Value Proposition
KIA’s top-of-the-line SUV seats five and another 2, drives on all four legs and delivers on value. The Korean brand has come a long way, and like its sister company, are both known for loading their cars with more goodies than their Japanese counterparts… Bigger, more goodies where they count and at a more attractive price, has been a failsafe formula, and their range-topping Sorento GT is no exception for this rule.
Behind the wheel, there is a sense of a large car feel that the Sorento delivers, with a large bonnet, and the wider-than-average girth. The electric power steering is surprisingly responsive to driver inputs. Thanks to the 2,780mm wheelbase, the car is actually almost as easy to turn in most tight car parks, as compared to many compact sedans out there.
Up in-front, a 2.2 variable geometry turbocharged diesel provides the grunt, with a generous 441Nm of torque made available at 1,750pm. An 8-speed close ratio automatic transmission offers the drive, to all four wheels, via a Dynamax AWD system, which works to improve on traction, especially on slippery surfaces.
There is a bit of lag before the turbo spools up, and you might find it a little challenging during bumper-to-bumper start-stop situations, but once the Sorento does take off, that amount of torque does make all the difference in putting your car in-front of the pack.
Insulation within is very good, but as with a diesel engine, there will always be some diesel clatter entering the cabin, especially when revving the car above 3,500rpm. On the outside, the Sorento may not be the best sounding vehicle on the road, but the benefits when hauling more than five far surpasses that.
The suspension we feel has been well-developed, being able to deliver that sweet spot between comfort and decently good handling, while there is enough distance between the front and rear wheels to ensure that the ride does not come across as dinky; while directional changes are done in without much wobble.
While the driver’s side wing mirror provides an excellent view, due to the higher waistline of the car, there is quite a bit of a blind area on the left side of the car, and you may miss any lower vehicles within that field. We could use a set of blind spot indicators to aid in any left-hand lane changing.
Parking the Sorento is not difficult at all; in reverse, the left wing mirror drops a little to provide you with a view of the road, as you back into your lot. Visibility is very good, and there is a reverse camera to help with guiding yourself with ease. For those who still find it a challenge, the available Smart Parking Assist System (SPAS) is able to help steer you into both parallel and perpendicular lots.
At a 15.4Km/l, the AWD Sorento might not be the most efficient for a diesel. The 2wd version does a better 16.7km/l combined, and for $20k less.
There is always the more expensive and sportier looking Mazda CX-9, boasting a 2.5 litre turbocharged petrol, which delivers quite well for those seated in the last row, and comes with excellent build quality. And then there is the Honda CR-V offering slightly more cramped seating quarters for an early 5-figure amount less.
But for what the Sorento offers, is the value adds of the many creature spoils, with enough space for five and the occasional +2.
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