Reviews of the Kia Sorento

by: Donna Kelly

Donna Kelly has over 14 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.

Kia Sorento Review 2021

Since its launch in 2002, the Kia Sorento has been causing a stir in the large-SUV market. Now in its fourth generation, this practical family SUV continues to impress with its quality, design and technology, making it a popular choice against other seven-seat rivals such as the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq. 

Our Kia Sorento review covers:

• Key Features
• Design, Practicality and Boot Space
• Interior and Trims
• Power and Performance
• Leasing vs Buying

Kia Sorento Key Features

• Refreshed exterior design with new body shape and integrated LED headlights
• Stylish interior with soft-touch materials and chrome/piano-black trims
• 187-litre boot, expanding to 2,011 litres with rear seats folded
• Choice of diesel, full hybrid or PHEV engines 
• Three trims levels are available, including the 2, 3 and 4

Design, Practicality and Boot Space

Recently updated, the new Kia Sorento still looks tough out on the road, but sharper styling such as a new body shape, integrated LED headlights, tall taillights, and deeply sculpted lines help to add extra road presence. 

As expected from a car of its size, interior space is more than generous, with loads of head and legroom for driver and passengers. All models come with seven seats as standard, with more space on the third row than in the Land Rover Discovery Sport or Peugeot 5008. Storage space isn’t decent, with decent-sized door pockets, storage under the front centre armrest and a large tray for charging devices. 

At the rear, the Sorento offers 187 litres of boot space with all seats in place, which is enough space for a couple of holdalls or a row of shopping bags. This expands to 616-litres, with the third row of seats folded down or 608 litres in hybrid models. This increases to 2,011 litres (1,996 in the hybrids) if you drop all the rear seats. 

The second-row seat slide, recline and split 60/40 at the touch of a button, allowing for extra space when required, although the Peugeot 5008 and Audi Q5 offer more flexibility with their seat configuration. 

Interior and Trims

Inside, the Sorento boasts a stylish interior with soft-touch materials and chrome and piano-black trims. Build quality is on a par with the Hyundai Santa Fe, although the Peugeot 5008 interior feels slightly more upmarket. Higher spec models also come with leather trim to make the interior look and feel plusher. 

Three trims levels are available, including the 2, 3 and 4. The entry-level 2 models get an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats, reversing camera, LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The mid-spec 3 model adds a more impressive 10.25-inch touchscreen, leather trim, keyless entry, wireless phone charging, a powered tailgate and 19-inch alloy wheels. Top-of-the-range 4 models include Nappa leather trim, a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, Bose 12-speaker stereo and a 360-degree Around View Monitor. 

Power and Performance

Under the bonnet, the Sorento is available with a 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine, a full hybrid with a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine, or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine. All models are four-wheel drive.

The 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine is the least powerful option in the range at 199bhp, making the full hybrid the pick of the bunch with its 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor offer a combined output of 226bhp. The PHEV has the same engine and gearbox as the full hybrid but offers a 90bhp boost for a 261bhp combined and run up to 35 miles of electric-only travel.

In terms of drive, the Sorento steers confidently on the road, handling as well as the Hyundai Santa Fe and feels more agile than the Toyota Highlander. The hybrid is good to drive around town but sounds a bit noisy at higher speeds. 

Leasing vs Buying

Prices for the new Kia Sorento start from £47,800.00 OTR* or to lease from £528.76 per month.

Fancy yourself behind the wheel of the new Kia Sorento? Lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts and take advantage of low monthly rentals, a low initial outlay and flexible contract and mileage terms. All our car lease deals include the full manufacturer’s warranty (from date of registration), road tax, breakdown cover and free mainland GB delivery, direct to your door.

*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and typically includes one year’s road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Always check with the manufacturer.