The 4.2-inch digital driver’s cluster display on entry-level Pure is a bit basic, but the larger 12.3-inch display fitted to our preferred Evolve trim and above presents its information much more clearly. It’s through here that you can adjust the driver-assist systems and delve into the trip computer functions in greater detail.
The Sorento also comes with seven years of connected telematic services that add live traffic, weather, and parking information to the mix. Using the phone app lets you send routes to the car in advance of your journey, too. The infotainment system can pair two phones at the same time via Bluetooth, so one could be playing music while the other makes a call. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity are standard.
There are loads of USB chargers with two in the front, three more in the middle row and a further pair in the boot/third-row area – there’s basically one for each occupant, while a wireless charging mat in the front means someone can even bring a second device with them.
You get a basic six-speaker audio system with entry-level Pure, but Evolve trim and up feature an upgraded 12-speaker BOSE sound system.
“During our drive on the UK launch, we found that the black background on the infotainment and digital instrument displays made things hard to read in direct sunlight.” – Alastair Crooks, senior news reporter
The Sorento is a hugely spacious family car that’ll happily seat seven people – or accommodate five with a huge boot
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Cabin space is the Kia Sorento’s greatest strength, it makes good use of its sizable exterior dimensions, translating them into a spacious and user-friendly cabin. There’s generous space for four adults, and the two extra seats in the back are more comfortable than you’ll find on many rival seven-seaters.
Dimensions and size
This is a big vehicle, but it’s not up there with the largest seven-seat SUVs on the UK market. The Kia Sorento is 1,700mm tall, 4,815mm long and 1,900mm wide, which is longer and slightly wider than a Skoda Kodiaq (4,699mm and 1,882mm). It’s also significantly longer than the 4,597mm Land Rover Discovery Sport, but smaller than the full-size Land Rover Discovery (4,956mm long and 2,000mm wide).
| Dimensions comparison | |||
| Model | Kia Sorento | Hyundai Santa Fe | Skoda Kodiaq |
| Length | 4,815mm | 4,830mm | 4,758mm |
| Width | 1,900mm | 1,900mm (2,206mm inc mirrors) | 1,864mm (2,133mm inc mirrors) |
| Height | 1,695mm | 1,770mm | 1,659mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,815mm | 2,815mm | 2,791mm |
| Boot space | 179-1,996 litres (175-1,988 litres PHEV) | 179-1,949 litres | 340-2,035 litres |
Seats & passenger space
A lofty driving position offers plenty of adjustment for the driver. All versions come with seat height adjustment, but you’ll need Evolvo trim and above to get electrically adjustable front seats with electric lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat. Visibility is good, with the squared-off bonnet making positioning the car easy. Large side windows make over-the-shoulder visibility reasonable, although we think it could be further improved if the glass line didn’t gently rise up towards the back.
