Kia’s updated third-generation Sorento is now arriving in Australian dealerships. The revised seven-seat SUV adds more safety and infotainment technology, improved comfort and convenience features, plus a heavily reworked chassis and steering set-up.
Prices are up across the range, with the entry grade Sorento Si increasing by $2000, now starting at $42,990 (plus on-road costs). On the equipment front, Sorento gains Autonomous Emergency Braking as standard, as well as a revised interior and exterior look, new eight-speed automatic transmission, and the availability of a larger capacity, long-stroke 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (previously 3.3-litre) on front-wheel drive models.
Model nomenclature has also changed, with the mid-grade Sorento Sport replacing the Sorento Si Limited, while the top-spec Sorento Platinum GT-Line subs for the previous Platinum.
In addition to the aforementioned changes, all Sorento grades also score Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a larger 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment array, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistant. High grade Sorento GT-Line adds Driver Attention Alert, Dynamic Bending Lights and a 360-degree camera, as well as a 640-Watt, 10-speaker Harmon/Kardon surround sound audio system.
“We always knew that the Sorento was an exceptional car, a belief that was verified by the experts within the media,” said Kia Motors Australia CEO, Damien Meredith.
“However, as good as it was, we listened to our customers and the industry commentators who identified areas in which it could be improved. This latest version of the Sorento incorporates changes suggested by that open feedback.
“The upgrades and improvements to the latest Sorento are significant and offer real benefits to owners, both in comfort and safety,” Meredith continued.
“And as always, Kia has delivered these additional benefits without a severe financial penalty. The value equation of the Sorento – coupled to Kia’s industry-leading full factory seven-year warranty, seven-year capped-price servicing and seven-year roadside assist – we believe is unbeatable.”
Visually the upgraded Sorento is identified by revised front and rear bumpers, Tiger Nose grille, redesigned alloy wheels, and LED headlights (GT-Line only) and tail-lights (SLi and GT-Line variants). A new Gravity Blue paint colour replaces Sunset Red, and is one of seven hues available (metallic paint attracts a $500 premium).
Inside, the cabin sports a new steering wheel and instrument cluster, new LCD climate control array, more soft-touch materials throughout, and the addition of adjustable lumbar support on high-grade variants. Four trim choices are available, including Black or Stone leather upholstery.
Under the bonnet, the Sorento continues to offer Kia’s R-Series 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (all-wheel drive variants), or a revised Lambda II 3.5-litre V6 petrol (front-wheel drive variants). Each is matched to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission with four-mode driver preference control, in place of the outgoing six-speed unit.
Turbo-diesel models develop 147kW/441Nm with an ADR Combined fuel consumption figure of 7.2L/100km (190g/km). The petrol powerplant now makes 206kW/336Nm (+7kW/18Nm) while consuming 10.0L/100km (235g/km).
The new Kia Sorento goes on sale this week. Visit motoring.com.au soon for our Australian launch review and video.
2018 Kia Sorento pricing (plus ORCs):
Si petrol – $42,990 (+$2000)
Sport petrol – $44,990 (+$1000, previously Si Limited)
Si AWD diesel – $45,490 (+$1000)
SLi petrol – $46,990 (+$1000)
Sport AWD diesel – $48,490 (+$1000, previously Si Limited)
SLi AWD diesel – $50,490 (+$1000)
GT-Line AWD diesel – $58,990 (+$500, Platinum discontinued)