Kia Sorento Hybrid SX Tech Pack Facelift Review
26 Sep 2024|20,835 views
Facelift (What's New)
Updated design language
New integrated display that has two 12.3-inch screens
New infotainment/climate switchable controller
Still has ample useful features!
I've always liked the Kia Sorento, and for very good reasons.
The car has always been well-built, generously specced, rugged-looking, highly functional and it's comfortable to drive. With a diesel variant in the past, it was arguably strong to drive, with sufficient punch to perform overtaking manoeuvres without having to break into a sweat.
The car's design has been updated and it now resembles the Kia EV9 as well as the facelifted Kia Carnival
Unfortunately, that's a thing of a past because the Kia Sorento is only available in a hybrid form now. Not a bad thing, to be quite honest, considering all the positive qualities are still intact. Sure, it isn't as punchy as before, but the Sorento Hybrid that you see here is certainly more appealing to the eyes compared to all its predecessors.
It now sports an updated design language that resembles the Kia EV9 Electric as well as the recently launched facelifted Kia Carnival, which means you get bolder-looking grille, vertical headlamps and a set of distinctive daytime running lights that is now becoming a Kia-signature look.
The facelifted SUV also has its signature dimensions. Measuring 4,815mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,700mm tall, the Sorento remains to be a rather sizeable vehicle on our roads. You do feel it when you're behind the wheel, but it's never a pain to drive it around narrower roads because the lane assist nanny is always ensuring you're within the lane.
The second row is extremely spacious for three while the third row is best left for kids
Obviously, the upside here for the size is to accommodate three rows of seats. Ample space is to be had for the first two rows, and taller adults will have no problems finding a comfortable position here. The third row, however, is going to be a tad tight for passengers other than kids.
As with most seven-seater SUVs, the Sorento Hybrid is plagued with a minute boot space of 179 litres with all seats in place. Hence, knocking down seats six and seven is necessary if you need to store bulkier items such as a stroller or your luggage.
Other than that, the cabin of the car is admittedly faultless and tech-savvy. You get an elongated display that features a 12.3-inch instrument panel as well as another 12.3-inch infotainment system - both of which are clear, crisp and easy to use. But my favourite has to be the switchable controller that allows you to toggle between the climate and infotainment systems within the same set of controls with a press of a button.
My favourite feature is the switchable controller - sleek, modern and very useful
Elsewhere, you get features that you're bound to use on a daily basis such as ventilated seats, auto hold function, wireless charging pad, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a suite of safety systems and - with the Tech Pack variant test car here - a 12-speaker Bose sound system that will let you enjoy your favourite tunes after a long day at work.
Combine all of that with the airy and uncluttered ambience, solid build quality and stitched surfaces, and what you get is an attractive layout that's undeniably upscale and upmarket.
The 1.6-litre powerplant sends a combined output of 212bhp and 366Nm of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed autobox
Also upscale is the way the Sorento Hybrid behaves on the move. Road manners are composed, powertrain is refined as it smoothly transitions from electric to gasoline and vice versa, and the car has a strong ability to glide over tarmac imperfections while minimising external noises.
Get high and heavy on the throttle from the lights and the Sorento Hybrid will dash to the 100km/h mark in 9.3 seconds - courtesy of the 1.6-litre engine that's good for 212bhp and 366Nm of torque. Acceleration is silky smooth, brakes do a good job in shedding speed steadily and you get a good view out at the helm (an important aspect when a pint-sized driver is piloting a big car). Sure, of course it's not the most exciting or quickest or even the most communicative SUV you can lay your hands on, but it's certainly a vehicle that will not disappoint or shortchange your passengers.
Cruise around in a relaxing manner in the Kia and it will have no trouble returning 14km/L as I've experienced. It's far from the claimed figure of 19.6km/L, but still commendable nonetheless, more so if you consider the SUV's weight of over 1.8 tonnes and the fact that I was blasting the air con throughout my time with the car.
With all seats in place, you get a boot space of just 179 litres (left); knock the third row seats down and space is increased by a couple of notches
The Kia Sorento Hybrid makes a lot of sense for buyers who are looking for an efficient, highly functional and tech-savvy SUV that can haul the family around in a safe and fuss-free fashion. That the car is good-looking inside and out is just an added bonus. In that sense, it ticks all the right boxes as a seven-seater SUV.
Like I said, I've always liked the Kia Sorento, and for very good reasons indeed.
In the market for a hybrid SUV? Check out these other options available:
Nissan Qashqai: Quiet and comfortable
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Efficient and comfortable
The BMW X3: An improved all-rounder
The NX450h+ brings big capability at a big cost
Facelift (What's New)
Updated design language
New integrated display that has two 12.3-inch screens
New infotainment/climate switchable controller
Still has ample useful features!
