Kia Sorento (2010 – 2015) Review
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Kia Sorento (2010 – 2015) At A Glance
Strong diesels including impressive 2.2-litre. Comes with seven seats. New six-speed automatic. More premium feel than previous Sorento. Great value for money.
Entry level model is two-wheel drive and five seats. 4WD automatic models only tow 2,000kg.
The original Kia Sorento built up a good reputation as an affordable, strong and neatly designed large 4x4. It was certainly good value for money and a great tow-car too, but it's fair to say sophistication wasn't its forte. With the new Sorento, Kia is aiming to re-invent its big SUV as a more premium car with a sleeker design and better road manners.
From the outside it certainly looks smarter, especially at the front with its angled headlamps. It has a less rugged appearance that the previous Sorento, although the back end is still quite chunky and perhaps not as neat as the front with those huge rear light clusters. But it's inside where the biggest change has taken place. The cabin now has a much more sophisticated look with a good quality feel. There are some areas where it could be better - the dated indicatior stalks for instance - but overall it's well finished.
Practicality is a big strength. All models come with seven seats as standard (aside from the entry-level Sorento 1 2.0 CRDi model), loads of onboard storage and a mammoth boot. This Sorento is longer than the previous one which means better room for all passengers, particularly those in the third row. The raised driving position means great all round visibility too.
Most models come with the new 2.2-litre CRDi engine which developes 194bhp and 422Nm of torque. Although not the quietest diesel around is strong and works very well in the Sorento - especially with the new six-speed automatic gearbox that's available. It's available with two or four-wheel drive and compared to the outgoing 2.5-litre CRDi engine it's more powerful yet considerably more efficient.
On the road the Sorento is comfortable and reasonably refined, with decent road holding in corners for such a large vehicle. It's also a very safe car with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. But perhaps the clincher for many will be the excellent seven-year/100,000 mile warranty that comes as standard and is also transferable to to subsequent owners.
Reviews for Kia Sorento (2010 – 2015)'s top 3 rivals
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Kia Sorento (2010 – 2015) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.0 CRDi to 2.4
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 24–44 mpg
There are just two diesel engines available in the Sorento but the majority of models get the impressive 2.2-litre CRDi - an engine shared with the Hyundai Santa Fe. Only the entry-level Sorento 1 gets the smaller 2.0-litre CRDi engine with 147bhp that is two-wheel drive only and has five seats rather than seven. It is economical with a claimed average of 44.1mpg and the cheapest model in the range, but you might struggle to sell it second hand.
The 2.2-litre CRDi engine is better suited to the big Sorento and it's not short on power either with 194bhp and 422Nm of torque. It comes with a six-speed manual as standard but the six-speed automatic gearbox is the better option and makes the Sorento smoother and more relaxed to drive. This is no performance car after all. True, it's not the quietest of engines, especially on start-up, but it soon settles down and is reasonably hushed unless you really ask it to work hard.
However, there's no need to rev the guts out of it. The Sorento has plenty of torque and while not especially muscular in gear, it is still strong enough to pull very well, especially from 50mph to 70mph. This engine replaced the 2.5-litre CRDi from the old Sorento and not only is it more powerful but it's considerably more efficient. The new 2.2-litre diesel with AWD and the manual gearbox emits a very respectable 177g/km of CO2 while economy is 42.2mpg. Opting for the automatic inevitable affects economy but with 194g/km and 38.2mpg it's still not bad at all.
The two-wheel drive models are 60kg lighter than the 4WD and are a good choice for those who don't need the Sorento for towing or won't be going anywhere particularly demanding. It's also more economical - the manual version averaging a claimed 43.5mpg. What might perplex owners of the previous Sorento who were impressed with its towing ability, is the reduced towing weight of the new model.
The old car has a monster towing ability and was capable of pulling 3500kg. The new model 'only' manages a maximum of 2500kg - although that's still plenty for most and as Kia points out, 99 per cent of owners of the old Sorento didn't need this huge towing ability. It's worth noting that the automatic 2.2-litre CRDi models can only pull 2000kg.
