Large SUVs have been the true flagships of brands for a few years. In Kia’s case, that’s the Sorento. Its updated generation for sale dates from 2021 and at its launch it stood out for offering different propulsion alternatives. The range was later completed with a special edition, the Kia Sorento Black Edition.
What does this version offer? Obviously details in black, but also an extra piece of equipment that may interest some. And it’s offered with all three engines: diesel, conventional hybrid (like the unit you see), and a plug-in hybrid.
The three mechanics had already gone through our test section and, in more detail, the hybrid did it. Why reoffend with him? Well, to verify its consumption on long trips, which we had not been able to measure in a real way when congestion coincided for various reasons. So we will focus on what this version offers
The Kia Sorento Black Edition part of €58,325 with hybrid engine. It is slightly cheaper than diesel at the time of writing this test. In any case, it is best to look for Kia Sorento offers if you find it interesting in our new car section if you are looking for a hybrid SUV with seven seats. Also take a look at the different car financing tools.
Abroad
The history of the Kia Sorento is that of many other SUVs that have been adapting to what the market demanded. The previous one, launched in 2014 and renewed in 2018, was already configured thinking above all about moving on asphalt and this one added electrification to its propulsion options.
In this test we have already broken down in great detail the idiosyncrasies in the lines of the Sorento currently for sale, a vehicle of 4,810mm lengthof which 2,815 mm correspond to its wheelbase.
There are no emblems that distinguish the Sorento Black Edition. You have to look at some small details, such as the black color chosen for the frame of the grill (chrome in other finishes). We also see that color on roof rails and rear-view mirror housings, as well as darkened chrome on the windows and side sills. The wheels of our test unit were 19 inches, but if you choose diesel it reaches 20.
Interior and equipment
The same thing happens inside: there is no variation and you can see our impressions of space and ergonomics in this video.
The Kia Sorento Black Edition has as standard ventilated and heated front seats with leather upholstery (the driver’s seat also has a memory function). The multifunction steering wheel or the rear seats are also heated and it has a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, to which is added a second screen for the 10.25-inch multimedia system.
This includes the Kia Connect system, connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree vision camera (almost essential in a car of its size) or a browser. It also has a Head Up Display and a Bose sound system.
The endowment is completed with many security elements. There is no lack of adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, detection of vehicles in the blind spot, signal reader and even remote parking from the key.
Trunk
There is also an electric gate to give access to a trunk that, with the 7 seats in use, remains in 179 liters. This is a low figure, but in line with other similar models and which remind us that the last row of seats, despite being very capable, are designed for occasional use.
With five seats, the hybrid Kia Sorento announces up to 813 liters of capacity if you put the seats in their most forward position, 608 in the furthest back. These are really good figures for a model with its propulsion system. If you fold down the two rear rows and you are left with two seats, you have 1,996 liters capacity.
Engine
The Kia Sorento Black Edition offers various propulsion systems.
- Diesel engine 2 CRDI of 202 CVwith front and all-wheel drive (see test).
- plug-in hybrid system, the Sorento PHEV with 265 hp always with all-wheel drive (see test). It is associated with a 13.8 kWh battery with which it certifies 57 kilometers of autonomy.
- Kia Sorento HEV, the protagonist of this test, which combines a 180 CV supercharged four-cylinder 1.6 gasoline engine with a 60 CV electric one, to achieve 230 hp and 350 Nm of torque.
It is associated with a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox (the diesel has a dual-clutch with eight gears). The electrical part is handled by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.49 kWh. This helps to contain consumption (they remain at 7.4 l/100 km in the approved cycle) and also to boost the car, which announces a 0-100 km/h from a standstill in 9 seconds, with a top speed of 193 km/h.
Behavior
Having thoroughly tested the hybrid Sorento, I can’t help but repeat: a very nice car to drive in the city despite its size (blessed rear view cameras and sensors galore). In it you carry out daily trips in a very comfortable and silent way, with quite successful transitions between moving from electric to hybrid.
You cannot force to move in electric mode, although the march always starts in this way and it is possible to travel a little distance (varies depending on the orography and speed) without emissions.
Why repeat the test with the hybrid Sorento? Well, mainly, to properly measure consumption on the highway. Due to circulatory hazards, on the previous occasion I ran into several accidents and traffic jams that gave rise to measurements that were too advantageous for a car with its propulsion system: frequent retention, very calm rhythms and few moments at sustained cruising speed.
And since we are to test cars properly, there we went to Galicia to travel 1,297 km (1,168 by highway). The result, 7.9 l/100 km spent. Obviously, more than a diesel but figures in line with the size and shape of the car. In urban environments and secondary roads it is possible to move in numbers closer to 6 l/100 km. A good hybrid system.
On the highway, it also proves to be plumb and very well soundproofed, with a good quality of rolling and that shows good set-up in wide curves, without being exaggeratedly clumsy on secondary roads with tighter turns, but you have to go quite fast to that subveres
Unlike the other unit, with all-wheel drive and offroad driving modes, in this front-wheel drive we only have the ECO, which prioritizes low consumption, the Sport, which makes the gearbox and accelerator set more reactive, or the Smart, that adapts how the system works based on how you drive.
Opinion cars.com
Of course, the Kia Sorento Black Edition offers that differentiating detail in the aesthetic part, with the black elements that achieve a very distinguished image. Inside it is still spacious and very well finished, with equipment at a very high level.
The hybrid mechanics has been very capable in traveling at sustained cruising speeds. It has surprised me a lot and makes me doubt whether to choose diesel (as we said, more expensive) unless most of the km you travel will be on long trips.
The hybrid seems more refined, more pleasant to drive and much more grateful if you move in the city. Plus you get the Eco label, not available on diesel. It would be necessary to take more accounts with the plug-in hybrid, but its greater weight will make you spend more on trips and you have to have a plug to make its use interesting (and amortize the difference in price).
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