Hyundai
Santa Fe
SUV · six or seven seats
- From
- £49,185
- Length
- 4,830mm
- Isofix
- 4
Kia Sorento 7-seater
Seven seats and all-wheel drive on every version, with diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid power.
- Price from
- £43,725
- Boot, 7 seats up
- 179 L
- Seats
- 7
- Isofix points
- 4
- Length
- 4,815mm
Quick answer
Is the Kia Sorento a 7-seater?
Yes. Every UK Sorento has seven seats and all-wheel drive as standard, whichever trim (Pure, Evolve, Aspire) or engine you choose.
Best for Families with young children who also tow
On this page
The Kia Sorento 7-seater is one of the few seven-seat SUVs still sold with a diesel engine, carwow points out, and Kia quotes 2,500kg of braked towing for that 2.2 CRDi. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid keep all seven seats too.
Four Isofix points, two of them in the third row, make it a strong choice for families with several young children. The trade-off is a small boot with every seat in use: Kia quotes 179 litres. The Hyundai Santa Fe is its closest match on paper.
Kia Sorento specifications
| Body | SUV |
|---|---|
| Seats | 7 |
| Seat layout | 2-3-2 |
| Boot, 7 seats up | 179 litres |
| Boot, 5 seats up | 813 litres |
| Boot, maximum | 1,996 litres |
| Third row suits | Adults on short trips |
| Isofix points | 4 (two in row 2 and two in row 3) |
| Isofix in row 3 | Yes |
| Length | 4,815mm |
|---|---|
| Width without mirrors | 1,900mm |
| Height | 1,695mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,815mm |
| Fuel, with seven seats | Diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid |
| Gearbox | Automatic only |
| Price from | £43,725 |
| Towing, braked | 2,500kg |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2020) |
| Electric-only range (plug-in hybrid) | Up to 34 miles |
Kia Sorento boot space
- 7 seats up
- 179L
- 5 seats up
- 813L
- Maximum
- 1,996L
With all seven seats in use the boot holds 179 litres, the 10th smallest of the 29 SUVs with a published boot figure and 61 litres less than the median. With five seats in use the boot holds 813 litres, rising to a maximum of 1,996 litres.
The Sorento's boot changes character with the seats. With all seven in use Kia quotes 179 litres, but fold the third row and that rises to 813 litres, so for most of the week it is a five-seater with a large boot. Kia does not say whether its figures use the VDA method.
Choosing the plug-in hybrid costs almost nothing: Kia quotes 175, 809 and 1,988 litres for it. That is a better deal than in the Skoda Kodiaq, whose plug-in hybrid loses the third row altogether.
How it is measured Kia UK figures behind the third, second and first rows with seats upright, for the diesel and hybrid; the plug-in hybrid has 175, 809 and 1,988 litres. Kia does not state VDA or roof-height basis.
Kia Sorento dimensions
- Length
- 4,815mm4.82m · 15ft 10in
- Width
- 1,900mm1.90m · 6ft 3in
- Height
- 1,695mm1.70m · 5ft 7in
Wheelbase 2,815mmLength 4,815mmHeight 1,695mmWidth 1,900mm
At 4,815mm (4.82m, 15ft 10in) long, the Sorento is 59mm shorter than the median SUV, and the 15th shortest of the 37 SUVs we track. It is 1,900mm wide without mirrors and 1,695mm tall. The wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear axles, is 2,815mm.
Third row: who fits?
Third row suitsAdults on short trips
Auto Express measured 607mm of knee room and 843mm of headroom in the back row and calls access a little tight, though better than in some rivals. Carwow says the high floor leaves passengers sitting knees-up, which is fine for short hops but not for long journeys. Honest John rates the third row properly usable for children and acceptable for adults on shorter trips.
Reviewers agree the Sorento's third row suits children best, with adults fine for short trips. Where it shines is child seats: two of the four Isofix points are in the third row, so car seats can go in the back while older children or adults use the middle bench.
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers the same arrangement, and our guide to 7-seaters with three Isofix points covers the other cars that can take three child seats.
