2024 Kia Sorento review - 7 seater upgraded, GT-Line AWD tested

The updated and upgraded Kia Sorento 7 seater SUV is here. And it's very good.
But keep in mind that if you're planning to use this 3 row SUV as a full-time family vehicle, you need to know that the curtain airbags don't protect third-row occupants.
Besides that, there's not a whole lot that's wrong with the Kia Sorento, but I think the previous look was nicer. Tell me your thoughts in the comments.
Now, would you choose this, or one of the alternatives below?:
Mazda CX-90: • Mazda CX-90 2024 revie...
Toyota Kluger: • Toyota Kluger 2024 rev...
Hyundai Palisade: • Best 8 seater SUV? 202...
Ford Everest: • 2024 Ford Everest revi...
--
00:00 Intro
00:21 Is it the right price?
04:34 What are the best alternatives?
06:10 Is it the right size?
08:10 Interior
15:40 Under the bonnet
17:11 Driving
21:29 Efficiency
22:34 Is it safe?
23:46 Ownership
24:25 Verdict
--
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[@kakauppal]

Great work mate! I love your reviews and they are always unbiased.

[@Navidzs]

The way you explained each grade's options was awesome. I completely understood which grade has what over the others. Good job👌

[@therightcar]

Thanks!!

[@neilbeveridge1739]

Not many reviewers go into much depth mention price of features, other than the model level they are reviewing. You pointed out the bigger differences and price better than any other reviewer I looked at and thanks for pointing out to turn off the safety beeps, I have since bought a Sorrento and it's something that's slowly getting on my nerves.

[@harsahaisingh]

Great point

[@user-rj5vt6zx7q]

Nice review, mate. Very thorough…

[@therightcar]

Thanks! 🙏

[@Vladimir-Vladimirovich.]

Good review. Nice job.

[@therightcar]

Thanks!

[@Ederson9926]

Cant wait to watch this review of new Sorento

[@therightcar]

I’m hoping you saw

[@BrettAlan84]

Thanks for the review. Is there a sunglasses holder?

[@Matthew.com.a]

I discovered Kia with my last car, I will not change from Kia family! They got the best offering, look at this one all the tech you want at affordable range, fantastic! This is my this year buy!

[@d.j.z.j]

dope channel bro. would love pram space etc for all new parents

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate. Appreciate that. I try and show prams in the boot when possible, but it’s not always easy to do as I travel to events (as I did for this one). If you’re looking for awesome parent content, check out Baby Drive - Tace is a great resource and top person, too.

[@yujin1984320]

Ordered the sports plus diesel yesterday. Was waiting for your review to make the final decision... Well done Matt as always!

[@therightcar]

Thanks so much. Hope you love it!!

[@elyse6688]

Love the new facelift and that colour is stunning!

[@therightcar]

It really is -- even better in person.

[@abdulfurkhan8801]

been waiting 16 months for this. hopefully the end or beginning is near 🙂 nice review. ive been waiting patiently cos for our needs which is, second car, 1 kid, 1 dog, occasionally towing a 1.5t camper trailer, a non ute like experience, some fancy tech i reckon it checks all the boxes. considered the everest but a comparable to gt line for tech is the top end which is 20k more... only thing that bugs me is longevity as i plan to keep for at least 7 years. warranty is good n i hope i don't have to use it 😊 considering the history of transmission replacements in the diesel

[@therightcar]

I think it'll easily do the job for you!

[@pramojev]

Hi Matt, have been watching your reviews for a few years now and following you on The right car now. I like the way you do the reviews, very thorough. I think it will improve your reviews further if you can include the following. 1. 0 to 100 and 100 to 120 timings; 2. Stopping distance/timing from 100 to 0; 3. Turning radius. 4. How is the ride through tough terrains like country roads and uneven surfaces with potholes and bumps. 5. Resale value 6. How easy/hard is to to park (in tight spots like shopping center parking, road side parallel parking etc). 7. Clear opinion on build quality by thickness and closing sound of doors and rigidness of the dash and center console, evenness of gap of joints like bonnets etc; 8, Also if you could limit review around 20 minutes ( may be a bit hard, but even if you have to trim and improvise all sections to meet the 20 minutes mark I think it will be worth it). Thanks for the reviews and keep them coming.

[@perpetualgrin5804]

Will will then get 1 test a month😅.

