Kia Sorento - catalog and technical specifications
Years of manufacture Kia Sorento
Generations Kia Sorento
(08.2023 - now)
(01.2017 - 01.2021)
(07.2012 - 10.2020)
Kia Sorento. Premium comfort
Kia Sorento is a mid-size J-class SUV produced by the South Korean automobile maker, Kia Motors, since 2002. All-wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions are available. And the American market also offered a rear-wheel drive version.
The name ‘Sorento’ derives from the Italian resort town, Sorrento, demonstrating the major focus on the European market, which was in need of an affordable SUV in the Land Rover, Grand Cherokee and RX-300 segments. This is how the Kia Sorento appeared, being a more comfortable and advanced version of the Kia Sportage extended by 7.5 centimeters.
The manufacturers classified the Kia Sorento as a mid-size SUV. In the context of equipment situation and comfort, it is worthy of a business class. As for its size, the car falls into the C class, at the same time being in the commercial niche J. Therefore, the Kia Sorento is ideal for those buyers who have already ‘grown’ from the more compact Kia Sportage, but have not yet ‘grown’ to the full-size Kia Mohave.
The manufacturers classified the Kia Sorento as a mid-size SUV. In the context of equipment situation and comfort, it is worthy of a business class.
Kia Sorento has 3 generations, each of which has its own restyled version. The 2020 restyled third generation Kia Sorento was sold on the Israeli market. In 2020, it was expected that the fourth generation Sorento SUV, built on the new N3 platform, would be released. This platform will make the interior more spacious and will allow introducing not only a hybrid system, but also the most advanced electronic systems used in all the Kia models. We hope that the fourth Sorento will be released soon.
The first generation
The first generation Kia Sorento, released in 2002 and based on the Hyundai Terracan platform, was designed as a serious SUV. The first Kia Sorento is a frame SUV with two options of an all-wheel drive transmission: with a gearbox that rigidly connects the front axle, or with a Torque On Demand system enabling the automatic connection of the front wheels using an electronically controlled clutch. In both cases, the off-road ‘arsenal’ was also supplemented with a speed-reducing gear. After the restyling in 2006, the Sorento got a new design and more powerful engines. In total, almost 900 thousand Sorento cars of the first generation were produced until 2009.
The second generation
The 2009 second generation Kia Sorento turned the Sorento into a crossover with an integrated body and a transverse motor, but without any speed-reducing gear. This model had much in common with the ‘second’ Santa Fe and therefore with the Hyundai Sonata. The second Sorento was designed by Peter Schreyer. This meant that the SUV became aggressive and even more ‘European’. A completely new integrated body was developed, providing ample room for seven people, and it was decided to ditch the frame structure of the previous generation. The suspension underwent significant changes. Instead of a capricious front double-lever, the time-honored McPherson was installed.
After the restyling in 2012, the Kia Sorento boasted a redesigned interior, a new dashboard and better trim, as well as upgraded engines. Kia representatives assured that the SUV had acquired better steering response, was able to provide its passengers with greater comfort and was aimed at higher safety characteristics, which was confirmed by the EuroNCAP rating, according to which the car had received 5 stars out of 5.
The third generation
The third generation Kia Sorento, released in 2014, features a completely new exterior and interior design, modified lighting technology and a new line of engines. Such things as a bigger overall size of the third Sorento, more spacious interior, better interior trim, excellent noise insulation, reduction of the vibration level and the latest design solutions have made this family car look like a luxury vehicle. And the level of comfort of the third generation Kia Sorento is inherent in premium cars.
The latest design solutions have made this family car look like a luxury vehicle, and its level of comfort is inherent in premium cars.
But the improvement of the safety of the 2014/2015 Kia Sorento deserves special attention. Thus, the presence of a road marking detection system allows you to receive a timely signal of a possible collision. In addition, it inspects vehicles following your own car when changing a lane and helps monitor blind spots. A traffic sign monitoring system is also available.
Thanks to the 2017 restyling, the Kia Sorento now has an upgraded exterior, improved climate control, new body colors and two-tone interior versions. The 2017/2018 Sorento is equipped with a multimedia system suitable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The superior trim versions are equipped with full LED headlights instead of bi-xenon. Some modifications have an 8-speed automatic transmission and a sporty readjusted suspension.
Comparison of Kia Sorento with other cars
Similar cars to Kia Sorento
Kia dealers and garages
The Kia Sorento ensures a comfortable and safe ride on Israel's roads. Using advanced technology, the manufacturer has designed a modern car that meets all the requirements of an active driver. High ground clearance, a well-thought-out interior, powerful engines, and a spacious trunk are just a few of the advantages of the Kia Sorento.
The Kia Sorento has been in production since 2002. The manufacturer categorized the crossover as mid-sized, but its technical equipment and comfort level are worthy of business class. Four generations are available in the market, each with its own facelifted version.
In 2020, the fourth generation of Kia Sorento debuted. This stylish and lavishly equipped car introduced a new body, becoming the first crossover of the South Korean brand built on the new Hyundai group platform. Dimensions: length 4810 mm, width 1900 mm, height 1690 mm, wheelbase 2815 mm. The new Kia Sorento can accommodate 5, 6, or 7 passengers. The trunk volume of the 5-seater version has increased to 705 liters. In the 3-row 7-seater version, the cargo space is only 187 liters, but with the second row seats folded, it can go up to 821 liters.
In the top trim, a new 12.3-inch virtual dashboard and 10.25-inch multimedia monitor were introduced, while in the base version, there's an analog dashboard with 8-inch multimedia. All versions support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The new crossover is equipped with a range of electronic assistants, including automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control that can resume movement after a complete stop.
The 2023 facelift brought the crossover a new style, a significant interior and equipment upgrade, while retaining its familiar engine lineup. Inside the 2023 Kia Sorento, there is a large curved unit that includes both a dashboard screen and a multimedia display, both 12.3 inches in diagonal. The latest multimedia is equipped with a fingerprint scanner and an "over-the-air" software update feature. It also comes with up to 10 airbags and a side wind stability control system.
The powertrain list includes a gasoline 2.5-liter turbo engine with 281 hp, a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine with 194 hp, and an HEV hybrid based on a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine delivering 230 hp. The latter is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the others come with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Drive modes, as before, are front or all-wheel drive.
The Kia Sorento is perfect for comfortable long trips with the whole family to the most beautiful places in Israel. It effortlessly accommodates everything you need for relaxation on the golden sands of the Dead Sea or adventures in the Galilee mountains.
The Kia Sorento in Israel is a great opportunity to become mobile and independent. The crossover embodies all your dreams of comfort and safety at an affordable price.