2023 Kia Sorento review: Full range detailed

The Kia Sorento is a three-row large SUV with daring interior and exterior design, and an Australian suspension tune that delivers engaging dynamics.

This fourth-gen model launched in September 2020 with plenty of cabin storage, lashings of USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Diesel, petrol, and now hybrid drivelines are available in conjunction with front- or all-wheel drive, all featuring automatic transmissions. Kia’s seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty is one of the best available. Overall, the Sorento is one of our favourite large SUVs.

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JUMP AHEAD

• Pricing
• What body styles are available for the Kia Sorento?
• What features are standard in every Sorento?
• What key features do I get if I spend more?
• How safe is the Kia Sorento?
• How comfortable & practical is the Sorento?
• How much boot space does the Sorento offer?
• I like driving, will I enjoy this car?
• Which Sorento engine uses the least fuel?
• What is the Sorento’s towing capacity?
• How long is the warranty & what are the Sorento’s servicing costs?
• Which version of the Sorento does Wheels recommend?
• What are the Kia Sorento’s key rivals?
• What might annoy me?
• Does any upgrade have a downside?
• What might I miss that similar cars have?
• What’s the infotainment system like?
• Where does Kia make the Sorento?
• Are there plans to update the Sorento soon?

Pricing

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What body styles are available for the Kia Sorento?

The Kia Sorento is a five-door large SUV that offers three rows of seating for up to seven occupants.

There is no six-seat captain’s chair arrangement in the Sorento, even for top-spec GT-Line trims.

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What features are standard in every Kia Sorento?

The features listed below are standard in the entry-level model and will appear in higher-grade models, unless replaced by more premium equivalent features.

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What key features do I get if I spend more?

The most affordable variant, the Sorento S, features 17-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone mirroring and cloth upholstery.

A 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine is teamed with an eight-speed torque converter automatic as standard.

An extra $3000 will get you a torquier 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Diesel models also get a terrain mode selector.

You can step up to the Sport with the same powertrain choices but power-adjustable front seats, while the Sport+ adds leather upholstery. The range-topping GT-Line is the only Sorento available with petrol-electric hybrid powertrain choices (plug-in or traditional).

The Sorento Sport also brings

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Paying more again for a Sorento Sport+ gets you those features plus:

The Sorento GT-Line is the most expensive and customisable variant, with four powertrains offered and an impressive technology suite.

It’s also fitted with:

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How safe is the Kia Sorento?

The Kia Sorento scored a maximum five stars under ANCAP safety testing in 2020.

The rating applies to all variants and all powertrains, including petrol, diesel, plug-in, and traditional hybrid.

ANCAP rated the Sorento 82 per cent in adult, and 85 per cent in child occupant protection. Its vulnerable road-user protection score was 63 per cent, and the big Kia scored a strong 89 per cent against ANCAP’s safety assist criteria.

Safety highlights include range-wide forward autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with the ability to detect pedestrians, cyclists, and crossing traffic. This system detects potential hazards in the path of the vehicle, first sounding a warning before applying the brakes, and eventually attempting to arrest the car before a collision occurs.

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The Sorento is fitted with seven airbags, including a centre airbag that sits between two front occupants. Its curtain airbags extend to the second row but do not provide full coverage to third-row passengers.

Low-speed reverse AEB and a 360-degree camera are preserves of the flagship GT-Line.

Safe-exist assist uses the Sorento’s blind-spot monitoring sensors to warn occupants of approaching vehicles that could harm passengers as they get out of the car. Also fitted is a rear occupant reminder system, that warns the driver if any passengers are still in the car when it is switched off.

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How comfortable and practical is the Kia Sorento?

The fourth-gen Sorento is spacious, upmarket, and intelligently designed, with evidence of comfort and convenience equipment everywhere you look and in every variant.

Even the base Sorento’s six-way manually-adjustable seats are comfortable and set high for an excellent view out – the only trouble being the lack of passenger seat height adjustment.  The centre console takes a pair of cups or you can slot the retractable cup holders away for a tray that will take large phones.

Underneath the HVAC panel is another good spot for phones as well as three USB ports and a 12-volt outlet. The doors each take a bottle and the centre console bin is quite hefty.

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Most Sorentos have legible analogue dials, but the GT-Line’s crisp 12.3-inch digital driver’s display is a step up.

The cool graphics of the central 10.25-inch touchscreen and pleasant aroma of the quilted Napa leather seat upholstery are more than a little reminiscent of an Audi Q7.

If there’s one complaint about the GT-Line, it’s that the heated, ventilated, and 14-way power-adjustable seats are a little less cossetting than the healthily padded pews of the Sport and Sport+.

