The Latest Kia Sorento: An Impressive Option
By Murali Naidu
We recently spent some time with the new Kia Sorento, which has undergone a complete update. The Sorento has long been a sweet spot in its segment, offering SUV-like characteristics with a strong focus on practicality and ease of use. The latest model builds on this, adding style, advanced technology, and even better value for money. For more reviews on Kia models, visit KIA Reviews on AutoAdvisor.
Fourth Generation: Designed for All Life’s Challenges
This fourth generation of Kia’s large family SUV has been designed and engineered to handle everything life throws at it. The design may appear a bit “American,” which is no surprise given that it was a collaborative effort between Kia’s worldwide design network in South Korea, Europe, and the USA. The robust, tough-looking aesthetic of earlier Sorento generations remains but has been refined with more elegance and even a touch of sportiness. The bodywork now features sharper lines and creases, giving the Sorento a sculpted look compared to its predecessor's more rounded appearance.
Updated Front-End and Sleek Proportions
At the front, the Kia Sorento features a new interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille, with a wider shape that seamlessly integrates the headlamps on each side. The new headlamps feature updated LED daytime running lights, which enhance the vehicle’s visual appeal. From the side, subtle adjustments to the proportions make the Sorento appear longer. The new model is 10mm longer than its predecessor at 4,810mm, with a wheelbase that has grown by 35mm to 2,815mm. New vertical tail lamps wrap around the sides, while sharper lines in the bodywork echo the technical look of the front, giving the Sorento a wider and more imposing presence on the road.
Premium Interior and Cutting-Edge Infotainment
Inside, the Kia Sorento boasts one of the highest-quality interiors seen in any Kia vehicle to date. The cabin features premium materials and advanced infotainment while retaining the spaciousness and versatility that have characterized the Sorento for over two decades. The cabin’s upscale design revolves around twin digital displays, including a 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system at the center of the dashboard. These displays deliver clear information within the driver’s line of sight and create a modern wide-screen user experience. Additionally, new haptic buttons on either side of the screen, along with climate control buttons, enhance ease of use.
High-Quality Materials and Spacious Seating
The Kia Sorento’s cabin quality has been enhanced with a blend of metallic trim, leather upholstery, and embossed satin-effect surfaces, giving it a more sophisticated look and feel. The spacious cabin can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers and boasts one of the largest luggage capacities in its class—up to 821 litres with the third row stowed. This allows the Sorento to carry five people along with a significant amount of luggage, making it an ideal vehicle for families and road trips.
Smooth Performance with a Frugal Engine
The new Kia Sorento is powered by a four-cylinder, 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine that produces 148kW and 440Nm of torque. Paired with Kia’s new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission, the Sorento offers exceptionally smooth shifts. The engine is fuel-efficient, and the overall driving experience is effortless. Whether in the city or on long open roads, the Sorento handles everyday life with ease, making it a standout option in its segment.
FAQ
Q: What does the Kia Sorento cost in South Africa?
The Kia Sorento starts at around R749,995 for the base 2.2 CRDi LX model and goes up to R899,995 for the top-spec SX variant, making it competitively priced against rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.
Q: Is the Kia Sorento worth buying?
Yes, the Kia Sorento is definitely worth buying if you need a practical seven-seater SUV with excellent build quality, advanced safety features, and Kia's impressive seven-year/150,000km warranty that beats most competitors.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Kia Sorento?
The Sorento 2.2 CRDi delivers a claimed fuel consumption of 7.1 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, which is respectable for a large SUV weighing over 1,900kg.
Q: What engine options are available in the Kia Sorento?
The South African Sorento lineup features a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine producing 148kW and 440Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.
Q: How does the Kia Sorento compare to the Toyota Fortuner?
The Sorento offers superior interior quality, more advanced technology, and better on-road comfort than the Fortuner, while the Toyota delivers slightly better off-road capability and potentially stronger resale value.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, you should absolutely buy the Kia Sorento if you're looking for the best seven-seater family SUV under R900,000 in South Africa. At R749,995 for the entry-level model, it delivers premium interior quality that rivals German SUVs costing R200,000 more, plus Kia's unbeatable seven-year warranty gives you peace of mind that Toyota and Ford simply can't match. The combination of practicality, technology, and value makes this the smart choice for families who want luxury without the premium badge tax.