Still, all models do come with a Hill Start Assist Control system which does what it says on the tin along with a Downhill Brake Control which limits the vehicle speed to 5mph on deep downhill descents. 4WD models also let you select 'lock' mode which splits the torque 50/50 between the front and rear axles, at up to 19mph.
On the road the Sorento is competent and feels safe. The steering isn't the quickest and lacks feel but that doesn't prevent the Kia from being composed in corners with decent body control. It's very relaxed when cruising on the motorway with little wind or road noise too.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 CRDi | 44 mpg | - | 169 g/km |
| 2.2 CRDi | 42–48 mpg | 9.4 s | 155–177 g/km |
| 2.2 CRDi Automatic | 38–42 mpg | 9.5 s | 175–194 g/km |
| 2.4 | 33 mpg | - | 203 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Kia Sorento (2010 – 2015)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
80%
Real MPG
24–44 mpg
MPGs submitted
166
Kia Sorento (2010 – 2015) interior
- Boot space is 111–1546 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4685 mm |
| Width | 1885 mm |
| Height | 1735–1755 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm |
This Sorento is longer than the model it replaces with a longer wheelbase. It's lower too which means it's far more aerodynamic and there's certainly less wind noise on the move, but this hasn't been at the detriment of head room and the Sorento feels very spacious whichever seat you're sat in.
The extra length was needed to accommodate the extra row of seats at the back and the good news is that they're very good. Getting to them is easy enough thanks to the double-folding middle row and once you're there you'll find more than enough knee and head room. The second row will happily accommodate three adults and the seats get reclining backs too while the rear seats have a 50/50 split so you have the option of using one seat while still having decent boot space.
The driving position is good thanks to the raised height along with good reach adjustment in the steering column. Kia has increased the amount of travel in the driver's seat forward/back adjustment while top KX-3 Sat Nav models get an electrically adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. The new Sorento also has a floor-mounted 'organ-type' accelerator pedal which is far more comfortable on long journeys while the seats offer decent support.
Build quality feels good and the Sorento interior seems very robust and hardwearing. It looks good too with the new Kia steering wheel which is found on other models, easy to use air conditioning controls and a neat stereo. The foot-operated parking brake (standard on automatics - manuals get a traditional handbrake lever) seems a little old fashioned when other 4x4s are switching to electrically operated system and the steering column stalks are also dated compared to the rest of the interior - but these are only minor criticisms.
There's plenty of cabin storage thanks to a large centre console and twin cupholders alongside the gear lever. The glovebox is large as are the door pockets while the second row of seats gets a folding armrest with twin cupholders. Of course boot space is always a key feature in large 4x4s and the Sorento has plenty of capacity. It's noticeably larger than the precious Sorento and when configured as a five-seater has 531 litres while dropping all the back seats boosts this to a van-like 1525 litres.
Putting the extra third row of seats up cuts boot space dramatically, but there's more than other seven-seat SUVs and enough space for a few shopping and school bags. The boot has a low sill and a high-opening tailgate so loading larger items is made more manageable. All models get a tonneau cover and net hooks along with a secure under-floor luggage box.
Standard equipment from launch (February 2010):
Sorento 1 models are two-wheel drive only and have 17-inch alloy wheels, a full-size spare, front fog lights, tinted glass, body-coloured electrically adjustable door mirrors, black cloth upholstery, manual air conditioning, 60/40 split folding second row of seats, electric windows front and back, driver's seat height adjustment, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a leather trimmed steering wheel, leather gear lever, trip computer, black wood-grain dash and door trim, luggage area load cover, a CD stereo, USB connector, auxiliary input, an iPod cable, remote central locking, Isofix child seat mounts, hill start assist, Electronic Stability Control plus an alarm and immobilisier.
KX-1 models have a similar specification to the Sorento 1 but have four-wheel drive (denoted by the KX prefix).
KX-2 gets privacy glass, folding mirrors with integrated LED indicators, chrome exterior door handles, reversing sensors, black leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights, a metallic finish on the dash and door trims, vanity mirror illumination, a luggage net in the boot, Bluetooth with voice recognition and steering wheel mounted stereo controls.
