Kia previews new Sorento

Likely to be in local Kia dealerships by the time you read this, the next-generation of the seven-seat family SUV is being offered in four familiar model grades - S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line – and familiar drivetrain options.

“The outgoing Sorento was a game-changer in the Australian market with previously untapped safety and convenience levels in the segment. The all-new model continues to take that story forward,” said Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer Damien Meredith.

“Across the four trim levels we believe the Sorento will meet the needs, and exceed the expectations, of anyone shopping in the seven-seat SUV market.”

A choice of petrol and diesel powerplants will be available across all four grades, with the 200kW/332Nm 3.5-litre petrol V6 carrying over from the old Sorento and the 148kW/440Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder updated for this new generation. Local supply constraints mean the diesel will be the only choice initially, regardless of model grade, with petrol versions due later this year.

Both engine options are matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a torque converter auto used for the petrol-engined Sorento and a dual-clutch style unit on the diesel. Drive is to the front wheels only on petrol models and four wheels via an on-demand AWD system on the diesels, essentially mirroring the same offerings on the Hyundai Santa Fe.

On the entry-level Sorento S, standard features include 17-inch alloys, LED head and fog lights, an 8-inch centre console touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Safety tech includes AEB with Junction Assist, Multi-Collision Braking, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist and a front centre side airbag, claimed as a segment first.

The Sorento Sport upgrades the wheels to 18 inches and the touchscreen to 10.25 inches (with smartphone mirroring), adds TPMS, dual zone climate control, sat nav with 10 years of traffic and map updates, auto window defogging and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Step up to the Sport+ grade and you get leather-appointed seats on all three rows, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Smart Key, remote starting, power tailgate and 19-inch alloys.

Finally, the premium Sorento GT-Line adds ventilation to the front row seats and heating to the second row, as well as an 8-inch HUD, Bose premium sound system, panoramic sunroof and 20-inch alloys. The GT-Line boosts the safety tech, too, with the addition of a Blind Spot Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist (a segment first), Parking Collision Avoidance Assist and rear occupant alert.

Introductory drive away pricing for the new Sorento starts at $46,990 and tops out at $64,990, with standard 7-year warranty, 7-year capped price servicing and 7-year roadside assist. See your Kia dealer for details.

2020 Kia Sorento drive-away pricing*

Sorento S 3.5 petrol - $46,990

Sorento S 2.2 diesel - $49,990

Sorento Sport 3.5 petrol - $49,990

Sorento Sport 2.2 diesel - $52,990

Sorento Sport+ 3.5 petrol - $54,390

Sorento Sport+ 2.2 diesel - $57,390

Sorento GT-Line 3.5 petrol - $61,990

Sorento GT-Line 2.2 diesel - $64,990

*introductory offer, for private buyers only