KIA SORENTO 4X4 REVIEW

For The Kia Sorento off-roader has a roomy cabin and a massive boot. It scored a maximum of five stars in Euro NCAP's crash tests, and the diesel engine is strong.

Against It’s poor to drive and the ride is unsettled. The interior plastics feel cheap, but the car's price isn’t.

What Car? says

33 5stars

Practical, safe and available with a fine diesel engine, but the Kia Sorento is let down by its interior, which isn’t classy enough, and many rivals are better to drive.

What Car? readers say

4.666667

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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

There are 7 Kia Sorento versions available

4x4 2.0 CRDi 1 2WD 5dr	£23,105	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
4x4 2.2 CRDi 1 2WD 5dr	£24,005	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
4x4 2.2 CRDi KX-1 4WD 5dr	£25,005	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
4x4 2.2 CRDi KX-2 4WD 5dr	£27,305	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
4x4 2.2 CRDi KX-3 4WD 5dr	£31,005	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
4x4 2.2 CRDi KX-3 4WD Sat Nav 5dr	£32,000	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
4x4 2.2 CRDi KX-3 4WD auto 5dr	£32,510	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5

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.