POWERFUL, progressive and versatile, the fourth generation of Kia’s flagship Sorento SUV is designed and engineered to take on everything life throws at it, and joins a reinvigorated local lineup that includes the Seltos, Sportage and new Stonic.
The new Sorento is the first vehicle to be based on Kia’s larger new-generation N3 SUV platform. Paired with a larger body to maximise cargo and luggage space, the platform ensures it is one of the most versatile and spacious three-row SUVs on the road.
The front of the Sorento evolves with a new interpretation of Kia’s hallmark tiger nose grille, displaying a wider shape which organically wraps around the integrated headlamps on each side.
The headlamps themselves feature a new tiger-eye LED daytime running light, adding extra focus to the design by depicting the intense impression of the lines around a tiger’s eyes.
This sharper, more assertive appearance is complemented by a wide, rectangular lower air intake, book-ended by wing-shaped air curtains to channel air around the car. A sharp bumper lip is also capped with a skid plate, enhancing its robust appearance.
Trim on the sporty lower rear bumper mimics the appearance of dual tailpipes and, like the front, features a skid plate to add to its tough SUV aesthetic.
The new Sorento will be available in Australia with a choice of seven exterior paint finishes, including Clear White, Mineral Blue, Snow White Pearl, Steel Grey, Silky Silver, Aurora Black and Gravity Blue.
All trims will have a full-size spare, with wheel sizes ranging from 17-inch through to 20-inch, depending on trim level.
The attractive, upscale cabin introduces a sophisticated next-generation design, and in the GT-Line this is based around twin digital displays in the dashboard.
The 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster is twinned with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system. These display information clearly within the driver’s line of sight, and create an innovative wide-screen user experience.
The cabin of the new Sorento subtly integrates a range of other technologies, including a mood lighting system on the GT-Line. This emits soft ambient downlighting from beneath the dashboard and door trim, creating a lounge-like feeling and greater sense of space.
Interior illumination is available in one of seven preset ‘core’ colours selected specifically by Kia interior designs, or from a full gamut of 64 colours. A wireless smartphone charger also sits at the base of the centre console.
A powerful BOSE surround-sound system is also available to provide a more immersive in-car audio experience. The infotainment system also allows Bluetooth smartphone pairing for two phones concurrently. There are three USB charging ports as well.
The Sorento GT-Line will come standard with a colour head-up display, which projects driving information onto the base of the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight.
Material quality is also enhanced, with a cabin that blends metallic trim, leather upholstery, and embossed satin-effect surfaces. Applied throughout the interior and across the dashboard, the cabin boasts a more sophisticated appearance and ambience.
In Australia, the Sorento will be available (grade dependent) with embossed black cloth, leather appointed black cloth and black quilted Nappa leather appointed seats.
The Sorento’s new 4-cylinder 2.2-litre Smartstream diesel engine will debut in Australia in the Sorento, producing 148kW and 440Nm torque. It is paired with Kia’s new 8-speed wet double clutch transmission (8DCT).
Designed to offer the smooth shifting characteristics of a conventional automatic, the 8DCT enhances fuel efficiency over a conventional eight speed automatic by up to 15 per cent, depending on application.
Also available in Australia will be the revised and refined Smartstream Lambda III 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, producing 200kW and 332Nm. The V6 engines will drive the front wheels through Kia’s proven 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The Sorento also offers improved levels of active and passive safety thanks to an enhanced range of driver assistance systems including blind-spot view monitor and surround view monitor (GT-Line only).
Blind-spot collision-avoid assist, advanced smart cruise control, lane following assist and driver attention warning, also feature, as does Kia’s new Level Two autonomous driving technology; lane following assist.
