Why The KIA Sorento is A Great Choice For A Family 7-Seater SUV at Under £50,000

[@Klutch58Customs]

Kia have come a long way since the Kia pride I used to rag around in the mid 90's!

[@kelela37clch]

Thanks for taking the time to share! All the best!

[@pd3139]

Thanks Jay, very objective comments. Here in Australia we have two engine options, a V6 petrol or a turbo-diesel 4 cylinder with an 8 speed wet dual clutch transmission. I own a Santa Fe (which is virtually identical to the Sorrento)with the Diesel engine which is as smooth as silk. The diesel is $3,500 (about 1600 pounds) more expensive than the petrol which is not well regarded. In the States they have a 2.5 litre turbo petrol which apparently is a ripper! The Kia/Hyundai reputation here is as good as it gets. Bear in mind that the USA models are built in the USA whereas ours come from Korea. The pricing is very interesting. Many Australians buy the badge first and the car second. Generally speaking European cars are expensive here for reasons that may be dictated by the makers/importers. We are after all a large country with a small population. Many European car makers are thin on the ground with dealerships, even more so outside our capital cities. I have just paid the equivalent of about 35,000 pounds for my Santa Fe which includes state taxes and first years registration and 3rd party insurance which I reckon is a bargain when compared to European equivalents.

[@rhyschapman2861]

You can actually (as of 2022) buy this in Australia in both a Hybrid (AWD or FWD) or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid, AWD). This gives Australia at least 4 engine options. Though the US still gets the 2.5l Turbo also, which apparently really goes.

[@jeffreyrodgers7477]

After someone hit my crosstrek on my drive to work last year, I was given a fully optioned sportage as a rental while my car was in the shop. Up until that point, I thought of Kia as not really that nice and cheaply built. After about a week, I had totally fallen for it, I was shocked at how well put together/ thought out it was. Not a fan of the outside, but the interior was so good for the price how could I possibly complain. Kias are lovely, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise…

[@MO-lk6wg]

Great video J and I’ve watched about 100 videos, appreciate it. I currently have a Kia Stinger GTS and subject to test drive tomorrow I aim to trade it for the HEV in 4 trim, because it’s one less service a year, better mpg and has the extra load space I need for my house projects. I hope I like it. I’ve come from a BMW X5M to Kia and have owned 50+ BMWs and have zero regrets making the change. Kia is a secret kept from the brand snobs.

[@chrisscott1402]

'under 50k'. I should bloody well hope it's a great option if that's the price tag.

[@anyau]

Exactly. New cars so overpriced. This thing shouldn't be anymore than 30k

[@kustu]

The Sorento plug in actually charges itself too. It just has a much bigger battery pack and more power which makes it a lot better than the standard hybrid. The plug in version pretty much never runs out of battery, if you use it in combined mode.

[@bthemaster7830]

More power yes, more weight as well..

[@TheKwambus]

I own one and I think your review is spot on. Overall great car. As for the service centres and software problems… That’s another issue, but overall very pleased with it.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Very nice car. I'd love a 5 Seat version hopefully that one would have a lot of rear space. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@FleetAdmiral215]

Am i impressed with KIA & having a nephew whose a machanic for them I only hear good things , I'd definitely consider one Great video James

[@baronvonjo1929]

I only hear bad things online of dealers treating their customers badly and engines failing. But I guess it's a mixed bag. Either way I would never spend thousands of dollars on a 50/50 product.

[@eze8970]

Thanks J, Kia brand keeping things simple regarding customer service & value for money compared to competitors. It's still a price too high for me though. 🙏

[@robins262]

I love my Sorento, wouldn’t swap it for any other suv. The one other super extra I don’t recall you mentioning, the brilliant heads up display, which together with the turn signal indicators On the instrument 2 clusters keeps your eyes totally on the road. Good review though

[@RussellSmithOmegaW]

That is a great shirt! Other thing that occurred to me when you were saying you hadn't been much in the 4x4 practice, I am certain I passed a day out thing at one of Land Rover's bases and wondered if it might be worth getting in contact with them on a day they have a spare test driver or suchlike? Can see it being a fun vid if it works for you.

[@kevinbungles]

Well delivered, the detail explained was very good

[@davidhayes4814]

I really like your videos. There is one issue I have and have had for some time and it is your criticism of large & wide vehicles on country roads. I have an old Peugeot Boxer Camper as my daily….. body width 2.05 m. It is far easier on narrow roads than almost anything I have driven. Big vans are the vehicle of choice for so many professional drivers everywhere.