- Seat
- Isofix point
- Driver
Isofix and child seats
4Isofix points
The Sorento has four Isofix points: two in row 2 and two in row 3. That is enough for three Isofix child seats, though whether three fit side by side depends on the seats you choose.
Engines and fuel economy
The plug-in hybrid can cover up to 34 miles on electric power alone.
Gearbox: automatic only.
| Version | Fuel | Power | Gearbox | Seven seats | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 CRDi diesel AWD (8-speed dual-clutch) | Diesel | 193PS | Automatic | Yes | Not published |
| 1.6 T-GDi HEV AWD (6-speed auto) | Hybrid | 238PS | Automatic | Yes | Not published |
| 1.6 T-GDi PHEV AWD (6-speed auto) | Plug-in hybrid | 287PS | Automatic | Yes | 34 miles |
Official fuel economy and CO2
| Variant | Fuel | Gearbox | MPG | CO2 g/km | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| '2' 2.2 CRDi 8-speed DCT AWD | Diesel | Automatic (8-speed) | 43.5 | 170 | Not published |
| Pure 2.2 CRDi 190bhp 8-speed DCT | Diesel | Automatic | 43.4 | 170 | Not published |
| '3' 2.2 CRDi 8-speed DCT AWD | Diesel | Automatic (8-speed) | 42.8 | 173 | Not published |
| '4' 2.2 CRDi 8-speed DCT AWD | Diesel | Automatic (8-speed) | 42.8 | 174 | Not published |
| Evolve 2.2 CRDi 190bhp 8-speed DCT | Diesel | Automatic | 42.8 | 173 | Not published |
| Aspire 2.2 CRDi 190bhp 8-speed DCT | Diesel | Automatic | 42.8 | 174 | Not published |
| Pure 1.6 T-GDi 235bhp 6-speed Auto | Hybrid | Automatic | 42.8 | 150 | Not published |
| '2' HEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD | Hybrid | Automatic (6-speed) | 42.2 | 153 | Not published |
| Evolve 1.6 T-GDi 235bhp 6-speed Auto | Hybrid | Automatic | 41.5 | 155 | Not published |
| Aspire 1.6 T-GDi 235bhp 6-speed Auto | Hybrid | Automatic | 40.9 | 157 | Not published |
| '3' HEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD | Hybrid | Automatic (6-speed) | 40.4 | 158 | Not published |
| '4' HEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD | Hybrid | Automatic (6-speed) | 39.8 | 160 | Not published |
| '2' PHEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic (6-speed) | 176.6 | 37 | 34 miles |
| '3' PHEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic (6-speed) | 176.6 | 37 | 34 miles |
| '4' PHEV 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed auto AWD | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic (6-speed) | 176.6 | 37 | 34 miles |
| Pure' 1.6 T-GDi 283bhp 6-speed Auto | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic (6-speed) | 72.4 | 35 | 34 miles |
| Evolve' 1.6 T-GDi 283bhp 6-speed Auto | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic (6-speed) | 72.4 | 35 | 34 miles |
| Aspire' 1.6 T-GDi 283bhp 6-speed Auto | Plug-in hybrid | Automatic (6-speed) | 72.4 | 35 | 34 miles |
Source: Vehicle Certification Agency, data updated 4 October 2026.
Kia Sorento price
From£43,725
Kia UK lists the Pure trim from £43,725, and carwow gives the same RRP for its entry version, the 2.2 CRDi Pure DCT diesel. Evolve starts at £48,375 and Aspire at £52,875 on Kia UK. Every version is a seven-seater.
Prices checked October 2026.
Safety and recalls
5 stars from Euro NCAP, tested in 2020.
DVSA recalls
The DVSA lists 9 recalls for the Sorento:
24 April 2026 · Ref R/2026/139 · 343 vehicles
Kia Cluster Malfunction Recall
The instrument cluster screen may respond slowly immediately after starting the vehicle. During this condition activating the turn signal can cause the cluster to reset or the Blind View Monitor (BVM) within the cluster to turn green. The malfunction is caused by PMIC noise induced falsely high temperature sensor readings which trigger the chip protection logic above a certain threshold and lead to performance limitation up to reboot or black screen.
