There is truly no sense of awareness. No matter how successful one is, to surpass a big household seems quite something.
The Sorento has dominated the mid-size SUV market for the third year in a row. The Santa Fe remains a perennial second. I wonder how the big household feels about this. After all, being number one in the same family must please them, yet they might be sharpening their knives while turning their backs, with my child ranked second.
The improved model of the fourth-generation Sorento has been released. It has retained three powertrains: 2.2 Diesel, 2.5 Gasoline, and 1.6 Hybrid. The fully changed Santa Fe has removed the diesel option, while the refreshed Sorento has not given up on the diesel engine. For Kia, this is a win-win as consumers gain more options. It effectively broadens their net.
I test drove the 1.6 Hybrid Signature AWD. It has upgraded existing features such as Wireless (OTA) software updates, e-HiPass, Streaming Plus, Built-in Cam 2, and Kia Digital Key 2. Advanced driver-assistance systems have also improved the functionality of previously existing features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (including cross-traffic/side vehicle/overpassing opposing vehicle/avoidance steering assistance) and Highway Driving Assist 2.
Ten airbags prepare for the worst moment. When the reverse gear is engaged, projection-type reverse guide lamps illuminate. You can see lines guiding the reverse even in areas without parking lines. The driver can confirm this while reversing through a monitor connected to the camera.
A curved display fills the dashboard before the driver. It features two 12.3-inch monitors composing the instrument panel and navigation display. The head-up display has a size of 10 inches, providing an expansive and clear view.
The Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) lane-changing support feature has been added. When no car is behind, turning on the turn signal allows the vehicle to assist in the lane change by taking control of steering. The lane must be a dotted line, and the driver must hold onto the steering wheel. If not, it won’t operate or may stop midway. When all conditions are met, the lane change feature operates flawlessly.
Initially, it may seem fascinating and used once or twice, but in reality, most drivers operate when changing lanes themselves. Most often, one or two conditions among the required ones are missed.
It uses a 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine paired with an electric motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 180 horsepower, while the motor generates 47.7 kW. On the manufacturer’s website, the power output for the engine and motor is listed separately, and the total output is not disclosed. For consumers, this is the most inquiring factor that remains unanswered.
The combined output has been mentioned as 227 horsepower on Kia’s U.S. site. With a curb weight of 1,890 kg, the power-to-weight ratio is 8.3 kg/hp, which estimates the 0-100 km/h acceleration time at around 8-9 seconds. Using a GPS measuring device, I recorded an acceleration time of 8.16 seconds and a distance of 127.13 meters.
The 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine pushes as hard as it can, but it is insufficient to move this large body ‘lightly.’ It accumulates power gradually. However, it surprisingly accelerates to high speeds without hesitation. The body height conveys road shocks, and there’s a noticeable reaction. For those accustomed to electric vehicles, the movements of an internal combustion engine SUV may feel bothersome, especially when experiencing shocks.
When cruising calmly at speeds between 90-110 km/h, it was very comfortable. Even in sports mode, raising the RPM for acceleration, the engine noise was minimal. The sound of the wind was louder. Even in sports mode, it maintains a gentle demeanor.
Equipped with four-wheel drive and 235/60R18 size tires, it has been certified with an official combined fuel efficiency of 13.8 km/L. This is indeed excellent. The real-world fuel efficiency observed over a 55 km drive from Paju to Seoul recorded 21.0 km/L. Hybrids tend to show better fuel efficiency in city driving and during congested periods than on highways, where they typically drive at higher speeds.
Overall, it is conservative and steady. Such characteristics cause it to be chosen by many. Especially in the mid-size category, these vehicles often serve as family cars, whether SUVs or sedans. For family cars, considerations like sensible design and performance, ample space, and safety take priority over flashiness or high power. This is the reason why the Sorento dominates the mid-size SUV market.
Just in time, the Santa Fe has made its dazzling debut after a full redesign (more flamboyant compared to the Sorento). In terms of design alone, the Sorento appears conservative, while the Santa Fe is extravagant. People cheer for a sophisticated and glamorous design, but when it comes to choosing their own vehicle, they become more conservative. A flashy and sophisticated performance car looks good as someone else’s vehicle, but for their own, they choose a vehicle with moderate styling and performance. This may be the reason why the Sorento outperforms the Santa Fe.
The price of the Sorento Hybrid 2WD after eco-friendly subsidies ranges from 37,860,000 to 44,550,000 won. The test vehicle, the 1.6 Hybrid Signature AWD, costs 47,420,000 won. Adding options could raise the price to around 55 million won. The price competitiveness is high. When compared to imports with similar performance and efficiency, the Sorento’s price is significantly lower. In comparison with similar-priced imported cars, even if performance and efficiency seem average, the level of convenience equipment in the Sorento is very high. It’s an overwhelming value for money.
Oh Jong-hoon’s Direct Commentary
The 6-speed transmission is disappointing. The 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine runs at high RPMs. At 100 km/h, it marks 1,900 RPM. Due to the small displacement, it requires higher engine revolutions to cover 100 km/h. If it cannot increase engine displacement, it would be better to use a multi-speed transmission. An 8-speed or 9-speed transmission could lower engine revolutions for a smoother and more efficient operation, fitting the characteristics of a hybrid vehicle.
The voice recognition system is very sophisticated. It understands and processes various commands. However, it cannot be activated via voice command. If the command “Hello Kia