[@krane15]

Wow, you make a great point about the electric column particularly now that Kia offers the 2 memory seat adjustment. Its seems odd that this is not available. The adaptive dampers are also a clear omission even though it has a sport setting but is not advertised as a sports sedan. Even the VW Golf R (and Tiguan R) have adaptive dampers. Although the Sorento does blow both of those out the door when it comes to interiors. In any event, one can never have too many cup holders or USB ports.

[@jamescollinge9082]

I own one of these, this review is very accurate.

[@MrTopgearnerd]

As a Kia technician i can say that these have'nt been very troublesome. The diesel is the one to go for driving wise, sadly it has a 1200£ tax per year over here in Sweden. So almost everyone bought the Plug-in (only other model offered) which even has government bonus when you buy it XD. And it uses around 1L/100km when the battery is dead.. They are'nt exiting to drive, and the hybrid/plug-in makes it even worse. Far to stiffly sprung in low speeds as Jay also noted. A great car for non-car people who wants more reliability at al lower price than ze Germans Jag/LR and Volvo Plus a 7 year warranty!

[@ArmadaAsesino]

James, there should be an option on your phone in Android Autos settings to choose the driver seat location. Left or right.

[@markcompton6750]

Kia rocking it…. Love the Stinger.

[@ollieo6681]

I have the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is basically the same as Kia, with 3.5 V6 and 8 speed. It is fun and eats the kms

[@williamdrijver4141]

Fully equipped, but as many other SUVs it does not have factory dashcams front and rear, or laminated extra safety glass all around. In Australia the Sorento has a full size spare wheel under the car, in Europe it has not alas.

[@jonahfastre]

Too me it looks like a Touareg up front and an Explorer in back

[@badgersalesman5595]

Jason. Did you know ( and I am quite sure you don’t ) that there are only eight salesman that work for KIA directly in Europe. And we all miss our Sorento even though most of us have the new sportage which is awesome. But we all miss our Sorento terribly and would swap in a heartbeat

[@baronvonjo1929]

This is why people buy crossovers so many luxuries that big saloons or wagons or mpvs don't offer and so much more storage. If you want any of these in my sedans or such you need to buy a premium brand.

[@richardhunt1384]

So would the Diesel engined version be a better option generally if the petrol/ hybrids can't pull the skin off a Rice Puddling??? 🤔🤔

[@isaachunt5799]

yes the 2.2 diesel is the better option and better mpg. this hyibrid shite is a scam

[@stephen9746]

Considering getting a PHEV one on lease via my sister in law who works for Kia.

[@davidarter9670]

Kia are really hitting the mark with all their cars these days. As an Australian, I wouldn’t even CONSIDER a Volvo, but a Kia like this, certainly

[@aeromotive2]

good video. I liked by 2020 forte gt. KIA makes very competitive cars

[@pocketfella5176]

For forty eight thousand you can get a great car like the Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid, my brother owns one and gets 5o miles plus on electric only And in hybrid mode 60 miles plus 0-60 in 5.5 seconds and fully equipped with everything you may need, with up to 10 years warranty including the 18kw battery, if you can get hold of one they are in short supply

[@krane15]

And what about the interior appointment, materials and features? The transmission? And does it come with a panoramic sun roof?

[@mikuelable]

First serento was front engine rear wheel drive first from second gen till now it's fwd first with AWD added

[@mikadavies660]

KIA design / style have massively improved but clearly with this stupidly undersized engine the Sorento would be very luxurious as a FULL EV.

[@megapangolin1093]

Good video as always, but is this an advert though? I have a KIA, and like them.

[@gabrielcaramet3238]

Freind bougth a 2021 2.2 diesel gt line and its so good

[@isaachunt5799]

those 2.2 diesels are awesome and better mpg than this hybrid shite. keep the oil clean it'll go for 500k miles plus. this hybrid junk will be in landfill by 2030.

[@WhiteMouse77]

Perfect suburbian family hauler.....but don't dare towing caravan nor trailer or you will experience road thriller....BTW I am afraid the Kia Telluride doesn't have riht-hand drive version....

[@ascarii25]

This my next car

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

Dacia Jogger 7 seater @15k...! The other 35k left over is handy...James?

[@Elijah-cy9do]

Land Rover Discovery Sport is also a brilliant vehicle, so is the Peugeot 5008

[@Kernwaffe88]

How does this do against that older Lexus Rx that you reviewed while ago?

[@Rawdil]

Any chance of the Kia Carnival in the UK?

[@HugoCosta-pf4rj]

Why do some models come with a big badge in the back saying Sorento for almost all the entire back of it and others just a small tiny thing on the left side?

