Fourth-Generation Kia Sorento (MQ4) - 2024 minor change

The fourth-generation Kia Sorento has gained its minor change for the 2024 model year. Packed with numerous revisions inside and out, the best-selling SUV from Kia is back for more having been on the road for three years.

2024 Kia Sorento

Starting at 35,060,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the facelifted Kia Sorento MQ4 continues to assert its dominance in its class with its revised looks, interior, and technology that will keep the best-seller afloat having spent three years of its service.

The biggest change for the recent minor change is the front and it now dons the EV9-styled nose, asserting its masculine looks. Apart from that, it features new wheel designs and slightly revised rear lamps that will keep the Sorento fresh and progressive in every detail.

2024 Kia Sorento interior

The interior has been heavily revamped for the recent minor change as hinted by the redesigned dashboard that saw its airconditioning vents streamlined as well as featuring the Panoramic Curved Display that features two 12.3-inch screens (one for the instrumental cluster and the other for the sat-nav) in one extra-long monitor, and the questionable feature that combines radio controls and climate controls into one, not to mention the new seating designs that showcases its premium feel. Despite heavy changes on the driver's side, the Sorento is offered with a choice of either a five-seater, a six-seater, or a seven-seater, depending on the variant.

2024 Kia Sorento

The facelifted Sorento is still offered with a choice of a Smartstream D2.2 engine, a powerful Smartstream G2.5T-GDi engine, and the 1.6L turbo-hybrid powertrain now offered with 4WD for the first time. 

Mated to an 8-speed automatic, the diesel variant produces 194PS of power (8PS less than the old one) while fuel economy is around 12.7km/L. The 2.5L turbo variant, meanwhile, produces 281PS of power and 9.4km/L of fuel economy.

The turbo-hybrid variant with its 6-speed automatic transmission has a total power output of 235PS and a fuel economy of 16.6km/L for FF variants while the 4WD variants get 14km/L.

For safety, the Sorento is packed with numerous ADAS such as Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, and Lane Keeping Assist 2. Coupled with the multiple anti-collision automatic braking systems, advanced rear passenger notification, reverse guiding lamp, and 10 airbags, this is the safest Sorento ever made.

One of South Korea's best-selling vehicles just got better with this minor change and the Sorento's back for more.

Photo: KIA

Kia Sorento (MQ4) Hybrid

When Kia launched the 4th generation Sorento early this year, only the diesel powertrain is offered at launch, but due to inconsistent demand, Kia finally added the cream of the crop of the 4th-generation Sorento; a hybrid powertrain unlike any other.

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid interior

The arrival of the first-ever Sorento Hybrid showcases Kia's new way to make hybrids more enjoyable to drive unlike its Japanese competitors such as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 because what the Korean carmaker did is creating a new hybrid powertrain that will upset the boring Japanese ones.

How did they do it? Simple, really. They slapped a turbocharger to the hybrid powerplant. The Sorento Hybrid features the first ever Smartstream Turbo Hybrid powertrain where the turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine is bolted to a 44.4kW electric motor and a li-ion battery, while mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. With this, total power output is a high-performance-class 230PS, 35.7kgf-m of torque, and up to 15.3km/L of combined fuel economy for front-wheel drive variants.

Like the normal Sorento, it features a generic exterior design, spacious interior for six or seven people, high-tech dashboard with a Jaguar-esque rotary shift knob, new platform, reworked suspension setup, optional 4WD with Terrain Mode, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and so much more.

The Sorento Hybrid starts at 36,000,000 Korean Won, which is more expensive than the normal, diesel-powered model, but if you are growing unsatisfied over the new model's diesel powerplant like the rest of the world, consider the Sorento Hybrid the ideal alternative. Besides, with the turbo hybrid powerplant, the Japanese competitors are in for a world of disdain because while being another crossover in the neighborhood, the turbo hybrid powerplant will leave the Japanese rivals crying, wishing they had turbos and better gearbox like the Sorento's. The more you know.

Photo: Kia Motors

Fourth-Generation Kia Sorento (MQ4)

The Kia Sorento was one of the best-selling vehicles ever made when it was first introduced in early 2002 and for the past three generations, the Sorento never fails to cater to every single driver with convenience, performance, and comfort, something that the competition got them grinding their gears. With the Sorento reaching its all-new, fourth-generation model, there are some things to watch out for, something that previous owners can't wait to swap for this all-new model.

