Can its EV9 inspired looks inject life into this new Kia?
Exterior – Front
So, lets start with the design of the new Sorento and as I have said in the introduction, this is the facelifted version. We get the new Kia design language, and the new Sorento Facelift is very similar to the EV9. We get a new set of headlights that have the same design as the new EV9 and new Picanto facelift. This makes the Sorento fit in with the new Kia range better. We also get a new grill design with a cool 3d mesh pattern but also the tiger nose layout. Lower down we also get a new central air vent that is similar again to the EV9 and we also get some functional side vents too.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and we don’t get many changes apart from some new colour and wheel options. We do get a lot of chrome still with a chrome panel on the front wing going into the front door and a shark fin on the rear glass area like what the Kia Proceed has. I really like this idea as it makes the car look sportier.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and there are some changes that differentiate the Sorento Facelift from the preface lift. To start with we get new taillights that have the new Kia graphics in them which gives it a more modern look we also get a new Sorento nameplate in the left bottom corner in their new font rather than it along the boot and to go with this we also get some new name badges. We also get a new bumper design which has lower lights that look like exhausts far away. Let’s have a look at what engine and gearbox options you can have with the new Kia Sorento Facelift.
Car and engine specs and price
So, available there are 3 versions of the Sorento, you can have a diesel engine, a self-charging hybrid engine or a plug-in hybrid engine. Lets start with the diesel engine. This is a 2.2 litre turbo unit with 191 bhp. it has a 0-62 time of 9.2 seconds. It is all wheel drive and power is sent through a 8 speed automatic gearbox. It will also do a combined 42 mpg which is decent for this sized car. The next engine is a 1.6 litre petrol self-charging hybrid unit. This produces 212 bhp and has 4-wheel drive and is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. 0-62 time is decent at 9 seconds and so is the mpg figure at 37. The final engine is a plug-in hybrid engine. This uses the 1.6 litre turbo petrol unit and an electric motor which produces 212 bhp. this has a 13.8 kWh battery pack giving this car a 32-mile electric range. The power is sent through a 6-speed automatic, and it goes to all 4 wheels. The price of the Kia Sorento Facelift Diesel starts at £41,995 with the Self Charging Hybrid starting at £42,995 and the plug-in hybrid starts at £47,295.
Interior – Design
So, stepping inside the new Kia Sorento Facelift and we get a completely different design to what we are used to. To start with the dashboard structure has changed completely and now have this shelf that is covered in wood on this test vehicle. This gives it a modern and very premium look and, in my opinion, better than some German rivals. Sitting on this shelf we get a new double screen setup like the new EV6 Facelift. Because of this we get the latest Kia infotainment system that is quick just like the previous one and is very easy to use. It also comes with Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto too. The instrument cluster is fully digital on all model but there are 2 versions. There is a fully digital and customisable 12.3-inch version or there is this version where you get a digital screen in the middle and around it you get digital lights and graphics that stay as they are. Moving down to the centre console and we get the dual model touch switches from the Sportage. This means you have radio buttons or climate control buttons on the same panel. Personally, I do like this as it adds a lot of functionality to a small panel therefore decluttering the dashboard. The centre console is the same as before with a dial for your driving modes on and off road and you also get a dial for your automatic gear elector too. there is also some cup holders and a wireless charging pad. The seats are the same but have new materials that feel premium and make the seats comfy so you could easily do long journeys. Overall then the new Kia Sorento is a nice place to be. Let’s have a look and see what the back seats are like considering this is a luxury 7-seater.
Practicality
so, getting into the back of the Kia Sorento Facelift and we get plenty of legroom and headroom sitting behind a 6-footer. We also get adjustable rear seats, an arm rest, heated rear seats as well as rear air vents and USB C ports in the backs of the front seats. Overall, a nice place to be then.
Moving further back however it improves over other 7-seater models. You get your own climate control system in the back with your own air vents. You also get your own USB C ports too and cubby holes to store things in. space in the back for an adult with the middle row all the way forward isn’t that bad considering the size of the car and you could just about do a decent journey in the back but anyone under 6 foot would be ok. What I will say though is that there isn’t a lot of light in the back because of the sloping rear windows that give it a sporty look on the outside but reduce light on the inside. Right, lets have a look and see what the boot space is like.
Boot Size
Moving further back however it improves over other 7-seater models. You get your own climate control system in the back with your own air vents. You also get your own USB C ports too and cubby holes to store things in. space in the back for an adult with the middle row all the way forward isn’t that bad considering the size of the car and you could just about do a decent journey in the back but anyone under 6 foot would be ok. What I will say though is that there isn’t a lot of light in the back because of the sloping rear windows that give it a sporty look on the outside but reduce light on the inside. Right, lets have a look and see what the boot space is like.
Summary
So, in summary then what do I think of the new Kia Sorento. Well with the styling on the inside and outside it definitely goes up with the premium German Rivals. It is also practical enough for what most families will need it for. Really if you want great reliability, good looks and great comfort then this may be the car for you.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 5/5
Practicality 4/5
Total 14/15
Model | Kia Sorento 4 Plug-In Hybrid |
Engine | 1.6l Turbo, 212bhp, 0-62 = 9.7 Seconds, 32 Mile Electric Only Range, Four Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 6 Speed Automatic |
Price | £55,995 |
On Sale | Now |
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