Kia Sorento: NI EXPLORER test drives...

Don’t just take our word for it! 

We’ve asked Northern Ireland’s leading road-trippers and adventure-finders NI EXPLORER to put a few of our Kia models to the test. They’ll be making the most of each model’s features – from the streets of Belfast to the Mourne Mountains, the Causeway Coast and everywhere in between.

Hi everyone.

Last week, the Kia Ceed impressed us with its great mix of sporty looks and overall practicality (read it here).

This week, practicality was the one thing we definitely needed for the planned adventure. And we got it in abundance, with a bit of luxury thrown in too.

The 7-seater Kia Sorento is just BURSTING with space on the inside – and not at the sacrifice of exterior looks or feeling like you’re driving a mini-bus. 

When all seats are upright, boot space is still ample – with the same little hidden compartment that we loved in the Ceed last week.

But dropping the 2 very rear seats (with a simple pull of the straps) the boot space is instantly increased and nicely flat.

Moving up to the front again though - where everything is still as it was – the heated leather steering wheel and seats, 7-inch touch screen and endless other gadgets quickly erases any van-like feelings. This is a top-of-the-range, smart, luxury vehicle. Simple.

And what did we do with it? Dropped the middle 3 seats and stuff it full of all we needed for a day of winter mountain biking... with room to spare.



The all-wheel drive and super-smooth gearbox had the Sorento sailing up the hills, to the forest’s upper car park.

The titanium silver colour with tinted windows looked great against the forest scenes too – we spotted more than a few eyes peaking at the car as we offloaded the bikes.

After our day in the hills, we also put the Sorento to the test with all the seats up that weekend.
Happy to report that seven adults fitted comfortably inside – including two guys both over six foot six inches tall!

Oh, and those middle row seats are heated (via the button on the door) and can recline too. Nice.

Next up, is Kia’s other popular SUV, the 2018 Sportage. GT Line. We'll link the article here soon.