Kia Sorento KX-2 CRDi diesel review - pictures

The new Kia Sorento is a tidy-looking car with an imposing front end. All cars get LED daytime running lights and alloy wheels to contribute to the classy look. 

The third-generation Sorento is Kia's latest offering in the brand's broadening portfolio. With this model, though, Kia is setting its sights firmly on premium contenders like the Land Rover Discovery Sport, BMW X3 and Audi Q5

Inside, there's plenty of plush materials and a chunky steering wheel that should all stand up to the rigours of everyday family life. 

On the road, the Sorento is quiet and refined with only slight wind noise around the A-pillars at speed. The Sorento only gets one engine option - a punchy 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel, but we'll have to see if it fares as well when fully l

There's no hiding the car's bulk, but the suspension is good at keeping body roll in check on twisty roads. A little more weight and feedback in the steering wouldn't go amiss in bends, though. 

The Sorento comes with Kia's Drive Mode Select system, offering Normal, Sport and Comfort steering modes, but we found these make little difference when you really push on. It's well-cushioned on the motorway, though. 

The Sorento KX-2 should be the most popular model in the UK thanks to a comprehensive kit list and competitive value when lined up against its rivals, while top-spec KX-4 models cost north of £40,000. 

Kia Sorento KX-2 

Kia Sorento KX-2 

Kia Sorento KX-2 

All UK Sorentos get seven seats, with a sliding middle bench for more leg or boot room. The rearmost chairs are really for kids or occasional use only, but they fold flat into the floor and are undoubtedly useful in a car of this size.

With the third row folded, the boot capacity stands at 605 litres, while total capacity tops out at 1,662 litres with all the seats folded. There's also plenty of storage around the cabin with a neat underfloor compartment to store the

Kia Sorento KX-2 

Fuel economy isn't too bad for a car of this size, too. Manual models achieve between 46.3mpg and 49.6mpg depending on wheel size, while automatic models are slightly thirstier and cost around £1,750 more in the first place.