2021 Kia Sorento

The all-new, fourth-generation, Kia Sorento, starting at 29,480,000 Korean Won (around $30,000) marks a big step toward Kia's best-selling SUV that has been known the world over with its usability, practicality, and comfort that is as close to the competition as you can get. Those who gained their family experience from the previous third-generation model will probably say that it performs better than the previous cars they had but for the fourth-generation model, I wonder how much has changed since I first had the hot seat from its previous model?

2021 Kia Sorento

The fourth-generation model's design isn't what you called generic but it's not revolting to look at either. On the front view, the new face looks a bit like a botched job while the side view looks like the previous model I had my hot seat on, and on the rearview, the headlamps can be easily mistaken for either a Ford Explorer or a Mustang without the terrifying blinkers that scares everyone behind it, not to mention the fact where exhausts planted below the car rather than to the faux tips. Despite its questionable exterior design, there's no stopping someone from getting their hands on this new model.

2021 Kia Sorento interior

2021 Kia Sorento interior

Because it's now slightly bigger than the previous model, the interior is surprisingly roomier than the old one as well, meaning it's almost as big as the Mazda CX-8 and it works rather well as a family mover on a daily basis. More spacious as well.

Whether you will take it at work, on a family play date, or on a relaxing Sunday drive to Leavenworth, the new Sorento really keeps it cool on the go. 

On the driver's side, you can expect lots of stuff to toy around with such as the 10.25-inch UVO navigation system, smartphone connectivity, an optional wireless smartphone charger, a built-in camera for when you can spot some sweet potatoes littering through the road, ambient lighting, a rotary shift knob like you get from the Jaguar, and so much more.

2021 Kia Sorento

The fourth-generation Sorento is available at launch with the brand-new Smartstream D2.2 engine which produces 202PS of power and 45kgf-m of torque. Mated to a brand new Smartstream 8-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox, it delivers a combined fuel economy of about 14.3km/L. That's some improvement compared to the previous model but you should really thank the new platform it dons on this new model because apart from its longer wheelbase and better fuel economy, the new platform results in a more enjoyable driving experience courtesy of its reworked suspension setup that delivers the best of SUV-like ruggedness and sedan-riding comfort, a step ahead from the previous model it replaces.

For 4WD models, the Sorento comes with Terrain Mode which allows the drivers to switch through three different modes; Snow, Mud, and Sand, allowing them to claw through different conditions like elephants on the mountainous borders a la Hannibal. There's even Advanced Driver Assistance Systems with Level 2 autonomy and Advanced Smart Parking Assist, meaning that with such high levels of intelligence poured into this crossover, it can be either surprised and annoyed at the same time because, with so many cars going AI-crazy in the name of safety, the new Sorento is not exempted here. Better behave like normal humans, people.

So, the new, fourth-generation Sorento may have nearly-revolting looks compared to the previous model but its comfort, practicality, tech, and performance push it slightly further forward, and when compared to the previous model I had my hot seat on, this is slightly an improvement and those who driven the previous model until now will be appreciated enough how much it changed and they're looking forward to upgrade to this new generation.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia Sorento (UM) - 2018 Minor Change

It's been three years since the third-generation Kia Sorento went on sale and the South Korean carmaker launched a minor change for the current-generation model. Needless to say about the recent minor change, Kia promises to be an even better Sorento than it was last time with the added tech and style it deserves from one of Kia's most well-respected SUVs in the lineup.

2018 Kia Sorento

2018 Kia Sorento

For the 2018 minor change, the Sorento has received full LED headlamps, new grille design, new front bumper design, new rear design, and pretty much it. On the inside, there are some changes occurred such as a newly designed heated steering wheel, available T-Link connectivity with smartphone compatibility heated/ventilated tan leather seats on range-topping models, wireless charging, powered tailgate, new electric extendable base on the front seats, and so much more.  Of course, even with new features, it still has a choice of either a five-seater or a seven-seater if you have kids.

