The Sorento Strikes Back: How Kia Outclasses Premium Rivals

Kia’s latest Sorento is a spacious, tech-packed seven-seat SUV that rivals premium German brands without the premium price tag. Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby discover why this practical all-rounder is turning heads and challenging expectations.

Car Review: Kia Sorento

Jeremy: Comfort, space, technology. The latest Kia Sorento is a roomy seven-seater that should tempt some buyers away from premium German marques. Once regarded as a budget workhorse, the Korean all-rounder has evolved into a genuine rival to the best-selling Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Prioritising comfort and stability, this cool cruiser excels on motorways, with a soothing and controlled feel. It’s an excellent long-distance mile-muncher – one that only feels unsettled when bundling over potholes and harsh urban roads.

And while the handling is not especially sporty or fun, light steering makes this 4.8-metre-long SUV surprisingly easy to manoeuvre about town or when squeezing into a tight parking space.

Every version is fitted with all-wheel drive and for those tempted to tackle a little off-roading, Terrain Mode has specific settings for snow, mud and sand. Realistically, average ground clearance means the Sorento will spend most of its life on Tarmac.

Choose from three powertrains. Our test car was the self-charging hybrid (HEV), offering 212bhp and a smooth transition between battery and petrol engine, although it struggles for grunt on a fast A-road.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model is the 248bhp flagship, with a 34-mile official EV range. It is the best choice for company car drivers, though the electric range lags behind the new Skoda Kodiaq PHEV.

Finally, a 2.2L diesel is the ‘towing hero’, with a 2,500kg limit. It is refined at speed but can be gruff under heavy acceleration. This is also the most polluting model and will cost more to fill up, especially with current fuel prices soaring.

Inside, the cabin is arguably Kia’s finest, featuring a high-quality blend of soft-touch plastics and advanced tech. Seven seats are standard across the range and the middle row is palatial. However, the third row is better suited for children.

Newer models feature a dual 12.3-inch infotainment screen setup that is clear and responsive, though physical shortcut buttons would be useful. Boot space is huge in five-seat mode – up to 821 litres with seats folded – but limited when all seven seats are in use.

Top-of-the-range versions now feature fingerprint recognition and a digital key for access, while other models boast a 12-speaker BOSE sound system, complete with subwoofer.

For such a large vehicle, the Sorento seems a bit of a steal, with prices starting from around £44,000. Even our swanky ‘Aspire’ model was less than £54,000 – and remember, all Kia’s come with a seven-year warranty too.

Jessica: The Sorento is a solid performer, backed by Kia’s famously lengthy warranty. It is a massive family SUV that feels premium, without the ‘premium’ price of German rivals.

All versions have an eight-speed automatic gearbox which is smooth and responsive. Just don’t expect punchy performance. There is some body roll on fast corners too but you don’t buy a Sorento as a sports car.

The distinctive looks are a major plus. Unlike Audi and BMW, Kia manufactures cars that don’t stick to a rigid design format. Sorento has a modern aesthetic, both inside and out.

The Sorento also averaged almost 45mpg on a long motorway run to Cornwall, which means you might be able to squeeze 600 miles between refills. Just ensure taller teenagers sit on the middle row – the back seats are for youngsters only.

Discover more about the Kia Sorento at kia.co.uk

Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.