STRIKE FOUR (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_kiasorento_2021

By Jonathan Crouch

The improved version of Kia's fourth generation Sorento SUV looks as if it's really hitting its stride. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 69

The Sorento is Kia's largest SUV and the improved version of this fourth generation model offers the kind of typically complete package we now expect from the brand. This enhanced design is embellished by electrified engine tech, smarter looks and more advanced media connectivity. And as before, it sells in the upper part of the SUV 'D' segment, offering more space and 4x4 prowess than cheaper class contenders provide.

Backgroundword count: 123

Kia doesn't really adhere to the normal conventions of car manufacture. The South Korean company wants to get places fast, so its product planning is accelerated, compressed into Matrix-style bullet time. Cars are launched, facelifted and replaced in half the time of many manufacturers. Take the Sorento. It first appeared way back in 2002 in BL-series form with a crude old ladder-framed chassis. The 2010 MK2 XM-series replacement car got with the programme, slicker to look at and based on the more car-like monocoque chassis that 'D'-segment SUV buyers by then wanted. It's 2015-era MK3 UM-series replacement refined that recipe, before this fourth generation MQ4-series design really took it forward. Here, we're going to look at the updated version of that MK4 model.

Driving Experienceword count: 252

There are no mechanical changes with this updated Sorento and Kia is still continuing with the 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine that cousin model Hyundai's Santa Fe has long since dispensed with. The diesel still offers 190bhp and 440Nm torque transmitted to the tarmac through an 8-speed auto transmission. The brand is hoping though, that a significant number of customers will consider the alternative (shared with the Santa Fe), a 'Smartstream' HEV hybrid electrified powertrain, pairing a 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine with a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and 44.2kW electric motor. The total output produced by this combination is 212bhp with 350Nm torque and power is sent through a six-speed auto gearbox via a transmission-mounted electrical device, allowing the full power of the engine and motor to be transferred in parallel with minimal loss of energy. The result is immediacy in acceleration response at any speed, with direct access to available battery power at higher speeds. The final alternative is the Plug-in Hybrid petrol variant, which mates the 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine with a larger 90PS electric motor powered by a 13.8kWh battery pack, generating 249bhp and a allowing this variant to offer WLTP-rated 35 mile pure electric driving range. Kia has put a lot of work into this fourth generation Sorento's monocoque-based platform to improve refinement and lower body vibrations. There's also very reasonable all-terrain capability thanks to a provided Terrain Mode. Paired with the now-standard all-wheel drive system, Terrain Mode makes the Sorento more capable in mud, snow and sand.

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