2024 Kia Sorento new car review
This seven seat high-rider has received a big upgrade that gives it an unbeatable combination of features and value for growing families.
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Kia’s big Sorento family SUV is getting smarter.
An updated version of the seven-seater has arrived in showrooms loaded with a range of new technology that will make it safer and more connected than before.
Sorento owners can now receive complimentary over-the-air tech updates to software, maps and screen displays for seven years.
The service also allows owners to track the location of their vehicle, check up on younger drivers and operate certain functions such as airconditioning remotely via an app.
The improvements come at price, though. All variants are between $3000 and $3500 more expensive and the range now starts at a lofty $54,090 drive-away.
Aside from the tech upgrades, Kia has tweaked the suspension with new shocks and dampers that can adjust to different conditions on the road.
The new set-up means the Sorento can soak up bumps better without comprising body control through corners. A new steering tune increases feedback and feel in all driving conditions.
There are no changes to the Sorento’s engines. The 3.5-litre V6 petrol motor delivers 200kW and 332Nm through an eight-speed auto driving the front wheels, while the 2.2-litre diesel, which costs $3000 more, puts out 148kW and 440Nm through a dual-clutch auto driving all four wheels. Updated hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions will join the range in coming months.
On the road the diesel is the pick of the bunch. It uses its deep reserves of torque for effortless acceleration, making light work of overtaking at highway speeds and climbing up steep hills.
It’s efficient, too, using a claimed 6.0L/100km compared to the petrol’s 9.8L/100km. Petrol versions aren’t bad but the engine can sound coarse when you put your foot down. The lack of a turbocharger means you’ll need to work the engine harder to access its power reserves.
The Sorento is at its best on the highway and country roads where its soft suspension cushions you against bumps of all sizes. It’s no sports car through the corners but handles the twisty stuff better than rivals such as the Toyota Kluger.
The same four-tier model line-up remains, with buyers able to choose between S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line. Updated styling borrows cues from the new EV9, including a redesigned front and rear bumper, front grille and head and tail lights.
All versions have dual 12.3-inch displays, with one for the infotainment and the other for the driver’s instruments. The GT-Line has a fully customisable driver display with multiple readouts and layouts while other versions have static displays. A redesigned centre console does away with a conventional gear shifter in favour of a rotary dial that opens up more space for storage.
The dashboard follows the same clean layout as the EV6 electric car and maintains physical controls for climate and infotainment. There are multiple USB-C charging ports.
Base S versions come with 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, power folding side mirrors and roof rails.
Inside there are cloth seats, a premium steering wheel with paddle shifters and a full-size spare wheel.
Sport variants gain 18-inch alloy wheels, power lumbar support for the driver’s seat and privacy glass.
The Sport+ has 19-inch alloys, leather trim, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Bose stereo and second-row sun shades.
GT-Line versions have 20-inch alloys, suede interior trim, quilted Nappa leather seats, heated front and outboard second-row seats, ventilated front seats, a head-up display and a digital rear view mirror.
Safety is comprehensive across the line-up with seven airbags and plenty of driver aids. The lane-keep assist can be overly intrusive, though, pulling the steering wheel harshly to keep you centred in your lane. The speed-limit warning is also annoying, beeping incessantly if you stray slightly over the speed limit.
The cabin design is excellent, though, especially in the higher grade models. There is plenty of room in the front and second rows but the third is best kept for smaller kids.
Base S versions miss out on aircon vents in the third row. Pricier Sport+ and GT-Line versions have USB charging points in all rows while S and Sport grades make do with front row ports only.
With five seats in place the Sorento has a massive boot but with the third row in use this shrinks dramatically.
A seven-year/unlimited km warranty is hard to beat, although servicing costs are relatively high. Seven years of capped price servicing will set owners back $3788.12 for the diesel and $3746.16 for the petrol.
VERDICT
Four stars
Well equipped, efficient and tech laden SUV is a smart choice for a growing family.
KIA SORENTO GT-LINE DIESEL
PRICE: From $72,690 drive-away
ENGINE: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, 148kW and 440Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICING: Seven years/unlimited km, $3788.12 over seven years
SAFETY: Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking, blind-spot monitoring, speed warning, radar cruise control and 360-degree camera
THIRST: 6.0L/100km
SPARE: Full size
LUGGAGE: 179-608 litres
Originally published as 2024 Kia Sorento new car review
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