Kia Sorento 2024 diesel version on test

Design: EV9 “small”.

On the occasion of the mid-career restructuring, Kia is updating the design of the Sorento, bringing it closer to the stylistic characteristics of the new style philosophy “Opposites United”, which shows the creative tension through different values to create a harmony of forms. The new model, in particular, shows the EV9 style in a reduced form, a model that has received various awards, including the prestigious IF Gold award. Remodeling completely changes the characteristics of the previous Sorento, introducing unprecedented front with new inverted Y-shaped LED lights, one new grill with a three-dimensional mesh structure and modified bumper. The taillights are also new and diagonal LED lights and bumper.

Interior: space and technology

The exterior revolution also continues inside the passenger compartment. The dashboard has been completely redesigned and is powered by dual screen directed at the driver, which has two 12.3-inch displays, one for digital instruments and one for the infotainment system. However, the driver also has Head-up display with 10 views and can use fingerprint sensor verify on board and start the engine. There is no shortage of wireless charging for smartphones and six USB-C charging sockets. All versions are with seven seats as usual, even if those of the third row do not provide much space for the passengers’ legs. The front seats are ventilated and heated while those in the second row are heated, also introduced more sustainable materials such as synthetic leather and plastics derived from recycled PET. The trunk it has a capacity of 813 liters with the third row of seats folded, which is however reduced to just 179 liters in the seven-seat configuration.

Diesel and hybrid engines

As mentioned, the new 2024 Kia Sorento sees the return of one 2.2 liter diesel engine with an 8DCT gearbox with eight clutch speeds and two types of traction, front and all-wheel drive. There are two other versions in the series, one perfect combination with a 1.6 T-GDI petrol engine and a 1.49 kWh battery, and hybrid plugin based on the same engine with a 13.8 kWh battery.

Driving assistance systems

A package of ADAS updated with the introduction of all the latest generation systems of the Korean brand. Among them areRoad Park Support 2.0 and Lane Change Assist and Surround View Monitor with 3D display, the Forward Collision Avoidance Assist for assistance when turning and crossing intersections, but also Evasive Steering Assist and Oncoming Lane Change.

Kia Sorento 2024: how it fares on the road

Try a new one large diesel SUV it doesn’t happen often these days, considering that this type of engine is disappearing from the car market. However, this is the best configuration – also from the point of view of running costs – for a car of this type, which has a mass of around 1800 kg and needs a lot of torque. This consideration must have convinced Kia to bring it back into the model range, along with hybrid engines. L’2.2 liter unit of the CRDi version provides the power of 194 CV and maximum torque 450 Nm and is connected to a 8-speed dual clutch gearbox (DCT8), not available on other versions. On the road the 2024 Sorento has a sincere and predictable behavior despite the high center of gravity and great bulk, it carries up to seven people to their destination in a refined and comfortable environment. Obviously it doesn’t have the dynamics of a sports car, but it’s the perfect compromise that lets you go almost anywhere: the highway is its best location, but it can also cope with a less extreme route thanks to the four-wheel drive. During our test we faced some instead of challenging riding on dirt roads, inside the Carrara marble quarries, and the car went up easily. We didn’t like the soundproofing of the passenger compartment, given that both engine and tire screeching noises are quite present and, at high speeds, even aerodynamic noise.

Price

A new D-segment SUV from the Korean company is also available three sets – Business, Fashion and Evolution – at starting prices from 47,350 euros for the two-wheel drive diesel engine and from 49,350 euros for the full hybrid. For all wheels you need 2,000 euros more. The plug-in engine, available only with 4×4 traction, has a price of 56,350 euros.