed large 4x4. It was certainly good value for money and a great tow-car too, but it's fair to say sophistication wasn't its forte. With the new Sorento, Kia is aiming to re-invent its big SUV as a more premium car with a sleeker design and better road manners.
From the outside it certainly looks smarter, especially at the front with its angled headlamps. It has a less rugged appearance that the previous Sorento, although the back end is still quite chunky and perhaps not as neat as the front with those huge rear light clusters. But it's inside where the biggest change has taken place. The cabin now has a much more sophisticated look with a good quality feel. There are some areas where it could be better - the dated indicatior stalks for instance - but overall it's well finished.
Practicality is a big strength. All models come with seven seats as standard (aside from the entry-level Sorento 1 2.0 CRDi model), loads of onboard storage and a mammoth boot. This Sorento is longer than the previous one which means better room for all passengers, particularly those in the third row. The raised driving position means great all round visibility too.
Most models come with the new 2.2-litre CRDi engine which developes 194bhp and 422Nm of torque. Although not the quietest diesel around is strong and works very well in the Sorento - especially with the new six-speed automatic gearbox that's available. It's available with two or four-wheel drive and compared to the outgoing 2.5-litre CRDi engine it's more powerful yet considerably more efficient.
On the road the Sorento is comfortable and reasonably refined, with decent road holding in corners for such a large vehicle. It's also a very safe car with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. But perhaps the clincher for many will be the excellent seven-year/100,000 mile warranty that comes as standard and is also transferable to to subsequent owners.