SUV review: Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD 8DCT 5S in the platinum version

2022-08-26T11:21:16.911Z

SUV review: Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD 8DCT 5S in the platinum version Created: 08/26/2022, 13:08 By: Harald Joisten The Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD 8DCT 5S is an all-rounder. © KIA We tested the Kia Sorento SUV, which was revised for model year 2023 and is the only remaining combustion engine on offer alongside full hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Kia is no longer an insider tip. In the first half o

SUV review: Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD 8DCT 5S in the platinum version

Created: 08/26/2022, 13:08

By: Harald Joisten

The Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD 8DCT 5S is an all-rounder.

We tested the Kia Sorento SUV, which was revised for model year 2023 and is the only remaining combustion engine on offer alongside full hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

Kia is no longer an insider tip.

In the first half of 2022, the South Koreans sold 36,366 vehicles in this country - an increase of 18.7 percent compared to the same period last year and the best value for the Asians since Germany started in 1993. Kia has long been trying to break into the premium market.

The flagship Sorento came onto the German market exactly 20 years ago, in August 2002. And the fourth generation now comes very close to the premium competition, as our driving report shows.

Kia Sorento SUV - fourth generation revised

Visually, the new Sorento is one of the biggest.

It is 4.81 meters long, 1.90 meters wide and 1.70 meters high.

The exterior has been significantly sharpened, bold, more angular.

The design is harmonious and continues in the interior, which looks tidy and well-made.

The materials are a mix of smooth surfaces with a metal and leather look.

The 10.25-inch monitor is operated via touch inputs, is positioned high and has understandable graphics.

The top equipment level "Platinum" includes everything that is available in the Sorento in terms of multimedia.

In addition to a radio with DAB+ reception, this also includes a Bluetooth hands-free system, voice control and a navigation system with real-time traffic reports.

The cell phone connection via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto works well.

The stylish interior looks tidy and well made.

The digital cockpit consists of two round instruments for speed and rpm.

If you set a turn signal, a camera films the rear area next to the car and displays the respective video image there - a practical help with good image quality.

The sound system in the interior comes from Bose and contains twelve loudspeakers including a subwoofer.

There are plenty of USB ports, even in the front seat backs and trunk, as well as 12V outlets.

There is no longer a classic AUX connection.

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD 8DCT 5S (Platinum): lots of interior space

Of course, the Sorento offers a lot of space in the interior.

People who are 1.95 meters tall can also easily sit in the rear seats.

A third row of seats costs 990 euros extra.

The large luggage compartment has a capacity of 705 to 2100 liters including storage space under the luggage compartment cover.

The rear seat bench can be folded down asymmetrically.

The electrically powered tailgate is also standard on the Platinum trim level.

If you stop briefly behind the vehicle, the tailgate opens automatically (the function can be switched off).

The flap opens high enough so that even tall adults (1.90 m) don't bump their heads.

The loading sill, on the other hand, is quite high at 79 cm above the road.

The luggage compartment blind can also be stowed under the luggage compartment floor.

The Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD 8DCT 5S (Platinum) offers plenty of interior space.

Typical for an SUV, the high seating position offers a good overview.

The all-round view is good, only to the rear there are slight restrictions due to the C and D pillars.

The automatically dimming interior mirror is standard; this function does not exist for the exterior mirrors.

Very good full LED headlights are also standard, but they have neither dynamic cornering lights nor cornering lights.

The Sorento has parking sensors at the front and rear as well as four cameras for an all-round image.

For the first time at KIA there is a parking assistant that can be operated via the key.

The driver stands outside the vehicle and can remotely drive it back and forth, for example if the car is parked too tightly in the multi-storey car park.

The parking assistant allows the driver to drive the vehicle forwards and backwards remotely.

Getting in and out is quite easy thanks to the high body.

At just under 60 cm, the front seats are well above the road.

In the case of the test car, the payload could be up to a whopping 658 kg.

The Sorento can now hook up an impressive 2.5 tons if the trailer has its own brakes;

otherwise the trailer load is limited to the usual 750 kg.

The vertical load can be up to 100 kg, which is also enough for a bike carrier with several electric bikes.

Loads of up to 100 kg are also permitted on the roof, and the standard railing makes attachment easier.

The SUV is safe on the road and remains easy to control even when cornering at high speed.

Driving report: Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD 8DCT 5S (Platinum)

The diesel was revised again for the model year.

Although the power drops slightly from 202 to 194 hp, the top speed increases from 202 to 205 km/h.

The four-cylinder runs cultivated and gets the 1.8-tonner moving easily.

Overtaking maneuvers are quickly completed.

The maximum torque of 440 Nm is available over a wide speed range from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm.

The turbo diesel only hums when starting and under load.

It is then practically impossible to hear it acoustically, especially on the freeway.

Together with the very good external noise insulation, it travels excellently.

When driving sparingly on the freeway, we occasionally consumed around six liters per 100 kilometers.

On average, it was ultimately 6.8 liters.

Basically, the Sorento drives comparatively handy, which is also due to the steering.

It works smoothly and precisely.

The SUV is safe on the road and remains easy to control even when cornering at high speed.

The four-cylinder also harmonises very well with the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which replaces the automatic torque converter of the predecessor and shifts gears almost unnoticed.

There is no longer a classic gear lever, the gears (N, D, P) are selected using a hand-sized rotary wheel.

The suspension is basically very balanced, but set up quite tight and agile, so that small bumps in the road, especially when driving slowly through the city, get through to the occupants.

There is no longer any sign of this on the freeway.

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD 8DCT 5S: price

The price has also gone up a bit.

The Sorento costs as a five-seater with all-wheel drive in the platinum version from 59,590 euros.

As a front-wheel drive, prices start at 46,290 euros with the same diesel engine.

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD 8DCT 5S (Platinum) 5 seater.

Specifications: Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD 8DCT 5S (Platinum) 5 seater

Engine and transmission:

four-cylinder diesel, displacement 2151 ccm, output 194 hp at 3800 rpm, max. torque 440 Nm at 1750 to 2750 rpm, 8-speed double clutch transmission, all-wheel drive.
Performance:

0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds, top 205 km/h.
Fuel consumption:

Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) 6.6 l/100 km.
Test consumption: 6.8 l/100 km
Tank volume 67 l
CO2 emissions combined (WLTP) 169 - 174 g/km
Dimensions and weights:

length/width/height 4810/1900/1695 mm.
Curb weight 1852 kg, permissible total weight 2510 kg, maximum roof load 100 kg, trailer load, unbraked 750 kg, trailer load braked 2500 kg, trunk volume 705 liters.
Price: 59,590 euros (platinum)