[@taxus750]

Two KIAs in a row? Steady on JayEmm - next thing you know, people will accuse you of being on KIA's payroll or something. KIA and Hyundai are every second or third car on the roads here in Oz, right up there with Toyo and Mazda, and with good reason. I know that neither brand is as popular in Britain as here (partly because we're closer to Korea and Japan and China than you are) but the Korean chaebol make very decent cars these days, so get over the badge snobbery. That said, I wish KIA/ Hyundai would rationalise their model line-ups - each seems to be trying to nab sales off the other (KIA Sorento vs Hyundai Santa Fe; Hyundai i30 vs KIA Cerato and so on).

[@c.d.c9425]

Geographical distance is hardly the reason why Korean cars sell better in Australian than in Europe. If that was the case, then American cars should be selling like hotcakes in the UK, instead of being practically non-existent in their market, given they're literally right across the pond. The real reason is that European makes are simply sold at a more competitive price over there, with more affordable trim lines and plenty of entry level base models even in premium brands like BMW, Mercedes and Audi. In Australia, a Golf verges on upmarket-mainstream, whereas in the UK or Europe, it's simply their version of another base level Corolla or i30. I'd say Aussies are just as guilty of being badge snobs as well, although weirdly enough it's the other way around. Remember the most recent Opel-sourced Commodore? It was a a great car yet no one bought one simply because it had a whiff of European. Same with the French automakers - hardly any on the roads, despite them being very worthy little cars

[@andrewfitzmaurice7843]

At least it makes a change from another Ferrari.

[@Adamlllllllllllljjjljljjjjj]

I can’t believe that economy, it doesnt have an economical shape, it’s a PETROL and it’s not got the most efficient gearbox. That’s crazy

[@isaachunt5799]

diesel has better mpg. people are being scammed by this shite

[@krane15]

It has a utility shape. The reason for buying an SUV in the first place.

[@sam7417]

Wait until you take it in for a service and they say "sorry, our electronics engineer has gone to Benidorm for a few weeks, come back in December "

[@ianw5956]

£50k, for that! I don't think so. Buy a LR Discovery 7 seater TD5 with all the bells and whistles for 3k (I just have) yes it will break down so keep another 3k in the bank! You're still quids in big time! The TD5 will do 25 mpg not far behind the Kia, and mud and snow settings not required! The Disco will go off road!!

[@kevinevans325]

How well will it tow a caravan ?

[@Ianmundo]

the new Sorento is a really nice place to sit

[@krane15]

That's what initially attracted to the car. With a few exceptions the near luxury is well done.

[@x3merx3mer]

Sorrento is awesome, but while becoming more premium, it also became a lot more expensive than Kodiaq, Tarraco, 5008 and other 7 seater SUVs. ...and people who are willing to pay that price, would probably rather go with a premium badge and get GLB or something like that.

[@krane15]

How many cars can you name that haven't become more expensive? There's sticker shock everywhere.

[@x3merx3mer]

@@krane15 they all got more expensive together, so the difference between them is the same.

[@christophermills1412]

50K for a Kia. What’s going on with the car market.

[@noelmannion4433]

Has anyone experience of the diesel engined UK market car? I suspect that’s suit me better and will be deciding in the next week or two. My other options are used but more “premium”. That is, approved used XC90, X5 or Merc GLE - all diesels. The Kia is the only new car I’m considering.

[@albertofernandez-sanguino3373]

Have been looking at the diesel engine option here in Spain but the dealer put me off completely. Told me they're discontinuing the engine and the consumption is through the roof. Indicated would be better off with the petrol PHEV Funnily enough about a month later went to the Hyundai dealership to try the Santa Fe. When asked about the diesel engine, repeated almost the exact same message. Hope it helps

[@noelmannion4433]

@@albertofernandez-sanguino3373 Thank you for the information.

[@mikeolly67]

I own a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe, it has the same 2.2d used in the Sorento. They are more or less the same vehicle , in my opinion the Santa Fe is a prettier car. I can’t fault the engine, it’s smooth and quiet and I can easily get 44mpg on a motorway journey. Hyundai stopped doing the diesel last year, so only a used one would be an option.

[@noelmannion4433]

@@mikeolly67 Thank you 🙏

[@deanchur]

Any idea why Kia doesn't sell the Carnival in the UK?

[@albertofernandez-sanguino3373]

They've discontinued the model for European markets. Apparently the anti MPV fad is to blame..... Although US market gets it! 🤨

[@Robert_B_445]

The Carnival is over, or so it would seem...

