The Kia Sorento is soon to be replaced by the fourth-generation model. The current and third-generation variant was introduced locally during 2017 and while the range offers four trim levels it only features one engine option, a diesel. Kia, however, manufactures the Sorento with a variety of petrol and diesel motors which is only offered in certain markets.
Related: New vs old KIA Sorento: what are the top 3 differences?
The new and fourth-generation model will be offered globally with three engine options, a 1.6-litre, turbocharged petrol, 2.5-litre, turbocharged petrol and a 2.2-litre, turbocharged diesel motor. Kia South Africa, however, is yet to confirm which engine derivatives will be available locally and if the outgoing model serves as a guide, it could only be the diesel option.
Even more excitingly, the new Kia Sorento will see the introduction of hybrid technology on some of its engine derivatives with plug-in hybrid planned for the near future. Not only will this bolster the overall power and performance of the new Sorento but also reduce fuel consumption and ultimately vehicle ownership cost.
The figures
For this comparison, we will only be focussing on the most popular global engine derivatives that come with the outgoing model. This model remains on showroom floors until the fourth-generation model is introduced which has been delayed as a result of the global pandemic.
| 2.2 CRDi | 2.0 T-GDi | 3.5 MPI | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Displacement | 2 199 cc | 1 998 cc | 3 470 cc |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 | Inline 4 | V6 |
| Turbocharger | Yes | Yes | No |
| Power | 147 kW | 202 kW | 213 kW |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 353 Nm | 336 Nm |
Verdict
By no means is the Kia Sorento a performance SUV and as such should only provide owners with enough power to navigate both on and off the road with confidence. Kia South Africa decided that the 2.2 CRDi motor will do just that and indeed it does. Local derivatives are offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations which should meet the requirements of most buyers.
While the petrol offerings might provide for additional power, both lack behind the local diesel derivative when it comes to torque. Furthermore, both petrol derivatives use more fuel, the 2.0 T-GDi averaging around 9.1 L / 100 km and the 3.5 MPI returning 11.9 L / 100 km while the 2.2 CRDi nearly cutting the latter in half with a return of 6.3 L / 100 km.
It is in our opinion that Kia South Africa made the correct decision in which engine option to retain. The diesel motor provides ample power to navigate our national routes while producing enough torque to traverse South Africa's tough terrain. Owners further benefit from the low fuel consumption bring ownership cost down.
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