The Kia Sorento evolved from an Asian value proposition into a credible rival for German luxury sport utility vehicles across all measureable metrics. With nothing left to prove, the 2024 Sorento has moved on to refining its already impressive qualities.

EXTERIOR

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, if Darth Vader drove… It might be an overused cliché, but never been more applicable in the Aurora Black Pearl tester provided to Jamaica Observer’s Auto. The Sorento retains its squat muscular stance, now further enhanced by an even more unique front light signature and reinterpretation of the Kia tiger grille. Both elements present a company that’s confident in its design language. Back to Vader. Rolling blacked out on 20-inch wheels, with the new thin vertical front LED lighting gives the Sorento a premium and very aggressive style, like something Darth Vader would drive if his Tie Fighter was stuck in the repair bay of the Death Star.

INTERIOR

Vader would also be very comfortable inside the Sorento. He might not haul family in it #itscomplicated, but Stormtroopers six up would be easy cargo as there’s more than enough space and technology to satisfy everyone — as will the panoramic sunroof. The liberal use of quality materials and design elements would impress even an emperor. Every seat has USB ports and climate control access. There’s an abundance of storage solutions. The 10.25-inch touch screen infotainment system is as fast as the Millennium Falcon performing the Kessel Run. Customisable subtle ambient lighting adds to an already refined cabin experience.

As expected at this end of the market the major functions are either powered or automated for convenience and comfort. However, features alone don’t make a vehicle premium. It’s their application and execution, and the Sorento hits that target like the Death Star did Alderaan. For example, the climate controls are tied into the comfortable leather heated and cooled seats. Activate the blinkers and a live video feed of the respective direction appears in the digital instrumentation.

Third row access is just a button press away from the second row. The seats do have to be manually brought upright from the kick to open power-operated rear hatch, but the second row can be electronically lowered to create cavernous cargo space.

ON THE ROAD

Turn the rotary selector into drive and the Sorento continues to impress. In diesel trim it’s the best compromise between fuel efficiency and performance. The 2.2-litre turbodiesel under the bonnet defies expectations, being near-silent to occupants. Other than the massive low-end torque and impressive mileage figure that appears when filled one would never know it’s a diesel. It’s smooth and powerful. There are a plethora of driver assist features that make the Sorento a breeze to operate in everyday living, from auto braking, to hands-free lane keep assist, to active cruise control.

Yet, even with that Kia has not skimped on the driving quality. The suspension continues its amazing ability to soak up everything Jamaican roads can throw at it, from cheese grater irregularities to craters that would make the moon envious. The Sorento, despite its size, is always composed and controlled, never feeding any harshness back to occupants. This isn’t due to some soft over-damped suspension. Once pace is picked up the Sorento responds well, using its all-wheel drive system and eight-speed automatic transmission to effective use. There’s no sense of body roll, and the confidence of traction means it can be hustled through turns beyond its imposing presence. And it’s more than capable off-road with its host of terrain driving modes.

Not only is the interior and exterior of the 2024 Kia Sorento in the premium category, so is the drive, unlike so many of its rivals.