Review - 2024 Kia Sorento

Headlining the list of upgrades is a new suspension setup for Aussie roads, a styling update and an updated technology package inside the cabin to bring it closer into line with its modern seven-seat SUV rivals.

These upgrades have been accompanied by a price rise, though, so just how convincingly does the Kia Sorento stack up as a comfortable, practical and attractive value proposition for Aussie families looking for a seven-seat SUV? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Kia Sorento Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

The MY24 Kia Sorento range is priced from $54,090 for the entry-level Sorento S V6 FWD, while the Sorento Sport V6 FWD is priced at $57,090 and the Sorento S Diesel AWD receives a price tag of $57,090.

Opting for the Sorento Sport+ V6 FWD brings the price to $61,990 with the Sport+ Diesel AWD priced at $64,990.

Finally, Kia’s range-topping Sorento GT-Line V6 FWD is priced at $69,990 while the Sorento GT-Line Diesel AWD is priced at $72,690.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You? 

Using OnlineAuto’s car purchasing service, one of our car specialists can help you save and find the best value model for you.

Kia Sorento (SPORT+ 7 SEAT) Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the Kia Sorento Have?

Kia’s entry-level Sorento S comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys and receives LED headlights, fog lights and daytime running lamps, adaptive cruise control, cloth upholstery with a leatherette steering wheel, keyless entry & start, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, remote engine start and a full-sized spare tyre.

Stepping up to the Sorento Sport range adds 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, third-row air vents, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a new highway driving assistant.

The Sorento Sport+ range receives 19-inch alloys, LED tail lights, leather upholstery with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, alloy scuff plates, rear sunshades, black interior highlights and USB ports in the second and third row of the cabin.

Finally, Kia’s range-topping Sorento GT-Line comes riding on 20-inch alloys and receives projector LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, wireless charging pad, ambient lighting, a digital rear-view mirror, quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a surround-view monitor, heated second-row seats as well as power-adjustable and ventilated front seats.

Connectivity & Infotainment Features

One of the major tech upgrades for the 2024 Sorento range is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display fitted to all models, including the base model.

The infotainment system receives DAB+ digital radio and is paired with a seven-speaker sound system, while upgrading to the Sorento Sport+ adds a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

All members of the Sorento family pick up a subscription to Kia’s Connect system, which offers vehicle status and diagnostics, live traffic updates, a valet parking mode as well as remote locking and climate control inputs. 

Does the Kia Sorento Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Another key update for the MY24 Sorento range is the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity for the 12.3-inch infotainment system, allowing you to access applications, make calls and reply to messages hands-free via the voice assistant.

Kia’s system also allows you to connect your smartphone via a USB-C cable, offering both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity.

Is the Kia Sorento Comfortable to Drive?

While it might be a large package, the driving experience on offer in the Kia Sorento is remarkably user-friendly, helping drivers new to the segment to quickly gain confidence. 

Under the bonnet, the base model picks up a 3.5-litre V6 petrol pushing out 200kW of power and 332Nm of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed transmission.

There’s also a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel on offer that pushes out 148kW of power and 440Nm of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, offering more stability thanks to its AWD system.

Around town, the Sorento has no problem picking up speed, while remaining impressively smooth and easy to pilot in tight quarters.

Kia’s new power steering system makes the Sorento even more manageable while making a low-speed turn or squeezing into a tight park, which is nice for a vehicle of its stature.

Pick up the pace in town and the Sorento feels confident on the bumps, offering a comfortable and refined ride quality on a daily commute.

Hit the highway and the Sorento is incredibly smooth, largely thanks to Kia’s updated suspension package hiding beneath that is super accommodating to bumpy Australian country roads.

All up, the Sorento is a mighty impressive large SUV package that feels user-friendly and confident on a mix of Aussie roads thanks to the suspension upgrades, remaining one of the best in the segment.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Kia offers the Sorento with a choice of two engines, a somewhat thirsty V6 petrol and a more fuel-efficient turbo-diesel.

