Kia Sorento 2013 review

Kia Sorento is the larger of two SUVs from the ambitious Korean importer. The smaller Sportage is aimed more at the youth and small family market while the seven-seat Sorento is effectively a crossover people mover with some off-road ability in the AWD variants. The latest version of the Sorento was launched here in September 2012.

The choice of two- or four-wheel-drive is rapidly becoming the norm in the latest breed of SUVs, something that makes lots of sense because the majority of buyers neither want nor need drive to all four wheels, a feature that not only adds to the vehicle’s purchase price but also, because of the extra weight, to its fuel consumption and emissions.

While two of the models that Kia views as Sorento’s main competitors, Ford Territory and Toyota Kluger, do have 2WD variants, its Hyundai sibling – and so realistically its closest competitor – the Santa Fe, only comes with 4WD despite the two vehicles sharing the same platform.

Value

The 2.2-litre AWD Sorento Platinum we tested will set you back $50,390.

Standard equipment in all models includes stability control and traction control, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and downhill brake control, hill-start assist and parking sensors at both front and rear. The mid-spec SLi adds a parking sensor dash display, reversing camera, leather trim seats and roof rails. Platinum models also gain satellite navigation, active high-intensity discharge Xenon headlights, push button ignition start and panoramic sunroof.

Other features across the range include cruise control, mp3-compatible audio system, AUX/USB and iPod sockets and Bluetooth for both phone and audio streaming.

Technology

Kia Sorento comes with a choice of two engines, 3.5-litre V6 petrol and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel. The standard transmission is a six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual is available but only with the diesel engine and only in the entry level Sorento Si.

The V6 petrol has maximum power of 204 kW at 6300 rpm and torque of 335 Nm at 5000 rpm with combined fuel consumption listed at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The turbo-diesel engine peaks at 145 kW of power at 3800 rpm and 421 Nm of torque (manual) and 436 Nm (automatic) between 1800 and 2500 rpm.

There are three equipment levels. Both the entry level Si and mid-spec SLi come with the choice of the two engines, while the flagship Platinum model, rather unusually, is only offered with the diesel engine.

Design

Although there were a number of external changes they didn’t change the overall look of the vehicle to any significant extent. There was a redesigned grille, new LED headlights and taillights with daytime running lights at the front as well new bumpers and wheels and a different tailgate.

In people mover mode the management of Sorento’s interior space is critical and the Kia designers have managed to juggle the various passenger/luggage permutations nicely. As is invariably the case with mid-sized seven-seaters the third row is best left to pre-teen children even with a marginal improvement in legroom from the previous model.

The third row of seats do fold flat to provide up to 1047 litres of luggage space with the centre seats in place but drops to 285 litres with all seats occupied. The back row seats are split 50/50 to allow some extra seating flexibility. Adding another dimension to the Sorento, folding both rows of rear seats opens the rear up to a van-like capacity of 2052 litres.

Driving

Previous criticisms of the Sorento’s ride and handling have been addressed with the use of ultra high-tensile steel contributing to an 18 per cent increase in torsional rigidity improving ride comfort, handling and crash protection.

Reduction of noise, vibration and harshness levels was another of the tasks allotted to Kia engineers for the 2013 Sorento and they’ve done an excellent job with the interior noticeable quieter in both the petrol and diesel powered models.

The seats are comfortable and the ergonomics for the driver are very good. The steering has reach and height adjustment and the driver’s seat also has height adjust. The controls are large and easy to use and the steering wheel has remote controls for audio and cruise control.

On the road both the petrol and diesel versions are surprisingly spirited vehicles and hills and rapid overtaking are dispatched with ease. Sorento’s handling and cornering isn’t as sharp as the smaller, sportier Sportage but that’s not unexpected given the differing requirements of the two vehicles.

Verdict

Kia Sorento is a neat and attractive SUV that offers plenty of options for a large family looking for a single vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks. Factor in Kia’s five year, unlimited kilometre warranty and it’s certainly worth adding to your shopping list.