KX-3 models add 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights with auto levelling, front headlight washers, LED rear light clusters, rain sensitive wipers, a rear spoiler, cream leather upholstery (as a no cost option), panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, cabin mood lighting, a premium vision instrument cluster, interior chrome trim, illuminated aluminium door scuff plates, an external amplifier and sub-woofer, a six-CD autochange and a smart key with a start/stop button (automatic models only).
KX-3 Sat-Nav versions add - as you might expect - a full map navigation system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and a reversing camera although they do without the six-CD autochanger.
Kia Sorento (2010 – 2015) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4685 mm |
| Width | 1885 mm |
| Height | 1735–1755 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1697–2033 kg |
| Boot Space | 111–1546 L |
| Warranty | 7 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000–20000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Full-size spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £21,455–£36,805 |
| Insurance Groups | 21–30 |
| Road Tax Bands | G–K |
| Official MPG | 33.2–47.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until October 2015
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| KX-1 2.2 CRDi 194 5dr | £26,995 | 47.9 mpg | 9.4 s |
| KX-2 2.2 CRDi 194 5dr | £29,400 | 47.9 mpg | 9.4 s |
| KX-2 2.2 CRDi 194 Auto 5dr | £30,900 | 42.2 mpg | 9.5 s |
| KX-3 2.2 CRDi 194 Auto 5dr | £35,605 | 41.5 mpg | 9.5 s |
| KX-4 2.2 CRDi 194 Auto 5dr | £36,805 | 41.5 mpg | 9.5 s |
On sale until July 2014
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| KX-1 2.2 CRDi Auto 5dr | £28,195 | 42.2 mpg | - |
On sale until December 2012
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1 2.0 CRDi 5dr | £23,105 | 44.1 mpg | - |
| 1 2.2 CRDi 5dr | £24,005 | 43.5 mpg | - |
| 1 2.2 CRDi Auto 5dr | £25,510 | 39.2 mpg | - |
| KX-1 2.2 CRDi 5dr | £25,005 | 42.2 mpg | - |
| KX-1 2.2 CRDi Auto 5dr | £26,510 | 38.2 mpg | - |
| KX-2 2.2 CRDi 5dr | £27,305 | 42.2 mpg | - |
| KX-2 2.2 CRDi Auto 5dr | £28,810 | 38.2 mpg | - |
| KX-3 2.2 CRDi 5dr | £31,005 | 42.2 mpg | - |
| KX-3 2.2 CRDi Auto 5dr | £32,510 | 38.2 mpg | - |
On sale until November 2010
| 4 X 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1 2.4 5dr | £21,455 | 33.2 mpg | - |
Model History
- April 2009
- August 2009
- September 2009
- September 2009
- January 2010
- August 2010
- December 2010
- June 2012
- September 2012
- October 2012
- April 2014: Sorento KX4 added to range
April 2009
New Kia Sorento made debut at Seoul Motor Show 1-4-2009. Five-door, five or seven seater, with new all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. 4,685mm x 1,885mm wide x 1,710mm high.
Depending on market, choice of four transversely-mounted petrol and diesel engines, driving the front or front and rear wheels via a five- or six-speed manual or five- or six-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode (depending on model).
Choice of five-speed and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions (depending on model and market). Choice of 2WD (front-wheel drive) or 4WD with electronically controlled single ratio (High) system that delivers 100% of torque to front wheels during normal road driving. Manually selected ‘Lock Mode' splits torque 50/50 between the front and rear axles for enhanced stability during slippery conditions (up to 40 km/h).
Front Suspension: Fully independent by MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabilizer bar. Rear Independent by multi-links, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers, with self-leveling system. Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion steering. Turning circle 10.88 meters.
August 2009
Modern, powerful styling with a clear dynamic look differentiates the all-new seven-seater Kia Sorento that makes its European debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The new Sorento is longer and lower than the current model and incorporates Kia's new design DNA into its ‘stand-out' looks, while featuring a much more spacious and luxurious cabin. The 4,685 mm long SUV is also significantly sleeker than the previous model with an aerodynamic drag figure of Cd 0.38 - down from 0.43.
