The Ultimate Guide: Unveiling the Kia Sorento's Features and Specifications

Kia Sorento has had a difficult past. Be it the seatbelt debacle of 2022 or the incorrect fuel consumption label of February 2024. All these setbacks and Kia Sorento has still made a stronger comeback, talk about overcoming challenges, right?

Now, if you’ve been looking around in the market, you know a large SUV starting from around $50,000 and going up to a whopping $74,000 and all this before on-road costs, is an expensive buy. Anybody would naturally start considering top-shelf companies like Mercedes, BMW etc. However, don’t be in a haste to switch up already. While it goes without saying that a Merc badge is somewhat of a dream, Kia has fitted enough advanced features to make you want to buy this car.

Pros

• Infotainment system is a delight to use
• Efficient and powerful diesel powertrain
• Starter package is ample
• Tech features are considerable
• Easy folding seat mechanism
  

Cons

• No manual or 2WD options
• Noisy hybrid powertrain
• Petrol engine is a bit thirsty
• No airbags in the third row
• Price point has better alternatives like Land Rover Discovery Sport or Mercedes GLB
  

What’s new?

• Users can use their smartphones as a key to the car
• X-Pro trim level
• New alloy wheel design
• Linked brake lights
• The front end has been made a bit boxier for rugged looks
• Tiger grille
  

Do you really need a 7-seater SUV? Really? Well, Kia has brought a SUV to the nearest dealership which makes room for 7 people, really! The facelift fashions some new features which we talk about in this review. Before getting into it, the Kia Sorento is one of the most technologically advanced large SUVs there are in the market. But that’s not a surprise, is it? The surprise is that Sorento comes in three major powertrains, Hybrid, Petrol and Diesel. Somehow Diesel powertrain is the one that stands all our tests and critiques.

Exteriors

Powerful progressive and versatile is how Kia has defined their new Sorento. The new design language means more space and more space means easy driving and better grip on the road. The new platform is based around a compact engine bay structure and shorter front and rear overhangs, with a longer wheelbase creating greater cabin space between the axles. Not only does this enable the new model’s stylish design and a bigger cabin; but the structure and layout of the new platform mean the Sorento can be more powerful and safer.

Styling Elements

The facelifted Sorento’s headlights caught our attention almost instantaneously. While there are discernable differences, we like to believe that the new headlights are inspired from KIA EV9. It’s a bit too similar apart from the slant which goes down to road. Equipped with LED DRLs which give it a signature, futuristic look. Mind you, the Sorento is so far the most technologically advanced large SUV by Kia in the industry.

The other most notable aspect is taillights which are now connected but individually look like an inverted U. Now it adds onto the appeal of the future but does it make it past the novelty? Should Kia have focussed more on breaking away from the piano black accents and chrome finish, instead of playing charades with a tailight?

Colour Options

While the colour options are ample and quite vagrant. The price for optional colours left us a little stumped with $650 for an additional colour. S variant users won’t appreciate that much.

The Sorento has 9 colours in total. They are;

Volcanic Sand Brown | Cityscape Green | Aurora Black Pearl | Clear White | Snow White Pearl | Silky Silver | Steel Grey | Mineral Blue | Gravity Blue

Again, while these colours are exceptional, we have a least favourite and that is Clear White. It is a beautiful car, it doesn’t have to twin with a cup of vanilla ice cream.

Wheel Design

Looking at the wheel design, we couldn’t make up our minds if it is mechanised for strength or crafted like a melody. So the 20-inch alloy wheels are chrome plated with black lustrous spokes convulsing at the centre.

The wheel designs are recently updated and the optional chargeable wheel design cascades from the least options to the S variants and the most to GT-Line variants.

Interiors

Large SUVs aren’t really cluttered and have enough space to sit comfortably in the cabin. However, what we like the most about the Sorento is that you don’t have to worry about being a contortionist to get in and out of the third row. The space in the third row is quite decent. Ofcourse, the legroom is barely holding onto being adequate but taller adults also sit comfortably there. With easy folding seats which fold and recline almost 180 degrees, the second-row and third-row folded gives you a queen-size bed, well almost.

Interior layout and space

The interiors have been crafted perfectly, and the ease of access on the dashboard buttons and toggle switches are a constant reminder about how much thought has gone into making the Sorento easy to use when it is being used more than a car. The tech roster on wheels includes ample storage options in the glove compartment, near the gear-toggle and between the front row seats there is a concealed storage space which doubles as an armrest.

There are ample cubby holders and itsy bitsy storage spaces which take car of all your small pocket-carried stuff. Another thing we really liked is the Sorento embossing on the doors. We still hope for a small feature hidden in the name which gives it the wow factor. However, this isn’t even the neat party trick which Sorento should be admired for.

