Resisting the move to a totally new car, the KIA Sorento receives a facelfit, and we think it is quite brilliant!
Singapore – So when KIA first introduced this current Sorento SUV, it already displayed a jump in quality over the previous car. At one point, the Sorento was available with an oil burner engine, which was ideal for those who needed to haul and go the distance. Today, due to stricter regulations, the facelifted KIA Sorento is only available with a petrol-hybrid powertrain.
I do have a soft spot for KIA’s three-row family workhorse. For one, it does not look soulless, yet it offers owners plenty, in-terms of all the important things they would need for a car made to transport families.
The restyling job here is mild, since changes are primarily to the front and rear of the car. A stacked headlight cluster, which gives the Sorento a more upright posture, is further emphasised by the ‘KIA’ emblem has also been moved to the bonnet. At the rear, the nip-and-tuck sees the reduction of the widely-kerned “Sorento” nameplate to the left, while the rear lighting signature has been tidied-up. While they may look a little tiny, in-relation to the proportions of the SUV, I like that the rims have been retained as 17-inch, since the added sidewall of the tyres would provide for a more comfortable drive, and replacements would also be less expensive.
An Updated Dash Works Wonders
With the Sorento’s heavily re-designed dashboard. Gone are the stacked air-conditioning vents which, while I do enjoy their flexibility in directing airflow, they did add to the clutter. In-place, KIA has opted this time for a simpler (and neater) vent setup. The controls for the climate control have also been tidied up, and are now located on a sleek screen, which can be toggled over to “quick-select” controls for the infotainment system.
Speaking of the latter, the infotainment system and driver display come in the form of two 12.3-inch screens, neatly embedded into an integrated display panel. Equipment levels are high here, since this is the Tech Pack Variant. Wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker BOSE audio system, and of-course a comprehensive suite of active safety features. The lift to the interior brings with it a more upmarket impression overall.
Elsewhere in the car, business is as-usual. Heaps of space in the middle row, with USB ports, embedded at the rear of the front seats, provides juice for mobile devices. Things are slightly less comfortable at the third row, since this is a +2 setup. But with that said, the third row seats, together with their legspace, are actually sufficient for short journeys, even for adults.
As with most same-class three-row SUVs, cargo room is tiny with the rear seats deployed. And with the cargo cover stowed, you might also want to refrain from placing heavier items, even if they can fit into the boot.
From this, it is clear that the Sorento is an occasional +2 seat setup, since you need to be driving with the third row folded, if you want to carry larger items.
Still doin’ a-(Fuel-)Sippin
But while I lament that we aren’t able to buy passenger vehicles with high-torque diesel engines any longer, I would dare say that the Sorento’s Smartstream II 1.6 Turbo Hybrid setup has plenty of good in it.
The electric drive which does the heavy lifting when taking-off, is central to ensuring the SUV’s good fuel economy numbers. I bested 18km/l, which while a little off the car’s official 19.6km/l (whcih is the same as the Toyota Camry), is still very impressive. Combined, the powertrain puts out 212hp and 366Nm, which is quite sufficient to get the Sorento briskly past vehicles, when you are pulling an overtaking manoeuvre. I also like that when the engine takes over from the electric motor, its transition feels smooth.
As-mentioned earlier on, the 17-inch setup, with those chubby tyres, do a fine job of significantly reducing the effects of the bumps from our often-repaired and then repaired-over-again roads. The pleasingly insulated cabin then takes away much of what else would enter. There is a little wind noise though, generated by the wing mirrors, but this is far from being a deal-breaker.
While not the sharpest around turns, the Sorento remains predictable, though I would like to have more feel dialed into the steering. That said, the KIA SUV is designed to haul, and not be driven in a spirited manner.
And haul it does, while keeping you in superb comfort.
Words & Photos: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Small tweaks – good looks | A little wind noise |
| Quality interior | Boot could be better-planned |
| Loaded with useful features |
2024 KIA Sorento Hybrid SX Tech Pack Facelift
| Drivetrain | Petrol-electric hybrid |
| Layout | 1,598cc, inline 4 |
| Power / torque | 212hp / 366Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Efficiency | 19.6km/l |
| Fuel Capacity | 67 Litres |
| 0-100km/h | 9.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 193km/h |
| VES Band | A2 |
| Dealer | Cycle & Carriage KIA |
| Price | S$269,999 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | Purpose-built to do what it is supposed to do. And it does it very well! The KIA Sorento gets an extension of life, with a facelfit. |
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