We recently spent some time with the newly redesigned 2019 Kia Sorento.
A sweet spot in its market has always been the Sorento. It has SUV-like features with an emphasis on utility and use. In terms of aesthetics, technology, and value for money, the most recent model offers significantly more.
The fourth generation of Kia’s huge family SUV is built to withstand all that life may throw at it. The Sorento may appear a little “American” in terms of appearance, but that is just because Kia’s global design network in South Korea, Europe, and the USA collaborated on its creation.
While incorporating a higher level of sophistication, grace, and even a sense of sportiness, the design maintains the powerful, tough-looking aesthetic of preceding generations of Sorento. In contrast to its more rounded-edged predecessor, its bodywork features sharp lines and creases that are considerably more sculpted.
The Sorento’s front changes with a new interpretation of Kia’s iconic “tiger nose” grille, which now has a larger form and naturally wraps around the side-integrated headlamps. The revised LED daytime running lights in the new headlamps further enhance the front’s aesthetic appeal.
The Sorento’s dimensions are gradually altered in profile to give the impression that it is longer. The new model has a 4 810mm length, 10mm more than its predecessor, but has shorter front and rear overhangs. The wheelbase, which now measures 2 815mm, has extended by 35mm to accommodate the extra length. The Sorento has new vertical tail lamps that wrap around the side of the body at the back. In order to give the car’s bodywork a larger, more imposing image on the road, horizontal shapes are used to create sharper lines that mimic the front of the car’s straight, technical aspect.
The interior’s high-end materials and cutting-edge technology pleasantly pleased me. The Sorento still possesses the roominess and adaptability that have defined it over the course of its two-decade career.
The luxurious, appealing cabin debuts a feature-rich next-generation design. The 10.25-inch wireless Apple CarPlay compatible infotainment and navigation system is located in the center of the dashboard. On either side of the screen, there are new haptic buttons that are also located further down the dashboard for the climate control system.
The cabin’s upgraded material quality, which combines metallic trim, leather upholstery, and embossed satin-effect surfaces, was one of the highlights for me.
The Sorento has one of the greatest luggage capacities in its class, up to 821 liters with the third row folded, and provides room for up to seven passengers. This indicates that five people may ride in the car comfortably, along with a substantial amount of luggage.
The new Sorento is now propelled by a new four-cylinder, 2.2-liter “Smartstream” diesel engine. The power plant generates a torque of 440Nm and 148kW. Additionally, it is coupled with Kia’s brand-new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission, which provides shifts that are so seamless that one hardly notices them. Driving is effortless and the motor is economical. This car is my ultimate favorite because it can easily handle daily life. Driving through town is just as simple as driving on a vast, empty road. If you’re shopping in for medium SUV, it should most definitely be on your list.
