We carried out a relatively short but moderate test drive of the new Kia Sorento 1.6L TGDI HEV AWD Gasoline-Electric model, covering approximately 1000 kilometers. Kia Sorento, which we drove during a test period of approximately 1000 kilometers, which can be considered short but covers different driving conditions, makes you feel what a serious player it is with its dimensions at the first moment.
According to registration data, this large SUV, which is 4,815 mm long and weighs approximately 2 tons, literally says “I am here” on the road with its height of 1,900 mm. These measurements not only present a muscular and strong stance when viewed from the outside; It creates a feeling of spaciousness in the interior that meets and even exceeds the expectations of its class.
When you press the ignition button, silence greets you. But this silence is misleading—because under the hood, both internal combustion and electric are waiting to work together. With this new hybrid version, Kia Sorento claims to be not only a family SUV but also a technological showcase. At first glance, the Sorento’s design language is clear: muscular, confident and modern. The wide front grille and sharp LED headlights add a serious character to the vehicle. The long wheelbase on the side profile heralds the spaciousness in the interior.
The 1.6-liter TGDI gasoline engine and its accompanying electric motor operating under the hood reveal a much more refined character than the data on paper. Kia Sorento offers a quiet and smooth start, making you feel the advantage of fully electric driving, especially during the first moments of movement.
The compatibility of the hybrid system in urban use is quite successful. The vehicle, which moves in almost completely electric mode at low speeds, provides a serious advantage in traffic in terms of both comfort and fuel economy. When the internal combustion engine comes into play, this transition is so smooth that it is often difficult to notice.
On the open road and in long use, Sorento’s character becomes a little clearer. Although it weighs nearly 2 tons, the total power offered by the system is more than enough for daily use. It may not be right to expect a sporty character during sudden acceleration; However, the linear power transfer and stable driving feeling it offers make this vehicle long-distance friendly.
The contribution of the AWD (four-wheel drive) system is especially evident in roadholding. Offering a reassuring balance on wet surfaces and winding roads, Sorento promises its driver a controlled ride in all conditions. Steering responses are clear, and the suspension system successfully absorbs impacts on rough surfaces with its comfort-oriented structure.
In daily life, Kia Sorento manages to balance the disadvantages of its size with its technology. Although at first glance, its length of more than 4.8 meters and its imposing structure may seem challenging in the city, maneuvering is not as difficult as you think, thanks to the advanced camera systems and driving aids.
When you move into the interior, the feeling of spaciousness clearly reveals itself. Especially with the contribution of the long wheelbase, a spacious living space is offered for both front and rear passengers. The 7-person seating option makes the vehicle a serious alternative for crowded families.
The trunk volume also does justice to this large body. The space, which is more than sufficient for daily use, turns into a very practical loading area when the seats are folded down. An important plus for long journeys or crowded trips.
On the technology side, Sorento is quite generous. The large digital instrument panel, multimedia screen and driving support systems increase both safety and driving comfort. Adaptive cruise control, lane tracking systems and semi-autonomous driving aids make their difference felt, especially on long roads.
On the technology side, Kia Sorento has a very assertive profile. Semi-autonomous driving support systems, in particular, significantly ease the driver’s burden on long journeys. However, there is an important detail we observed during our testing process: The system cannot adapt to all road conditions with the same success. On some surfaces, and especially in scenarios where road lines are not clear, there may be moments when the autonomous driving system becomes unstable. This reminds the driver to always be careful. In short, the system is supportive, but not at a level that can be completely trusted and “left”.
On the driving modes side, Sorento offers a very rich character. These modes, which can adapt to different scenarios, clearly demonstrate the versatility of the vehicle:
Eco Mode: Maximum efficiency and quiet driving
Sport Mode: Livelier throttle response
Slippery Floor Mode: For wet and low adhesion surfaces
Hill Descent Mode: Controlled progress on steep descents
Snow Mode: Safe driving in winter conditions
Terrain Modes: Extra support for uneven and difficult surfaces
This diversity makes the Kia Sorento not just an urban SUV but a versatile vehicle that can adapt to different road conditions.
When you accelerate, the system works together to provide satisfactory acceleration. These transitions are so smooth—most of the time you don’t even know which engine is engaged.
The AWD (four-wheel drive) system provides confidence, especially on wet surfaces and in light off-road conditions. The steering feel is clear, and the suspension system is tuned for comfort. It successfully absorbs impacts on rough roads.
Kia Sorento, with its hybrid engine, is powerful for an SUV of this size and weight. surprisingly economical It offers consumption. In 5-seat version extremely large luggage volumeon the front seats More than 20 setting optionshigh level ergonomics, Heated and cooled seats Comfort in all seasons, adaptable to different road conditions rich driving modes The vehicle has advantages such as quiet and refined driving character.
Semi-autonomous driving system in some road conditions can act indecisiveIn case of sudden acceleration sportiness limitedFront cockpit design and digital instrument panel It could have felt warmer and more premium.
Kia Sorento impresses with its majesty at first glance; It is an SUV that stands out with its logic when you get behind the wheel. Despite its 2-ton body and large dimensions, the reasonable consumption values it offers thanks to the hybrid system make it a strong alternative, especially for family use. While the large living space, high comfort level and technological equipment offered in the interior make daily life easier; Driving modes and AWD system make the vehicle a versatile structure that can adapt to different road conditions.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The fact that the autonomous driving system cannot provide the same confidence in every scenario and that the cockpit design has the potential to offer more emotional “premium feeling” are among the points that need to be improved.
But when you look at the general picture, Sorento’s character is clear: It is a smart choice that focuses on functionality rather than ostentation, comfort and economy rather than performance. If what you are looking for is a large, comfortable, technological and at the same time sensible SUV, Sorento manages to strike this balance.
The new Kia Sorento 1.6L TGDI HEV AWD stands out with its handling and driving balance. The advanced suspension and shock absorber system minimizes body oscillation during bends and provides a driving feeling so compact that the driver will forget that he is driving a large SUV. The braking system, which reacts quickly and clearly during sudden braking, offers the driver extra control with its short braking distance. While the hybrid engine provides economical use, its large interior volume and high comfort make it a strong alternative in the vehicle segment.
Text and Images: Özgür Sunay
Automobile Magazine – English
