The Kia Sorento large SUV first launched in 2002 and was one of the leading models in the Korean manufacturer’s transformation from budget brand to mainstream player. For many years the Sorento – which comes with seven seats as standard – was the Kia flagship, only replaced in this role on the launch of the EV6 and EV9 models in 2021 and 2023.

The current generation of the Sorento has been on sale since 2020 and was the first to offer hybrid drivetrains alongside the diesel versions. Now it has undergone a facelift, part of an extensive range renewal currently underway in the Kia model range.

While the revamp is quite wide-ranging, one aspect that has not been changed is the three powertrain options. The Sorento can still be had as a full hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and, increasingly rare, a diesel – the Sorento is a 4×4 SUV with proper off-road ability and Kia recognises that there are still customers out there, particularly in rural communities, who want a torquey diesel for such tasks as pulling trailers through muddy fields.

The update extends across the exterior and interior, while the vehicle’s specification is enhanced. From the exterior the changes are clearly designed to evoke the Sorento’s flagship successor, the EV9, notably the vertical headlamps, grille, bonnet shape and daytime running lights, plus various detail touches. There are also new alloy wheels and further detailing on the sides and tail – we particularly like, by the way, the way that the rear screen wiper nestles under the roof spoiler.

The interior gets an update too, following the trend towards more environmentally-conscious materials – recycled plastics and artificial leathers abound, the level of which depending which of the three trim levels one selects. While looking upmarket, the upholstery also has a second purpose in being durable – the fabrics are reusable, the seams double-stitched, again an indication of the Sorento’s workhorse status.

Kia describes the Sorento as one of the most high-tech cars the brand produces, and this is evident in the driver’s environment – on all but the entry-level ‘2’ versions this centres on what appears to be an impressive landscape panel running across the front fascia and curving inwards at its left-hand edge to ease viewing of such as navigation maps.

It’s actually two 12.3-inch screens, the centre infotainment one and the driver’s own digital display. Almost all functions are displayed or activated across the two, though there a line of touch-buttons underneath the centre screen. These serve dual functions, switching between infotainment and climate control functions. Go for the top-specification 4 model and you also get a head-up display on the windscreen.

All versions of the Sorento are also supplied with a free seven-year subscription to Kia Connect, a telematics service which offers a wide range of live information through the centre screen and the driver’s smartphone, from traffic information to where to find a parking space.

The three powertrain options offer individual attractions. The hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with a 1.49kWh battery pack neatly packaged under the front seat so as not to compromise boot space, driving through a six-speed auto transmission. Peak power is 212hp with a 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds and WLTP combined cycle fuel economy of between 39 and 42mpg.

The diesel matches the hybrid’s 0-62mph time and virtually matches its economy, the 190hp 2.2-litre engine returning around 43mpg, this time through an eight-speed auto transmission. CO2 emissions however, are around the 170g/km mark, compared to the 153 to 160 of the hybrid.

Without doubt of greatest interest to fleet buyers, however, will be the plug-in hybrid (PHEV). While using the same 1.6 engine as the full hybrid, its battery and motor are larger adding 36hp to the power output, while the WLTP economy rating of more than 176mpg and 37g/km CO2 figure are very BIK-tax friendly. Having said that the PHEV only offers a maximum of 34 miles in electric-only mode, which in today’s market is becoming less than impressive.

Whichever powertrain one goes for, the Sorento is a proper off-roader and the electronics include a Terrain Mode system with bespoke mud, snow and sand settings, selected from a dial on the centre console.

No complaints about safety either – a full suite of ADAS active driving aids come as standard. The 3 and 4 trim levels add extra functions but they are ‘good to haves’ rather than the ones you need, which are all fitted anyway. The Sorento clocked up a top five-star rating when last tested by Euro NCAP in 2020.

The extensive safety kit comes as part of a long standard equipment list with even entry-level 2 grade models boasting such niceties as heated seats and steering wheel, the 12.3-inch touch infotainment screen, a rear parking camera and wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphones.

Sorento prices start from £41,995 for the diesel in 2 grade – the hybrid is available for an extra £1,000 while the plug-in version starts at £47,295. Range-topper is the PHEV in 4 trim at £55,995 and all versions come with Kia’s seven-year 100,000 mile warranty.