Kia Sorento 4x4 2.2 CRDi KX-3 4WD auto 5dr Review

For This Sorento has lots of power and comes with a smooth automatic gearbox, and an exceptionally high standard of kit.

Against This is a lot to pay for a Sorento, even one with so much standard kit and an automatic gearbox. The tall top gear forces it to kickdown when overtaking on the motorway.

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

This Sorento has all the kit and is a luxurious family car, but our favourite model is a lot easier on the wallet.

What Car? readers say

4.666667

Key facts

0–60mph: 9.6 secs
Top speed: 118 mph
Average mpg: 38.2
Tank range: 588 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Kia Sorento 4x4 range

The full Kia Sorento review

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Impressive if you buy the diesel
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Uncomfortable and poor to drive
Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
Not the quietest, but diesel is smooth
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Fair running costs; residuals a worry
Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Low-rent interior lets the side down
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
Excellent safety and good security
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Fine view; fiddly seat adjustment
Space & Practicality
5 out of 5 stars
A genuine seven-seater
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Even the base model is well equipped

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

You can have a Kia Sorento with a 2.4-litre petrol engine, but the 2.2-litre diesel makes far more sense because it’s stronger, cleaner and a lot cheaper to run.

Despite the butch looks, the entry-level car is front-wheel drive. In fact, even the four-wheel-drive models send all of their power to the front wheels until sensors detect slip (or you manually select four-wheel-drive).

If you’re prepared to do without four-wheel drive, you’ll not only save money up front, but also on your fuel bills because the manual front-wheel drive five-seater averages 43.5mpg to the four-wheel-drive model’s 42.5mpg. However, both attract a 25% company car tax rating.

Every Sorento comes with alloys, four electric windows, a seven-year warranty and some form of air-conditioning. Meanwhile four-wheel-drive versions also have hill-start assist and a downhill speed-limiter that helps you keep the car under control when you’re tackling challenging terrain.