AN EYE ON THE FUTURE

Hybrid SUV delivers an environmentally friendly option for larger families

Kia has added a hybrid model to its seven-seat Sorento SUV range, throwing down the gauntlet to Toyota’s petrol-electric Kluger. The Sorento Hybrid is available in top-spec Gt-line grade only and buyers can choose between front or all-wheel drive for about $72,400 and $75,500 drive-away respectively.

That represents a premium of about $7000 over the front-wheel drive Gt-line petrol and all-wheel drive Gt-line diesel. It’s also about $12,000 cheaper than the plug-in hybrid Sorento that brings a bigger battery and can be driven up to 68km on pure electric power.

Kia claims the front-wheel drive hybrid drinks 5.3L/100km and the heavier all-wheel drive model tested here sips 5.8L/100km.

We managed about 7L/100km in a mix of open road and urban driving, which is impressive for a big rig.

On the road the Sorento is built for comfort, with well-sorted suspension that soaks up bumps and corrugations with ease. The trade off is some lean through corners, which is typical of larger family SUVS.

Accurate steering and all-wheel drive grip provide confidence in the wet.

The hybrid set-up in the Sorento blends a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with a small 44kw electric motor for a combined 169kw of power and 350Nm of torque.

There is plenty of oomph from the get-go and decent shove when the Sorento is called on to overtake at speed.

During the majority of the commute the petrol engine does most of the heavy lifting, but the electric motor chimes in occasionally. The small 1kwh battery recharges under braking.

The Sorento is quiet, with just a hint of a hum from the electric motor and a distant rumble of the turbo engine entering the cabin. On the highway there is minimal road and tyre noise. It is smaller than the Kluger and it’s noticeable in urban areas where the Kia is easy to manoeuvre in tight car parks and inner city streets. Available in Gt-line grade only, the hybrid comes with the lot.

Passengers are greeted by supple quilted Nappa leather seats, which are electronically adjustable, heated and ventilated in the front. The outboard second row seats are also heated.

The cabin has a mix of soft-touch materials and gloss black surfaces, while ambient lighting lifts the mood at night.

Entertainment includes a 12-speaker Bose stereo, operated via a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen that is compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. A slick, highresolution 12.3-inch digital driver display provides helpful information.

The cabin has several USB charging points across all rows and there’s a wireless device charging pad in the front centre console. Passengers in all three rows are pampered with individual aircon vents and there are eight cup holders. Families will appreciate the built-in second row sun shades, while the third row is comfortable for kids and smaller teenagers. Safety equipment is comprehensive. The Sorento will brake automatically if it senses a potential collision with a car, pedestrian or cyclist. It will also alert the driver if there’s something in the car’s blind spot and sound an alarm if a car is passing as you reverse out of a driveway or parking spot.

The lane-keep assist tech will tug at the steering wheel if you start to wander out of your lane, while a bird’s eye view camera makes parking a cinch.

Kia covers its vehicles with a class leading seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, but servicing is eye-wateringly expensive at more than $3000 over five years.

VERDICT

Good looking, well equipped family SUV with decent fuel economy. Cheaper grades and more affordable servicing program would be welcome.