New Sorento, classic face of Kia. Along with future EV models, the Korean company is updating its hot SUV

Looking forward, with confidence and authenticity to retrace your steps. The Kia Sorento does so with a new front end, inspired by the large electric SUV EV9, and by adding a 2.2-liter diesel to the already electrified engines in the lineup that did not exist when the fourth generation of the model was launched in 2021 which, since its appearance in 3.2 million units were produced in 2002 and it is Kia’s third best-selling model in the world. A typical mid-life cycle review therefore brings with it significant benefits and other upgrades in terms of aesthetics, safety and connectivity that further qualify the model as born as an off-roader – the first generation separated the chassis from the bodywork and the gearbox with reduction gear – and over time it has become a 7-seater SUV full of space, quality and technology.

For the first entry, It is worth remembering that we are talking about a car with a length of 4.81 meters and a boot of 813 liters when traveling with five people, which is reduced to 179 when fully stored and grows to 1,996 liters when traveling with two. Adjusting the load capacity is easy, thanks to the electric release of the seats, plus the tailgate automatically closes when you move away, the top trim level Evolution also has self-leveling rear suspension and the diesel has a towing capacity of 1000 kg 2,500. The second item sees a further improvement in the level of execution by using quality materials, such as perforated nappa with gray edging, or other environmentally friendly materials such as artificial leather and fabrics derived from recycled PET. The front seats are new, and the driver’s seat with adjustable air cushions, is also ventilated and heated, as are those in the second row and the steering wheel. Ambient lighting, 64 colors, and human-machine interface have also been improved. In addition to the head-up display, there are two 12.3-inch screens aligned on one curved surface with the middle part facing the driver, to which is added a small two-zone climate control panel (with rear vents as well. area) where control of the temperature is handed over to old knives. The infotelematic system connects wirelessly to any device, has online navigation and remote updates (free for 3 years), but above all allows a high level of customization.
In fact, you can use your smartphone as a key, set the valet mode to allow other people to drive the car and remember the settings of the car itself through a pin or fingerprint sensor, transferring them from another Kia. There is also no shortage of USB-C and 12 volt sockets and a charge input plate, a panoramic sunroof, a 3D surround vision system and one that allows you to enter or exit the car from a parallel parking space using the key.

Safety equipment has also been updated with rear and front airbags, highway assist, automatic braking that also works at intersections and steering that actively intervenes to avoid an obstacle or when changing lanes. The selection knob for the automatic gearbox is also different, it is also equipped with paddles on the steering wheel.
The full hybrid version of 215 hp and 252 hp has a 6-speed gearbox with a torque converter and a 13.8 kWh battery that allows you to travel electrically for 50 km, but can only be charged up to 3 km . The latter is only available with all-wheel drive while both have a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine as the fuel unit. The revived 194 hp 2.2-liter diesel has an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox and, as a full hybrid, is also available with front-wheel drive.

And this engine The Sorento sees its natural prowess as a supercharged cruiser. Feelings that come immediately when, as in our case, we pressed the power button and read a range of 960 km with a full tank of 67 liters. In any case, the Korean SUV offers a lot of comfort and easy driving, thanks also to the 450 Nm provided by the cylinder 4, the smoothness of the gearbox and smooth operation and suspension adjustment. You can then choose three driving modes that go up to seven for the all-wheel drive versions to better deal with different types of terrain such as mud, snow and rocks.
The Kia Sorento is offered in trim levels of Business, Style and Evolution starting at 47,350 euros for a total of 11 combinations and with a standard Kia warranty of 7 years or 150,000 km.