I've always liked the Kia Sorento, and for very good reasons.
The car has always been well-built, generously specced, rugged-looking, highly functional and it's comfortable to drive. With a diesel variant in the past, it was arguably strong to drive, with sufficient punch to perform overtaking manoeuvres without having to break into a sweat.
The car's design has been updated and it now resembles the Kia EV9 as well as the facelifted Kia Carnival
Unfortunately, that's a thing of a past because the Kia Sorento is only available in a hybrid form now. Not a bad thing, to be quite honest, considering all the positive qualities are still intact. Sure, it isn't as punchy as before, but the Sorento Hybrid that you see here is certainly more appealing to the eyes compared to all its predecessors.
It now sports an updated design language that resembles the Kia EV9 Electric as well as the recently launched facelifted Kia Carnival, which means you get bolder-looking grille, vertical headlamps and a set of distinctive daytime running lights that is now becoming a Kia-signature look.
The facelifted SUV also has its signature dimensions. Measuring 4,815mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,700mm tall, the Sorento remains to be a rather sizeable vehicle on our roads. You do feel it when you're behind the wheel, but it's never a pain to drive it around narrower roads because the lane assist nanny is always ensuring you're within the lane.
The second row is extremely spacious for three while the third row is best left for kids
Obviously, the upside here for the size is to accommodate three rows of seats. Ample space is to be had for the first two rows, and taller adults will have no problems finding a comfortable position here. The third row, however, is going to be a tad tight for passengers other than kids.
As with most seven-seater SUVs, the Sorento Hybrid is plagued with a minute boot space of 179 litres with all seats in place. Hence, knocking down seats six and seven is necessary if you need to store bulkier items such as a stroller or your luggage.
Other than that, the cabin of the car is admittedly faultless and tech-savvy. You get an elongated display that features a 12.3-inch instrument panel as well as another 12.3-inch infotainment system - both of which are clear, crisp and easy to use. But my favourite has to be the switchable controller that allows you to toggle between the climate and infotainment systems within the same set of controls with a press of a button.
My favourite feature is the switchable controller - sleek, modern and very useful
Elsewhere, you get features that you're bound to use on a daily basis such as ventilated seats, auto hold function, wireless charging pad, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a suite of safety systems and - with the Tech Pack variant test car here - a 12-speaker Bose sound system that will let you enjoy your favourite tunes after a long day at work.
Combine all of that with the airy and uncluttered ambience, solid build quality and stitched surfaces, and what you get is an attractive layout that's undeniably upscale and upmarket.
The 1.6-litre powerplant sends a combined output of 212bhp and 366Nm of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed autobox
Also upscale is the way the Sorento Hybrid behaves on the move. Road manners are composed, powertrain is refined as it smoothly transitions from electric to gasoline and vice versa, and the car has a strong ability to glide over tarmac imperfections while minimising external noises.
Get high and heavy on the throttle from the lights and the Sorento Hybrid will dash to the 100km/h mark in 9.3 seconds - courtesy of the 1.6-litre engine that's good for 212bhp and 366Nm of torque. Acceleration is silky smooth, brakes do a good job in shedding speed steadily and you get a good view out at the helm (an important aspect when a pint-sized driver is piloting a big car). Sure, of course it's not the most exciting or quickest or even the most communicative SUV you can lay your hands on, but it's certainly a vehicle that will not disappoint or shortchange your passengers.
Cruise around in a relaxing manner in the Kia and it will have no trouble returning 14km/L as I've experienced. It's far from the claimed figure of 19.6km/L, but still commendable nonetheless, more so if you consider the SUV's weight of over 1.8 tonnes and the fact that I was blasting the air con throughout my time with the car.
With all seats in place, you get a boot space of just 179 litres (left); knock the third row seats down and space is increased by a couple of notches
The Kia Sorento Hybrid makes a lot of sense for buyers who are looking for an efficient, highly functional and tech-savvy SUV that can haul the family around in a safe and fuss-free fashion. That the car is good-looking inside and out is just an added bonus. In that sense, it ticks all the right boxes as a seven-seater SUV.
Like I said, I've always liked the Kia Sorento, and for very good reasons indeed.
In the market for a hybrid SUV? Check out these other options available:
Nissan Qashqai: Quiet and comfortable
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Efficient and comfortable
The BMW X3: An improved all-rounder
The NX450h+ brings big capability at a big cost
Car Information
Kia Sorento Hybrid 1.6 SX Tech Pack 7-Seater (A)
$263,999
CAT B|Petrol-Electric|19.6km/L
Horsepower
158kW (212 bhp)
Torque
366 Nm
Acceleration
9.3sec (0-100km /hr)
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- Increased Size
- New Equipment
- Hybrid Performance
- Conclusion
