Hey everyone! If you’re into family SUVs with that touch of luxury, the Kia Sorento should definitely be on your radar. I took this Sorento on a road trip adventure and had a blast! But, let’s get real: it ain’t cheap folks
The Sponsor Shoutout & Road Trip Fail
First off, big thanks to Kia Mbombela for hooking me up with this ride! (Seriously, check out their website – you can figure out car prices and all those monthly payment things grown-ups worry about. lol)
So, I packed the Sorento for a weekend getaway to a town called Hazyview right here in Mpumalanga. Now, this place is about one hour from Mbombela where I live – a perfect little test drive. If you haven’t gone on holiday or still planning an outing then I suggest you consider coming to Mpumalanga.
Fuel, Power, and How It Drives
- Fuel Economy: Kia claims it sips 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers, but I was getting closer to 8.0. Not horrible, but not the best if your allowance is tight. Has anyone ever achieved these manufacturer-claimed figures? If so, they should definitely teach me how to drive.
- The Engine: It’s a 2.2-liter turbo diesel with a nice 8-speed gearbox. It’s got decent power (148kW, 440 Nm), but sometimes feels like it wants a bit more oomph when trying to pass super-slow drivers. But once you’re cruising, smooth sailing thanks to that all-wheel-drive grip.
- Handling: It’s got a heads-up display and blind spot warnings EVERYWHERE. Seriously, if you manage to bump someone, you aren’t paying attention! This however could be considered by other drivers. As for me, I like this kinda technology.
Tons of Safety Features (Thank Goodness for GPS Mishaps)
This thing is loaded with safety tech! You get rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance systems, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and airbags everywhere…Kia went all out to keep you safe. This came in extra handy because…let’s talk about the nighttime adventure!
We arrived in Dullstroom after dark. Luckily, the Sorento’s headlights are awesome, because the GPS was trying to send us into a forest! We eventually got to the hotel, down this sketchy dirt road that was easy-peasy for the Sorento’s off-road modes. Oh, and the ambient lighting at night? Super chill vibes.🔥
Looks, Practicality, and the Big Question: The Price
The next day was all about checking out the rest of the Sorento. Here’s the breakdown:
- Looks: I like it – bold and a bit different! 19-inch wheels, those vertical LED taillights…it’s got a cool American SUV feel. Let me know YOUR thoughts!
- The Inside: This is where Kia delivers! 10.25-inch touchscreen (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), separate climate controls, heated AND cooled seats, fancy gear shifter, a center armrest you could hide a small pet in, heated steering wheel…the works! But, you need cables for CarPlay, which is a bummer in 2023.
- Space for Days: The second row has more legroom than you’ll ever need. Rear privacy curtains, air vents, more USB ports than you have friends, comfy leather seats…it’s a hangout zone.
- Third Row Test: Definitely tight for adults, but okay for kids or short trips. But hey, the electric tailgate and load cover are practical touches!
- THE BIG QUESTION: This top-of-the-line Sorento? Brace yourself…R1,118,995! Yikes more than a bar for Kia. Monthly payments are hefty (around R21,877 thus we calculate using an interest rate of 12.75%), with fuel and insurance pushing it to nearly R28,000 per month. Warranty is great, though – 5 years, unlimited kilometers! Who else in Mzansi is giving those kinda deals? No one of course.
The Wrap-Up
I’m calling this specific Sorento “Lindy”. It’s a great SUV: comfy, safe, and has space galore. But that price tag has me scratching my head. You’re suddenly looking at some seriously tough off-roaders from other brands. So, what do YOU think? Is the Sorento’s premium vibe worth the cost?
Let me know in the comments!