Kia Sorento (2015 – 2022) Review

Kia Sorento (2015 – 2022) Verdict

Easy to drive. All-wheel drive as standard. Well-equipped. Capable tow car. Seven seats. Five star Euro NCAP rating. Excellent 8-speed auto from 2018.

KX-1 models lose some of the best equipment. Old 7-speed automatic has higher emissions than manual.

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Kia Sorento (2015 – 2022) handling and engines

• Engines range from 2.2 CRDi Automatic to 2.2 CRDi
• Readers report Real MPG to be between 26–41 mpg

The Kia Sorento is available with just one engine choice –a 2.2-litre diesel. It’s powerful, producing 200PS and 440Nm of torque with emissions of 149g/km and economy of 49.5mpg in the KX-1. That’s thanks to its smaller 17-inch wheels - opting for larger 18- or 19-inch wheels reduces economy to 46.3mpg and increases emissions to 161g/km, while the automatic produces 177g/km and is capable of 42.2mpg.

All models have all-wheel drive as standard and it’s a capable system for dirt tracks or slippery surfaces. It lacks selectable low range or locking differentials for proper off-road use, but for occasional adventures across fields it’s perfectly decent. It also provides added peace-of-mind on the road in poor weather.

The Sorento performs very well on tarmac. It’s refined, with little noise intruding into the cabin save for a bit of engine grumbling when accelerating hard. The ride quality isn’t too bad, though it is slightly on the firm side over the very worst surfaces. Thankfully that does mean body roll is kept at bay through bends for the most part, unless pushing on hard.

There’s a reassuring amount of traction in corners, so the Sorento is capable as well as easy-to-drive. Manual cars have a smooth gear change and a light clutch, but the automatic is smoother and easier still. It does comes at the expense of increased emissions, reduced economy and a lower tow-weight rating though, which might put some buyers off.

The Sorento has a braked trailer rating of 2500kg for the manual or 2000kg for the automatic. All but basic KX-1 models can be specified with optional self-levelling suspension, which alters the rear ride height depending on load. This is particularly useful for people who tow trailers and caravans, but it’s also beneficial to those who regularly drive a fully-laden car. 

Long term test

Kia Sorento KX-3 2.2 CRDi

Kia Sorento (2015 – 2022) interior

• Boot space is 142–1662 litres
• Euro NCAP rating of five stars

The Kia Sorento looks big from the outside, so it’s no surprise its cabin is spacious. There are seven seats as standard and the rearmost pair are big enough – at a push – for adults, though children will be more comfortable in them, particularly on long journeys. The middle row is fine even for taller occupants.

When not in use the rear two seats fold flat into the boot floor, providing a large 605-litre load volume. Folding and unfolding them is very easy, thanks to simple pulls on the seat backs. They can be tugged up from the boot floor and locked in place with one hand, so if you’re carrying a load of bags or a crying child there’s no faffing around. Conveniently there is a space under the boot floor to store the load cover.

The boot is large enough for big, bulky items, but it does have a high load deck which can make life difficult when loading heavy objects. It might pose problems for dog owners too, since older or less brave pets will struggle to leap in. On the plus side, folding the middle row of seats frees up a huge 1662 litres, which is enough for awkward flat packs and other bulky items.

Up front the Sorento feels like a high-quality car. Most of the materials feel plush and luxurious, plus there are lots of big cubby holes and storage bins for drinks and other odds and ends. Even rear-seat passengers get USB connections and air conditioning controls, while up front there is plenty of technology to make life easier.

Entry-level KX-1 models miss out on the touchscreen system, but they still have Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming. There are also reversing sensors and alloy wheels, but we’d go for a higher equipment grade. KX-2 models offer a good blend of price and equipment, gaining a touchscreen system with navigation, cruise control and leather upholstery.

The best equipment comes with the top trim KX-4 model, which gets a 360-degree around-view monitor to help with reversing or manoeuvring in tight spaces. It also comes with adaptive cruise control that maintains a safe distance to the car in front, blind spot warning and smart parking assistance, which can park the car automatically.

Standard Equipment:

KX-1 trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels,  roof rails, tinted glass, LED-running lights, wiper de-icers, air-conditioning, steering wheel mounted controls, front and rear electric windows, cruise control with speed limiter, six-speaker audio system with DAB, USB and AUX inputs, Bluetooth and reversing sensors.

KX-2 adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, leather upholstery, heated front and outer middle-row seats, dual-zone climate control, electric parking brake (auto only), seven-inch touchscreen with navigation, reversing camera plus optional self-levelling suspension.

KX-3 adds panoramic glass roof, xenon headlights, adaptive front light system, LED tail lights, power adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry and start, electric tailgate, premium audio system, eight-inch touchscreen system with navigation, seven-inch TFT instrument cluster screen and a lane departure warning, speed limiter.

KX-4 is the top trim level and comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, grey or black leather upholstery, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat with four way electrically operated lumbar support, eight-way adjustable front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, rear side window blinds, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree around view monitor, smart park assist, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert. 

Kia Sorento (2015 – 2022) models and specs

On sale until February 2021

On sale until March 2018