Kia Sorento 2018 Review
Kia Sorento 2018 Aggregated Reviews |
| Cars Guide: 8/10 |
| The Motor Report: 8/10 |
| Top Gear: 7/10 |
| Car Advice: 8.5/10 |
| Product Review (owner ratings): 9.2/10 |
| Combined total score: 8.14/10 |
We love:
- Harman Kardon stereo
- Tinted rear windows
- Adaptive cruise control
Pain points:
- Harder to access third row with two child seats fitted
- No auto high-beam dimmer
- No rain-sensing wipers
- No upgrade kit to overcome 100kg tow ball load to utilise tow capacity with Australian trailers.
Kia Sorento 2018 review
Incrementally improved from the original new shape released in 2015, the Kia Sorento has taken the opportunity to upgrade the safety of the range, improving the ride comfort and handling at the same time.
Exterior of the Kia Sorento 2018
The latest version of the Kia Sorento looks pretty similar to the previous model from the outside, with the main updates being new wheel shapes and subtly updated head and tail lights.
Image courtesy of Cars Guide
While styling is often a personal preference, the Kia runs the middle ground with curved features setting it apart from its boxy competitors.
The SLi option has an auto tail-gate and proximity unlocking, making the family SUV easier to use.
Inside the Kia Sorento 2018
This is a large vehicle, with leather seat trim, dual-zone air-conditioning, ventilation and fan control for the third row, and wood-look trim on dash panels. There's heaps of space for storage, with large door bins and a good-sized centre console.
The third row of seats rolls totally flat, with 605 litres of space available when they are both down. You can choose from a variety of seat configurations, the full seven, six, five, three or just two seats for maximum cargo space of 1, 665 litres. Each seat position has enough room to stretch out in.
Image courtesy of Cars Guide
With six airbags, ABS, AEB, stability control, and a reversing camera, the Kia Sorento offers you plenty of safety assistance and protection. The side airbags don't extend to the third row of seats, which are more difficult to access when child seats are in place. There are ISOFIX points in just the second row to hold two child seats.
The optional "see it from space" panoramic roof on the GT Line opens up the interior space, and all models have seats which are power adjustable.
Connectivity
An all-new infotainment system joins an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Bluetooth, sat nav, AM/FM/DAB+ radio, Aux and USB input to a six-speaker audio system.
There are four USB ports, two at the front and two for rear passengers, to charge devices.
What's it like to drive a Kia Sorento 2018?
Towing capacity is 2,000 kilograms braked or 750 kilograms unbraked, and you can load up to 100 kilograms on the tow ball. Even with electric power steering, the turning circle is still 11.4 metres. Safety features include AEB and adaptive cruise control.
"The overall ride and feel are like crossing the Pacific in the business class of an A380 on a calm night." - Tony Sullivan, owner of a Kia Sorento, NSW.
The suspension is tuned locally in Australia. There are even handy tyre pressure monitors that warn you if your tyre is losing air so you can get a slow puncture fixed sooner.
Who's the Kia Sorento 2018 for?
Perfect for large families who don't want to be in a classic people mover. You'll easily cover dirt roads, but sand and serious off-roading shouldn't be part of your driving.
Three colour options - image courtesy of Cars Guide
GT line comes only in diesel AWD. Post-sale service is good, and the Kia Sorento is a proven reliable car that's versatile enough for most families requirements. Plus you get a seven-year, capped price servicing warranty.
Feature Summary
Price: $42,990
Engine: V6, 3.5L naturally aspirated petrol or 2.2L four cylinder turbo-diesel.
Transmission: Eight speed automatic
Wheels: 17, 18 or 19 inch aluminium alloy wheels depending on model selected.
Safety: 5 star ANCAP
Fuel: 10.0L/100km for petrol or 7.6L/100km for diesel.
AV and tech: 8 inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth, Six-speaker audio.
Seats: 7
Doors: 5
You can finance a Kia Sorento from $200/week*, get a quick quote to find out exactly what it will cost to embrace your true style.
No time to shop around for your car? Just tell us exactly what you want, including the features and colour. We will find the vehicle to match and negotiate the best price for you.
*Over a 5-year loan term.
Tom Caesar is the Managing Director of The Positive Group, a group of Australian financial services companies offering a broad range of finance to clients Australia wide. The Positive Group assist clients in the areas of car finance, mortgages, insurance & wealth management. Tom has been in car & asset finance for over 10 years. Tom regularly contributes articles on car finance, insurance, technology and business growth, drawing on his experience of starting his own brokerage in 2009.