New KIA Sorento: all the pros and cons
The KIA Sorento is right now the newest and most feature-packed family crossover in the segment. Only the mastodons Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-Trail can compete with him. And don't forget the Hyundai Santa Fe.
And yet, the stylish and not so cheap crossover is predicted to be a resounding success in the market. We took it for a test drive to understand its strengths and weaknesses.
pros
Design. The new Sorento looks very brutal and large. The smooth lines of the previous model have been replaced by the almost cubic forms of the new one. And the Sorento was made more like a crossover, because the previous generation, due to a slightly shortened hood, seemed plump and more like a minivan.
Salon. Perhaps, KIA Sorento has the brightest and most memorable interior design in the segment. You definitely can't confuse it with anything. Inside, too, everything is massive, cubic in shape. The bright media display with navigation has nice graphics, and the system itself supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Wireless charging and a huge number of USB ports are in place. Two of them are placed in the backs of the front seats – a cool idea! In the dark, the interior shines with background lighting, the color and brightness of which can be adjusted by yourself.
Dimensions. KIA Sorento MQ4 is the largest D-segment crossover. Its dimensions in length, width and height: 4810 x 1900 x 1690 mm. The wheelbase is also gigantic. More than the long Kodiak – 2815 mm. That is why there is a lot of free space in the cabin, and you can really sit on the third row, even though getting in there is just as inconvenient as in other seven-seaters.
Fuel consumption. The gasoline Sorento has a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with a capacity of 180 hp and a torque of 232 Nm. On one full tank, we drove almost 570 km, and the average consumption was 10.3 l / 100 km. At the same time, we managed to stand in city traffic jams, and even during the filming, the car was idling for more than 3 hours.
Noise isolation. The cabin is really quiet and does not bother the engine or road noise. Only at a speed of 120-130 km / h does the aerodynamic noise of the mirrors and a little engine make its way into the cabin. The arches are very well insulated.
Minuses
Dynamics. Yes, Sorento is not very enough 180 forces. You always want a little more traction, a little more active acceleration. It is a pity that the diesel 199-horsepower engine is available only in the most expensive versions.
Clearance. Only 176 mm of ground clearance with a huge wheelbase does not promise at least some off-road capabilities, but the model has all-wheel drive. Thanks for that too. For all competitors, this parameter is higher.
Pendant. It's gorgeous on the track, but loses all of its charm on potholes. The spring descent of asphalt showed that Sorento does not like holes or patches. He immediately begins to slightly goat the rear axle. In general, the suspension noticeably lacks energy intensity, but it will be difficult to send it in a breakdown.
Gearbox. Why did KIA install an old six-speed “automatic” in a modern crossover in tandem with the new engine? And it is felt at speed. The car is clearly missing a couple more steps.
