It may be more costly than before, but the updated Sorento is still a winner in my eyes.
A Modern Marvel with a Personal Touch
Just under a decade ago, the Kia Sorento captured the hearts of many with its blend of efficiency and value, particularly with the 2.2 CRDi model—a personal recommendation I made to countless friends and family. Those same vehicles are still in service, a testament to their enduring appeal and reliability.
Fast forward to today, and the latest iteration, the MQ4 chassis, stands ready to continue that legacy. Despite the challenges of soaring Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices, the new Kia Sorento Hybrid SX Tech Pack is a vehicle that deserves a closer look.
Design and Styling
Upon first glance, the 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid makes a striking impression. The design language, which debuted on the Kia EV9 Electric, includes a commanding grille and vertically oriented headlamps, accented by the now-iconic Kia daytime running lights.
These updates enhance its aesthetic and position the Sorento at the forefront of modern SUV design, reflecting a bold step forward for the brand.
Interior Luxury
Stepping inside the Sorento feels like entering a high-tech sanctuary. The standout feature is the massive, integrated display (over 24 inches wide) stretching elegantly across the dashboard. This setup simplifies the interface, allowing drivers to toggle effortlessly between climate and infotainment systems via a new horizontal touchscreen panel.
The interior design is thoughtful and user-centric, focusing on comfort with plush, ventilated seats that make every journey a pleasure.
Dimensions and Driveability
The Kia Sorento is undeniably substantial in size, but it handles like a much smaller vehicle. Its generous dimensions provide plenty of room inside without feeling bulky on the road. Thanks to the advanced lane assist system, navigating through tighter spaces is less intimidating, enhancing the driving experience significantly.
Driving the Sorento around town, you feel a reassuring sense of control and stability, a rare find in vehicles of this size.
Performance and Efficiency
The heart of the Sorento is its 1.6-litre turbo hybrid engine, a powerhouse that delivers 212 bhp and 366 Nm of torque. The performance is smooth, and the transition between electric and gasoline power feels seamless.
While you can hear the engine work hard upon heavy acceleration, it is never intrusive, showcasing the Sorento’s good sound insulation.
The performance is pretty punchy. With the century sprint in just over 9 seconds, the car accelerates promptly and switches from EV mode to ICE mode seamlessly—proving that power and hybrid efficiency can coexist beautifully.
While testing, I noted the fuel efficiency to be around 14 km/L, not quite reaching the ambitious 19.6 km/L touted by Kia, yet still impressive for its class, especially given the full use of amenities like air conditioning during my drives.
Daily Conveniences and Safety
Kia has packed the Sorento with features that enhance daily driving. Everything is designed to create a comfortable and connected driving environment, from ventilated seats and a wireless charging pad to seamless integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The addition of a 12-speaker Bose sound system elevates the audio experience, making every commute feel like a private concert.
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid SX Tech Pack is more than just a vehicle; it feels like a mobile extension of my home. Its blend of style, comfort, and cutting-edge technology makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and luxurious SUV.
For those with a long history with the brand, this latest Sorento is a proud continuation of Kia’s legacy of innovation and value. It’s a vehicle that meets the modern driver’s needs and does so with flair and a personal touch that’s hard to find elsewhere in the market.
Now, could we just remove that huge ‘SORENTO’ emblazoned on the side?
Technical Specifications
Kia Sorento
Powertrain: 1,598 cc Turbocharged Hybrid
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 212 bhp combined
Torque: 366 Nm
Gearbox: 6-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 9.3 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 193 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 19.6 km/l
Price: S$270,999 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Kia Singapore
Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@carboy_365)
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