[Taboleo] Dads' Dream Car... The More Thoroughly Refined 'Sorento 4th Generation'

#Reliable Design #Larger Size #All Seats with USB Charging
#Gasoline-like Ride Comfort #Automatic Deceleration in Speed Trap Zones

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Fathers' dream, Kia Motors' representative domestic 'family car,' the Sorento, has returned as the 4th generation model after 6 years. The Sorento I experienced firsthand boasted outstanding product quality to the extent that the controversy over 'hybrid certification denial' that arose immediately after its first unveiling was disappointing. I also liked how meticulously the interior convenience features were designed, allowing USB charging at every seat. I personally experienced the new Sorento over a 93 km route from Yeouido, Seoul to Yangju.

▲ How is the exterior design and overall impression?

The Sorento targets fathers in their 30s and 40s as its main customer base. Hence, its nickname is 'Dad's car.' What is the foremost virtue for fathers? It is the safety of passengers, especially children. The new Sorento's appearance is somewhat plain, but it definitely gives a feeling of 'safety.' Kia's design identity, the 'Tiger Nose,' and the emphasized straight lines create a solid look that enhances reliability. The front resembles the new K5, and the rear looks like the Telluride. The previous Sorento's rounded image has now disappeared.

The body feels noticeably larger. The actual figures confirm this. The new Sorento's main specifications are length 4,810 mm, width 1,900 mm, height 1,700 mm, and wheelbase 2,815 mm. Compared to the 3rd generation model, the length and wheelbase have increased by 10 mm and 35 mm respectively, and the height has risen by 10 mm. It has become a mid-to-large-sized model, bigger than a mid-size but slightly smaller than a full-size vehicle.

▲ How is the interior configuration?

The test vehicle was the highest Signature trim priced at 38.17 million KRW (with a 70% individual consumption tax reduction). Considering the price, the interior greeted me with luxuriousness, featuring quilted Nappa leather seats. The 12.3-inch cluster and 10.25-inch navigation screen located centrally on the dashboard are large enough to give a spacious feel and are positioned at an appropriate distance so the driver can operate them without lifting their shoulder from the seat. The layout of the air conditioning controls, a strength of Hyundai-Kia, is also intuitive.

The most interesting part is that USB charging ports are located throughout the interior. Under the second-row air vents are a 220V inverter, USB charging ports, and an electric socket (cigarette lighter). Additionally, there are USB charging ports inside the upper parts of both the driver and passenger seats, allowing first and second-row passengers to use them together. The third row also has one electric socket and one USB charging port on each side. Nowadays, with each family member using electronic devices, there is no need to worry about battery life.

The third-row seats are definitely narrower compared to large SUVs. The headroom has been somewhat improved through design, but the inability to stretch out one's legs fully is a downside. However, both the second and third rows are equipped with ISOFIX for car seat attachment, which is a strong point. For a family of four with two children, this means the kids can be seated in the third row while the parents can take long trips with elders.

▲ Is the driving performance as stable as the exterior looks?

The test vehicle was a 2.2L diesel model producing a maximum output of 202 horsepower and maximum torque of 45 kgf·m. These are average figures. However, thanks to the newly applied 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), power loss was hardly noticeable. The driving experience throughout the test was impressively stable and solid. As a family car, noise and vibration were barely felt. Diesel engines usually require higher RPMs to move well, but with the DCT, this is unnecessary. Because of this, the noise and driving feel were similar to those of a gasoline engine.

The Sorento has several enhanced features, and I particularly liked the air purification function. On the day of the test, the fine dust concentration in Seoul was over 30 μg/m³, but after activating the air purification function, the concentration dropped to 0 μg/m³ within 3 to 4 minutes. It also has a function that automatically blocks outside air intake when entering tunnels.

The more intelligent Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) also caught my attention. The Advanced Smart Cruise Control, based on navigation, reduces the speed to the limit automatically when entering speed enforcement zones, even if the speed is set higher. It also maintains a proper distance between vehicles, so on highways, there was almost no need to use the pedals.

The cleaner Head-Up Display (HUD) is not only easy to see but also packed with various functions. In particular, the blind-spot warning is accurately displayed on the HUD. It was possible to change lanes while looking only forward. Of course, for safety, the side mirrors must be checked when changing lanes.

Fuel efficiency was 16.1 km/L over 51 km driven in Comfort mode at a normal pace, and 11.5 km/L over 42 km driven aggressively in Sport mode to check performance. The official combined fuel efficiency is 13.3 km/L.

The diesel Sorento prices by trim are Trendy 29.48 million KRW, Prestige 32.27 million KRW, Noblesse 35.27 million KRW, and Signature 38.17 million KRW.