[@therightcar]

Thanks for the feedback, but the whole point of my channel is to tell people what the cars are like to live with, not what they're like in terms of scientific testing like acceleration and stuff. I understand why you want it, but it won't happen here... not anytime soon, anyway.

[@Hamzamain513]

Mashalla What a car ❤ Waooo

[@DesiHoonMain]

Hi Matt, great review. Does the wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play come standard or only in the GT Line?

[@therightcar]

Standard range-wide, mate!

[@klausschroiff4405]

It would really be nice to know if it's possible to reconfigure (=disable some of) the assistance systems at the dealer. After all, they can reprogram some aspects.

[@therightcar]

They cannot. Kia Australia has advised these are un-reprogrammable. I mean, if you found a hacker that could do it, cool, but it might void your warranty.

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Do the headlights have active shadowing?

[@josephpereira1390]

Would like to see this vs the other similar type suvs.. so competitive atm

[@therightcar]

Like what other SUVs? Kluger?

[@josephpereira1390]

@@therightcar i was thinking of new models like pathfinder, cx60, tuscon and everest.

[@djaywadhwa2275]

Hi Matt love your Reviews, could you pls review jeep compass night hawk 2023 as well, do you think its a worth buy in 2024?

[@therightcar]

Hi mate. I honestly won’t be reviewing a Compass of the current type. It has been discontinued in Australia for now as a petrol or diesel but apparently the 2024 hybrid range will arrive this year. I’d love to bring you a review of the hybrid when it gets here. Stay tuned. The existing model, I found, is somewhat underwhelming. Have you considered a Tank 300 instead?

[@djaywadhwa2275]

@@therightcar Hi Matt, I love the way it looks and saw your reviews on Scorpio VS Tank 300, My only worry is spending $46k on a Chinese vehicle and realising later that a lemon was purchased, do you think its quality is worth spending $46k? What’s your views on Indian built scorpio? Which one would you trust the most?

[@markscott2215]

Matt - are speed sign recognition alarms and driver monitoring systems ancap requirements with new models or voluntary technologies?

[@therightcar]

ANCAP and Euro NCAP specific.

[@sweetlittlebricks]

I have the US version. SX Prestige and it doesn't have 3rd row vents like the Australian GX version

[@therightcar]

Really? That’s rude.

[@ellgee9402]

is android auto wireless?

[@acde9355]

The speed sign warning beeping has been added to the spec list, which is probably due to the new regulation of the EU. In addition, I wish the Hyundai & KIA group could soon introduce their 48V mild hybrid system as I have seen fuel consumption drop thanks to the use of the auto start/stop system, but it doesn't work with A/C on.

[@therightcar]

Yep that beeping system is a beeping pain in the backside.

[@lauranuckley9101]

Are you going to be reviewing the sorento self charging hybrid ??

[@therightcar]

You bet. I have one this week, will aim to publish the review as soon as I can.

[@MrSimonBurgoyne]

Great review - was considering new Santa Fe 2024 but no diesel option so it’s a no go ( no interested in a 1.6l hybrid ) especially when towing etc.. So looks like it’s a Sorrento, Ford Everest Platinum or LandCruiser Prado. Would be great if Hyundai introduced a new Diesel say 2.5l with hybrid etc.. and non dct gearbox.. bit like Toyota.. but love the 2.2 diesel (non dct) in my current Santa Fe..

[@therightcar]

It is a shame they won't have diesel, but given the new vehicle emissions standards that are on their way, you best be buying a diesel ANYTHING if you really want one. I am absolutely gobsmacked that Hyundai Group axed the excellent straight-six diesel from the Genesis models so soon after it spent hundreds of millions developing it. Maybe a Genesis GV80 diesel (if you can find one) could be a good choice for you...!

[@MrSimonBurgoyne]

Thanks for the update - Yup I think Hyundai have shot themselves in the foot in this market. I will certainly look at a new diesel in the next couple of years, but given the average age of cars in NZ being 14 years I figure there will be alot around for some time... @therightcar

[@MrSimonBurgoyne]

No GV80 in NZ as far as i can tell.. but would go Toyota or Ford Diesel V6 diesel depending on long reliability reports etc.