Comfort & Ergonomics

Kia Sorento’s party trick is its seats. The latest car is longer and wider than the model it replaced and that translated into extra space for the interior. Unlike the older model, you can access the third row from either end of the car. Also for all the comparison that we have drawn with Land Rover Discovery Sport, it has more space in the back, and if you raise your driver’s seat to the highest possible height, you’ll be sitting comfortably higher than Discovery Sport or Skoda Kodiaq.

Electric seat adjustment is standard, including adjustable lumbar, so you should have no trouble finding a sound driving position. In an ideal world we’d like a little more adjustment from the steering wheel, but we’d be asking for too much then. You get USB sockets for all the 7 seats as well as a 12-volt socket for keeping devices charged up on the move, as well as a wireless charging pad (Standard only in GT-Line, optional otherwise) for compatible mobile phones.

Boot

Its a true 7-seater, so the boot is a bit compromised. There is enough space for a couple of carry-on suitcases but if you’re looking to take the family out on a vacation, you’ll need a luggage roof box.

The 179 litres seems a bit shy but we don’t think owners will be complaining about that. As you fold down the third row, your boot space shoots up to 2000 litres, which seems more than ample. Sure the Tiguan and Kodiaq have better bootspace but all things considered about storage options and we bet that Sorento still stands tall.

Technology and Infotainment

This is our favourite part whenever we’re talking about the Kia cars. The list of standard features are so long that we have to pick favourites and necessary ones. However, if you see the roster, it’s long and you’ll find yourself thinking ‘I get it, its good,safe,fun and more’.

Technology features include but aren’t limited to;

• Electronic stability control
• Road sign recognition with speed limiter
• Blind spot alert
• Rear parking camera
• Multi-terrain control for mud, sand and snow
• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking advanced
• Autonomous emergency braking reverse
• Driver attention alert
• Side door exit warning
• Front cross-traffic alert
• Remote smart parking assist
• Power seats with lumbar support & cushion extension
• Heated & ventilated seating
• Dual-zone climate control with switchable controller
• Third-row fan control & vents
• Panoramic sunroof
  

Connectivity Options include;

• Expansive panoramic display - 12.3" + 12.3"
• Colour Head Up Display
• 12 speaker Bose advanced sound system
• Digital centre mirror
• Audio Player with AM/FM Tuner
• DAB Digital Radio
• Satellite Navigation Multimedia System with 10 Years Traffic Information and Map Update
• Kia Connect15 Telematics
• Over-The-Air Updates
• AI Voice Commands with Natural Voice Recognition16 (Steering Wheel Voice Command Button Control)

Performance & Engine

Engine specifications

Any car with so many engine options means that the car is extremely reliable and the fat that these come in so many variants also makes it affordable to multiple types of families. Let’s take a look at the engine options the Sorento is offered to the public.

Trim specification and price for Auto FWD MY24

Transmission & Drive system

The Kia Sorento typically comes equipped with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, offering convenience and ease of operation for everyday driving. The automatic transmission ensures seamless gear changes, enhancing driving comfort and refinement.

The Kia Sorento may offer selectable driving modes, such as Eco, Comfort, and Sport, allowing drivers to tailor the transmission and drive system settings to their preferences. These modes can optimise fuel efficiency, enhance performance, or prioritise comfort and refinement, depending on the driving situation.

The drive system is way better given that Kia Sorento comes with the option of FWD and AWD. However, the lacking state of manual transmission is something that traditional drivers will scuff about

Braking System

New Sorento features Kia’s first application of a new Multi-Collision Braking (MCB) system, helping to prevent secondary collisions. MCB automatically applies brakes after vehicle airbags are deployed. Cars equipped with MCB are rated higher by ANCAP. MCB is equipped as standard on all Sorento models, including the new HEV model.

In addition to the MCB, Kia has also provided a Blind spot collision avoidance assist which adds another layer of security if you’re an inexperienced driver. The BCAA ensures that car brakes as soon as a pedestrian, cyclist or a car is headed on the collision course.

Fuel Economy & Efficiency

Kia Sorento buyers in Australia are presented with a choice that can significantly impact their ownership experience: fuel efficiency. The diesel option boasts the crown for frugality, achieving a combined fuel consumption of around 6.0L/100km. This translates to lower running costs, especially for those who cover long distances regularly. However, diesel engines can sometimes attract higher upfront costs and potentially require additional maintenance compared to their petrol counterparts.

On the other hand, the petrol Sorento comes in at 9.8L/100km, making it a less economical choice. While it might offer a slightly peppier driving experience, the fuel costs can add up quickly. This might be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers or those who prioritize eco-friendliness.

The true star of the show, in terms of fuel economy, is the Kia Sorento Hybrid. With a remarkable 5.3L/100km for the front-wheel-drive model, it sips fuel like a compact car. This makes it a fantastic option for urban driving scenarios with frequent stop-and-go traffic, where the hybrid system can truly shine. Additionally, the hybrid

Handling & Driving Dynamics

The handling of Kia Sorento is exceptionally well-tuned and adjusted. The drivers are able to navigate the city turns and more quite easily. However, a concern that arises is at the price point, you’ll avail a Sorento, you could get a BMW X3 which is faster and a level ahead in the performance scale. Faster pick-up, comfortable suspension and more, all this doesn’t mean that Sorento can’t take up arms against the X3, with easy switching and acceleration and has a punch to it.