The most popular engine choice in Europe is expected to be the all-new 2.2-litre diesel unit from Kia's ultra-modern ‘R' family of engines. This highly competitive unit produces 197 ps and 421 Nm of torque, and will be offered with either a six-speed manual or Kia's all-new world-class six-speed automatic transmission.
The new Sorento's ride and handling balance has been biased more towards on-road sophistication but without ignoring the original model's renowned off-road talents. High-tech features will include keyless entry, an engine start button, in-mirror reversing camera and a panoramic glass sunroof.
September 2009
Shown at Frankfurt September 2009: New Sorento Hybrid powered by an all-new powertrain with Kia's new U2 1.6-litre diesel engine fitted with twin-turbochargers to generate more than 163 ps (120 kW). The diesel engine is mated to an electric motor and drives the front wheels via a new double-clutch transmission offering a choice of fully-automatic, or manual sequential gear changes. C02 emissions are reduced to just 119 g/km, lower than any other SUV of anything like its size and qualifying for £35pa VED in the UK.
September 2009
The all-new Sorento Hybrid is powered by an all-new powertrain. At its heart is Kia's U2 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine known from Kia Soul and now available in the New cee'd and new Venga. For Sorento, the VGT-turbo has been replaced by a two-stage turbocharger to generate more than 163 ps (120 kW). The diesel engine is mated to a 30 kW (40 ps) electric motor and drives the front wheels via Kia's new dual-clutch transmission, offering a perfect blend of comfort and high efficiency.
The innovative 'Integrated package module' located in the trunk under the floor, combines Lithium Ion Polymer Batteries with an Inverter and Converter. Taking advantage of the New Sorento's weight loss compared to its predecessor, the extreme engine downsizing concept of this diesel hybrid reduces the weight by more than 100kg. The Sorrento diesel hybrid weighs 1,663kg (8% less than a comparable Sorento). Combined with its sleeker body shape, the Sorento diesel hybrid features airflow-smoothing under floor panels, a rear window spoiler, aerodynamic wheel rims, lower suspension (by 25 mm) and narrower tyres (225 compared to 235 section).
The engine cooling has also been optimised using an active front grille that opens and closes, depending on cooling demand to achieve 'best-in-class' Cw value. The result all these changes and adaptations is C02 emissions which are reduced to just 119 g/km (30% lower than best Sorento) - a truly remarkable figure for a large SUV.
January 2010
New 7-Year Kia Warranty. No mileage limit to the warranty for the first three years, except for vehicles used as a Taxi, when coverage is limited to 100,000 miles. Over the full period of the warranty, the overall mileage limit is 100,000 miles. Qualifications to the new warranty include: paintwork is covered for
5 years (depending on model), audio for 3 years and 60,000 miles and service parts, accessories and batteries for 2 years. Normal 'wear & tear' on items such as tyres, brake pads and clutch linings, are excluded from cover.
August 2010
Kia New Vehicle Warranty Terms & Exclusions:
- There is no mileage limit during the first 3 years, except for vehicles used as taxis where a limit of 100,000 miles applies.
- There is a 100,000 mile limit between years 4 and 7.
- Paintwork is covered for 5 years / 100,000 miles.
- Audio is covered for 3 years / 60,000 miles.
- Batteries are covered for 2 years.
- Normal 'wear and tear' on items such as brake linings and clutch linings, etc. are excluded from cover.
The warranty is transferable, at no cost, to subsequent owners and is valid across Europe.
December 2010
New top-of-the-range ‘Sat-Nav' versions of the Sorento SUV. Building on the successful ‘KX-3' top-of-the-range trim level, the new Sorento ‘KX-3 Sat-Nav' adds an integrated satellite navigation system, an uprated Hi-Fi and a colour reversing camera system to the specification of Kia's flagship SUV.
