The SUV has become the default choice for Indian car buyers, and manufacturers have responded by giving us everything from compact city runabouts to enormous, three-row luxury barges. Somewhere in between sits a rather interesting space: the large, premium family SUV. It needs to offer the space and presence buyers expect without becoming too cumbersome for everyday use. That’s precisely the territory the Kia Sorento wants to occupy. With three rows, a choice of diesel and strong-hybrid powertrains, and a generous dose of technology, it has all the ingredients to make a compelling case. And it definitely gets the fundamentals right.
Buyers in this segment want something that stands out, and the Sorento certainly delivers on that front. The fourth-generation facelift brings Kia’s latest design language to the fore. The front end is particularly striking, with bold DRLs, upright LED headlamps and a large grille giving it plenty of road presence. The squared-off proportions add to its appeal, while the clean lines keep the design from looking too busy. I particularly like its silhouette. Despite its size, the Sorento has an almost estate-like profile rather than the usual boxy SUV stance, lending it a more premium look.
Under the bonnet, there are two powertrain options. There’s a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel producing 190 bhp and 442 Nm, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, as well as a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong hybrid. The latter combines a 180 bhp petrol engine with a 64 bhp electric motor, which contributes an additional 264 Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic handles transmission duties, while a 1.49 kWh battery is charged by the engine and through regenerative braking. So, unlike a plug-in hybrid, there’s no need to hunt for a charging point. The hybrid brings the benefits of electric assistance and improved efficiency, while the diesel remains an appealing option for those who fancy a good ol’ oil-burner and all its likeable qualities. The diesel feels well suited to the Sorento, with its strong torque delivery and smooth-shifting eight-speed gearbox making light work of its size. It feels relaxed around town and on the highway, while the AWD system adds a reassuring sense of surefootedness. The hybrid, meanwhile, offers a quieter, more efficient alternative, with electric assistance making everyday driving feel smoother and more effortless.
On the ride front, the Sorento does a good job of ironing out bumps and undulations, keeping the cabin comfortable even over rougher patches. The suspension feels well judged, striking a nice balance between comfort and control. The light steering makes it easy to manoeuvre around town, while its composed handling and planted highway manners make it a reassuring companion on longer journeys. And when you do take the wheel on a twisty stretch, it’s surprisingly enjoyable, with enough agility to keep things interesting.
The cabin is another area where the Sorento makes a good impression. The dashboard has a clean, minimalist design, with two large 12.3-inch displays taking centre stage. The screens are crisp, the interface is easy to use and the overall layout feels modern without being unnecessarily complicated. The materials and fit and finish are nicely done, too. There’s plenty of kit to keep occupants happy, including a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats in the first two rows, a 12-speaker Bose sound system and ambient lighting. Wireless phone charging and connected-car technology add to the convenience, while Level 2+ ADAS brings a useful layer of assistance on longer journeys.
Practicality is a big part of the appeal. The three-row layout makes it a proper family SUV, with comfortable seating in the first two rows. The third row, however, is best reserved for children or shorter journeys, as adults may find it a little cosy over extended trips. Still, having those extra seats is useful when you need them, and the boot offers plenty of room when the third row isn’t in use.
The Sorento brings together everything you’d want from a premium family SUV: generous space, a well-appointed cabin, refined powertrains and an impressive level of comfort. It’s easy to drive, effortless on long journeys and packed with thoughtful technology to make life on the move that much easier. Add its distinctive styling and the competitive pricing, and the Sorento makes a rather compelling case for itself.
