Kia Sorento SUV (2011-2015) - Interior & comfort

You can’t knock the Kia Sorento for interior space, because it has loads – and nor can you criticise it for the amount of equipment it offers. The ride is generally comfortable, too. Kia’s budget-brand roots show themselves a little in the cabin, though, which does the job but lacks the better-quality finish you’ll find in many of this model’s rivals.

Kia Sorento dashboard

This is the Sorento’s main failing inside. The cabin is functional and works fine, while Kia’s reputation for building sturdy cars means there shouldn’t be too much to worry about in terms of build quality. However, the materials used for the dash feel a bit cheap and you don’t get the same fit and finish you’ll find in the majority of rival SUVs.

The seats are pretty comfortable, though, and the raised driving position gives you an excellent view of the road ahead. It also makes the car easier to get in and out of for people of all sizes.

Kia Sorento equipment

There are five trim levels on the Sorento, starting with the entry-level KX-1 and finishing with the top-spec KX-4. KX-2 SAT NAV is the fifth option and none of them are badly kitted out.

KX-1 models come with 17-inch alloy wheels, front foglamps and LED daytime running lights, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and rear parking sensors.

Step up to KX-2 and you get self-levelling suspension, a reversing camera, heated leather seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, privacy glass and rain-sensing wipers.

As the name suggests, KX-2 SAT-NAV (which is our pick as the best-all rounder) adds satellite navigation, along with an upgraded stereo system.

KX-3 features 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic electric sunroof and xenon headlights, while the top-spec KX-4 model comes with 19-inch alloy wheels and memory seats.

Kia Sorento options

There aren’t many options to speak of with the Sorento, but there is a series of dealer-fit accessories – some of which are cosmetic but many of which are designed to cater for the kind of working activities a big 4x4 is likely to be used for. These include things like side steps (£428), a boot liner (£68.90) and steel roof bars (£130.60) that can help with family life or working use.