The Sorento’s second row has ample space for adults, the rear bench slides and the backrest has several angle positions from gangster-lean to engaged office worker.

Those in the back of Sport+ and GT-Line Sorentos get a pair of USB-C charge ports (conveniently positioned on the side of each front seat), a 12-volt socket, fold-down armrest, heating for outboard positions, classy integrated sun blinds, and a separate climate control zone with two vents.

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Although the third row isn’t ideal for anyone over 180cm, the Sorento’s sliding second row means a comfort compromise can be reached.

The Sorento has ISOFIX attachments for both outboard seats in the second row, with top tether points fitted to every second- and third-row seat in the car for maximum child seat flexibility.

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How much boot space does the Kia Sorento offer?

When all seven seats are in place, the Sorento petrol and diesel have 187 litres of cargo space (179L for the hybrids). It’s enough for school bags and a quick shop, but not as spacious as a larger Hyundai Palisade or Nissan Pathfinder.

With the third row dropped, the Sorento has 616 litres (608L for hybrids) of cargo area which is very generous, and enough for a pram/stroller. The sliding second row can accommodate more luggage or legroom, depending on your requirements.

Setting all the seats flat (using the electric actuators) creates a 2011-litre space. It’s ideal for carrying large objects such as bicycles or flat-pack furniture.

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I like driving, will I enjoy this car?

Absolutely. The Kia Sorento may be a little firm, but it’s just about the best-handling large SUV under $100K.

One of the Sorento’s best aspects has always been its dynamics, thanks partly to the local ride and handling program that sets up this large SUV's strut front/multi-link rear suspension layout to deliver excellent backroad composure. The steering weighting is natural in Comfort and Smart modes, and helpfully firmer in Sport, with an accurate rack that inspires confidence.

However, the Sorento’s ride – especially in bigger-wheeled Sport+ and GT-Line trims – can be jiggly around town. The firm damping results in a ride that’s less plush than rivals. It never becomes harsh or crashy, but is on the sportier end of acceptable for a seven-seat SUV.

The Sorento’s road noise insulation is very good though, with minimal intrusion from the suspension. Visibility is also excellent for a vehicle this large. The bulky C-pillars don’t affect rear three-quarter visibility too much, while the high-set driver’s seat gives a commanding view out over the bonnet.

There are four engines, starting with the most affordable being a front-drive V6 petrol that produces 200kW/332Nm. It isn’t exactly potent from a standing start or at low engine speeds, but with peak torque and power kicking in at 5000rpm and 6300rpm respectively, it does have decent shove in reserve for when you need to overtake.

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Being front-wheel drive, traction from V6 Sorento variants isn’t especially predictable in wet or changeable conditions. Therefore, the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder AWD is a more secure option.

Power is a little down at 148kW, but the diesel’s 440Nm make it abundantly torquey. It feels lively from the get-go, which helps with towing. The eight-speed dual-clutch is excellent, with plenty of ratios to choose from and none of the lag you expect from this type of transmission.

Then there are the two hybrid powertrains that are in short supply in Australia and only available in GT-Line trim. The traditional hybrid is a bit more affordable and comprises a 44kW/264Nm electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission with a 1.0kWh battery designed to be rapidly charged and discharged.

Outputs are rated at 169kW/350Nm regardless of whether you choose the cheaper front- or pricier all-wheel version and it’s a refined, quiet powertrain around town with less vibration than the diesel.

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The flagship plug-in hybrid has a larger 67kW/304Nm electric motor upping combined outputs slightly, to 195kW/350Nm.

It's heavier than the regular hybrid, though, thanks to a 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery that gives it an electric-only driving range of 57km according to the WLTP standard – you’re more likely to see 45-50km in the real world.

Whereas petrol and diesel Sorento GT-Line variants are fitted with large 20-inch alloys that impact ride quality, all hybrids instead roll on 19-inch alloys wrapped in 235/55 Goodyear Eagle tyres. The ride is still firm and supportive, but less fidgety than combustion-only Sorentos.

And, if you happen to be in a GT-Line that’s been parked in a tight space, rendering door opening near-impossible, you can extract it with the driverless ‘remote park assist’ function while standing outside using the key fob.

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Which Kia Sorento engine uses the least fuel?

The more you spend, the less the Sorento drinks.

If you only look at combined ADR fuel consumption then the plug-in hybrid Sorento is a run-away winner, its 1.6L/100km number comparing to 5.3-5.8L/100km (FWD and AWD hybrid respectively), 6.1L/100km (diesel AWD), and 9.7L/100km (petrol FWD).

In the real world, the fuel consumption numbers differ significantly and, depending on your use case, the hybrids may not be the best bet.