[@toms_garage]

Is this one for the Kia Boys

[@danielbevan9024]

Good review but it can't be good advice to buy this at nearly 50k. silly money. wait for next year when the bottom falls out of the market. at 50k I'd buy something nicer second hand too. Kia and Gensis think they're premium brands with massive price tags. and then wonder why take up isn't high. you have to earn respect a d brand loyalty.

[@smwatson1512]

Prefer the Hyundai Santa Fe. Cheaper, better looking (imo), and a nicer place to sit.

[@gabrielvondaauer3543]

Tra reviewing a Seat Tarraco. They are Cheaper and better in my Opinion

[@ApurtureSci]

They really don't seem to have sold well here, not sure I've ever seen one on the road. I do like that you can get a fairly high-output 2.0T in it

[@Punisher9419]

Not that impressed with fuel economy with hybrids.

[@isaachunt5799]

yep it's a scam. plus how much you think this pos thing will be worth in 10 years time? probably 50 quid scrap value

[@patrickoconnor5494]

Not sure why you're shitting on the PHEV version when they are not designed to do long distances regularly for economy purposes. Use case for PHEV is school runs/short runs/ close to work ~50km & charge every night. I would have thought as a motoring journalist you would be able to acknowledge that?

[@deadprivacy]

Drivetrain is literal junk on these. Designed to go bang at the 7 year warranty. They are crap Seriously dont listen to car sales wankers about cars...

[@nigelbrett5703]

It has a flawed engine and a flawed gearbox. The rest of the car is just froth.

[@allthingstransport7418]

For under £50k, oh what a bargain. You nuts paying that much for a car when it doesn't even make you coffee.

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Nice car 🚘🚙🚗⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@zarbon700]

I wouldn't pay that much for a Kia.

[@sotirismp2883]

The brown envelope Does stink badly sometimes....

[@imwithname843]

KN-->NO

[@baronvonjo1929]

I wouldn't recommend any Korean product to anyone. I love their designs and where they are going but look online and it's full of people either having a great time or one of the worst cars they ever bought. You shouldn't spend thousands of dollars in a product that's 50/50. Despite their warranties dealers will make it a nightmare to honor the warranties sometimes as well. You can find personal stories all over. Again some people have a great time but it ain't worth the potential hassle. Plus Genesis is in the bottom of reliability tests for some surveys and they just had that huge engine recall with engines blowing up. If they have one brand or car in the bottom of reliability then I suspect it to leak to other brands. And now they like many automakers are moving towards EVs when they couldn't get ICE cars right. I shudder to think how well they can build a car type they never made before when they can't make a reliable ICE on a mass scale after building them for decades.

[@bobphillips2188]

What will it be like when it's ten years old...

[@baronvonjo1929]

Probably nothing good.

[@isaachunt5799]

worth probably 50 quid maz

[@krane15]

You can ask that about any car on the road. But since you mentioned it, the piano black will be a scratched mess within 10 month. Maybe new buyers should wrap it in plastic like folks used to do to their sofas and chairs back in the day.

[@grahamnutt8958]

👍

[@chrisogrady28]

It's a shame Kia don't make a people carrier/minivan. These SUV lumps have a worse interior to exterior size ratio, worse access, worse aerodynamics, worse performance, and worse economy. I just looked it up and you cant even buy a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna in the UK, WTF! Are there really no 7 seat non-SUVs left? Humanity isn't viable.

[@chrisogrady28]

Looked it up, apart from unrefined actual vans with seats, you are down to 2/3 options in the UK. The Ford S-Max / Galaxy, and the Citroen Grand C4 Space Tourer (stupid name). They're all slow and not premium.

[@kristians2704]

kia does have the carnival which directly competes with the Sienna and Odyssey

[@deanchur]

As Kristians said, take a look at the Carnival. The newest one is actually not bad looking

[@eze8970]

@@chrisogrady28 Do Landrover still do a 7 seat option? Or back in the converted vans range?

[@chrisogrady28]

@@deanchur Carnival isn't available in the UK, looks a useful vehicle but the new SUVyness styling isn't to my taste. But at least they haven't reduced cabin space for high ground clearance that no one will use

[@isaachunt5799]

so forget this junk and buy a diesel instead is the lesson learnt here. people are being scammed buying this crap.

[@covvy]

All looks quite ni..... woah that rear end is awful.

[@theoverlord1925]

Overpriced . KIA are not the bang per buck they used to be.

[@tufluxed3293]

Ain’t worth more than 40

[@jagman8672]

I have to unsubscribe as I can’t listen to his fractured delivery anymore without getting uptight! Instead I shall retreat to my XK8 or 4L S Type in my slippers, breath in the leather, and listen to a bit of Mozart or maybe JJ Cale.

[@amaj7313]

Don't forget your Werther's Originals.