Test drive the Kia Sorento 2024: price, specs, interior and engine

Behind the extensive cosmetic update there is modification of the fourth generation Kia Sorento. Or rather: that’s how they define it for Kia, because if you look closely, the new big SUV looks more like a generation itself. There are few features that are similar to the outgoing model, many elements are the main characters of the renewal, starting from the design, through the interior and the technology aspect. Certainly not of secondary importance return to diesel engineswith the protagonist of the 194 HP 2.2 turbo diesel of the test combined with an automatic 8-speed DCT transmission at all times.

Price

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New Kia Sorento prices they start at 47,350 euros: the base cost refers to the front-wheel drive diesel in the Business Trim, while for the same configuration in the Style cut a check of 51,350 euros must be paid (an additional 2,000 euros in case of an all-wheel drive). Only 4×4 at the top of the Evolution range, at a price of 59,350 euros. The 1.6 full petrol engines with 215 HP start from 49,350 euros for the front-wheel drive to 61,350 euros for the Evolution 4×4, while the 1.6 plug-in hybrid with a total of 252 HP (all-wheel drive only) has an entry cost of 56,350 euros, reaching up to 68,350 in the richest trim level. Full hybrids and plug-in hybrids have a six-speed automatic transmission. The new Sorento will be launched on the Italian market second quarter of 2024. Like all other models, it will come with Kia’s seven-year, 150,000km warranty as standard.

Front design

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Car aesthetics It’s perhaps the feature Kia has focused on the most, abandoning the outgoing model and embracing the same stylistic elements that saw the birth of the EV9 electric SUV. Thus we get a large body of the car, with clean vertical and horizontal lines alternating in a way to clearly describe the geometry of the car. A strong presence on the road is given by an attractive front end with a character that stands out with an inverted L-shaped light signature with a strong vertical extension. Full LED headlights help give the car a elegant appearance like the new bonnet lines with a higher volume and a more open silhouette. The Kia logo is placed on the bonnet, while the future image is emphasized by a new three-dimensional mesh radiator grille. The modified front bumper conveys strength and safety, thanks to a large skid plate. The fog lights and vertical air vents have also been revised.

Internal affairs

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The Kia Sorento’s interior features a first-of-its-kind third row of retractable seats. Approved for seven people, the SUV can also be used with five traditional seats by leaning the seats on the trunk, get the load capacity. The occupants of the second row have plenty of space and a level of comfort, even with a bottle holder on the door. Endless comfort also for the driver and front passenger, immersed in a relaxing and balanced environment, thanks also to the 64-color lights from side to side. Some parts are made of artificial leather, others of recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate plastic). The curved display and multi-touch feature highlight the advanced interior technology. A redesigned wheel gear selector, as well as a black roof liner, metal pedals and a sunroof (optional only on the 1,250-euro Style, Evolution level) give the new Sorento a modern character. Physical action buttons on the steering wheel and in the central tunnel allow you to keep your eyes on the road. Among these are adaptive cruise control management, digital dashboard menu pages, audio and music management, seven driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Smart, Snow, Mud and Sand), handbrake electronic. , automatic hold, heated leather steering wheel, start and stop and cooled and heated seats (with memory). The rear seats are also heated, for maximum passenger comfort.

Technology

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From a technological perspective, the Kia Sorento has a 12.3-inch digital dashboard that leads to an additional 12.3-inch screen dedicated to infotainment management. The information is well distributed and the other settings are not too “hidden”: it is generally about modern and intuitive infotainment systemsupported by Apple Car Play and Android Auto with maps and software updates in the air (automatically, without the need to go to a special station). As found in other Hyundai group vehicles, The only flaw concerns the amount of warnings while driving. After a few kilometers the sound starts to repeat itself and the desire to turn off some features grows at the same time. Climate management (dual-zone) is also touch-based, complemented by two buttons for thermal actions. Pressing one of the touch buttons in the center of the dashboard temporarily disables the climate control and accesses the infotainment screen control menu. Unique, within the menu, is the car wash mode, which closes the mirrors, windows, roof panels automatically and performs a general check before returning the feedback. In addition to the two screens, there is a 10-inch head-up display that provides important driving information directly on the road, thanks to augmented reality. A digital rearview mirror completes the practical equipment available to the driver. A wireless phone charger, six USB-C charging ports (two per row) and a Bose premium sound system round things off. The smart key ensures extra convenience. There is also a digital key 2.0 that allows you to use your smartphone as a key.

Method

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Coming to the rhythmic heart of Kia Sorento 2024, the novelty introduced on the extensive restructuring of the fourth generation is restart of diesel engines. This is a familiar 2.2-liter turbo diesel inline-four cylinder capable of producing 194 HP of maximum power and 450 Nm of torque. It is mated to a standard 8-speed dual clutch DCT transmission, while traction can be front- or all-wheel drive. There are many Adas systems, including second-level assisted driving and lane change assistant for semi-automatic passing (think of road conditions, which is enough to enter the passing indicator while maintaining the set cruise control). The new Sorento has up to seven airbags.

How is it going?

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It was tested on a mixed method with a total mileage of about fifty kilometers, the new Kia Sorento proved to be one a practical, practical and convenient car for commuting. The smooth suspension tuning goes well with the 2.2 diesel’s hydraulic steering, it’s just not enough to pull around two tonnes of vehicles and is mated to an 8-speed DCT dual clutch automatic transmission. It’s intuitive, quick in shifting and smart in controlling ratios, often engaging gears early to use the engine’s big torque. In Evolution the materials are very rich, the work is different and one is appreciated a comfortable chair which contributes to the enjoyment of driving. The latter is disturbed only by acoustic stress signals. It is dangerous to talk about consumption after the first short taste: however, the first symptoms found are 13/14 km / l with mixed urban-extra urban use. After stretching the mountain of suffering, the consumption increased to 11 km / l, but for more accuracy on the data, a separate study will be required with a longer use of the car.

Advantages and disadvantages

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Here are the strengths and weaknesses found during the first taste of the new Kia Sorento near Viareggio.

• Design: muscular and unified, it stands out from the recent past, making the new Sorento distinguishable;
• Driving mode: 7, with specialists Snow, Mud and Sand (snow, mud and sand respectively);
• Change: intuitive and fast, the 8-speed DCT proves to be a great double clutch;
• Driving cars: the choice is wide with the reintroduction of diesel and a full range of hybrids and plug-ins.

• Audible warnings: some “sounds” are a little annoying and very careful in the tuning;
• Internal materials: durability is fine, but some interior parts are a little hard, like the door panels and the dashboard area.

Kia Sorento 2024 technical sheet

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Below is the technical paper with all the data: