2024 Kia Sorento review – 2.2D & 3.5 V6 (video)

For the 2024 model year, Kia has given the Sorento an extensive styling makeover inside and out. Adding elements of its electric range, including the EV6 and EV9, with thinner headlamps and a neater front end and a more streamlined and minimalist interior design.

Add in some safety and equipment updates and Kia’s refreshed Sorento looks set to maintain its position as one of the best-selling models in the SUV ‘Large >$80K’ segment (VFACTS).

Mark Davis contributed to this review

2024 Kia Sorento Sport+ V6: Specifications

Engine: 3.5-litre petrol V6
Output: 200kW@6300rpm / 332Nm@5000rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×7.5, 235/55
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1898kg
Power-to-weight: 9.49:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 9.8L/100km
Our consumption: 9.9L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 67L/91 RON

Power efficiency: 20.40kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.11 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.47 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.72 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.14 seconds at 146.6km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.753g*
100-0km/h braking: 36.54m in 2.84 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.243g*
Decibel at idle: 43*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 85*
Starting price: $58,230

2024 Kia Sorento GT-Line 2.2D: Specifications

Engine: 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
Output: 148kW@3800rpm / 440Nm@1750-2750rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 20×8.5, 255/45
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1974kg
Power-to-weight: 13.3:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.0L/100km
Our consumption: 7.0L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 67L/Diesel

Power efficiency: 24.66kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.10 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.97 seconds*
60-110km/h: 6.89 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.73 seconds at 134.9km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.753g*
100-0km/h braking: 36.29m in 2.97 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.394g*
Decibel at idle: 47*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 76*
Starting price: $68,590

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Kia Sorento: How much does it cost?

While the range opens with the $50,680 Sorento S, for the purpose of this test, we climbed two steps up the ladder for the Sport + with a V6 petrol engine, priced from $58, 230. Then we spent an additional week with the range-topping GT-Line with the 2.2L diesel engine, which retails for $68,590.

The Sport+ means 10-way adjustable electric driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, third row fan and control vents, privacy glass, electrochromatic rear-view mirrors, BOSE sound system, heated mirrors, steering wheel and front seats, as well as power tailgate and some very smart and technical 19-inch alloys. A full-size spare is part of the equation too, many will be pleased to know.

Ascending to the GT-Line grants your Sorrento with a huge jump in features. You get bigger 20-inch alloys, side parking sensors, a digital centre mirror, 360-degree camera view, intelligent headlight projection, blind-spot view monitor, reverse parking collision avoidance, and safe exit assist (not just warning).

There’s also remote parking assist, quilted Nappa leather seats, 14-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory and 10-way for the front passenger, heated and ventilated front seats with driver auto function, heated second row seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that integrates into the 12.3-inch centre touch-screen, head-up display, and LED interior mood lighting.

This cost includes a robust 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, up to seven years of roadside assistance, and a capped-price servicing plan that totals $3747 over seven years/105,000km. This pricing strategy reflects Kia’s reputation for value, reliability, and peace of mind for its increasingly loyal customer base. While servicing is not as affordable as the Toyota Kluger, this is offset by a lower entry price.

2024 Kia Sorento: Interior & packaging

While most of the changes are progressive and for the better, the trapezoidal outboard front air vents no longer match the new horizontal centre items, and arguably don’t blend as well as its predecessor, stylistically. Thankfully there are other major improvements in terms of functionality and aesthetics.

A standout feature is the introduction of a capacitive touch panel that effortlessly toggles between HVAC and media controls. This innovation not only streamlines the interior’s aesthetic but enhances functionality, marrying sleek design with user-friendly ergonomics.

The digital numerals on the instrument panel, a design choice spreading across Hyundai and Kia’s lineups, offer clarity and a touch of modern sophistication, complementing the vehicle’s technological advancements. Another highlight is the rotary dial gear selector replacing the conventional item of its predecessor.

Interior space and utility are as good as ever with abundant storage solutions and seating configurations that cater to families of various types, even in the rearmost row. The inclusion of USB-C ports, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen supporting wireless connectivity, and a premium BOSE sound system palpably enhance the in-cabin experience, scoring high marks for driver and passengers alike in the comfort and entertainment categories.

The GT-Line further enriches the tech experience with a digital instrument cluster that seamlessly integrates into the same panelling as the centre screen. It looks and works a treat.

