Drivin' in Czechia
All you need to drive smart in the Czech Republic
Family car buyers in recent years are mainly choosing among large SUVs, a segment whose offerings have expanded considerably. Yet, there are long-standing players that have been on the market for quite some time. One of them is the Kia Sorento, now in its fourth generation. Having recently undergone a facelift, the timing seemed right to take it for a test drive. So, what is the current Kia Sorento like as a hybrid?
Design: A touch of American flair
Kia is known for frequently updating its vehicles, and that applies to the Sorento as well. With the launch of the current MQ4 generation, it adopted a completely different design language compared to its more conservative and somewhat bloated predecessor from the UM series. Another radical change came with the 2024 facelift.
The updated Sorento presents an entirely new face, guided by the brand’s philosophy: “Bold for nature.” The front end is dominated by a wide ‘tiger nose’ grille, and the manufacturer’s logo has moved to the hood to accommodate it. The headlights are minimalist and vertically oriented, inspired by Kia’s electric flagship SUV, the EV9. The result is distinctly American in style, which fits, considering the US is one of its main markets. And that’s not a bad thing—you simply won’t mistake this car for anything else. Its imposing dimensions—4,815 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,700 mm high—also make sure of that.
From other angles, the Sorento still resembles its predecessor. The taillights feature revised graphics but remain vertically split. The side profile is highlighted by a distinctive fin on the C-pillar, adding character.
Interior: A completely new layout
The interior also saw a major redesign, particularly the dashboard, which was rebuilt from scratch. The new layout includes two visually connected 12.3” screens—one for the instrument cluster and the other for infotainment. The center console has been simplified, now featuring a touch-sensitive control bar similar to other Kia models, easily switchable between climate and media controls. For those who prefer touch over buttons, this is an optimal solution.
The infotainment system offers a modern interface and a rich feature set, though competitor systems can feel more intuitive and user-friendly. A plus is the head-up display projecting info onto the windshield.
Material quality and build are excellent—Kia has truly stepped up in recent years, and the interior has a near-premium feel. The driving position is comfortable, and the majestic view over the long hood adds to the experience. One highlight is the automatic massage function that kicks in during long drives, enhancing comfort. The seat also offers side bolster inflation, activated in sport mode for extra support in corners. Details like the digital rear-view mirror—which provides clear visibility even when the car is fully loaded—make the interior feel truly refined.
Space is generous front and back, even for adults, at least in the five-seat version tested. However, storage compartments could be larger—a 1.5-liter bottle doesn’t fit in the front seat pockets, which is surprising for an SUV of this size. The boot, on the other hand, is massive: the five-seater hybrid Sorento offers a claimed 697 liters of space, more than enough for family luggage.
Engine: Hybrid as the best fit
The Sorento’s powertrain options reflect Kia’s commitment to versatility: a 2.2 CRDi turbodiesel, a full hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid, both using a 1.6 T-GDI gasoline engine. Those seeking an all-electric alternative can opt for the similar-sized EV9.
The tested hybrid combines a 1.6 T-GDI turbocharged engine (117 kW) with a 44 kW electric motor, a 1.49 kWh battery, and a six-speed automatic gearbox (6AT). Buyers can choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive; total output in both versions is 158 kW—ironically less than before the facelift, when the hybrid offered 169 kW.
In my opinion, the hybrid is the most suitable choice for this model. It’s agile enough in city traffic and doesn’t burden the diesel engine with stop-and-go driving. On the highway, it maintains sufficient power and fuel efficiency, and it’s significantly more affordable than the plug-in hybrid.
That said, this is within the family SUV category, where the Sorento HEV’s dynamics are more than adequate. Personally, I would appreciate a bit more punch when fully loaded—on highways or in the mountains, the automatic transmission needs to downshift to find extra power. The reduced output is noticeable.
The powertrain calibration is otherwise smooth. The switch between electric and combustion power is barely noticeable. The petrol engine is exceptionally well insulated and delivers a refined sound when it does come on.
The hybrid’s key advantage is fuel efficiency. Our long-term average was 6.5 l/100 km—excellent for a vehicle this size. Urban consumption hovered around 6 l/100 km, thanks to frequent electric driving. On highways and mountain roads, we averaged 8.5 l/100 km, which is acceptable. The 67-liter tank allows for an impressive range of up to 1,000 km under the right conditions.
The transmission prioritizes comfort—it shifts smoothly and logically during regular driving. However, during brisk acceleration, it becomes hesitant. Gear changes are less fluid, and the system occasionally struggles to decide on the optimal gear.
Driving characteristics: Comfort first
This comfort-first philosophy extends to the suspension setup. On regular roads, the Sorento performs admirably, even on 19” wheels. They absorb road imperfections without harsh impacts. The engine and overall cabin noise levels are minimal—soundproofing is top-tier.
When pushed, however, the Sorento shows its family-first nature. The body leans in corners, and handling becomes more cumbersome. Steering is vague. That’s not a complaint—this is not a sports SUV—but worth mentioning, as some competitors offer a sportier driving experience.
As a result, I mostly left it in Smart mode, which adjusts behavior automatically. Terrain driving modes are helpful for slippery surfaces, but the 174 mm ground clearance means this isn’t a true off-roader.
On the plus side, helpful driving aids abound. The annoying ones can be easily disabled. The 3D surround view simplifies parking and off-road maneuvering. The remote parking via key fob is especially handy if someone parks too close for you to open your door.
Drivin’ in Czechia’s Verdict
Pros
High comfort
Wide range of equipment
Large boot space
Cons
Clumsy behaviour at higher speeds
Reduced performance
Kia Sorento: Technical specs
| Engine | 1.6 T-GDI HEV 4×4 |
|---|---|
| Year | 2025 |
| Displacement (cc) | 1598 |
| Power (kW) | 158 |
| Torque (Nm) | 367 |
| Transmission | 6A |
| Top speed (km/h) | 183 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) | 9,7 |
| Fuel economy (l/100 km) | 6,6 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 149 |
| Kerb weight/payload (kg) | 1844/686 |