[@brandonmullin4039]

The 2024 sorento sx is only 43k in the USA

[@islandcoma]

The speed limit nanny is out of control. Why not remember the last saved setting? by reading about this, it looks like a EU NCAP requirement for 5 star safety but even that doesnt require an audible warning.

[@marksweet8740]

I wonder how these rear view cameras are coping with dirt coming up when driving alot on dirt roads because some designs are helping the amount of dust that sticks to the back of these two storey wagons.

[@therightcar]

Good point. I didn’t get a chance to sample it on unsealed road - but one would hope it has a coating to stop dirt. Or that it can be washed using the rear washer!

[@user-qc5vh7cb4o]

The fantasy fuel figures car companies quote are ridiculous!

[@therightcar]

It’s based on actual testing. But real-world results may vary 🫠

[@mindfreeze0838]

The car is put on a glorified conveyer belt, so you can get those figures if you do your commutes in a warehouse with a conveyer belt for a road. To be fair not all companies produce figures that are so far off, Mitsubishi (at least for their ASEAN models) and Suzukis when real world tested get close or below their published figures

[@keithwilliams515]

In Australia it is not the car company quoting fuel figures. It is a government legal requirement and the testing is part of the ADR (Australian Design Rules) process. The ADR standardised tests are conducted in a cell which is air conditioned between 20 to 25 degrees, with the car set up on rollers and force-fed air into the radiators so it doesn't overheat. Resistance on the rollers is set to mimic the weight of the car and the 11-kilometre, 20-minute test begins, starting with an 'urban' cycle (replicating stop-start traffic) followed by a shorter 'extra urban' cycle. Yep, tested for 20 minutes, on rollers, in an air conditioned environment. Let's hope the recent Mitsubishi case will see some sanity introduced into the ADR testing regime and what stickers car companies are forced to put on the new cars..

[@LifeCycle1978]

My RAV4 is quoted at 38MPG, I get 38 MPG.

[@daweigo6851]

​@@LifeCycle1978they talking about Australian market😮

[@romeoguitar]

Skoda kodiaq is another option, but Cant wait to see New SANTA FE

[@therightcar]

Good point re Kodiaq. Can’t wait for the new one of it, too!

[@mindfreeze0838]

So I like that it has 3rd row isofix, thats a Benz level feature(no airbags there which for this price is kind of a miss but hey, seems if you want to protect the 3rd row with airbags you need to spend at least 20 grand more) . Ive never heard of a 3 row SUV not getting even a blower in the 3rd row, thats just mean for a car that costs this much. There are 7 seat MPV's(not sold in this market because Australians have evolved beyond having practical cheaper cars)that have way more amenities in the 3rd row as standard. Apart from that the facelift gets a psudeo Seltos grill and the DRL's at the top instead of the bottom and a rotary gear selector for your pleasure, that sure is worth 3 grand.

[@therightcar]

Not necessarily, re the airbags. A Kia Carnival has them for third row. As does a Hyundai Staria. And so does a Toyota Kluger.

[@tonyc.5381]

'tis a pity that the new Santa Fe will not be offered with a diesel motor and, as you mentioned, Hyundai petrol engines are very thirsty

[@2010appra]

I am considering 2024 sorento but confused between petrol and diesel. I drive 30km in day , 4 days a week.

[@mvnorsel6354]

Petrol, you will never get the fuel saving back😅. Well maybe in 2035.

[@therightcar]

If you don’t plan to go camping, or to the snow, and you’re a gentle driver, petrol. But there’s big global demand for petrol models so wait times may be longer. Diesel is terrific for surefootedness and easy progress. I wouldn’t go the petrol, personally!

[@1975tbm]

Is a hybrid coming in 24 Sorrento?

[@therightcar]

It’s not here yet. But they haven’t unveiled the updated version globally, so it might be a little wait.

[@jiarunli5510]

Owning a Sportage petrol for three months, and love most of it, but still, some really annoying things (about all Kia/Hyundai cars): The speed sign recognition and beeping sound are terribly designed. In fact, the whole info system looks nice, but there are some pointless gimmicks. That Dual Clutch Transmission is really hesitant at low speeds, particularly when stopping and going up a hill (I tried Alfa Romeo tonale before buying sportage, that tonale dual-clutch is much worse, though); And one thing I cannot understand about Kia is they don't offer AWD for Sorento GT line petrol (I also considered upgrading to sorento but this was the dealbreaker), considering buying a 70k relatively large SUV without AWD, and it can be a bit tricky in rainy days in hill areas.