The ‘KX-3 Sat-Nav' is available in All Wheel Drive with a 2.2 CRDi engine and a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.
Featuring a 6.5" colour touch-screen, the fully-integrated satellite navigation system offers European mapping, motorway junction views, lane guidance, speed limit warnings, multi-route planning (Fast, Short, Eco) and tour planners. There is also easy access to a ‘Parking Location' function.
The audio performance has been substantially upgraded with the addition of an external amplifier and a subwoofer to the standard 6-speaker set-up. The touch screen unit is used to control the audio system as well as the Bluetooth functionality - the contact directories of up to eight mobile phones can be controlled from the screen.
The final piece of extra equipment on this new version is an advanced reversing camera which offers a colour view of any obstacles to the rear of the car when reverse gear is selected. The image is displayed on the 6.5" touch screen display. A similar system is also available on the new Sportage crossover and certain versions of the Soul urban-crossover.
Available to order now, the Sorento ‘KX-3 Sat-Nav' Manual and ‘KX-3 Sat-Nav' Automatic versions are both rated insurance group 30 and priced at £31,155 OTR and £32,635 OTR respectively (including VAT at the new 20% rate).
June 2012
Kia’s Sorento will receive a host of significant improvements when the new upgraded model goes on sale later this year. Significant changes include a re-engineered bodyshell, enhanced powertrains for best-in-class fuel economy with lower emissions, improved ride, handling and refinement, additional convenience and safety features, plus a fresh, new look for the exterior.
Kia’s designers have created new headlamps with LED positioning lights, a new tailgate with LED rear combination lamps, new bumpers (front and rear) with vertical-axis fog lights and a larger area of body-color surface, and an expanded choice of wheels to include larger diameter (19-inch) alloys – depending on market.
Inside the five or seven-seater cabin, there are more soft-touch surfaces plus a new LCD instrument cluster, new center stack with 7-inch display screen, and a new console featuring a straight-gate selector with a leather-booted lever on automatic transmission models – reinforcing the vehicle’s more luxurious character. Offered in black or beige cloth or leather, the interior can be bathed in natural light through a larger panoramic sunroof (depending on version) with no centre cross beam and a powered blind.
September 2012
Less than three years into its life-cycle, Kia's large SUV, the Sorento was given an upgrade for the 2013 model year with a re-engineered bodyshell; a new 2.4-litre direct-injection petrol engine among a range of enhanced and highly efficient powertrain; improved ride, handling and refinement; additional high-tech convenience and safety features and a fresh new look.
The revised Sorento will be available with one petrol and two turbodiesel diesel engines generating from 148 to 194 bhp, depending on market. The all-new 2.4-litre GDI direct-injection petrol, appearing in a Kia for the first time in Europe, and the 2.2-litre diesel engine, have both been re-engineered to improve fuel efficiency. A 2.0-litre diesel engine is also available.
The revised 2.4-litre Theta II GDI engine is fitted with a new cylinder head, pistons, and fuel injection and intake systems. It generates 9 per cent more power (188 bhp) and 6.6 per cent more torque (242 Nm) than the 2.4 multi-point injection engine available in some markets outside Europe while delivering14 per cent better fuel economy and lower emissions, from 199 g/km.
The two turbodiesel engines are from the R family. In the upgraded Sorento, the 2.2-litre, 194 bhp TCI (turbocharged intercooler) engine features a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system which reduces CO 2 emissions by 14 per cent - down to as little as 153 g/km. Maximum torque is 436 Nm (automatic models) and 421 Nm (manuals). The smaller capacity 2.0-litre TCI engine generates 148 bhp and 382 Nm.
Every Sorento continues to have a six-speed gearbox, while the choice of front- or four-wheel drive is again available to buyers, depending on model. The 2WD drivetrain is approximately 60 kg lighter to the benefit of fuel economy.
The 4WD drivetrain is an ‘on demand' system that delivers 100 per cent of engine torque to the front wheels during routine city and highway driving. Whenever a front wheel loses grip up to 50 per cent of the torque is automatically transferred to the rear wheels. In severely slippery conditions the driver can select Lock Mode, which delivers 50 per cent of torque to each axle.
