Cockpit with Two Giant Touchscreens
The first thing you notice climbing into the new Sorento isn’t the seats, the materials, or even the space. It’s the screens. Two vast, high-definition displays form a curved unit across the dash, angled toward the driver like some kind of digital cockpit in a sci-fi movie. One replaces the instrument cluster with crisp animations and rich, dark tones. The other, centered and dominating, is your infotainment hub.
It’s fast, too. Not just visually smooth but functionally responsive. Tap climate, tap navigation, tap into your connected phone. Everything just works. The haptic buttons underneath offer feedback like real switches. If you opt for the Platinum trim like we had, you get augmented reality navigation, a 360-degree surround view camera, and voice control that doesn’t misunderstand “navigate to bakery” as “call Becky.”
It’s not perfect: The menu logic takes getting used to, and there’s the occasional glare in direct sunlight. But the usability is far ahead of the button-overload chaos some rivals still rely on. And then there’s the digital rearview mirror, strange at first, but brilliant when your trunk is stacked to the ceiling.
Kia SUV with Giant Trunk
Let’s talk space. Because Sorento doesn’t skimp. With all seats down, the trunk swells to a cavernous 1875 liters. That’s cargo van territory. Even with all seven seats in place (our test car had the optional third row), there’s enough room for a few weekend bags.
Folding the third row is a simple pull-and-drop action. The second row splits 40:20:40 and slides as well as reclines. Loading bikes, a camping stove, a week’s worth of food, and still having room for a foldable table? Done.
Driving through the Sackwald, we stopped at a clearing near an old forest ranger’s hut. Folded the seats flat, brewed coffee from the rear power outlet, and watched the fog roll in. This isn’t just a big boot. It’s a lifestyle enabler.
Diesel, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
Three powertrains, one SUV. Kia’s approach to the Sorento is simple: let the customer decide the fuel. The full hybrid (215 hp), the plug-in hybrid (252 hp), and the 2.2-liter diesel (194 hp) all come with all-wheel drive and auto boxes.
The plug-in hybrid impresses on paper, up to 52 km of electric-only driving, 265 system hp before the facelift, now slightly less. It works well if you keep the battery topped up. But on long drives or mountain routes like ours, the diesel still feels like the workhorse.
Not only does it deliver consistent torque, but it also feels less compromised. No range anxiety. No fiddling with charging cables in the rain. Just fuel and go. And if you’re planning a road trip through Germany’s hill country or towing a trailer, you’ll appreciate the no-nonsense nature of diesel.
Rough Engine in Hybrid Mode
Still, a word on the hybrids. The 1.6-liter petrol in both hybrid versions gets the job done, but not elegantly. When the electric motor fades and the engine kicks in, there’s a rasp, harsh, unrefined, almost annoyed. It’s especially noticeable in Sport mode or when you demand power quickly.
It’s not a dealbreaker, especially with the electric motor helping to smooth low-speed transitions. But it’s a reminder that while hybrid tech has come far, it’s still a compromise. The engine hunts between gears occasionally and never really feels relaxed under pressure.
In city commutes or school runs, the hybrid excels. On the winding gravel switchbacks of the Sackwald, we were glad to have the diesel under our boots.
Kia Sorento Diesel Review
This is where the Sorento truly impressed. The diesel’s 440 Nm of torque, available from just 1750 rpm, means it climbs and cruises with equal confidence. In the Sackwald’s varied terrain, tight forest roads, steep gradients, and long, sweeping descents, It felt composed.
The 8-speed dual-clutch auto is smooth and surprisingly quick. Acceleration is more than sufficient: 0 to 100 in just under 10 seconds, and real-world midrange pull (like 60 to 100 km/h) is punchy enough to pass logging trucks without sweat.
Fuel economy hovered around 7.2 l/100km on our test route, which included forest trails, open roads, and mountain passes. The diesel may no longer be trendy, but it’s efficient and effective for big SUVs like this.
Kia Sorento Also Good Off-Road
Don’t let the polished bodywork fool you, the Sorento can handle itself beyond asphalt. While it doesn’t have low-range gearing or locking diffs, its smart AWD system and selectable terrain modes (Mud, Sand, Snow) are more than marketing fluff.
We tested hill descent control on a mossy decline. It held speed confidently without braking. In Sand mode, torque is shuffled between axles seamlessly. The ground clearance is generous enough for forest roads, and with all-season tires, grip was never a worry.
It’s no Defender, but for hiking trailheads, snowy villages, or forest cabin access? Absolutely capable.
Price: Sorento from 53,190 Euros
Value is a tricky topic. Yes, €53,190 is a lot. And if you want Platinum trim with all the goodies (ventilated seats, panoramic roof, upgraded sound, massaging seats), you’ll inch toward €65K.
But look at the full picture: All-wheel drive, seven seats, high-quality materials, a feature list that rivals premium brands, and the option for diesel or electrified power. It’s a flagship SUV without the luxury badge. And in the current market, it’s arguably fair pricing for what you get.
Conclusion
Testing the Kia Sorento in the Sackwald felt like letting a Labrador run off-leash. It’s big, strong, smart, and happiest when given room to stretch. The facelift has refined what was already a capable SUV, especially in terms of tech and cabin feel. The diesel, though not futureproof, remains the best option for those who use their SUVs properly: long trips, towing, mountain roads.
It’s not perfect. The hybrids feel a bit underwhelming acoustically, and the price can climb fast with options. But judged as a complete package, the Sorento delivers. It’s not chasing trends. It’s building its own path, much like the trail we took through the Sackwald.
