Kia Sorento Platinum vs Toyota Kluger Grande

The Platinum is an AWD seven-seater with 19-inch alloys, two 12-volt outlets, 10-speaker USB audio with Bluetooth, dual-zone climate, second- and third-row aircon controls, luxo front seats, satnav with traffic info, panoramic sunroof, capped servicing and two years' extra warranty.

The Toyota Kluger Grande comes in front- or all-wheel-drive, seats seven and has two 12-volt outlets, tri-zone climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, heated seats, touchscreen satnav, auto headlights, six-speaker audio and power-adjustable seats. There is capped-price servicing.

Designer Peter Schreyer's stamp features strongly in the Sorento's front and rear tweaks, including new fog and headlights, grille, LED daytime running lamps, tailgate and LED tail-lights. The cabin is comfortable but in terms of materials isn't up to the Kluger's standard yet.  

A makeover has sharpened up the face with more angular headlights, but the design isn't exactly cutting edge. It's a good-sized vehicle for carting the clan. The cabin has decent space although the middle-row centre seat splits 40-20-40 so the occupant suffers.

Many won't pick the turbo diesel. Producing 145kW and in auto form 436Nm, the 2.2-litre common-rail turbocharged and intercooled engine claims 7.3L/100km. Use of lighter, stronger steel increases torsional rigidity and reduces weight by about 100kg.  

The 201kW/337Nm 3.5-litre V6 has plenty of pep, claims 11.0L/100km and is refined. But its auto is five-speed when most have six. It's showing its age in comparison to the newer models, lacking Bluetooth audio streaming and USB input. The kids will like the rear DVD player.

Front and rear parking sensors and rear camera keep the Sorento in the clear. It adds six airbags, stability and traction control, LED running lights and active and automatic xenon headlights. All add up to a crash test performance worthy of five stars from NCAP.  

The Kluger gets seven airbags (including driver's knee and curtain airbags that stretch through three rows), anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control and reversing camera, which combine to earn it a five-star crash-test rating from ANCAP.

The Sorento is tighter and more refined than its predecessor. The ride is similarly firm but the Sorento feels more enthusiastic in the bends and sits flatter. Connectivity, dynamics, fuel economy and price put the Sorento well in the hunt.  

A smooth, refined driveline. The steering is not too light but requires more lock than you'd think, particularly in the front-driver, and dynamically it's not as enthusiastic as the rest of the segment -- it prefers a genteel pace.