2016 Kia Sorento Full Review.
The previous second generation Kia Sorento was one of the vehicle that appeals to buyers looking for something that is slightly bigger than the average compact SUV or simply a midsize 3 row 7 seater SUV without needing to pay the hefty price tag or face the handling characteristic offer by a traditional body on frame SUV. In other words the Sorento was midsize crossover SUV build for traversing the urban jungle or just cruising the back road and highways. That being said, the previous Sorento don't really have the size and space capacity when compare to traditional midsize SUV like the Toyota Fortuner. With the new 3rd generation however the Sorento is now a full fledged midsize SUV, and better than ever because of it.
With standard seating for 7 passengers, the latest Sorento not only grown in size and scope but in sophistication as well. Capsulating in this decisively up market character is a sleek yet cohesive exterior highlighted by Kia's signature "Tiger nose" front end and swept back roof line.
The most significant transformation however take place inside where additional soft touch surfaces together with rich texture and dark colour scheme produce a luxury like ambiance interior. Big changes also happen behind the scene. Occupants riding inside the Sorento will be treated to one of the quietest cabin the category.
Over 95 mm longer than the previous model the Sorento now offer more cargo and ample passenger space for the average family. While the 3rd row is still best suited for small children, the sliding and reclining 2nd row provide more than enough room for adults. Besides that clever storage nooks combines with 1077 liters of cargo space behind the 2nd row, 2066 liters if the second row is also folded makes the Sorento inline if not bigger in term of space than some of its midsize SUV rivals.
As a benefit from the trickle down effect the Sorento incorporates a number of comfort and convenience innovation pioneered by the flagship Kia K900 luxury sedan which is not available in Malaysia. These features include an auto hold function which is standard on all Sorento that lets you take your foot of the brake pedal at stop lights, available nappa leather with 10 way powered driver seat including lumbar support as well as an auto park function can be have on higher trims.
On the infotainment front, Kia's UVO system is still not available for the Malaysian market. The base Low Spec make do with a basic 3.8 inch display head unit capable of Mp3 and CD with USB and Auxiliary jack. While the Mid Spec and High Spec feature a Multimedia infotainment with a touchscreen capable of all the above with the addition of Bluetooth capability, navigation, voice recognition and a back up camera with distance and trajectory mark. The infotainment is easy to use thanks to the large icons and vivid display as well as physical menu buttons.
Especially impressive is the Sorento new found sense of on road presence. Despite good steering, powerful brakes, decent handling and acceleration the Sorento's most redeeming quality is how it bundles up all these elements to produce a surprisingly up scale feel from behind the wheel. Under the hood, motivation comes from a carried over 2.4L 4 cylinder petrol engine that produces 172 horsepower and 224 Nm of torque made exclusively for the MS and HS models only. While the base Sorento LS is equip with a 2.2L 4 cylinder turbodiesel engine that makes 200 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque.
For those of you who could live without the fancy tech of the higher trim, consider getting the base model Sorento as the diesel motor pack more punch and grunt compare to its petrol unit models. All Sorento come standard with an AWD system and both the engine are paired to a single 6 speed automatic transmission which offers a select it yourself mode. On top of that the Sorento also features sport and eco modes in which it sharpen or delay throttle respond depending on the selected mode.
Buyers looking for the cheapest entry into the Kia Sorento should know that the price for the Sorento LS trim starts at RM 156K. With that you'll get automatic halogen projector headlight, LED daytime running light, 17 inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, push button vehicle start, dual zone automatic climate control, front parking sensors, cruise control, mono chromatic rear view mirror, electronic parking brake and power folding side mirrors. On top of that the Sorento LS diesel is the only Sorento that comes with auto engine stop function that lets the engine shuts off when idle at a stop light further improving fuel economy. Speaking of economy the Sorento 2.2 diesel has a combine cycle fuel economy rated at 7.8L/100km while the Sorento 2.4 is rated at 10L/100km
Those willing to dish out RM 166K can take home the Sorento MS trim that is fitted with 19 inch alloy wheels, the previously mention leather seats with 10 power driver seat, power tailgate that automatically open once the key fob is detected behind the vehicle for 3 seconds, multimedia infotainment system, 3rd row air vents, LED tail lamp and a one touch up/down for all windows with anti pitch.
The top of the range RM 176K Sorento HS add further more into the list with adaptive HID headlights, auto park function, a fully chrome 19 inch alloy wheels, 8 way power front passenger seat and a 7 inch colour LCD supervision cluster. Standard safety features for all Sorento include 6 airbags, stability control, traction control, hill start assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system and isofix. Unfortunately, Kia Malaysia still does not offer any next generation safety aids like blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning or lane keeping assist.
Acknowledging the success of the second generation Sorento, the new Sorento is still somewhat a good value proposition. On top of a better residual value and a 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage the Sorento undercuts most of its midsize SUV rival in term of price like the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, and Hyundai Santa Fe. While the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-trail are cheaper to buy, but both are smaller in size and not as well equipt as the Sorento.
The Sorento now stands on a more competitive footing with other midsize SUV in the market. Buyers who are looking for a value priced yet wholly refine and luxurious midsize family hauler, might just find their SUV right here.
