The Kia Sorento has always catered for the family buyer with loads of space and good value in an uncomplicated SUV. This new Sorento claims to be more refined in every department, bigger inside and more pleasing to drive. We attended the official South African launch of the Sorento to get a feel for it as it aims to garner some sales in the medium to large SUV segment.

Up Space

The new Sorento increases space for passengers inside by increasing the wheelbase by 80mm. It’s certainly feels very spacious inside with more than enough room up front or in the rear for passengers. The boot is also large and can hold up to 660-Litres in the five seater or 605-Litres in the seven-seater version. No matter how many seats you opt for the second row of seats will slide forward or backwards to increase legroom or cargo room to suit. All seats can also be folded flat as you’d expect in a practical SUV.

Petrol and Diesel

Two engines are available from launch in the Sorento, a 2.4-Litre naturally-aspirated petrol and a 2.2-Litre turbodiesel. The petrol unit claims 127 kW and 225 Nm of torque and feels like it could definitely do with more grunt. It struggles to accelerate up to freeway speeds and if an overtaking move is necessary, it requires a fair amount of gear-shifting and a large gap in front. At city speeds and general chugging around town the engine seems to cope better, but may have similar problems when loaded up.

The 2.2-Litre turbodiesel puts out 147 kW and a lofty 440 Nm of torque. It is certainly the engine of choice, and even when we drove it with the all-wheel drive system it felt strong enough. The diesel does sound a little rough from the outside, but on the inside the noise hardly penetrates into the cabin. If you spec the automatic or the manual six-speed gearbox the diesel pulls well up hills and in overtaking manoeuvres.

Improved Safety

Kia has implemented an impressive array of safety systems in the new Sorento range that thankfully includes stability control across the range. Entry level models start with just two airbags but a maximum of six airbags can be specced. The body structure is also stiffer in order to better deal with impacts.

Interior Trim and Spec

The new Sorento ups its game tremendously in terms of build quality. The panels fit flush and nothing moves or flexes badly when you push and prod around the cabin. The materials whilst claiming to be premium don’t feel all that great to touch and seem to be made mostly from softish rubber. The infotainment screen will soon include a seven-inch touchscreen but the lower spec radio is small, lacks functionality and feels like a cost saving effort.

I was expecting Kia to have moved its game on with the new Sorento’s interior, but the materials and design is much of what we have seen in past and current models. It is however comfortable to sit in with really supportive and adjustable seats.

Driving it

The new Sorento Drives well for an SUV, its characteristics can be changed on top spec models with a ‘Drive Mode’ button that navigates through Normal, Eco and Sport modes. They alter the automatic gearbox’s gearshift points to enhance the requested driving experience. On road the Sorento feels well-planted but also comfortable on the long journey, it’s definitely the core focus point of the vehicle.

On the short stint of gravel we experienced the Sorento seemed to shake and bump a little more than expected and might not be the most comfortable if you intend to put in long, hard miles on dirt roads.

The new Kia Sorento is in stiff competition with many competitors having just launched new vehicles as well. It will probably have to rely on a keen price to see buyers tempted to it. The entry-level model is just that and competes with the likes of the Nissan X-Trail and Chevrolet Captiva in the petrol engine department. The higher spec models seem a bit steeply priced and will have to deal with buyers being lured towards Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Kia Sorento Pricing

KIA Sorento 2.4 LS R 379 995

KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi LX R 499 995

KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi EX AWD R 599 995

KIA Sorento 2.2 CRDi SX AWDR 634995

All models are standard with a 5-year/150 000km warranty. The Sorento 2.4 LS comes as standard with a 4-year/90 000km service plan, while LX, EX and SX models include a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan.