The outgoing Kia Sorento is an immensely talented vehicle. Good-looking, well-priced and perfect for the family, it's a tough car to beat. That means Kia had a big job ahead of itself when it came time to replace the large SUV with the new model - and it appears they have succeeded.
The all-new Sorento sits at the head of Kia's comprehensive SUV line-up, which includes the Sportage, Seltos, and Sonet. The stylish Kia borrows design cues from the larger Telluride (not available in SA) and looks thoroughly modern, with a more sculpted look than the outgoing Sorento.
Inside, premium materials abound. Kia says this is one of the plushest cabins found in any Kia to date. The driver enjoys a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which is supplemented by a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with a navigation system.
Furthermore, mood lighting enhances the cabin ambiance at night. Wireless smartphone charging also makes an appearance, with a BOSE audio system available as an option. To create a luxurious feel, the cabin makes use of leather upholstery, metallic trim, and embosses satin-effect surfaces. Black leather is offered to customers.
The new model is powered by the brand's 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with 148 kW and 440 Nm of torque. Paired with Kia's new 8DCT gearbox, it offers a smoother gear change and improves fuel efficiency, says Kia.
The Sorento offers impressive levels of standard-fitment active and passive safety features. Kia's ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist technology with pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle detection. Blindspot View Monitor is also available, and so too is Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, and several other systems.
Six airbags are standard fitment, along with electronic stability control and Kia's first Multi-Collision Brake System. This allows the SUV to mitigate the severity of further collisions. It applies the vehicle brakes after the airbags have been deployed, further protecting passengers from further impacts.
Three trim levels will be offered: EX+ (in 2WD and AWD), SX+ AWD and SXL AWD.
EX+ models receive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, leather seats, LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear PDC (with a rearview camera) an electric tailgate, and more.
SX models add a digital instrument cluster, a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, mood lighting, 19-inch alloy wheels and Kia's full suite of active safety features.
The range-topping SXL adds Bose surround sound with 12 speakers, dual-LED headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, Smart Cruise Control, head-up display and a driver memory power seat with cushion extension.
Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater EX+ 2WD 8DCT R809 995
Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater EX+ AWD 8DCT R849 995
Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater SX AWD 8DCT R914 995
Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater SXL AWD 8DCT R988 995
All models ship standard with the company's five-year/unlimited km warranty and a six-year/90 000 km maintenance plan. Roadside assistance is included. The Sorento is now available in dealerships, although the SXL will make its debut in March 2022.
