#29 All-New Kia Sorento – Stylish, practical and sophisticated

When the Kia Sorento first appeared, it featured a traditional body-on-frame design that provided a level of ruggedness not typically found on crossover SUVs. Blessed with above-average off-roading and towing abilities, the first-generation Sorento won respect for its practical nature. It also boasted impressive value, offering the dimensions of a midsize SUV at a compact-crossover price point.

All-New Kia Sorento 

However, the original Kia Sorento was clearly out of sync with the crossover craze. This is because most consumers want the more fuel-efficient and better handling qualities a carlike architecture provides. Hence when Kia launched the second generation Sorento it featured a unibody architecture and car like comforts.

Kia Cross GT Concept 

Though it was slightly more expensive than its predecessor, the second generation Kia Sorento was roomy, refined, had third row seats and one of the best warranty coverage on the midsize SUV segment. The great qualities found in the second generation model are carried over to the recently released third generation Kia Sorento. The all-new Kia Sorento features a premium look and feel blended with more space and numerous innovative features.

First generation Sorento 

Design

The design tweaks highlight the all-new Kia Sorento’s sleek profile while creating a stylish appearance and ensuring the midsize SUV has a bolder on-the-road presence. The front of the all-new Kia Sorento incorporates long, wrap-around headlamps and more prominent fog-lamps, as well as a larger, more upright ‘tiger-nose’ grille, with a distinctive three-dimensional diamond pattern, first featured on the Kia Cross GT concept.

Sleek profile 

In profile, the new model retains the Sorento’s hallmark long bonnet and characteristic wide D-pillar, but a lower roofline, higher beltline and swept-back shape give the midsize SUV a more dramatic, muscular stance. The rear of the car features new LED tail lamps, more prominent ‘shoulders’ and a highly sculpted registration plate surround.

Second generation model 

Performance

Five engines are available with the all-new Kia Sorento, depending on market, offering power outputs ranging from 126 kW (169 hp) to 198 kW (266 hp). The fully-independent suspension retains the format of the outgoing model (MacPherson Struts at the front and Kia’s multi-link system at the rear), but features a range of modifications.

Updated 2012 model 

At the front, a new electric motor-driven power steering system (R-MDPS) provides greater steering feel and quicker response. At the rear, the larger shock absorbers are now mounted vertically improving body control motion. These changes, together with the longer wheelbase, deliver a more accommodating ride making the all-new Kia Sorento a comfortable place to spend time on longer journeys.

New infotainment system 

Interior  

Inside the all-new Kia Sorento is where some of the most significant improvements are to be found. Kia’s designers have created a more sophisticated and luxurious interior, featuring significantly higher quality materials.

Comfortable front seats 

The styling of the interior follows a ‘modern and wide’ theme, providing the interior with a stable, horizontal layout and appearance. This width is resonated with the wider instrument cluster, interior garnish and the wrap-around shape of the dashboard which extends into the door trims.

Wide themed cockpit 

A higher proportion of soft-touch materials and leather creates a modern luxury feel to the interior and giving the all-new Kia Sorento a premium feel. Compared to the previous-generation model, the increased exterior dimensions and the extended wheelbase have liberated additional space in the interior of the midsize SUV.

Although the roofline is 15 mm lower, repositioned seat cushions ensure increased headroom for occupants in all three rows, who will also enjoy greater legroom. Available in 5- or 7-seat versions, the all-new Kia Sorento features 40/20/40 second row split folding for improved versatility. Boot volume increases from 515 to 605 litres with the third row seats folded up.

Striking rear 

Verdict

The Kia Sorento continues to be the spacious, practical and comfortable SUV many have come to love. The improved design, luxurious interior and the reduced interior noise make the third generation Kia Sorento an ideal SUV for larger families.