Kia chassis engineers have made extensive changes to the set-up of the Sorento to deliver an even more sophisticated ride/handling balance to rival the best vehicles in its class.
While the basic specification of the suspension is unchanged - front MacPherson struts and a multi-link set up at the rear - the subframes which support the suspension are completely new, stronger designs. They give more precise location of the suspension components and have revised mounting bushes to dampen vibrations. Larger suspension bushes, longer trailing arms at the rear and High Performance Dampers work together to improve ride comfort and stability.
For precise vehicle control and good feel, the upgraded Sorento's steering is now more direct, with 2.95 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock. Kia's new FlexSteer system is an option, providing Normal, Sport and Comfort modes with three different levels of assistance and weighting to match customer preference.
Sorento has a fresh look that reflects its more premium quality and enhanced specification, The front and rear now have larger areas of body-colour surface. At the same time, careful attention to surface detailing has cut aerodynamic drag to Cd 0.34.
New front and rear bumpers now feature unconventional upright fog lights. There is a new front grille and headlamps with LED positioning lights, and a new tailgate with reshaped LED combination lamps. Depending on model, the Sorento's updated styling is completed with 17-, 18- or new 19-inch alloy wheels.
A new two-part glass panoramic sunroof with a single powered roller-blind shade is also available. Sorento's cabin has been refreshed with premium high-tech equipment and an extended choice of options.
Inside the seven-seater cabin there are more soft-touch surfaces - with a satin chrome finish for the door handles, air-vent surrounds and switches - plus a new LCD instrument cluster, new centre stack with seven-inch LCD display screen and a new centre console featuring (on automatic transmission models), a straight-gate selector with a leather-booted lever - reinforcing the vehicle's more luxurious character.
Further premium options include powered, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seat cushions, a Bluetooth hands-free system, UV-reflecting Solar glass and independent air-conditioning for the third-row seats.
Access to the cabin is improved by the 10 mm lower ride height. The cabin floor has also been lowered, increasing legroom by 30 mm (second row) and 9 mm (third row).
October 2012
Prices and Specs
- KX-1 2.2 CRDi 197PS 6 speed manual 7 seater £26,495
- KX-1 2.2 CRDi 197PS 6 speed automatic 7 seater £27,995
- KX-2 2.2 CRDi 197PS 6 speed manual 7 seater £28,895
- KX-2 2.2 CRDi 197PS 6 speed automatic 7 seater £30,395
- KX-2 Sat-Nav 2.2 CRDi 197PS 6 speed manual 7 seater £29,995
- KX-2 Sat-Nav 2.2 CRDi 197PS 6 speed automatic 7 seater £31,495
- KX-3 2.2 CRDi 197PS 6 speed automatic 7 seater £35,095
2.2 CRDi chain-cam common rail diesel (2,199cc) 6-speed manual; 145kW (197PS) at 3,800rpm; 422Nm (311lb ft) torque at 1,800-2,500rpm. 0-60mph 9.4 seconds; top speed 118mph, best economy 47.9mpg (combined) CO2 emissions 155g/km.
2.2 CRDi chain-cam common rail diesel (2,199cc) 6-speed automatic; 145kW (1947PS) at 3,800rpm; 436Nm (322lb ft) torque at 1,800-2,500rpm. 0-60mph 9.5seconds; top speed 118mph, best economy 42.2 mpg (combined) CO2 emissions 175g/km 178 on 18” wheels).
April 2014
Sorento KX4 added to range
Features the standard 2.2-litre CRDi R-Type turbodiesel engine common to the model with a CO2figure of 178g/km. Higher specification includes: Parallel Park Assist that automatically monitors parking spaces through 10 sensors and automatically operates the steering wheel to neatly park the vehicle in the available space. The memory seat function on the driver's seat allows two users to have automatically preset adjustment. 19-inch alloy wheels, rear side door sunshade blinds and a silver front mesh grille and chrome surround add identifiable touches to the Sorento's road presence. The Sorento ‘KX-4' is priced at £36,495 and is in insurance group 22.
