Kia Sorento - Should You Buy One in 2021?

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The Sorento is Kia's largest SUV and this fourth generation model offers the kind of typically complete package we now expect from the brand. This enhanced design is embellished by electrified engine tech, smarter looks and advanced media connectivity. And as before, it sells in the upper part of the SUV 'D' segment, offering more space and 4x4 prowess than cheaper class contenders provide.

Market and Model

The days are unfortunately long gone since the Sorento was offered at really affordable pricing but if you add up the value proposition here against rivals, this Kia can still look decent value. Prices start at around £39,000 for a base '2'-spec HEV petrol model - add around £1,500 to that if you want the alternative 2.2-litre CRDi diesel. Plusher '3'-spec adds a premium of around £4,000. For that, you'll get more space, practicality and equipment than German rivals can offer. The PHEV Plug-in model prices from around £45,000 and is available with all the trim levels.

Depending on specification, the cabin incorporates Kia's latest 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system (in 8 or 10.25-inch forms), offering audio-visual navigation, and a smart 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster. The Sorento also offers Kia's innovative UVO Connect telematics system, connecting drivers by providing invaluable information via the in-car touchscreen and on their smartphone. Featuring Kia Live services and accessible through the optional 10.25-inch LCD widescreen, the system displays live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, and details of potential on and off-street parking.

The infotainment system also allows Bluetooth smartphone pairing for two phones concurrently, enabling separate phones to be used for, for instance, phone calls and music, while front passengers can also plug in their mobile devices via two USB chargers. Key options - fitted further up the range include a head-up display, a powerful 12-speaker BOSE surround-sound audio set-up and a 64-colour Mood Lighting system.

Cost of Ownership

The new 1.6-litre T-GDi Hybrid engine features Kia's latest Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology, regulating valve opening time according to driving conditions, instead of operating on a fixed opening time. This boosts performance at low-to-mid engine and enhances fuel efficiency. The WLTP figures are 40.9mpg on the combined cycle and 158g/km of CO2. If you've really an eye for the bottom line though and can afford a higher asking price, the Plug-in Hybrid petrol version will appeal, with its 35-40 mile all-electrified driving range. The conventional CRDi diesel version returns similar WLTP figures to the previous generation model - 42.2mpg combined and 176g/km of CO2. The PHEV plug-in variant with its 13.8kWh battery pack drops that CO2 figure to just 38g/km.

Summary

This fourth generation Sorento tells us a lot about the way Kia is developing as a brand. It undercuts its Hyundai Santa Fe design stablemate on price and its extra polish and cleverness now make choosing this car a more credible option for buyers who simply don't need the dynamic advantages on offer from the much pricier Land Rover and German-branded models you might be tempted by in this segment.

Plus, as ever with this car, while those familiar with the Amalfi coast might still feel the Sorento to be lacking an R, a glance at the spec sheet doesn't immediately suggest it to be lacking much else. In short then, for all kinds of reasons, this is now a contender you'd like - rather than merely one that would be very handy to have. The kind of SUV that might surprise you. As increasingly, modern Kias tend to do.

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