Contents of the material
Competitors
Despite the fact that the car has a fairly large number of competitors, it is really worthy and can compete with the brands of other manufacturing companies.
Among the most well-known competitors that are represented on the Russian market, at approximately the same cost, are:
- Mitsubishi Pajero Sport;
- Hyundai Grand Santa Fe;
- Skoda Kodiaq;
- Nissan Murano;
- Lexus NX 200;
- Honda CR-V;
- Infiniti QX50.
All presented models meet high requirements. But if compared with Kia, it is worth saying that it is in no way inferior to the presented models. Therefore, it is up to the motorist to decide what exactly to choose, especially since the cost is practically the same.
Comfort
The Sorento is one comfortable crossover with an impressively quiet cabin, power-adjustable seats, and a smooth but well-controlled ride that’s among the best in the segment. The standard third-row seat is designed for children but can accommodate adults in a pinch.
Our test vehicle came with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The seating position and comfort is a good combination of softness, comfort and now has a retractable bottom cushion. The nicely shaped second-row seats slide and recline, while the third-row’s lower cushions sit low to the floor, with limited comfort.
The Sorento may have one of the most refined rides of any non-luxury brand crossover. Suspension shocks are well cushioned, but the ride remains disciplined.
The SXLimited’s acoustic windshield and front glass block sound and help create a quiet ambience, even setting some high-end SUVs apart. Only a small amount of road and wind noise penetrates the cabin. And the V6 engine, while not exactly lively, doesn’t mind hitting the red line again.
The dual-zone climate control is simple, and there’s a button to switch the rear air conditioning. The system adjusts well to the desired temperature in the cabin. Seat ventilation is effective, and heaters warm up the interior quickly enough. The third row has air vents and fan speed controls.
The cabin is thoughtfully designed, for the most part. The main problem is access to the third row – perhaps inevitable given the size of the Sorento’s class. The touchscreen infotainment system is very functional and there are plenty of excellent parking aids on this trim level.
The redesigned 8-inch touchscreen is intuitive, easy to navigate and responsive. Even the calibration group menus and controls are easy to use. There are more interesting systems, but few are easier to use and learn.
Step height is low, and wide-opening doors make access to the first and second rows easy. Access to the third row is more difficult. Even though the passenger-side second-row seat slides forward, the passage to the rear is narrow. All doors have overhead handles if you need them.
Specifications
The powertrain model lines for these markets differ from each other. Sorento manufacturers protect their native Korean engines from Russian diesel fuel. They become capricious when consuming low-quality fuel. If in its homeland Kia Motors sells only diesel engines, then our car enthusiasts need to make a choice from two gasoline internal combustion engines and one diesel engine.
Engines
Here is a table with the performance characteristics of the motors.
| Engine
volume (l) |
Power
(l/s) |
Maximum speed (km/h) | Acceleration to 100 km/h (sec) | Fuel consumption (l) |
| 2.4 GDI petrol | 188 | 195 | 10.5 | 12.4/9.2/7.3 |
| 3.5 MPI petrol | 250 | 210 | 7.8 | 14.5/10.4/8.1 |
| 2.2 CRDI diesel turbo | 202 | 203 | 9.4 | 7.3/6.5/6.0 |
The company’s power units have proven themselves in difficult Russian conditions. They have good power, are reliable, and have a long service life.
Transmission
The 2.2 and 3.5 liter engines are paired with a reliable six-speed automatic transmission. This device, jointly produced by Hyundai and Mitsubishi, has been working flawlessly on cars of the South Korean concern since 2009. The only problem with its operation may be the use of low-quality oil when changing. This automatic transmission is very demanding on its cleanliness and performance.
The new automatic transmission with eight shift options is of great interest. With its help and the Smart system, the driver can use one of four operating modes:
- when driving at low speed, Eco mode is activated;
- if the driver likes a sporty style, the switch to the Sport position occurs;
- movement “according to the rules” corresponds to the Comfort mode;
- In intelligent mode, the car itself adapts to the driver’s driving style.
As an architecture, the model retains the time-tested platform of the second generation, which was borrowed from its “relative” in the Hyundai Santa Fe concern. Compared to the second generation, the suspension has been modernized. There is a reliable MacPherson in front, and a multi-link mechanism in the rear.
On a note! The suspension “holds” the road well, without disturbing the load-bearing body with shocks from the occasional pothole or bump. The brake system with discs on both axles reliably protects the driver and passengers even in extreme situations.
Summary
Kia Motors has once again pleased car enthusiasts with a good new product. Work has been done on bugs and the shortcomings of previous generations have been eliminated. The interior has become more free, the “crickets” have disappeared, and the quality of finishing materials has improved. The model still pleases with its excellent technical characteristics and reliable engines.
Despite its substantial size, it is not advisable to use it for off-road travel. Low ground clearance and a small number of off-road options will affect such a trip.
This car is designed for family travel. Excellent trunk volume, a spacious interior allows the car enthusiast to load all the household members, favorite animals, things into it and go out of town.
How do you like it?