Fuel economy figures stand at 9.7L/100km for the V6 petrol, dropping to 6.1L/100km in the Sorento with the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, making the diesel by far the pick for fuel-conscious buyers.

How Much Fuel Does the Kia Sorento Use Around Town? 

• Sorento V6 Petrol: 13.7L/100km

• Sorento Turbo Diesel: 7.4L/100km

How Much Fuel Does the Kia Sorento Use on the Highway?

• Sorento V6 Petrol: 7.5L/100km

• Sorento Turbo Diesel: 5.3L/100km

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The Kia Sorento has earned itself a strong reputation when it comes to family-friendly space and practicality, with the latest generation remaining a great contender for Aussie families.

Up front, the driver and front passenger are treated to acres of headroom and a super wide cabin that makes it feel spacious.

The Sorento’s cabin layout is clean and simple, with a large infotainment system dominating the dashboard and a set of simple climate and media controls.

The simplistic layout has been used largely to add more storage options in the front of the cabin, which there is absolutely no shortage of in the front of the Sorento.

Loose items that families accumulate can be swallowed up by the retractable tray at the base of the dash, or inside one of two narrow trays in the centre console or the large armrest, while a pair of cup holders and large bottle holders inside the doors have your beverage-needs covered.

Move to the second row of the cabin and there’s a tonne of space, more than enough for adults to get a fair share of leg and headroom, meaning you won’t hear any complaints from kids.

The Sorento’s second row picks up ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts, as well as a quick and simple way to move the rear bench forward, with another pair in the third row that brings its total to four ISOFIX anchors and five top tether mounts.

The third row is a bit more cramped, though can accommodate an adult for a short hop around town when needed, but makes for a great place for young kids to sit.

All up, the Kia Sorento remains a super strong performer when put under the test of a family of seven, especially considering the ISOFIX anchors that allow it to transport five child seats without breaking a sweat.

How Big is the Kia Sorento’s Boot?

With all three rows of seats standing, the Kia Sorento’s boot measures in at 179L, which expands to 608L with the third row folded in a five-seater layout.

Fold down the second row and you’ll unlock a total of 1996L of cargo space when you need to transport bulky cargo and sports equipment, making the Sorento an absolute beast when it comes to practicality.

Is it Safe?

The Kia Sorento comes packaged with a long list of active safety gear as standard, making it a great option for safety-conscious buyers looking for a seven-seat SUV package.

The entry-level Kia Sorento comes fitted with autonomous emergency braking with vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian detection as well as junction assist, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alerts, safe exit warnings, tyre pressure monitoring, a rear-view camera with parking sensors and seven airbags.

Kia’s Sorento Sport receives a new highway driving assistant, while the Sorento GT-Line picks up a blind-spot view monitor, surround-view monitor with side parking sensors, remote parking asisst, safe exit assist and electronic child locks.

Does the Kia Sorento Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The current generation Kia Sorento range has received a five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing conducted in 2020 where it scored the following marks.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 82%

• Child Occupant Protection: 85%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 63%

• Safety Assist: 89% 

What Warranty Does the Kia Sorento Come With?

Kia is continuing to lead the segment when it comes to warranty terms, packaging the Sorento with its outstanding seven-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty.

There’s also up to eight years of roadside assistance on offer and capped-price servicing, with intervals standing at 12 months or 15,000km, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the Kia Sorento Worth it?

The latest Kia Sorento range takes an already top-tier family SUV and adds even more comfort, technology into the mix, making for one of the best outright seven-seat SUVs on the market, easily justifying recent price rises for the MY24 range.

Combine that with Kia’s long warranty coverage and particularly generous safety equipment list for the base model and you’ve got a must-have on any family SUV shortlist.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price. 

Five Kia Sorento Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. V6 petrol & turbo diesel engines available

3. 6.1 - 9.7L/100km fuel economy figures

4. 2000kg braked towing capacity

5. Limited supply of Sorento Hybrid & PHEVs arriving late 2024