Boot space varies between a scant 179L with all three rows of seats in play, to a gargantuan 1996L with the rearmost two rows folded. Towing capacity is 2000kg braked and 750kg unbraked for both the FWD V6 and AWD 2.2 diesel.

How safe is the 2024 Kia Sorento? It has scored a five-star ANCAP result, thanks to a suite of well-tailored ADAS systems and a suite of airbags, including the now all-important centre front airbag to prevent head collisions. You can read the full ANCAP report here.

2024 Kia Sorento: Powertrain & handling

Underneath its refined exterior, the Sorento Sport+ tested here is powered by a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 200kW at 6300rpm and 332Nm at 5000rpm, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. Its dimensions and weight are finely balanced to enhance driving dynamics, ensuring that the vehicle remains agile and responsive, despite its substantial size and capability.

Kia’s V6 engine revs freely and makes a delicious sound when hustled, introducing a faint induction howl as revs climb through the mid to high range. It is a solid performer, too. We tested 0-100km/h in 8.47 seconds.

Then the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel in the GT-Line produces less power but more torque; 148kW and 440Nm. Interestingly, it clocked a 0-100km/h time of 8.97 seconds. The diesel engine pulls away with more low-end punch than the V6. Around city streets, it feels like the diesel is more relaxed to get up to speed without much effort. But when you need to really push the envelope, the V6 takes hold in the top end with passion. Ironically, diesel engines don’t like a lot of start/stop slow driving. If you don’t foresee much highway-style driving, perhaps the petrol option will be a safer option.

For the V6, fuel economy is impaired by the peaky torque figure, sometimes requiring a heavier right foot and a few downshifts of the eight-speeder to ascend steep hills. The official rating of 9.8L/100km is reasonable for a large V6 SUV, but does not compare favourably with the Toyota Kluger’s 8.5L/100km rating, let alone the 6.0L/100km figure of the diesel AWD Sorento.

However, we think the V6’s smooth and sweet-sounding nature is worth the consumption penalty. Besides, it only needs 91 octane regular unleaded. There’s always the hybrid option too, at just 5.8L/100km but none of them posses the sparkle of the lovely V6.

In a variety of real-world conditions, 9.9L/100km for the V6 is better than expected given the paucity of low down torque. The diesel averaged 7.0L/100km over 850km of travel. But a strong sticking point for us is that the diesel engine should have you upward of 1150km travelled on one tankful, whereas the petrol will just stretch across 650km. They both have a 67-litre tank.

Thanks to an Australian tuning program, the Sorento is very well suited to our often dismal roads, remaining composed, always riding well and not averse to being hustled, exhibiting only mild body roll on turn in with predictable understeer after the high grip threshold of the wide tyres has been breached.

All Sorento variants receive the same suspension setup; MacPherson struts on the front and multi-link at the rear. But diesel variants score three additional driving terrain modes; snow, mud, and sand. This is in addition to the normal, eco, sport and smart driving modes all variants get.

Although the styling might be a bit less cohesive than its immediate predecessor, proving that change for the sake isn’t always best, it certainly looks and feels fresher and all aspects of functionality are arguably improved. Perhaps the next generation model will look like one whole car rather than three glued together.

2024 Kia Sorento: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Bold exterior design: The Sorento’s updated styling makes a strong visual statement, distinguishing it in the SUV market.
• Comprehensive safety: With advanced safety technology standard across all variants, the Sorento is ideal for families.
• Value proposition: Competitive pricing (for the amount of kit you get), coupled with extensive warranty and service plans means the Sorento is one of the best all-round value-packed 7-seat SUVs on the market.
• Driving dynamics: For its size and weight and market segment, this is a surprisingly well-sorted drive with quality ride and handling.

2024 Kia Sorento: Key considerations before you buy

• V6 fuel efficiency: While the V6 engine offers ample power, its fuel consumption may concern some buyers. There are diesel and hybrid options to cater for these needs, and the real world consumption is not unreasonable.
• Diesel: It’s not a very interesting unit, with average power and torque. But it goes well and is economical. However, we can’t help but wish for a V6 diesel to target the Ford Everest.
• Towing: The braked towing capacity of just 2000kg doesn’t look good against some of the more heavy-duty SUVs in this specific class.

2024 Kia Sorento: Video