Think Kia, and you’d be forgiven for thinking EV, as many of the Korean manufacturer’s recent launches have been electric cars. However, the Sorento SUV, which is at the top of its combustion engine line-up, is one of the models that helped change brand perception over the last couple of years.
The current fourth-generation model has been on-sale since August 2020, and now benefits from a major update, with the highlights being a refreshed interior and exterior styling tweaks, plus a larger choice of specifications.
Styling changes
Outside, the biggest change for the Sorento mostly revolves around the styling, with the ‘Opposites United’ design themes that first debuted on the EV6 making their debut on the Sorento. At the front this means new vertical headlights and ‘star map’ daytime running lights, plus a reprofiled bonnet to further beef up this SUV’s appearance. At the side, there are new alloy wheel designs, and black side sill and wheel arch mouldings. Plus, extra chrome details and highlights around the exterior, and new rear lights to mark out the new models. The result of these changes is the Sorento is far more distinctive than before.
Inside, the instruments and infotainment now appear in a dual curved 12.3in display. There’s also improved ambient lighting, fingerprint recognition, plus a customisable head-up display on 4 grade models. Elsewhere, new Sorento models are fitted with artificial leather and recycled PET cloth, to demonstrate Kia’s dedication to sustainability.
As you’d expect, as with every other model in the Kia range, even the entry-level 3 grade is well-equipped, and although the plastics may be hard, the quality of fit and finish impresses. In fact, we’d say this Kia has added polish to this new version of the Picanto, as it feels even more solid and well-made than it ever has.
Three powertrains
This Sorento is available with a choice of three powertrains: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and diesel. Choose the hybrid, and it’s powered by what Kia calls its ‘Smartstream’ electrified powertrain, which pairs a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol (T-GDi) engine, with a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack powering an electric motor. Combined power output is 212hp, and 367Nm of torque. It has a 42.2mpg figure, CO2 emissions from 153g/km, and BIK figures from 35%.
Choose the PHEV version, and you get 248hp, maximum torque of 367Nm, and EV range of 34 miles. This is because of a combination of a 1.6-litre petrol engine,13.8kWh battery, plus electric motor. 0-62mph acceleration takes an impressive 8.6 seconds, all with official CO2 emissions of 37g/km, with 176.6mpg on the WLTP ‘combined’ cycle. BIK figures start at 12%.
Finally, there’s the 2.2-litre diesel, with 190hp, 440Nm of torque, 42.8mpg combined consumption, and a BIK figure of 37%
We got the chance to drive what Kia believes will be the key fleet version, the PHEV in 4 spec. Even with the battery virtually empty during our drive, around town it smoothly and silently switches to electric power – and it doesn’t struggle. Out of town, when the engine does kick in, it feels swift rather than as fast as the performance figures would suggest. The ride, on the bigger 19in wheels fitted here, is unsettled around town, but gets better at speed. Elsewhere, the steering has some feel, but there is some body roll in corners. Still, in general this Kia is a tidy handler.
Sorento rivals are a more focussed drive, but in PHEV form, there’s no doubting the running cost savings, although this Kia is still costly to buy.
Positive: Distinctive looks, well-equipped, PHEV savings, easy to drive.
Negative: Not a cheap option, rivals are better to drive.
Standard equipment: Driver, passenger, and side airbags, Downhill Brake Control (DBC), drive mode select with ‘Terrain Mode,’ smart cruise control, automatic headlight control, power folding, heated and adjustable wing mirrors, roof rails, rain-sensing front wipers, dual automatic and rear air conditioning, heated front seats, 12.3in touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Bluetooth.
| Model | Kia Sorento PHEV 4 |
| P11D | £55,940 |
| Residual value | 44% |
| Depreciation | £31,090 |
| Fuel | N/A |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £3,046 |
| Cost per mile | N/A |
| Fuel consumption | 176.6 mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 37g/km (12%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £111/£223 |
| Luggage capacity | 381 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,598cc/248hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
