The fourth-generation mannequin went on sale in 2020 and obtained a major improve this 12 months, together with sharper seems, a refreshed inside and an expanded specification line-up.
Massive SUVs can generally look purposeful somewhat than flamboyant, however Kia has given the Sorento sufficient design thrives to make it visually pleasing.
The car takes design inspiration from the model’s flagship SUV, the eye-catching EV9.
The gloss black grille has a brand new form and is complemented by new vertical headlights and ‘star map’ daytime operating lights.
The Sorento seems sharp and dynamic from all angles Redesigned alloys and a brand new bonnet design, with assured creases, create a rugged, purposeful look.
The Sorento comes with loads of commonplace equipment, making it one of many best-equipped fashions in its phase.
New options embody the twin curved 12.3-inch shows, ambient lighting, fingerprint recognition and a customisable head-up show on the top-spec ‘4’ grade mannequin, examined right here.
Gentle contact supplies are to be discovered all through the cabin, with the brand new mannequin benefitting from synthetic leather-based and different premium sustainable supplies all through the cabin and fabric.
The Sorento sits above the Ceed household, Niro, and Sportage within the model’s line-up, slotting in simply beneath the all-electric EV9.
It’s one in every of only some fashions provided with a selection of diesel, self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and is on the market in‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘4’ specification ranges throughout all three powertrains.
We examined the plug-in hybrid, which affords a pleasant steadiness between energy and financial system.
It has an even bigger 13.8kWh battery than the self-charging hybrid, with the extra highly effective electrical motor boosting the Sorento to 248bhp and a meaty 367Nm of torque.
That’s sufficient to take this massive SUV from 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds, which feels swift for a car of this measurement.
Official figures counsel it could actually go 34 miles on electrical energy alone, however we discovered that determine to be within the area of 25 miles.
It’s value noting that some key rivals will go a good bit additional in pure electrical mode, however in the event you preserve the battery charged up, you’ll see some critical advantages by way of operating prices.
You would possibly anticipate the bigger battery within the PHEV to make the dealing with really feel extra cumbersome, however the Sorento feels well-planted when cornering and is extra agile than you’d anticipate.
That is maybe helped by Kia’s resolution to position the battery low down within the centre of the physique, between the 2 axles, holding the centre of gravity low.
When you step into the cabin, you’re greeted by an enormous and versatile area the place all occupants ought to really feel comfy.
Headroom and legroom are top notch. On a day journey, we discovered it to be a really perfect long-distance household cruiser.
In case you’re feeling adventurous, the brand new Sorento is supplied with Kia’s ‘Terrain Mode’ system, offering improved traction and management on mud, snow and sand.
The second row seats slide and recline, offering oceans of legroom and loads of area for 3 adults to sit down throughout the second row, helped by the automotive’s width.
Each exterior second-row seats and the 2 third-row seats have mounting factors for little one seats.
At a shade beneath £56,000, the highest spec model isn’t an affordable car and is in a value bracket that brings it into competitors with some sturdy opposition. Nevertheless, judged purely by itself deserves, the Sorento is a compelling all-round package deal.
Kia Sorento PHEV ‘4’
PRICE: £55,995
ENGINE: 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol-electric hybrid
PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 8.8 secs and high pace of 113mph
ECONOMY: 37g/km and 17mpg mixed