[@therightcar]

These are all terrific and insightful points. Thank you.

[@jiarunli5510]

@@therightcar Thank you, love the reviews:)

[@thebankchanneltv]

These are good cars but I wonder if they really should be called 5+2 seats for the REAL space in the back

[@brandonmullin4039]

But we unfortunately don’t get the heads up display

[@paulm0573]

Is the heads up display a standard feature across all models or only the top of the range?

[@brandonmullin4039]

@@paulm0573 well with Kia it’s more or so in the upper top 2 trims and some models don’t have it. But as time goes on that will change

[@alicenkosi516]

Hi I have a Kia sorento 2011 it gives me a problem it doesn't want to start and it's an automatic

[@therightcar]

You best go to a mechanic.

[@Tie626]

$73K seems high.... but then at the equipment level they offer I dont think there is any competition

[@therightcar]

It is in a bit of a sweet spot, spec wise. But then again, a current (not new-gen) Santa Fe Highlander is cheaper with similar gear

[@Tie626]

@@therightcar true.. Santa Fe is cheaper but Sorrento seems like a more matured /sorted product. ie as Santa Fe has no head up display, no adapted suspension, no seat thigh extension, wireless apple car play.etc I guess it is the brand KIA that makes us pause, having said that is hard to fault kIA's products these days. As earlier when we were younger KIA was also known as "Killed In Action".....😀

[@inmopy3741]

Como se llama el color de este Sorento?

[@therightcar]

Cityscape Green

[@sebadass2]

mazda cx 90 looks good but it is a bit more expensive then kia. . . um difficult decision

[@therightcar]

Yeah, CX-90 also sizeably larger to park and drive!

[@nigelbritton964]

The annoying Hyundai/Kia speed recognition system would be a deal breaker for me especially when you can't turn it off permanently. I've read some Hyundai/Kia owners were so frustrated with it that after couple of months they cut there losses and got something else.

[@therightcar]

Yep, I’ve heard from owners who have done just that. It’s not just these brands, though. The global safety tech mandates in play and the industry perception that buyers insist on five-star ratings means we’re going to have to suffer these frustrating systems. But rest assured, I won’t suffer them silently!

[@chpud1003]

​@therightcar how to turn if off permanently?

[@paulm0573]

How long does the beeping last for? If it was like 3 seconds only then I could live with it

[@buncha5651]

Good looking vehicle would look great in white. Shame they ruined it with a hideously huge sunroof and DCT.

[@therightcar]

You could buy a petrol one with a regular auto (V6 petrol) and no sunroof 🥳

[@buncha5651]

​@@therightcar Or preferably a Sportage Diesel Sport plus

[@Emptyheads.]

New SantaFe is riddled with gearbox failures.

[@ssalloum1993]

First and last, because I'm stupid 😔

[@noahsemyonov]

yes, yes you are x

[@therightcar]

Don’t be so hard on yourself.

[@gregj7916]

motoring wise everything in aussie is just getting too bloody big.....

[@therightcar]

Big cars for a big country! 🤣

[@tedrik1346]

😂are those seats black or gray?

[@vsboy2577]

70 k for this 😂

[@yujin1984320]

Some dealers in vic sell their existing stock for 80k plus.

[@vsboy2577]

@@yujin1984320 anyone paying 80 k for a Kia Sorento needs medical help.

[@MF-yn2lk]

Good value … go compare it to BMW, Merc etc… then tell me if it’s value for money. Considering you’re getting 7 year warranty too. Also to note the resale value to much better. I’d much rather this than paying $60k+ more for a BMW or Merc for less tech and just the brand name.

[@vsboy2577]

@@MF-yn2lk the kia Sorrento has a old crappy engine.

[@MF-yn2lk]

@@vsboy2577 I agree that the BMW etc have a nice engines. But the Kia is extremely economical and gets the job done, IMHO it’s still not worth paying the additional $$ for a BMW. I wish people drove around with their net wealth on the back of their cars. I reckon over 50% of people with a KIA or Hyundai would have a higher net wealth than some of those driving around in BMW’s Merc etc…. It’s just an image thing.

[@dkkli985]

Very good SUV and there is a reason why VIC police bought many of these