2018 Kia Sorento interior

2018 Kia Sorento interior

Engine choices are the same as last time such as a 2.0 litre diesel (186 PS/402 Nm), 2.2 litre diesel (202 PS/441 Nm) and a 2.0 T-GDI petrol unit with 240 PS/353 Nm, but all are now mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and rack-driven electric power steering known as R-MDPS, a first for a Korean car, which results to a slightly improved dynamics compared to the pre-facelift model and thanks to health and safety, the 2018MY Sorento now comes a host of safety tech such as Lane Keeping Assist, Back Side Collision Warning, Front collision avoidance+, Smart Cruise Control, Driver Attention Warning, new Dynamic Bending Lights, and a brand new Around View Monitor. It's everything you need for a crossover fit enough to take the whole family on medical appointments, food trips, mall trips, and so much more that makes the facelifted Sorento worthy to satisfy every families' demands for a safe and enjoyable crossover for day-to-day use.

The 2018MY Sorento starts at 27,850,000 KRW (around $28,000) and comes with Kia's 3 year warranty. With new LED headlamps, R-MPDS, 8-speed automatic, and new features, rest assured that the facelifted model is trying to keep up with the high demand for safe and enjoyable crossovers like the one I know who used to have one.

Available Colors: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, Platinum Graphite, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Blue, and Rich Espresso.

Photo: Kia Motors

A weekend with my sister's Korean crossover

Last weekend is something I worth remember for because I was given a chance to be inside my sister's new car for the first time and I never felt so happy to be part of this day out with me and my family in a Korean crossover I'm particularly fond of.

This Korean crossover I'm talking about is none other than the Kia Sorento, on its third-generation. Yes, I am sorta familiar with this generation but this third-generation Sorento is somewhat different to what is offered in South Korea because this particular Sorento is basically a US-spec version and it is offered with petrol engines exclusively on this market.

The one my sister had is a basic-entry LX model and under the hood is 2.4L GDi DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, which produces 185HP of power and 178 lb-ft of torque with an EPA estimated mileage of 29 MPG highway, mated with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Apart from that, the features of this model my sister Elise got are rear-view monitor, USB/AUX connectivity, aircon, radio, climate control with heating/cooling functions on the interior, some stuff I know, but anyway, no time to jot down what's what because my sister got this car as a birthday present from our brother-in-law.

According to Kia, the LX model of the Sorento costs 26,400 Dollars but I'm not sure how did they manage to finance on this car or how much will they pay annually since there are some theories I'm proposing; is it by lease? Easy finance? Jury's out but I'm not sure how long will this new car will last with my sister's family onboard now that she's got two kids.

The key to my sister's crossover. Never mind the keychain I've bolted to it because it looks so cute when I strap it on. Anyway, what I'm going to do is sit back and whistle while my sister drives her new crossover utility vehicle that we're on it.

Apologies for some idol trash listening on my sister's car audio but all I can say that the USB connectivity on her car does work. In fact, she doesn't even bothered by all those idol trash I'm listening to.

Anyway, we stopped by at Westfield Southcenter for some obvious stuff we're doing such as shopping, eating, and in the case of me, spending a few minutes at the arcade. Round 1, to be precise. While there, I finished shopping for some stuff that I'll be needing at this month's convention happening within a few weeks...probably during this month's Holy Week to be precise.

With the day at the Westfield Southcenter truly finished, we went back home and during the trip back home, I was surprised by just how comfy the new Sorento is and I feel like I want to be in this car as long as I please, if my sister wishes to do so.

On the next day...

Me and my family are using this new car once again, only this time, we're going to the Clarion Hotel, the place we often used for special occasions (and made me bored easily) for the 64th wedding anniversary of our grandparents.

We arrived at the Clarion Hotel for the very occasion but I guess I should fast forward back home so I can tell just how good this car is.

In my evaluation, I have to say it performs better than the previous cars we had; be it a saloon that my Dad often used to go to work or shopping at places like the Salvation Army or Bartell Drugs or the minivan my sister's family used for their family bonding purposes, and even if I'm in the very position I may find it uncomfortable, like the front seat I'm sitting on has been raised to accommodate baby boy's legroom, the ride still compensates very well.

Well, I have to thank my big sis for letting me riding on this new Korean crossover and by upholding my promise to her, I had a little parting gift just for her.

I hope you like my parting gift. It's a keychain of THE IDOLM@STER's Miki Hoshii, donned in her 10th anniversary costume, although this costume never seen the light of day from last year's 10th anniversary concert of THE IDOLM@STER due to the fact that Miki Hoshii's seiyuu didn't make it alongside Ritsuko's and Yayoi's. I hope this will serve as a token of my gratitude to her after letting me having a ride on her new Kia.

