New Kia Sorento cars

The style of the car

Its large size means the Sorento doesn’t exactly blend into the background, but it’s not brash or aggressive either. The latest car’s styling is developed from the older version’s, but its body is entirely new. Both versions have user-friendly, solid interiors, though the latest car looks and feels more modern and high-tech. 

How it drives

By large-SUV standards, the Sorento is easy enough to drive. The steering’s light and most models have an automatic gearbox. The high driving position gives a great view out and standard parking sensors and cameras make manoeuvring straightforward. The latest car has yet more sensors and cameras. The older model is only available with a powerful yet quiet diesel engine. The newer model is available with the same diesel or a new petrol hybrid option. All give good acceleration. The Sorento feels rock-solid on the road and gives a quiet, comfortable ride. Diesels are great for towing, with a capacity of 2000kg-plus. 

The interior

The Sorento is a large SUV with five doors and seven seats that’s the same size as the Hyundai Sante Fe or the Nissan X-Trail. There’s generous space for five adults in the front and back seats. Adults fit in the pair of third-row seats, too, which fold out of the boot floor. Behind them, there’s space for a few shopping bags. Fold them away and the boot is vast. The back seats fold down if you need to carry a fridge, or something similar. The doors open wide and the seats are high, making it easy to put small children in their safety seats. The latest car has even more space and easier access to the third row of seats. Both versions of the Sorento are very well equipped, giving you standard features you might expect from a higher-priced SUV.  

Running costs

According to official figures, the older Sorento has average fuel economy of 50mpg with a manual gearbox and 43mpg with an automatic. The latest car gives 42mpg in diesel form and the hybrid gives 40mpg. The hybrid’s ability to run on battery power means it’ll be more efficient than the diesel driving around town. Road tax costs vary depending on model but aren’t too high. Insurance costs are reasonable. Both versions received a five-star rating by safety organisation Euro NCAP. 

How it compares with similar cars

The Sorento’s seven-adult interior, generous equipment, quality and value give it an edge over such as the Nissan X-Trail and Renault Koleos. The latest version’s hybrid option is unique in this type of car, too.