KIA SORENTO

A WORTHY SUITE OF UPDATES FOR THE CLASS LEADER

- ANDY ENRIGHT

kIA IS ABSOLUTELY sauntering right now, buoyed by a series of well-received new launches. After the fillip from the EV6 and EV9, the Korean giant has turned its attention to one of its volume favourites. Late last year we tested the run-out version of its Sorento seven-seat SUV in a group test and it put some comprehensive manners on the rest of the bunch. As such, there must be an element of hearts sinking into boots amid rivals as Kia whips the wraps off its Sorento PE. That's 'Product Enhancement' in Kia-speak; mid-life facelift to the likes of us.

Before we wade into what's changed, it's perhaps worth positioning the Sorento within Kia's huge and growing range of SUVs. The Korean marque's rapid push to electrification is well documented, with the Wheels COTYwinning EV6 and recently unveiled EV9 spearheading the charge.

Following later this year will be the baby Russian doll version of the EV9, in the Minecraft-rendered shape of the EV5. But, let's face it, not everyone is after an EV, and Kia will still also sell you (in ascending size) a Stonic, a Seltos, a Sportage or a Sorento.

The MQ4-generation Sorento only debuted in 2020, so it's about due for this facelift. Yet maybe it's a case of ask and you shall receive. In our sub$80K large SUV comparo, the Sorento didn't turn in a faultless performance.

As Dylan Campbell noted: "An abundance of black gives it a dark vibe, while its 10.25-inch infotainment display now seems a bit small for the richest grade. The menu graphics look a bit last-decade and the lack of USB-C outlets further betrays its age - as does wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto." Kia has fixed all of that in this MY24 PE, and had it left the changes there, it would, in all likelihood, have been enough to see this version of the Sorento into its dotage at or near the top of the class. Unwilling to gamble on near or near enough, Kia went further. Quite considerably further.