Kia All New Sorento (UM)

2015 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is now on its third-generation and the Korean carmaker says that this new model is moving upmarket with its new features that makes this new model a class ahead from its rivals. I was surprised by this one but I want further explanation about the latest generation. Without further ado, let's investigate what's what...

Okay, now tell me. What's new?

Well, this is a totally new model just like the Hyundai Santa Fe DM two years ago but unlike the Santa Fe, the new Sorento has a clean muscular design that really stands out more than its previous model. Looks like its image of being a crossover has now been sharpened to give you a glimpse of the future ahead from the Korean carmaker. However, sharp-eyed spotters might think that the new rear design looks more like a Toyota S#q#### . (Sorry, vowels blocked for search engine reasons)

Dimensions?

Well, the new model is now bigger than its previous model. You can see that the new Sorento has gained 95mm of length and 5mm of width but the height has dropped from the previous model's 1,700mm to 1,685mm. Thanks to its added length, the All New Sorento has a wheelbase of 2,780mm, 80mm more than the last one.

What's it like inside?

2015 Kia Sorento interior

2015 Kia Sorento interior

In the previous model, the interior looks okay but it can be somewhat lacking. On the new model, its "bold and premium" character really pulled it off and this new interior really does suit its personality very well. Because it can fit up to seven people, the new Sorento really suits well as a family car for everyday use. If there are any downsides, I believe that the 3rd row seats doesn't have enough room but no matter.

You can also expect a wide variety of conveniences such as the heated/cooled seats, cluster ionizer, heated steering wheel, wide panorama sunroof, smart tailgate, UVO 2.0 eServices, JBL sound system, and so much more to bring out the best for its premium taste.

Did you know that you can fold the 2nd and 3rd row seats for added luggage capacity that is fit enough for factory-fresh shipments the clients awaiting for these? This car supposed so...

Hey, there's something new about that body, right?

Oh, you're right. I almost forgot. The new model is now constructed from Advanced High Strength Steel that has 60kg of tensile strength but it's 10% lighter than the last one. It also comes more than twice as much of ultra-strong hot-stamped steel than the last one, by about 10.1%, sharply strengthening the pillars.

What's it like to drive?

2015 Kia Sorento

The new model now matches the same level of driving from its European counterparts...well, almost. For engine choices, it still retains the same diesel-only lineup as the last one. It comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder and 2.2 4-cylinder. The 2.0L diesel produces 186PS of power and 402Nm of torque. Fuel economy is about 13.5km/L if you would go for the 2WD model. The 2.2L diesel, on the other hand, delivers 202PS of power, 441Nm of torque, and 13.4km/L of fuel economy, should you go for the 2WD model. Both of these engines are bolted to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

It still comes with a not-so-bad fully-independent suspension setup but with some minor alterations. On the rear multi-link suspension, the subframe has gained bigger bushings to better isolate it from the interior and the larger shock absorbers have been mounted vertically behind the axle line to enhance body control motion. That all seems fine but because it comes with a brand new electric motor-driven power steering system, it's starting to get more responsive and more agile than the last one while retaining its ride quality most luxury SUVs have.

It's a good thing it doesn't feel as cheap as a second-hand Korean SUV from the last decade but still, the best of Europe are still edging on such competition and the new Sorento tries to brave through this obstacle like handicapped darts.

Should I buy one?

The new Sorento is now priced from 2.765 million Korean Won up to 3.685 Korean Won (around $28,000 to $36,300) so not only it's becoming more affordable to own than the previous model, it's affordable to own than the Hyundai Santa Fe but that's only for the entry-level model. For a top tip, you can have this than the Hyundai Grandeur diesel because why? It has more room, more seats, and it has 4WD optional. The Grandeur doesn't have that so this can be a decent chauffeur-driven car if you're a celebrity or a politician of a certain province.

Available colors: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, Imperial Bronze, Metal Stream, Platinum Graphite, and Aurora Black Pearl.

Photo: Kia Motors Corporation

Latest US-Spec Sorento commercial brings back the toys for another road trip!

The life-sized toys as seen on last year's Kia Sorento Super Bowl ad showed up for the second time in their latest US-Spec Kia Sorento commercial and yes, they're back for another Joyride with the upgraded Kia Sorento.

While not as good as the Kia Soul Hamster ads, the gang seems to be enjoying well.

Better not ask what was the song played on this ad!

