Kia Sorento ON THE ROAD

Review & Photos by Rob McSorley

At first glance this 'new' Sorento may appear to be a mildly revised version of the outstanding car but actually Kia state that it only shares its roof, doors, bonnet and windscreen with the old model. So where have all of the changes been made? Well there are changes to the exterior but most are under the skin as this Sorento actually sits on an all-new platform shared with its Sante Fe cousin. When we sample the previous generation last year we found it to be hugely practical and rugged if a little dull and cumbersome to drive. The new model promises to change this, read on to find it if it succeeds.

On the exterior the new Sorento benefits from fresh bumpers as well as new wheels designs and revised front and rear lights the latter improving the old cars anonymous rump which is now much more distinctive even if it does have more than a passing resemblance to an Audi Q7. The ride height has also been lowered for improved on road dynamics and access to the cabin. 

Changes inside are equally mild amounting to a new centre console, dials and improved materials throughout. The effect is fairly good, the switchgear is much easier on the eye than before with plenty of metallic highlights although we disagree with the idea that the trim materials are high quality, they may be better than before-which wasn't difficult-but are still far too hard to the touch. 

Thanks to the new platform interior space is improved by quite a margin across the rear bench and to rearmost seats. Space was already generous so is now ample helped by a cavernous boot that still offers a fair amount of stowage space even with all seven seats in use. It's also easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to plenty of seat and wheel adjustment and good all round visibility for the driver. 

Equipment levels are also better than before, our mid-spec KX-2 comes with standard fit dual zone climate control, sat nav, reversing camera, automatic lights and wipers, heated leather seats and alloy wheels. It also has an array of safety kit and that coveted five star Euro NCAP crash rating.

As soon as you set off the new Sorento feels vastly different from before. Thanks to new suspension subframes, longer rear trailing arms and the use of more lightweight metals it instantly feels lighter on its toes than before managing to hide its bulk well. Its ride has also improved noticeably thanks in part to the smaller wheels fitted across the range. It now feels well damped still avoiding the wallowy nature of some of its rivals dealing with both small and large ruts in the road far better than ever before providing a soothing ride. 

Hurl the car into a corner and it rewards with well controlled body roll and lots of grip, the steering is also much weightier although still feeling lifeless most of the time, there is also a lot less kickback through the column during mid corner bumps. The pedals also have a smooth action although the brakes require quite a prod to bring the 1,999 kg mass to a halt. The gear change is also better than ever before with an unobtrusive, well oiled action. Overall its a thoroughly competent steer although there is little fun to be had.

Under the bonnet is the same 2.2 litre common-rail diesel engine as before producing a respectable 194 bhp and 311lb ft of torque fairly low down in the rev range between 1,800 and 2,500 rpm. It's a smooth unit with plenty of low down grunt and thanks to additional soundproofing is impressively refined even when worked hard. Economy is also relatively good returning nearly 50 miles per gallon on a combined cycle with emissions of just 155g per kilometer which isn't to be sniffed at.

Tech Data

Price as tested: £28,895
Engine: 2.2 litre 16v 194 bhp - 0-62 mph: 9.4 secs - Maximum Speed: 118 mph -
Economy: 38.2 mpg (urban) –56.5 mpg (extra-urban), 47.9 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 155 g/km (Band G) - VED (12 months): £170
Dimensions: Length: 4685 mm - Width: 1885 mm - Height: 1735 mm - Wheelbase: 2700 mm

*data from Kia UK

DriverVIBE Verdict

It's obvious that the changes to the revised Sorento run much deeper than the usual mid-life spruce up. The new platform has turned the car into a much smoother riding, more easy going companion than before helped by the much more agreeable gear change and nicely weighted pedals. That said although better than before it still a steady cruiser rather than a fun car to throw around. The cabin is also better than before with additional space for rear seat passengers and the new switch gear goes some way to lifting the cheap feeling of the old model. The engine is as strong and refined as ever. It all adds up to a much improved , thoroughly appealing medium sized crossover that thanks to Kia's class leading warranty makes a sound ownership proposition.

All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob McSorley (info@DriverVIBE.co.uk).