IT’S hard not to admire Kia’s confidence these days. The brand’s line-up now stretches from small electric crossovers to the mighty EV9, but the Sorento sits right in that sweet spot where family practicality meets long-haul comfort. For 2025, it’s been given a significant refresh — sharper styling, smarter tech and a cabin that looks like it’s been nicked straight from the EV9’s playbook.
And while most of the headlines have been grabbed by the hybrid and plug-in versions, it was the plain old 2.2-litre diesel I was most interested in. My test car, the Sorento ‘3’ CRDi, proves that there’s still life in a good diesel engine — especially when it’s powering something as big and capable as this.
Car Overview
The new Sorento range is as broad as it is logical. Three trim levels — ‘2’, ‘3’, and ‘4’ — each available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or diesel powertrains. Prices start just north of £43,000 for the base hybrid and climb to £56,105 for a fully-loaded plug-in ‘4’.
Every version seats seven and comes with all-wheel drive as standard, plus Kia’s clever Terrain Mode system for tackling mud, snow and sand. Even the entry car gets heated seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen and full safety kit, while the mid-range ‘3’ adds enough luxury and tech to make the top spec feel slightly indulgent rather than essential.
Under the bonnet of my test car was Kia’s 2.2-litre Smartstream diesel, producing 190 bhp and 440 Nm of torque. It drives through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, giving an official 42.8 mpg and CO₂ emissions of 173 g/km. It’s the version aimed squarely at the caravan-towing, dog-hauling, cross-country crowd — and frankly, it still makes a lot of sense.
Design
The latest Sorento wears Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design language proudly. Inspired by the flagship EV9, the new front end gets vertical LED headlights and a bolder, more sculpted bonnet. The grille is larger and more technical-looking, while the “Star Map” daytime running lights give it a striking, almost concept-car signature after dark.
In profile, the Sorento looks solid but clean — a proper SUV stance with short overhangs and crisp detailing. My test car’s 19-inch alloys fill the arches neatly, and the dark chrome trim around the windows gives it a premium edge. Round the back, the redesigned taillights now mirror the vertical theme from the front, joined by a neat strip across the tailgate and a revised skid-plate design.
It’s not showy, but it’s confident — and that’s always been part of the Sorento’s charm.
Interior
Kia’s been on a roll with interiors lately, and the Sorento ‘3’ continues that streak. Step inside and you’re met by twin 12.3-inch curved displays, running Kia’s latest software. The layout feels familiar to anyone who’s sat in an EV6 or EV9: clear graphics, fast responses, and logical menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the system now gets over-the-air updates, meaning you’ll never have to plug in a USB stick in a dealership car park again.
The black leather upholstery in the ‘3’ is supple and supportive, and the driving position is spot-on. There’s loads of adjustment, and visibility all-round is excellent — something that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern SUVs.
Space, as ever, is generous. The middle row slides and reclines, while the third-row seats are usable for adults on short hops and teenagers on long ones. Boot space is a mighty 604 litres with the rear pair folded, or 1,996 litres with both rows down. Kia still leads the way when it comes to real-world packaging.
I had the perfect opportunity to test that on a family run to The Kelpies, with my wife, daughter and three grandchildren on board. Everyone was comfortable for the journey from Glenrothes — and the two smallest girls, tucked away in seats six and seven, were absolutely thrilled to have their own “space.” They even commandeered the USB ports back there and happily charged their tablets while the rest of us enjoyed the quiet refinement. At the end of the trip, every passenger commented on the Sorento’s comfort, space and calm — and not one of them felt short-changed on legroom.
Driving Impressions
The 2.2-litre diesel might seem old-school in a world obsessed with volts, but it suits the Sorento perfectly. With 440 Nm of torque on tap, it pulls strongly from low revs and makes light work of overtakes or motorway merges. The eight-speed DCT shifts smoothly in most situations and only occasionally hesitates when caught between gears in stop-start traffic.
On the open road, the Sorento ‘3’ feels calm and assured. The suspension setup — fully independent with self-levelling rear dampers — keeps it stable when loaded with people and luggage. It’s tuned for comfort rather than agility, which is exactly as it should be. Body control is tidy, the steering predictable, and the general refinement first-rate for a big seven-seater.
