Alternative review of Kia Sorento

For quite a while now, buyers looking for value for money from their next 4x4 have done well to remember the name of Kia's Sorento. Originally launched in 2003, it was always priced like a compact 4x4 but had the bulk and, more crucially, the carrying capacity of a larger family-sized model. Of course, back then value for money was Kia's speciality. These days the Korean brand has improved on virtually every aspect of its vehicles and is charging a little more for them to reflect the upturn in quality. The Sorento still has the size to impress and in line with so many of its rival 4x4 models, steps have been taken to improve its ride and handling on the road at the expense of some off-road ruggedness. Kia is also claiming that the Sorento is now a 'crossover' which is a trendy term for 4x4s which place more emphasis on tarmac driving than getting their tyres dirty. It makes sense for most people when they tot-up how many times they really test their 4x4 vehicle's off-road and as someone who hates cleaning the car quite intensely, I certainly avoid the mud at all costs.

Cars that tout themselves as crossovers tend to be lower and sleeker in appearance than their more rough and ready 4x4 counterparts. The Sorento follows this convention with a more elongated shape than the previous model, a larger front overhang and a more steeply raked windscreen. A body that's 95mm longer than the old Sorento at 4,685mm suggests in increase in interior space and sure enough, rear legroom is increased along with headroom. This car is certainly now a genuine seven-seater with much more space for occupants seated in the (optional) third row. The bench seat that forms the second row is split 60/40 and the optional third row seat is split 50/50. The backrests fold almost flat to extend available boot space. When using the vehicle as a five-seater, with the third row seats folded down, total capacity is 531 litres. Cargo capacity with all seats upright in the 7-seater is a modest 111 litres, and a massive 1525 litres when both the third and second row seats are folded down.

The engine options for the Sorento are comprised of a 2.4-litre petrol unit with a four-cylinder layout and 174PS or a more desirable 2.2-litre diesel with four pots and 197PS. In terms of torque, there's even less of a contest between these two power options. The petrol unit generates 225Nm at 4,000rpm while the diesel has 421Nm available from 1,800 to 2,500 rpm. The message is get the diesel if you can possibly afford it. The Sorento 4x4 lacks the low range gearbox that would mark it out as a serious off road tool. In the 4x4 models, 100 per cent of torque is directed to the front wheels under normal driving conditions with drive directed rearwards as slippage is detected by the computer. There is, however, a Lock Mode which will split power equally between the front and rear axles to help in slippery conditions at speeds of up to 40km/h. The vehicle also comes with DBC, Kia's version of hill descent control, which controls speed on steep descents and HAC hill start assist which prevents the Sorento rolling back when pulling away up hill.

Lots of people depend on their 4x4 as a do it all family vehicle and in that kind of role, the Kia Sorento should stack up well. It still represents solid value for money and there are very few seven-seat 4x4s that can rival it on that score. It's also sturdily built and comes with a generous specification as standard. Choosing a front-wheel-drive model makes sense if you're one of the many owners who are never likely to venture off-road.

TOP 5 SORENTO DEALS

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