One thing’s certain: the petrol V6 is the least efficient by a long margin. Its 9.7L/100km ADR consumption seems to be on the money but around town, we’ve experienced 12L/100km regularly.

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For urban driving, the plug-in hybrid uses the least fuel, with 4.3L/100km achieved in real-world testing and up to 47km on electric juice alone.

You do need to charge that battery, however, which can be a chore (and expensive at peak times).

The next-best option for around town is the traditional hybrid. Without the fuss of recharging, it’s easy. The AWD is rated at 5.8L/100km and we got 7.1L/00km in real-world testing.

A diesel Kia Sorento may produce more unwanted particulate emissions, but if you’re a country owner or just one who regularly travels long distances, then this is the pick. It’s rated at 6.1L/00km on the combined ADR cycle, and as low as 5.8L/100km on the highway, which is achievable.

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What is the Kia Sorento’s towing capacity?

For those looking to tow with the Sorento, diesel will be the trick.

The Kia Sorento AWD diesel and FWD petrol are rated to tow 2000kg braked with a 200kg maximum tow ball weight.

Petrol-electric Sorentos can tow less; the PHEV is rated up to 1350kg, and the traditional hybrid 1650kg braked.

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How long is the warranty and what are the Kia Sorento’s servicing costs?

The Kia Sorento is covered by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty – one of the best in the industry.

Service costs and schedules differ depending on the powertrain you choose, but all are covered by seven years of capped-price servicing.

The petrol-based hybrid powertrains require maintenance every 12 months/10,000km, while both the turbo-diesel and petrol V6 Sorentos are due a service every 12 months/15,000km. The Sorento is more expensive to maintain thane some key rivals, including the Toyota Kluger, and related Hyundai Santa Fe.

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See the table below for a breakdown of Kia Sorento service pricing.

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Kia Sorento GT-Line

Which version of the Kia Sorento does Wheels recommend?

As far as ranges go, the Kia Sorento is one of the most consistent out there.

Each variant is smartly equipped, attractive, and feels complete for the asking price – even the base S isn’t a dud, and the GT-Line offers plenty of extra equipment to justify its price premium.

That said, our reviewers’ preference is split between the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, which is ideal for those who cover lots of country kilometres, and the hybrid GT-Line (if you can get one) for urban duties.

What are the Kia Sorento’s key rivals?

• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Mazda CX-8
• Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Mazda CX-9
• Hyundai Palisade
• Toyota Kluger

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What might annoy me?

The front-drive petrol V6 lacks traction in the wet and guzzles unleaded petrol, which can get tiresome.

At low speeds on steep inclines – the kind of driving scenario found in multi-storey car parks – the hybrid can sometimes be jerky when switching between combustion and electric power.

Does any upgrade have a downside?

There are two notable downsides to upgrading through the Sorento range.

Firstly, only the base S grade has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; every other grade requires a cable for smartphone mirroring. So you get bigger and fancier displays, but you lose out on wireless phone mirroring.

People who live on particularly rough roads may want to skip the GT-Line with its 20-inch alloy wheels that can make the ride harsh at low speeds.

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What might I miss that similar cars have?

The Sorento is missing a non-hybrid petrol AWD powertrain that’s found in rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and Mazda CX-9.

Something you may also want to consider is that Kia does not offer the Sorento with a luxurious captain’s chair arrangement. This not only adds a bit of bling but means you can leave child seats set up in the second row and still access the third. The Kia Carnival people mover, Hyundai’s Santa Fe and Palisade, and the Mazda CX-8 offer this feature in upper trims.

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What’s the infotainment system like?

The Sorento has a responsive touchscreen across all grades.

The Sorento S is equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while the Sport trim and above score a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and more attractive graphics.

Digital DAB+ radio is standard across the range, while the top-spec GT-Line gets a powerful Bose sound system and includes a soothing ‘Sounds of Nature’ program.

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Where does Kia make the Sorento?

Australia-bound Sorento SUVs are built in South Korea.

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2024 Kia Sorento facelift speculative rendering | Wheels Media

Are there plans to update the Sorento soon?

The fourth-generation Kia Sorento was released in Australia in September 2020, for the 2021 model year.

Kia typically sticks to a six- or seven-year product cycle, with a mid-life refresh in the middle.

It means the Sorento is about due for a facelift. Several prototypes have been spotted, and we’ve had speculative renders commissioned to imagine what the next iteration will look like. Although it will bring new exterior styling, a revamped cabin and fresh infotainment graphics, the Sorento’s hard points will remain identical and it will likely continue with revised versions of the existing powertrains.

We expect the facelifted Kia Sorento to be unveiled in late 2023 or early 2024, with a local release to follow shortly afterwards.

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