Kia Sorento SUV - Engines, drive & performance
The big Kia has a comfortable, sophisticated feel
The latest Sorento has a new monocoque chassis, and while the SUV is only 10mm longer overall, there's now a bigger gap between the front and rear wheels. This longer wheelbase makes the Sorento feel even more stable to drive, and Kia has also improved the way it steers. While the older car felt rather vague, the new steering is very accurate and has about the right amount of weight as you turn.
Tackle some bends, and the Sorento feels stable and secure for a seven-seat SUV, but Kia has made the suspension quite firm to keep its mass in check. It's a shame, because most buyers in this part of the market would probably prefer extra comfort over some extra handling prowess. Kia has also updated the 'terrain mode' system, allowing the driver to choose settings for driving on snow, mud and sand, should those conditions arise.
Kia Sorento diesel engines
While the 2.2-litre diesel engine may seem like a carry over from the old Sorento, it has been thoroughly redeveloped, with an aluminium cylinder block and other new parts that reduce its weight and improve performance. It now has 199bhp and 440Nm of pulling power, so despite the Sorento's hefty weight, it can get it from 0-60mph in a respectable 9.1 seconds.
The diesel is also paired with four-wheel drive and a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that's now a 'wet' clutch design for smoother shifts. It feels like a good match for the Sorento, and there's almost no diesel clatter when starting the engine or under acceleration.
Hybrid engines
The Sorento Hybrid is fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and a 59bhp electric motor, giving it a combined total of 226bhp. It's mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox and 0-60mph takes 8.7 seconds, making the hybrid slightly quicker than the diesel at full acceleration.
From a standstill the electric motor makes it feel quite eager, despite its two-tonne weight. It certainly feels quick enough for a big SUV, and should satisfy buyers looking for a diesel alternative. However, the 1.6-litre petrol engine can sound rather strained if you ask for lots of acceleration and it reaches the top of its rev range.
A plug-in hybrid is also expected to join the range, and while full details aren't yet known, it's likely to have a more powerful electric motor and larger battery pack, giving it around 265bhp and an electric range of up to 40 miles.
