Kia Sorento (2010 – 2015) Review

Kia Sorento (2010 – 2015) At A Glance

4/5

+Strong diesels including impressive 2.2-litre. Comes with seven seats. New six-speed automatic. More premium feel than previous Sorento. Great value for money.

-Entry level model is two-wheel drive and five seats. 4WD automatic models only tow 2,000kg.

Insurance Groups are between 21–30
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

The original Kia Sorento built up a good reputation as an affordable, strong and neatly designed large 4x4. It was certainly good value for money and a great tow-car too, but it's fair to say sophistication wasn't its forte. With the new Sorento, Kia is aiming to re-invent its big SUV as a more premium car with a sleeker design and better road manners.

From the outside it certainly looks smarter, especially at the front with its angled headlamps. It has a less rugged appearance that the previous Sorento, although the back end is still quite chunky and perhaps not as neat as the front with those huge rear light clusters. But it's inside where the biggest change has taken place. The cabin now has a much more sophisticated look with a good quality feel. There are some areas where it could be better - the dated indicatior stalks for instance - but overall it's well finished.

Practicality is a big strength. All models come with seven seats as standard (aside from the entry-level Sorento 1 2.0 CRDi model), loads of onboard storage and a mammoth boot. This Sorento is longer than the previous one which means better room for all passengers, particularly those in the third row. The raised driving position means great all round visibility too.

Most models come with the new 2.2-litre CRDi engine which developes 194bhp and 422Nm of torque. Although not the quietest diesel around is strong and works very well in the Sorento - especially with the new six-speed automatic gearbox that's available. It's available with two or four-wheel drive and compared to the outgoing 2.5-litre CRDi engine it's more powerful yet considerably more efficient.

On the road the Sorento is comfortable and reasonably refined, with decent road holding in corners for such a large vehicle. It's also a very safe car with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. But perhaps the clincher for many will be the excellent seven-year/100,000 mile warranty that comes as standard and is also transferable to to subsequent owners.

Kia Sorento 2010 Road Test and Video

Kia Sorento 2013 Facelift Road Test and Video

Real MPG average for a Kia Sorento (2010 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

80%

Real MPG

24–44 mpg

MPGs submitted

165

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What's the best large SUV for £8000?

"What large SUV that can tow 2500kg has the best MPG? Budget of £8000 and looking for the best economy and best spec large SUV."
Any vehicle capable of towing 2500kg is going to require a relatively powerful engine, so they are never going to offer high levels of economy. However, we would suggest looking at the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento with the 2.2-litre CRDi engine, as these models can tow up to 2500kg and are available within your budget.
Answered by David Ross

What's the best seven-seater with a large boot for £10,000?

"I want to buy a seven-seater car with a large boot. I have a budget of £10,000 but would like to spend less (if possible). I have shortlisted the Ford S-MAX, Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. What car would you recommend? "
Between the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe for your budget we'd be going for the Santa Fe, because you'd be looking at a second-generation Sorento and a third-generation (2012 on) Santa Fe. As the third generation Sorento didn't arrive until 2015 the newer style of Santa Fe is a much more modern-looking and feeling car, with plenty of equipment and a decent driving experience. Having said that, unless you need the off-road ability the Ford S-Max is nicer to drive than both, with a more car-like feel and better quality interior.
Answered by Lawrence Allan

I want to buy a hybrid but they're being phased out in 2030. Should this stop me?

"Up until last night, I was set upon selling my eight year old diesel Kia Sorento and going a bit greener by buying a one year old Toyota C-HR Dynamic Hybrid (approx £25,000 from main dealer). Two friends told me that this would be a bad move as "hybrids are to be phased out by 2030" and it's a much more sensible option to buy an adblue diesel. I've never heard of these and don't know if I should be dissuaded from buying the Toyota - which I fancy more because of its style. Can you please comment? Thanks."
You should buy whichever engine currently suits your needs best. If you cover a lot of motorway miles (more than 12,000 a year), a diesel would be better. For lots of short journeys or more town driving, go for a hybrid.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What 4x4 is best to replace our Mitsubishi L200?

"We have £15,000 to replace our 2008 Mitsubishi L200. We need four wheel drive, an integral boot rather than truck body, seven seats, reliability and plenty of rugged boot space. My husband would love a Land Rover Discovery but i’m not keen in terms of reliability. What do you suggest?"
I think you're right to avoid the Discovery on reliability grounds. A Mitsubishi Shogun would be a good choice - they're reliable and make an excellent workhorse, but they feel very old-fashioned - especially compared to a Discovery of the same era. The Kia Sorento might be worth looking at. They're practical and your budget will get you one still inside its original warranty. Also consider a Volvo XC90, but do your research first.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Kia Sorento (2010 – 2015) cost?