Rate Ko: 2.9/5

Kia Sorento R in a Mula sa Puso episode...

Kia Sorento R in a Mula sa Puso episode
(look at the left)

I just noticed that there was a Kia Sorento R appeared at a Mula Sa Puso episode since April 25, 2011.

What's that Sorento R doing here in the drama?

Making pansin-pansin on the TV drama?

Huh...

An automotive recall like a Korean drama... [UPDATE]

Check this scoop:

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/12/2011-hyundai-santa-fe-and-2011-kia.html

Hyundai's Santa Fe:

and Kia's Sorento

Both of these Korean SUVs are a favorite among Philippine car enthusiasts because of the CRDi R eVGT diesel engine. It seems both of the Philippines' favorite crossovers are suffered from a major recall due to defective brakes!

Only the latest versions (built from September to November 2010) were affected by this said recall. Seems sad but this recall is much more of a Korean drama...

Hurry up and better get these two fixed! Owners, get these fixed at your dealers. I'm not sure if both the Philippine distributors of Hyundai (HARI) and Kia (Columbian) made an announcement about this recall...

Well, back to watch some Korean dramas...

Update: Turns out only those made in North America were affected by the recall. The ones we had were made from South Korea, so in other words, we're safe.

Kia Sorento R (2nd-gen Sorento)

The global financial crisis seeks bad news to the world's greatest automobile manufacturers, but it seeks good news for Korean automobile manufacturers to get themselves ahead to become the number one automobile manufacturer in the world, and so does Kia Motors for doing it during these hard times. As for this week's Seoul Motor Show, the Korean manufacturer will unveil the "World Class Premium" crossover which is even better than before, the Kia Sorento. Redesigned, refreshed, revamped and ready to be the top of the line medium sized crossover in the world, including the Philippines, the all new Kia Sorento has all the features only a conservative person might get. By making the new Sorento a "World Prestige Class" crossover, the front side is equipped with the trademark Peter Schreyer H-Grille (found in the facelifted Optima, Soul, Forte and other models equipping this grille soon), giving it a true-blue Kia look to this crossover utility vehicle. As for the side, that does still looks like the new Lexus RX (formerly known as the Toyota Harrier) as from the previous generation but the mainframe is shared from two Hyundai SUVs, the Santa Fe and the Veracruz. And finally, the rear side is somewhat mistaken for the Kia Mohave (or Borrego to other markets) except it's shrunken down to medium SUV size, giving it a sophisticated look of a luxury crossover.

Now that the exterior details are told, time for the new Sorento to show everyone its new engine so fuel efficient, that no other crossover can achieve its fuel saving performance. The new Kia Sorento is equipped with a 2.7-litre LPI engine, a 2.4-litre gasoline engine and the new 200ps, 2.2-litre CRDI-VGT R-engine (a new breed of diesel engine made for Hyundais and Kias) that boasts the perfect fuel economy of only 14.1km/L! That is right folks, 14.1km/L! That is enough fuel economy to last longer for some globetrotting excitement for everyone who deserves a diesel engine!

For convenience, the Sorento replaces the traditional "insert key-start engine" system into an engine start/stop push button for easy starting this car, a smart key system allows the driver to open or close the Sorento with the push of a remote car key buttons, cruise control, a host of audio systems, and for the fun of it, panoramic moon roof (similar to the Nissan Teana) for the view to the top no other.



WHY DO YOU CALL THIS A WORLD CLASS PREMIUM?

To tell you the strong expression for this crossover, consider yourself if you were the professor of some prestigious universities like De La Salle or Ateneo, a head coach of your favorite basketball team like NBA's Chicago Bulls, a famous news writer of some famous Filipino newspaper such as the New York Times or Philippine Daily Inquirer, a great newscaster from some of the world's greatest TV networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, especially ABS-CBN or GMA, an honorable businessperson, a fashion designer whose design shaped the world with fashion, a composer to the world's greatest philharmonic orchestras, a MVP of your favorite sports, an astronaut from NASA, a world famous mangaka, a world famous dancer, a director who wanted to create world famous film, a veteran lawyer, or a famous actor/actress who won the Academy Awards. This is how people who deserved the "World Class" title claim themselves to be the "World Class" people of today. With the new Kia Sorento, the title "World Class" might be yours for the taking! If other people saw you drive the new Sorento, people might say, "if whoever claims it must have mattered it" someday.