At the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the first generation of the Kia Sorento was presented, the large-size SUV with a family vocation from the Korean firm. They had already entered the success segment with the Sportage, a crossover C that was giving a lot to talk about for its value for money. Entering a superior world, the Sorento had to meet certain requirements of sophistication and technology worthy of a flagship , something that it more than achieved and that today has helped to have a Korean range of up to thirteen models, seven of them for sale. in Spain. Today we review the history of this model , which has been the benchmark for Kia for more than two decades.
During its presentation, the Kia Sorento received several compliments for its design, space, habitability and the feeling of quality. In addition, it continued to maintain an adequate relationship with its price, making technologies and aesthetics accessible that other European brands do not consider with this type of bodywork. Thanks to the Sorento, the public began to look at Kia as a firm capable of meeting all requirements, including family ones. Since then, more than 3 million units have been sold , 350,000 of them in Europe and more than 37,000 in our country , where it went on sale 21 years ago . Thanks to the reception of customers, and the media, we are facing the latest generation, the most evolved and digital in its history but also the most efficient with hybrid and plug-in hybrid drives.
All this has led it to be the winner of numerous awards such as the last “Women’s World Car of the Year” of 2021, Golden Steering Wheel 2020 in Germany, “Car of the Year” at the Carbuyer Best Car Awards in the United Kingdom, Red Dot Award and iF Design Award, among others, a recognition that began to arrive after the second generation, which showed an adaptation to the European taste for refined bodies, clearly crossovers and with a premium style in the D segment .
How did the Sorento get there?
The first generation of the Kia Sorento was clearly an off-roader with SUV airs, but too much 4×4. We had not yet made the leap to the crossover design and off-road capabilities were more valued than they are now. In that sense, the Sorento had a frame with crossmembers and spars, three traction systems (4×2, 4×4 manual and 4×4 automatic), reduction gear and rear self-locking differential. I mean, it was a real off-roader.
This model was updated in 2006 but it was not until 2009 that the second generation arrived. It was the one that marked a before and after in the adaptation of the SUV aesthetic, with a familiar and comfortable approach for trips on paved roads . It moved away from adventurous pretensions by ditching the frame rails and crossmembers for lightness and aerodynamics. It also significantly improved safety, efficiency, quality and technology, with engines that consumed less and, above all, reduced emissions .
The third generation arrives
With the third generation of the Sorento, presented in 2015, the firm’s confidence in its success and permeabilization in Europe was demonstrated. It already featured the now familiar ‘tiger-nose’ grille, which earned it the Red Dot Design Award and was now available with 7 seats. In addition, the technological leap was evident, with a very clear premium image and equipment elements such as the 360-degree camera, automatic gate and compatibility with the latest generation smartphones.
We have already told you about the fourth generation, which has been key in the transition towards sustainability of this large SUV. Thanks to hybrid and plug- in hybrid propulsion, the buyer will be able to use the Sorento in cities and for his long-distance trips. Some routes in which it is more comfortable than ever, being one of the most versatile and spacious SUVs with three rows of seats on the market .
The design language called “bold refinement” continues to evolve an aesthetic that has already dazzled the Spanish, even more so for its minimalist and spacious interior treatment . A cabin equipped with a technological arsenal and top quality materials, in addition to the enormous trunk of up to 858 liters of capacity . In short, an alternative to be taken into account by all families looking for that unique car with which to meet all their transportation needs in an efficient, sophisticated and very safe way .
