Is this the ultimate family SUV? A review of its R1-million price tag

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.

- WILLEM VAN DE PUTTE

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, a 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.

Interior