KIA Sorento, 18 years and 4 generations with us

In 2002 a new SUV arrived in Spain thanks to Kia. It was a new model that would complement the range of these vehicles offered by the Korean brand and that would begin a successful career spanning almost two decades. Today we have among us the fourth generation of the KIA Sorento, but we are going to review the history of an SUV that still has a lot to say.

First generation

The KIA Sorento was born as an SUV with a clear off-road spirit, solid and efficient. It was presented with a ladder frame chassis and three configurations: 4×2; 4×4 with manual gearbox and 4×4 with automatic gearbox. It also featured a reduction gear and a rear limited-slip differential.

All this gave it an ideal capability for moving off the asphalt. In terms of equipment, it was prepared to offer comfort and efficiency in what was demanded, and all at a very competitive price. In 2006 it was updated, offering more equipment and a more suitable design. It also updated its mechanics and offered new and better engines.

Second generation

In 2009 the second generation arrived. It presented a fairly radical change and brought the design and concept closer to what we find today in this model. Its design moved closer to a more urban use typical of SUVs, moving away from the more off-road look. It also abandoned the previous structure in favour of a monocoque chassis.

All this led to an improvement in driving and to offering greater comfort to its occupants. All this was made possible by a weight reduction of 194 kg, a better aerodynamic coefficient and more efficient engines, which reduced consumption and emissions. With this generation the model achieved 5 NCAP stars, thanks to the incorporation of curtain airbags with rollover sensor and several driver assistance systems.

Of these first two generations 900,000 vehicles were sold, 32,417 of them in Spain, and they helped create the brand’s current image.

Third generation

The third generation arrived in 2015 and brought new features and more comfort. It also allowed the length and wheelbase to be increased. This allowed it to offer seating for 7 occupants and a more pleasing design. It included for the first time the Tiger Nose grille, which was the brand’s new design feature. Inside, a more international design was sought and for this the brand’s European division was relied upon.

The safety equipment was increased with several more sophisticated and efficient elements. This increased the concern for occupants and made it a much more attractive model.

Fourth generation

The fourth generation arrives with new features. One of them, the most important, is the incorporation of the new KIA platform designed specifically for SUV vehicles. The arrival of electrified mobility in the model means it performs better in terms of consumption and emissions.

The comfort for the seven occupants who can travel in this car has increased, and so has its size, to make it more practical and efficient. It has more driver assistance systems and, in addition to the UVO Connect connectivity system from KIA, interior design details such as programmable ambient lighting.

Driving remains focused on the road, but it includes a Terrain Mode driving mode, which helps it on off-road terrain and allows it to tackle more complicated ground. More safety, more comfort and hybrid engines for the best performance are part of the new generation of the KIA Sorento, which can now be enjoyed.

In total, the four generations of the KIA Sorento have sold 3 million units, of which 300,000 were sold in Europe and 36,580 units in Spain. A good SUV that will continue to be the image of the brand thanks to the innovations included in this new generation.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadKIA Sorento13 versions · from 53,645 €