The diesel hum is muted, wind noise minimal, and road noise suppressed by some clever under-floor aerodynamics. At motorway speeds it settles into a smooth lope, the kind of car that chews through hundreds of miles without fuss.
With the Terrain Mode Select dial, you can choose from Snow, Mud and Sand settings — though most owners will stick to Normal, Sport or Eco. It’s not a Land Rover, but on a muddy B-road or a wintry Highland lane, it feels sure-footed and quietly capable. And if towing’s your thing, the diesel’s 2,500 kg braked trailer rating is among the best in the segment.
The only real complaint? The ride can occasionally fidget over sharper bumps at low speeds, likely a side-effect of the big wheels and stiff body structure. But once up to pace, it smooths out beautifully.
Technology & Safety
Kia has packed the latest Sorento with all the digital bells and whistles a family could want. The ‘3’ grade gets the Blind-Spot View Monitor, projecting a live camera feed into the instrument cluster when you indicate — brilliant for city driving and lane changes. There’s also a 360-degree around-view monitor, Highway Driving Assist 2.0, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2.0, and a Parking Collision Avoidance system. It’s a full suite of active safety tech, but sensibly calibrated: it helps rather than nags.
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go makes long trips almost effortless, and Kia’s lane-keeping system remains one of the least intrusive in the business. Six airbags, traction control, hill-start assist, and Trailer Stability Assist are all standard. The Sorento has earned the full five-star Euro NCAP rating, thanks to its strong steel-and-aluminium structure and clever energy-absorbing design.
Tech-wise, the ‘3’ gets everything you’d realistically want: wireless phone charging, multiple USB-C ports across all three rows, over-the-air updates, and seven years of free Kia Connect services for live traffic, weather and parking info.
Trim Levels & Engines
For 2025, the Sorento’s line-up breaks down neatly:
- ‘2’ – The sensible starter, with cloth/leather mix seats, LED lights, 17-inch wheels and the full safety suite.
- ‘3’ – The sweet spot, adding full leather, power seats, ambient lighting, Bose sound, and enhanced driver-assist features.
- ‘4’ – The luxury option, with Nappa leather, panoramic roof, ventilated front seats, head-up display, fingerprint start and Remote Smart Park Assist.
Each trim can be had with one of three powertrains: 2.2-litre diesel, 1.6 HEV, or 1.6 PHEV. The plug-in hybrid remains the most powerful (248 bhp, 0–62 mph in 8.8 s) and the cleanest (37 g/km CO₂), while the diesel remains the best for long-distance cruising and heavy loads.
Ownership, Economics & The Road Ahead
Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty remains a standout feature — fully transferable and backed by 12-month RAC cover. Diesel models require servicing every 20,000 miles or once a year, and Kia’s UK dealer network is now one of the best supported in the country.
But there’s another reason the diesel Sorento might suddenly look more appealing in the next few years. The UK government’s decision to tax EV drivers at around 3p per mile from 2028 could chip away at one of the biggest advantages of electric ownership for high-mileage drivers. Factor in charging costs, insurance and the rising price of larger EVs, and the trusty diesel starts to look — whisper it — like the pragmatic choice again for anyone racking up serious motorway miles.
The Sorento diesel may not be politically fashionable, but for families who travel far and often, it remains financially and functionally sound.
Verdict
The 2025 Sorento ‘3’ diesel isn’t the flashiest or fastest in the line-up, but it’s the one that makes the most sense for real-world drivers. It’s refined, well-equipped, and effortlessly capable of swallowing people, pets and luggage while cruising across the country in near-silence.
The hybrids are fine for shorter commutes, and the plug-in offers tax benefits, but if you want a proper long-legged family SUV that doesn’t flinch at distance or towing, the diesel still rules the roost.
Kia has turned what was once a left-field choice into a genuine class act.
- AT A GLANCE:
- Kia Sorento ‘3’ 2.2 CRDi DCT
- OTR Price: £47,290
- Engine: 2.2 turbo diesel
- Power: 190 bhp
- Transmission: DCT Auto
- 0-62mph: 9.7 secs
- Top Speed: 124 mph
- Combined Economy: 42.8 mpg
- C02: 173 g/km
