In association with MotorEasy
Car of the Year Awards 2021: Large SUV of the Year
A spacious interior is obviously a prerequisite for a car to compete in this class, but we also expect an upmarket feel, sensible costs, and top-notch comfort and refinement...
Kia Sorento 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 2
The previous Kia Sorento was a hugely practical SUV with enough room for seven adults, and the latest model matches it in that respect. Indeed, its third row is far more accommodating than those of rivals that include the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq.
However, unlike the old Sorento, the new car is available as a hybrid, so it combines good real-world fuel economy with comparatively low CO2 emissions. And this setup doesn’t just aid efficiency; the petrol engine, electric motor and automatic gearbox work very well together, delivering smooth progress and punchy performance.
Comfort is another Sorento strength, particularly if you stick with entry-level 2 trim, because this gets smaller wheels and chunkier, more forgiving tyres than pricier versions. Meanwhile, the steering allows you to place the car confidently on a country road but is still easy to twirl at town speeds.
Throw in a nicely made and well equipped interior, a driving position that’s lofty enough to make HGV drivers jealous and Kia’s unmatched seven-year warranty, and the Sorento is an outstanding all-rounder.
Costs
> Vast interior space
> Frugal yet strong engine
> Comfortable ride
> Well equipped
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