Kia Sorento 2024 Review

The mid-size SUV market in Malaysia has always been a competitive space for family users and consumers with multi-purpose needs. Practical space, rich configuration options, and driving stability are the core considerations. The 2024 Kia Sorento Public represents the mid-to-large SUV category of the brand, with updated design details and intelligent configurations in this facelift. Can it maintain competitiveness against rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport? In this test drive, we focus on everyday family usage scenarios and conduct a comprehensive assessment of its static and dynamic performance.

From a distance, the overall silhouette of the 2024 Sorento Public maintains the rugged family-style design, but there are noticeable changes in the front details. The tiger-nose grille is now smaller, featuring a blacked-out honeycomb pattern inside, while the sharper LED headlights on both sides enhance its recognizability compared to the previous model. The waistline on the side of the vehicle runs from the fenders to the taillights, complemented by 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, giving it a more elongated appearance. At the rear, the LED taillights are now connected by a horizontal strip with the KIA lettering in the center, and a larger silver skid plate on the lower rear bumper adds a touch of off-road flavor. The lighting system includes automatic on/off headlights with adaptive high and low beams; the sequential turn signals in the taillights are striking when illuminated at night.

Inside the car, the interior layout remains practical but showcases subtle upgrades in materials. The upper part of the dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials, with a silver trim added in the middle to enhance the overall texture. The 12.3-inch floating central control screen is tilted 10 degrees towards the driver for easier operation. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with responsive and smooth performance. The seats are wrapped in leather, with the driver’s seat offering 10-way electric adjustment and the passenger seat providing 8-way manual adjustment. The cushions are on the softer side, making long journeys comfortable. The rear-row space is fairly standard, allowing a passenger 175cm tall to have roughly two fists of legroom and about one fist of headroom. The rear is fitted with independent air conditioning vents and two USB-C ports, with additional storage compartments under the central armrest, making daily use quite convenient. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 608 liters, which can be expanded to 1662 liters by folding down the second row of seats, meeting the storage needs for long family trips.

In terms of power, the 2024 Sorento Public is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 180PS and a peak torque of 232Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission. The power output is quite linear during takeoff, and a gentle press on the accelerator gives a noticeable push-back feel. Acceleration is smooth without any obvious jerking. When overtaking at medium-to-high speeds, pressing harder on the accelerator prompts the transmission to downshift quickly, providing timely power response and making overtaking relatively easy. The driving modes include Eco, Normal, and Sport; in Sport mode, the throttle becomes more sensitive, and the transmission adopts a more aggressive shifting logic, catering to users who enjoy a more dynamic driving experience.

The steering wheel has moderate steering force and precise control, with no obvious play. The chassis adopts a combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out most vibrations, and passengers in the car do not feel obvious jolts. During cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, the suspension provides good support, and maintains excellent stability. In terms of noise control, the interior remains relatively quiet at speeds below 60km/h, with little wind or tire noise; once the speed exceeds 100km/h, wind noise gradually increases but remains within an acceptable range.

In this test drive, we focused on fuel consumption performance. In urban conditions (with congested roads accounting for about 40%), the fuel consumption is about 9.5L per 100 kilometers; on highways (maintaining speeds of 100-120km/h), the fuel consumption is about 7.8L per 100 kilometers, with a combined fuel consumption of around 8.6L per 100 kilometers, which matches the average level of vehicles in the same class. Regarding braking performance, the stopping distance from 100km/h is about 38 meters, with a smooth braking process and no deviation observed.

Overall, the 2024 Sorento Public performs well in terms of design, features, and power. Compared with its competitor, the Toyota Fortuner, its interior quality and smart features have an advantage; and compared with the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, its fuel efficiency stands out. This vehicle is suitable for family users who value space practicality and comfort, meeting the needs of both daily commuting and long-distance travel. If you are looking for a well-balanced mid-size SUV, the 2024 Sorento Public is worth considering.