Is the Kia Sorento the ultimate diesel family SUV? A comprehensive review of its R1 million price tag
Image: Supplied
Up to 79 percent of all vehicles sold in the South African market are in the sub R550 000 bracket, which is one of the reasons Kia South Africa introduced the Kia Sonet LS at a smidgen under R300 000 and has seen them slowly inching their way back up the sales charts.
However, they're still very much aware that the market hasn't completely forgotten about the premium segment, especially family SUVs, which have seen them refresh the fourth-generation Sorento range.
Diesel continues
The upgrades are refreshing, but most importantly, they have stuck to their diesel engine, taking advantage of our oil-burner preference when it comes to large SUVs and the fact that diesel options are becoming more scarce as the world focuses on New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).
It's their four-cylinder 2.2-litre producing 148kW and 440Nm paired to a new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission driving the front wheels of the entry-level EX+ and all four corners of the SX and SXL models.
Interestingly, the exterior remains the same throughout the model walk, with the differences focused on various interior upgrades.
Exterior
It gets a new, higher volume bonnet with a more defined silhouette, new front and rear vertical LED headlights, new grille with a 3D mesh design and a redesigned front lower bumper with a wide skid plate.
Around the back, there's a high-mounted LED brake light, updated bumper and exhaust trim as well as a wide skid plate, black cladding and 20-inch rims emphasising a more rugged SUV look for the Sorento.
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The refreshed Kia Sorento gets a panoramic sunroof, black headliner, metal pedals and ambient lighting along the dash, redesigned gear knob and front door trims.
Image: Supplied
Interior
It's fantastically roomy inside; more van than SUV, which adds to the appeal of the seven-seater.
The refreshed Sorento also signals the first time that Kia has broken through the R1million barrier, which people might baulk at, but shop around, and that's in the ballpark when it comes to legacy brands like Kia, which have been around locally for almost three decades.
It's certainly reflected in the interior with plush soft-touch surfaces made from leather and recycled materials.
There's a panoramic sunroof, black headliner, metal pedals and ambient lighting along the dash, redesigned gear knob and front door trims.
It's an impressive cockpit with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch head-up display.
It gets a wireless phone charger, six USB-C charging ports (two per row) and a digital rear-view mirror.
Thankfully, Kia has opted for all the important and regular adjustments to be operated by dials and not hidden in a sub-menu somewhere on the screen.
the Kia Sorento gets a four-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 148kW and 440Nm.
Image: Supplied
Driving
The driver's position is commanding and comfortable, with the seats providing ample support.
What also impressed was the attention to the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, especially for a big SUV with virtually nothing signalling a diesel mill while wind noise is outstanding even into the teeth of a cold Cape Town Northwester.
There's more than enough grunt, and it made short work of Sir Lowry's Pass, and giving it a bit of stick, it easily gets past slower traffic because Cape Town drivers are generally pedestrian, but add rain, and it gets even worse.
We drove the mid-specced SX, and going up the pass, we used the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). It kept us between the lines without any fuss, and the adaptive cruise control would slow down for cars ahead of us. There was no sudden jerking of the steering wheel or emergency-type braking.
It's not a scythe through corners and was never intended to be, but it has a refined suspension that combines well with the chassis.
There was some pitch and wallow as you would expect, but not really any noticeable body roll, providing a comfortable and unhurried experience.
When we returned the cars to the airport, our consumption stood at a very respectable 6.8l/100km.
Safety
The safety front is taken care of with seven airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), front and rear park distance control, Rear view camera, Reverse camera with dynamic parking lines and as the Sorento's level increases, so does the additional systems and technology.
For a full walk of Sorento's different specification levels, I'd suggest looking at their website.
The Kia Sorento is out and out a family car, and it does that with sophisticated aplomb and considering what you get, including its diesel USP, the price is competitive in this segment.
It comes with an unlimited kilometre/five-year warranty (inclusive of roadside assistance), as well as a six-year/90,000km maintenance plan.
Pricing July 2025
Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater EX+ 2WD 8DCT: R999 995.
Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater SX AWD 8DCT: R1 199 995.
Sorento 2.2 CRDi 7-Seater SXL AWD 8DCT: R1 299 995.
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