The all-new 4th generation Kia Sorento features a refined exterior design and a premium interior reminiscent of the Kia Telluride and its larger EV sibling, the EV9. Its sleek profile is highlighted by a redesigned tiger-nose grille with a three-dimensional pattern, aligning with the latest models in Kia’s global lineup. Larger overall dimensions provide enhanced interior space, comfortably accommodating all seven passengers.
The modern design theme is evident in the horizontal layout of the instrument cluster, interior trim, and wraparound dashboard that seamlessly extends to the door panels. Premium materials, including soft-touch leather, woodgrain accents, and satin-chrome finishes, create an upscale ambiance. The new Sorento delivers an improved driving experience with enhancements to the steering, suspension, and monocoque body shell, ensuring greater stability at high speeds.
Powering this seven-seater SUV is a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain, producing 231 hp and 367 Nm of torque, delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination gives the Sorento ample power reserves, impressive fuel efficiency, and on-road stability.
Launch
The fourth-generation Kia Sorento debuted in tandem with Kia Philippines' rebranding, showcasing the brand's new logo and updated design language for its showrooms and interiors. The Sorento was launched with two variants, the EX and SX, on November 8, 2021.
On February 6, 2025, Kia Philippines launched the facelifted Sorento. The new Sorento debuted with fresh looks aligned with Kia’s current design language as well as a new 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Kia Sorento shares its platform with the Kia Grand Carnival. As a midsize crossover, it features a unibody chassis construction, offering a smoother and more refined ride compared to the traditional ladder-on-frame design used in many SUVs. Up front, the Sorento is equipped with a MacPherson strut suspension paired with a stabilizer for enhanced rigidity, while the rear features a multi-link system to improve stability, especially during cornering. All variants ride on 19-inch alloy wheels, with disc brakes on all four corners for reliable stopping power. The vehicle also offers a ground clearance of 176 mm, providing a balance between urban drivability and light off-road capability.
Under the hood, the Sorento is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain that generates 231 hp and 367 Nm of torque, distributed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers strong performance, excellent fuel efficiency, and confident on-road stability.
Chassis
Class
Compact SUV
Body Style
5-door SUV
Platform
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform
Hyundai-Kia Y5
Powertrain
Engine
2.2 liter four-cylinders diesel engine
Power Output
200 horsepower 441 newton-meter torque
Transmission
Smartstream 8-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission
Driving Performance
Driving the 2019 Kia Sorento is a breeze as the midsize crossover comes with light steering and a powerful diesel motor that makes the vehicle easy to maneuver and to get going from a stop. Despite its size, the vehicle itself is manageable and easy to get used to. More ideal for long stretches of highway rather than the inner city the Kia Sorento does well to put down all the power from its 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine. The engine is so well tuned that without cruise control on you will quickly find yourself going above the speed limit if you choose to let your right foot do all the work. The diesel motor just pulls and pulls and it does it effortlessly and quietly.
Braking feel is something a new owner for the Kia Sorento should get used to. The initial bite of the brakes isn't a strong as its counterparts, however, the deeper your push the stronger the biting force gets. It isn't as sudden as its other rivals in the segment but the brakes on the Sorento will get you to a stop safely.
When it comes to spirited or off-road driving body roll is present in the vehicle, however, the suspension does a great job at making the ride less jarring. Suspension dampening is on point with the Kia Sorento as it takes to bumps easily without skipping a beat. Its off-road manners are pretty pliant as the all-wheel-drive system does a great job of giving the crossover traction even on muddy terrain. Thanks to its AWD display found in the gauge cluster you can easily see what the tires are doing and where the vehicle is directing its power to. Overall this makes the Kia Sorento an easy yet powerful vehicle to drive on the road and off it for light trails.
Technology Features
The Kia Sorento’s infotainment system features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, serving as the cabin’s central hub. Audio is delivered through a Bose 12-speaker setup. For added convenience, a built-in Qi wireless charging pad allows drivers to charge their devices without the need for cables.
