Kia Sportage: Big brother fights back

Sibling rivalry, it’s a toughie but it stretches back to Biblical times so what can you do?

That said, you can’t help feeling for the big brother when it is eclipsed by the talents of a young pretender.

I’m sure Kia Sportage used to look up to the Sorento as filial connections are strong.

No chance of it being bullied at school. But if you look at the sales figures the former not only overshadows the big seven-seater it nukes every other SUV on the road.

Now, new Sorento is fighting back and has even borrowed its younger brother’s clothes leaving it with a Sportage-esque aesthetic.

The Kia Sorento’s updated exterior design is bold and futuristic.

At the front, there’s a new bonnet with a more defined silhouette.

The Kia logo has jumped up to the top of the bonnet. Unique vertical headlamps and star map daytime running lights emphasise the hi-tech image, as does the 3D mesh pattern radiator grille.

Unique vertical headlamp and taillamps create a solid capable SUV look.

A redesigned front lower bumper gives Sorento a pleasing robust and confident appearance.

A wide skid plate, redesigned fog lamps and a vertical air intake trim give the vehicle a strong and purposeful look. Slap, Sorento is starting to get on top.

Add in the extra girth and the big Kia has more than enough road presence to stand its ground. It also shares the same tech and build quality with Sportage, it just needs to shout a bit louder on social media to become a stronger contender.

From my recollection this is fifth generation Sorento and with all that development it can’t fail to be good.

This particular model comes with a 1.6 litre turbocharged hybrid motor which doesn’t sound a lot for a vehicle of this size.

But the combo of petrol and electric produces 212BHP making it swift on the road and a great load-lugger.

The electric side of Sorento also helps with emissions and fuel consumption which everyone is more aware of nowadays – expect 40+ to the gallon.

Handling and ride are excellent too. There’s a long wheelbase with short overhangs making Sorento stable in the extreme.

Multi-link suspension not only smooths the many bumps that afflict our roads but makes a large vehicle feel amazingly sprightly.

On a favourite country road near me it hustles along nicely handling the twists with remarkable composure.

It also shrinks in town thanks to high-set driving position, reverse camera and beepers. It never approaches unwieldy and is an absolute pleasure to drive.

The interior is excellent too with all that Kia digital knowhow there in abundance.

Sportage drivers will recognise the theme – wide touchscreen, virtual dash, intuitive controls, first-rate infotainment.

So on paper and the road Sorento now matches Sportage’s prowess punch for sibling punch.

What it adds is size and the third row of seats, which makes it a seven-seater, pushes mum and dad, granny and granddad towards Sorento as being the favourite child, mainly because it allows them all to travel in one vehicle.

There’s still a bit of room in the boot, even when the third row is in place, for shopping, luggage or picnic paraphernalia.

So no need to go in two cars anymore and doubling car park fees and tolls.

Drop all the rear seats down and Sorento becomes a veritable van. It swallowed my bicycle without a second thought. There’s also good storage in the centre armrest and doors pockets and even space under the floor.

Now don’t fight children there is no need. With Sportage and Sorento being equally capable choosing a favourite should be easy; it will simply depend on your need for space.