If the terrain switches up, just switch up your terrain toggle to ‘sport’ mode where you can see just how remarkable the throttle becomes and there is an added weight on the steering which just refines the precision. Its a wonder to drive, especially uphill.

Another thing to note is that this car is not made for off-roading. Sure it has a 4WD drive feature but with 176mm of ground clearance, best to stick to city roads.

Safety Features

Kia has been known to make some of the safest cars in the market today. Whil the Sorento is ladled with advanced and passive safety system and features, let’s take a look at them;

• eCall 13 with SOS Button (Overhead Console Control)
• Front Driver & Passenger SRS Airbags
• Front Side SRS Airbags
• Front Centre Side SRS Airbag
• Curtain SRS Airbags (1st & 2nd Rows)
• Front Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners with Load Limiters
• Side Door Impact Beams (Front & Rear)
• Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlocking
  

Advanced safety features include;

• Forward collision warning system
• Parking collision avoidance assist - reverse
• Blind spot collision avoidance assist
• Safe exit warning and assist
• Advanced smart cruise control
• Anti-Lock Braking System with EBD
• Electronic Stability Control with TCS
• Vehicle Stability Management
• Trailer Stability Assist)
• Hill-Start Assist Control
• Downhill Brake Control
• Emergency Stop Signal
• Multi Collision Braking
• Front & Reverse Parking Sensors with Dash Display
• Front, Side & Reverse Parking Sensors with Dash Display
• Rear View Camera with In-Audio Screen Display & Dynamic Parking Guidelines
  

Crash Test Ratings

• Adult Occupant Protection - 82%
• Child Occupant Protection - 85%
• Vulnerable Road User Protection - 63%
• Safety Assist - 89%
  

Note: Backover AEB is not available in Kia Sportage base variants.

Ownership Experience

The overall reputation of Kia Sorento is quite decent. The car is immaculate, maintenance costs are well within range. The car gives more than it takes. No doubt about that. However, this doesn’t eclipse the fact that Kia had dropped the ball twice with Sorento, even though they quickly fixed all the problems, the dent still remains.

However, Kia users can’t say enough good things about the Sorento, so overall this car is good for taking the city streets.

Some daring individuals who took it to mild off-roading adventures complain that the terrain select mode of Sorento doesn’t really impact the driving experience. It can only be manoeuvred properly on snow, sand and mud by experienced drivers.

Some also have concerns about the height of the car which varies from variant to variant. While the difference is minimal with the shortest being 1695mm and the tallest being 1700mm. While this concern may have some merit, it seems to us as a very deep-cut niche feedback.

Major Drawbacks

• Delivery issues. People have been waiting for longer than 12 months for the previous generation Sorento to be delivered.
• A lot of EV6 and EV9 influence. A borrowed personality doesn’t necessarily mean a new personality
  

Major Strengths

• Kia is making special leaps for the Australian market. Sorento was the first car to be tested and tuned in Australia for the Aussie market.
• Such a fan favourite that it won the Drive Car of the Year in 2021.
• One of the highest sales is of Kia Sorento in the large SUV category.
• Service cost is pretty neat. Better than that of a Mazds CX-90

Maintenance & Warranty Information

Kia Sorento comes with the assurance of Australia’s First 7-Year Unlimited Kilometre Warranty, unlike offerings from other car brands which cease to operate after you hit a certain mileage. Kia understands the necessity of going the extra mile because a longer warranty is a better warranty.

Kia, to improve customer satisfaction, has capped the service price for 7 years. As long as the service is maintained and the logbook reflects the same, the warranty is effective as well. In addition, you can drive into any Kia-authorised dealer and get your car serviced without the fear of any hidden charges.

Kia also offers a free of cost 12-month roadside assistance. Now, Kia has taken an extra step and has made room for increasing that year-long roadside assistance for up to 8 years. We would suggest you to take this extension, as the service time and resolution window is as good as it can be.

Verdict

That was all about the best large SUV you can find in the Aussie roads. Apart from many things that Kia is doing right, their delivery rate has become a point of concern for consumers. No doubt, that they’re making good and safe cars, going head to head with the likes of Mazda, Toyota and Land Rover is no small feat but the delivery issues is just going to go against them.

Additionally, the pricing of the car seems too high for those who don’t understand what they get in exchange which can also be a concern. We would recommend that the Sport+ variant should be taken down a notch in the next iteration as it is the most sold Sorento there is. What would be even better is if the petrol engine is a bit more refined for the future. Thirsty petrol engines and expensive hybrid options often make room for consumers to settle for Diesel variants which isn’t very environmentally friendly.

Reference

Owner Manual

Brochure