Other features include smart cruise control, as well as front and rear parking sensors. This system is complemented by Kia Drive Wise's advanced driver-assistance features such as Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Additional convenience features include a power tailgate for easy cargo access and a smart key entry system with push-start functionality for effortless entry and ignition.
Exterior
At the front of the Kia Sorento, the updated tiger-nose grille takes center stage, flanked by sleek LED projector headlamps that seamlessly integrate with the grille’s design. All Sorento variants come equipped with LED headlights featuring a multi-reflector array, along with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, and a full LED taillight array as standard.
19-inch alloy wheels are standard, complemented by features such as automatic light control, rain-sensing wipers, and uniform exterior trim details shared between both variants.
Interior
The Kia Sorento’s interior is spacious, offering ample room for passengers and comfortably seating up to seven. The Sorento leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, a push-start button, and smart key entry for added convenience. Middle-row passengers benefit from dedicated rear air conditioning vents, complementing the automatic climate control system in the front.
At the rear, the Sorento includes two foldable seats that, when stowed, create a flat cargo area. The second-row seats feature a versatile 40:20:40 split-folding configuration, allowing them to fold flat as well to maximize cargo space. A power tailgate provides easy access to the rear cargo area.
Safety
The Kia Sorento comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including seven SRS airbags, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist, and ISOFIX anchors for secure child seat installation.
Additional features include smart cruise control and front and rear parking sensors. These are enhanced by Kia Drive Wise’s advanced driver-assistance technologies, including Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
The 2025 Kia Sorento not only gets a facelift, but a hybrid system as well. Equipped with one of the best hybrid powertrains out there, at least in our opinion, the Sorento Hybrid is shaping up to be quite a contender in the midsize seven-seater crossover segment. Find out more about this brand-spanking-new crossover in this Walkaround!
The 2022 Kia Sorento has officially entered the Philippine market bringing with its a spicy set of features and an all-new design. Does the new crossover live up to the hype? Find out with o...
On this episode of Behind the Wheel, we take a 2019 Kia Sorento out on the road to give you the highs and the lows of the midsize crossover from Korea.
Have you encountered any major technical difficulties with your vehicle?
No
How would you rate the ownership experience of your vehicle?
4
Overall value for money
3
Would you recommend this car?
Yes
Dealer Service Satisfaction
Dealer Satisfaction Score
70.00%
Ease of obtaining an appointment
4
Convenience of servicing location and hours of service
3
Cleanliness and comfort of service center
4
Friendliness and service quality of service center staff
4
Quality of work performed
3
Was it completed on time?
3
Were there any additional costs, which were not made transparent to you?
4
What is your overall satisfaction with your service experience?
3
Kia Sorento 2.2 EX AT 4x2
Kia Acropolis
· Service Score 100%
5/5
Anonymous · Sep 29, 2022
Best bang for the back. At 1.7M, you got full leather seat, AWD, apple carplay, projector head lamp, power seat, power tailgate, 7 seater, and the legendary and reliable CRDI engine.
Have you encountered any major technical difficulties with your vehicle?
No
How would you rate the ownership experience of your vehicle?
4
Overall value for money
3
Would you recommend this car?
Yes
Dealer Service Satisfaction
Dealer Satisfaction Score
70.00%
Ease of obtaining an appointment
4
Convenience of servicing location and hours of service
3
Cleanliness and comfort of service center
4
Friendliness and service quality of service center staff
4
Quality of work performed
3
Was it completed on time?
3
Were there any additional costs, which were not made transparent to you?
4
What is your overall satisfaction with your service experience?
3
Kia Sorento 2.2 EX AT 4x2
Kia Acropolis
· Service Score 100%
5/5
Anonymous · Sep 29, 2022
Best bang for the back. At 1.7M, you got full leather seat, AWD, apple carplay, projector head lamp, power seat, power tailgate, 7 seater, and the legendary and reliable CRDI engine.