What to watch out for
Can be a problem with the cruise control.
13-05-2014:Complaint of Nexen tyres cracking and breaking up on a 2012, two-year old Sorento KX3.
25-03-2015:Report of accessory power and USB socket assembly of 2014 Sorento becoming loose. KIA dealer thought it had been damaged and quoted £261 for a replacement.
03-09-2016:Owner of 2012 Sorento automatic replaced two front tyres at 54,000 miles but felt there was still some life left in the rears. The result was that the automatic four wheel drive system interpreted the disparity as slippage, engaged four wheel drive unnecessrily and destroyed the splines in the transfer case.
27-02-2017:Report of engine block and head failure of 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe in 2015 at around 94,000 miles. (Same chain cam 2.2 R-Type engine as KIA Sorento.) Then a 2nd failure in February 2017 at 125,000 miles. Hyundai dealer's explanation: "The engine was replaced due to a head gasket leak. Upon removing the cylinder head we found the cylinder head and engine block had slight pitting. As this model cannot have the cylinder head or the engine block skimmed it was authorised to replace both parts. The failed part on the 2nd occasion is the engine oil cooler which acts as a small radiator keeping the engine oil cool. It appears the internal seal has blown allowing the oil to be pumped straight into the coolant system creating complete oil loss and filling the coolant and heating systems with oil. This was an original part that was transferred from the original engine along with all other auxiliary parts, 31,000 miles ago. This caused the engine to run without sufficient lubrication causing crankshaft and camshaft damage and all bearings related. In addition the engine got very hot possibly causing damage to other components."
25-06-2017:Report of clutch problems with used 2014/64 KIA Sorento KX2 Nav manual bought at 20,000 miles. Owner lives on steep hill and needs to reverse park into her parking space and this seems to cook the clutch, which may have been failing before she bought the car.
11-07-2017:Complaint of 2nd gear failing on 2011 KIA Sorento with 42,000 miles. Gearbox was sent to KIA transmission centre in Scotland who reported wear and tear due to abuse and turned down the warranty claim.
11-09-2017:Complaint about towing ability of 2011 KIA Sorento 2.2 R-Type. " First journey was horrendous. Felt like I was towing a huge barrel of water. Thought it was a hitch damper/badly packed/dodgy nose weight issue...No...all good. I am now told that the 2010-2012 models have no self levelling suspension and that they gained a reputation for being a very unstable towcar."
19-05-2018:Report of centre propshaft bearing failed on 2011 KIA Sorento 2.2CRDI at 78,000 miles. Replaced under warranty. Also "front lower arm bushes lifting, slight play in ball joints and advise lower arm replacement to cure." This is deemed "wear and tear" and is not covered by the KIA 7 year warranty.
20-06-2018:Report that at 70mph a 2012 KIA Sorento "started to shake & shudder with a loud roaring noise coming from tyres and car became very hard to steer." Likely to be due to a disparity in the tyres affecting the AWD system as in 3-9-2016.
23-02-2019:Report of failing remote keys for 2014 KIA Sorento. Batteries replaced but improvement did not last. Batteries replaced again and still having problems.
16-04-2019:Report frtom Australia of problems with 2.2 R-Type, presumably in a KIA Sorento: T orque converter went out at 210,000km. Rear diff clutch actuator pump motor failed 160,000km.
27-05-2019:Report of timing chain jumping in 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2CRDI at 75,000 miles. (Same R-Type engine as Sorento.) Local garage plans to do a compression check to test for valve damage.
07-09-2019:Lack of power of a 2013/63 KIA Sorento on a holiday visit to Italy diagnosed variously as a dirty fuel filter (cleaned by Italian KIA dealer) and bad diesel turned out to be a faulty throttle sensor valve, daignosed by KIA dealer in the UK.
02-11-2019:Grumbling noises reported from automatic transmission of 50k mile 2013 KIA Sorento auto in first gear. The car has been used to tow a caravan. Referred the owner to http://www.fedauto.co.uk
