2015 Kia Sorento SLi V6 Review – A Very Comfortable Middle Ground
The skinny: With a base model below it, and the luxed-up range-topper Platinum above, the mid-spec Kia Sorento SLi could be easily overlooked - a victim of middle-child syndrome. But with a healthy list of standard features, and some very well-mannered dynamics, there’s no reason to overlook this version.
A silken V6 with a hefty 199kW of power, smooth six-speed auto, and enough space for the whole family makes this large SUV the quiet achiever in the segment.
The new Sorento SLi V6 might be $4500 more expensive than the model before it, but few will begrudge the improved audio system, added satellite navigation, tyre pressure monitoring, not to mention the quieter, calmer cabin.
Vehicle Style: Large SUV
Price: $45,990 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 199kW/318Nm 3.3 6cyl petrol | 6spd automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 9.9 l/100km | tested: 10.9 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Kia just keeps kicking goals. In barely a decade, it has moved from cut-price motoring to mainstream acceptance and continues to build on the quality of its cars.
Take this new Sorento for instance. The previous car was good buying, solid, well-built and a pleasant drive, but the new model has added features, a more upscale interior, and extra space.
And it is rapidly chasing down family favourites, like the Toyota Kluger and Nissan Pathfinder.
Both in town, and out on the open road, we found Kia’s big SUV offers plenty for growing families.
THE INTERIOR | RATING: 4/5
- Leather trim, 18-inch alloys, eight-way powered driver's seat, hands-free tailgate, privacy glass, 7-inch TFT instrument cluster, cruise control, dual-zone climate control with rear booster fan, alloy pedals, trip computer.
- Infotainment: 7.0-inch touchscreen, 10-speaker Infinity audio, AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback, iPod compatible USB inputs, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
- Luggage capacity: 142 litres behind third row. 605 litres behind second row. 1662 litres behind first row
From the outside, the Sorento is something of a colossus. On the inside that translates exactly as you might expect: plenty of space in all three rows.
There’s also leather trim, satellite navigation, sports pedals, dual-zone climate control with a third-row booster fan, and the increasingly essential reverse camera.