Kia Sorento, updated and diesel returns. Here’s how it changes, how it works and how much it costs

Listen to the audio version of the article

The extensive update of the Sorento takes stylistic cues and inherits technology from Kia’s latest creations, including the EV9 electric SUV that is also connected due to its large dimensions and seven-seat configuration, which, in turn, is the only one available. . The update also redefines the line-up, no longer relying on versions with boosted petrol engines but now also joined by a turbodiesel variant. A choice that goes against the grain of Kia’s electric road map, but one that doesn’t slow down and is backed by solid reviews. In fact, in the Sorento sector, which, with a length of more than 4.80 meters, is the XL-sized SUV sector, diesel versions are in great demand, so much so that in Italy they get almost 60% of preference. To complete the discussion it should also be said that in other parts of Europe the situation is not different.

Kia Sorento, gets a facelift and is more muscular

Also based on the high-energy N3 architecture, the new Sorento is 4.82 meters long, just one centimeter more than the outgoing one, 1.90 meters wide, 1.70 meters high and has a wheelbase of 2.81 meters than the one sold until a few weeks ago. ago. It differs from the latter aesthetically due to its shape made more attractive by the design of the large shield, the muscular wheel arches, the sculpture on the tailgate and, above all, the full definition of the front end, which draws a lot of inspiration from so. of Ev 9. In this case, the rise and the horizontal shape of the bonnet are combined with the light signature created by the main vertical lights from which the horizontal LED line begins that runs around the entire front and above the large grille; which completes the Sorento’s new “face” expression.

Kia Sorento, still a seven-seat cabin, but everything is new

The large passenger compartment of the updated Sorento does not eliminate, in Italy, the seven-seat configuration of the previous one, with two third-row seats that come out of the boot floor when needed, which, in fact, reduces the minimum area capacity from 608 liters to 179, but which can be reached without too many contortions thanks to the system that developed those of the second line and which is quite comfortable. The metamorphosis is obvious and draws inspiration from the styling of all the latest Kias. In fact, the furniture is based on a small design and combines a linear dashboard that crosses almost completely with air conditioning vents, a wide curved screen with a 12.3-inch instrument display and an infotainment system (which is also added to the top of the range is a high-inch display 10 and a touch panel for changing the climate and hi-fi settings and navigation, but also does without the automatic gear shifter and rotary selector.The infotainment system is also new because it started with the EV 9 which is always connected, which also offers Ota updates for navigation, the possibility of accessing Kia Connect software services, wireless connection for smartphones that, for their part, can also be charged wirelessly storage, USB-C sockets for all rows of seats and for those sitting in the two rear seats also climate control.

Kia Sorento, three engines, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive

The renewal of the Sorento Nr 4 increases the range of engines. In fact, now close to a full hybrid now with 215 horsepower and 350 Nm torque and plug-in hybrid, it is also connected to a 1.6-liter turbo injection engine, with 252 horsepower and 350 Nm that will be available. in a few months, as in the first three generations of Sorento, the already available turbodiesel returns. It is 2,200 liters with 194 horse power and 450 Nm torque which is connected to a two-clutch gearbox with eight gears, unlike the hybrids they meet with a six-speed gearbox. Full-hybrid and turbodiesel-powered versions are offered with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive from the mid-level trim, while the plug-in hybrid is four-wheel drive only. The Adas set is enhanced with lane changing functions and 3D visualization that takes level 2 assisted and forward motion.

Kia Sorento, diesel is a great find

The Sorento turbodiesel with the 4x logo on the tail, i.e. four-wheel drive, reaches 201 per hour and reaches 100 per hour in 9″2, but the data that is most interesting to highway and fleet drivers is consumption : 6.4 l/ 100 km. That is, 15.6 km per liter, a figure very close to that recorded by the on-board computer (15 km / l) at the end of the hundred kilometer test, especially on highways and suburban roads that were extended to steep quarry roads of the Apuan Alps, which we drove with the gearbox in more manual mode and the first gear engaged than the second with the Sport configuration, to have more torque immediately available. Quietness aside, the Sorento’s turbodiesel is appreciated for its response its fast which is also supported by the effort that the double clutch takes away the best balance of driving conditions and the silence of the operation, which benefits the comfort which is also shown in the work of the suspension. The handling is well supported by the configuration that keeps the weight of more than 1,800 kg of the Sorento between the bends and with good handling, at least until the large dimensions of the car have to compete with those of narrow roads.