Kia Sorento 2024 review: GT-Line diesel

There are four grades available for the Sorento with a choice of a petrol or the diesel engine for each grade level.

On test this week is the top-spec GT-Line with the turbo-diesel engine.  This particular combination is priced at $68,590 before on road costs and sits more towards the middle of its rivals. The Hyundai Sante Fe Highlander slides in as most affordable at $66,500 and the petrol-powered Toyota Kluger Grande eclipses the Sorento at $75,650.

You would be right in expecting the flagship model to come jammed-packed with features and the GT-Line doesn't disappoint.

The dashboard is headlined by the beautiful curved panel that houses those dual 12.3-inch digital screens.

The luxury appointments include quilted Nappa leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof and heated rear outboard seats in the middle row.

The driver's seat features 14-way powered adjustments with lumbar support and extendable under-thigh bolster. The front passenger seat has 10-way powered adjustment with lumbar support and both seats feature heating and ventilation functions.

The top dog also gets a heated steering wheel, digital rearview mirror and a whole bunch of updated technology. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be connected via wire or wireless and the 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system has had its layout updated and exclusive to this grade is the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

The dashboard sits a bit lower than expected and thus you don't feel like you're in a big monster when you drive.

The family-friendly and practical features include keyless entry/ start, powered tailgate, remote start and remote parking function (key fob activated), retractable sun-blinds  (middle row), extendable sun visors and a full-size spare wheel.

There is a niggling thought though that if the people and storage stowage were the deciding factors, you might be better suited for the Kia Carnival which is more fit-for-purpose, more affordable (by a hair) and features a similar specs list.

The Sorento offers a cabin that is not short on space and up front you never feel like you're on top of your passengers, no matter who or what you're carrying.

However, the leg- and headroom is the best in the front and middle rows. The panoramic sunroof and stadium positioning of the seats of the middle row cuts into the headspace a little bit but a taller adult will still find comfort.

The legroom in the third row is more suited for kid-sized occupants but an adult could squeeze back there for a (very) short trip.

Individual storage and amenities throughout the car are excellent for the class. Front passengers get a drink bottle holder in each door, two cupholders and a large middle console and glove box. There are also some handy storage nooks and a utility tray on the topside of the centre console for items like keys, wallet and your phone.

The electric front seats are super comfortable and have those lux heat and ventilation functions.

The electric front seats are super comfortable and have those lux heat and ventilation functions.

The middle row gets a skinny drink bottle holder in each door, two cupholders in a fold-down armrest and another cupholder in each door. These are the favourites for my son because they are easier to access for him.

On the back of the front seats you get map pockets and two netted device holders. There are also reading lights, directional air vents, retractable sun blinds and heated outboard seats.

Third rowers aren't forgotten either with two cupholders, two snack trays and directional air vents, as well as an electric fan controller and reading lights.

The legroom in the third row is more suited for kid-sized occupants but an adult could squeeze back there for a (very) short trip.

In terms of other storage, the back seat has a 60/40 split and the third row has 50/50 split. With the third row stowed, you get a decent 608L of storage capacity in the boot.

There is a small under-floor compartment where you can hide the cargo cover and the full-size spare wheel is located underneath the car. This grade also comes with a handsfree-powered tailgate.

The technology on a whole is up to date and easy to use, however, the 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system has a different layout ushered in as part of the update and it took a while to get used to. Kia has thankfully fixed the strange quirk of some higher model grades not having wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that's now standard. This grade also gets built-in satellite navigation with map updates for 10 years.

In terms of other storage, the back seat has a 60/40 split and the third row has 50/50 split.

The instrument cluster is semi-customisable and you get a head-up display too. I like that there are handy controls within easy reach of the driver, like the remote boot opening button. It's good on a school or sport run!

Charging options are really good throughout the car with each row getting two USB-C ports but the front also gets a wireless charging pad too. Both the middle and third rows get a 12-volt port, so basically charging will not be an issue in this car.

Our GT-Line on test has a the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces a maximum power output of 148kW and 440Nm of torque. This combination ensures that you have plenty of grunt, even with a full boot load, but can feel sluggish off the mark. It's a beautiful cruiser once you're up to speed though.

The GT-Line is an AWD with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

You can select an additional three terrain modes, Snow, Mud or Sand and it has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg (750kg unbraked) for any adventure pursuits.

Our GT-Line on test has a the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces a maximum power output of 148kW and 440Nm of torque.

You'd expect the  diesel engine to be relatively frugal for efficiency and the Sorento claims an official combined fuel cycle figure of 6.0L/100km and after mostly urban driving, my real-world usage came out at 7.9L which is very good.

Based on the official combined fuel cycle and the 67L fuel tank, you should see a driving range of 1116km, which makes the GT-Line diesel an excellent road-tripper.

The Kia Sorento is well equipped with safety features.

Standard items include the biggies like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, blind-spot view monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping aids, lane departure alert, driver attention monitoring, 360-degree view camera system, as well as, front, rear and side parking sensors.

It's also great to see items like blind-spot collision avoidance, reverse parking collision avoidance, safe exit assist, rear occupant alert, intelligent seat belt reminders (six seats), tyre-pressure monitoring, trailer stability assist and an SOS e-call button.

Families will be happy that there are a total of four ISOFIX child seat mounts (two in the middle row and two in the third row), as well as, five top-tether anchor points.

The traffic sign recognition tech is still an annoying feature as it continues to beep/ chime/ alert whenever there is a traffic sign and/or speed sign change. Good luck ignoring it when you hit a school zone too.

The Sorento has AEB with car, pedestrian, cyclist and junction turning assist, which is operational from 5.0 - 85km/h but the car detection is only up to 75km/h, which is surprisingly low. It's usual to see that top figure sitting closer to 180km/h for car-to-car detection.

The Sorento achieved a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2020 and features seven airbags but the curtain airbags do not cover the third row, which is disappointing for a seven-seater family car.

The super clear 360-degree view camera system, as well as the front, rear and side parking sensors means you shouldn't struggle parking it.

Families will be happy that there are a total of four ISOFIX child seat mounts (two in the middle row and two in the third row), as well as, five top-tether anchor points.

The middle row is wide enough to accommodate three child seats and there is plenty of room for front passengers when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat is installed.