Remedy: Over The Air software update or dealer software update
Built 30 June 2025 to 18 November 2025
3 April 2025 · Ref R/2025/130 · 695 vehicles
Kia Sorento MQ4 PDC Recall
When the turn signal is switched off after operating the turn signal or hazard light more than 5 minutes the upper part of Daytime Running Light (DRL) stays off. The DRL will subsequently not meet the required intensity standard.
Remedy: Kia will issue a software update via OTA (Over the Air) if this fails or a customer refuses the OTA update a Kia dealer will update the software.
Built 19 July 2023 to 18 December 2024
18 September 2023 · Ref R/2023/269 · 1,013 vehicles
Turn signals may not activate intermittently due to improper switch contact in the multifunction switch
Turn signals may not activate intermittently due to improper switch contact in the multifunction switch
Remedy: Software update for the multifunction switch which increases the acceptable range for the control system
Built 1 April 2022 to 31 August 2022
24 April 2023 · Ref R/2023/077 · 14 vehicles
Poor moulding of the plastic fuel tank by a temporary supplier can lead to a potential fuel leak
Poor moulding of the plastic fuel tank by a temporary supplier can lead to a potential fuel leak
Remedy: Replace the fuel tank.
Built 11 April 2022 to 10 May 2022
9 January 2023 · Ref R/2022/363 · 916 vehicles
The High Pressure Electric Oil Pump within the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) may experience an internal fault
The High-Pressure Electric Oil Pump within the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) may experience an internal fault.
Remedy: Upgrade the software of the Transmission Control Unit (TCU). In rare cases it may be necessary to also replace the transmission.
Built 20 January 2020 to 25 August 2022
24 May 2022 · Ref R/2022/143 · 326 vehicles
A FUEL LEAK CAN DEVELOP ON THE DIESEL LOW PRESSURE FUEL LINE
It has been found that a fuel leak can develop on the diesel low pressure fuel line which is mounted to the engine.
Remedy: Replace the low pressure fuel line module with improved parts.
Built 1 March 2020 to 30 November 2020
20 May 2022 · Ref R/2022/147 · 49 vehicles
A FAULT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE FRONT L/H SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER
A fault has been identified in the manufacture of the front L/H seatbelt pre-tensioner.
Remedy: Replace the front L/H seatbelt pre-tensioner.
Built 1 July 2021 to 31 August 2021
3 May 2022 · Ref R/2022/104 · 15,665 vehicles
THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO THE PTC HEATER CAN OVERHEAT
The PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater in some Sorento diesel models can overheat due to damaged connector terminal.
Remedy: Inspect and if the PTC connector is found damaged replace the PTC and relevant wiring connector. Upgrade the operating logic of the PTC
Built 1 May 2014 to 28 February 2020
1 February 2021 · Ref R/2021/002 · 965 vehicles
IF THE ECALL SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED THE VIN NUMBER MAY NOT BE TRANSMITTED
If the eCall system is activated the VIN number may not be transmitted.
Remedy: Reset the eCall system so that the VIN number is transmitted accurately when appropriate.
Built 1 September 2020 to 14 December 2020
Recall data updated 4 October 2026. Ask a dealer to check a specific car by its registration.
Kia Sorento verdict: pros and cons
Our verdict Every Sorento has seven seats, all-wheel drive and four Isofix points, including two in the third row, and the diesel tows 2,500kg. The boot is small with all seats up, and only the top Aspire has third-row airbags.
Pros
- Four Isofix points, two of them in the third row
- Seven seats and all-wheel drive on every version
- Diesel option with 2,500kg braked towing
Cons
- 179-litre boot with all seven seats up
- Third-row airbags standard only on Aspire
- High floor leaves third-row passengers knees-up
Good to know
- Braked towing depends on the engine: 2,500kg for the diesel, 2,000kg for the hybrid and 1,700kg for the plug-in hybrid (Kia UK)
- The plug-in hybrid uses a 13.8kWh battery and Kia quotes 34 miles of WLTP electric range, while carwow quotes up to 35 miles (Kia UK, carwow)
- The Sorento is one of the few seven-seat SUVs still sold with a diesel engine (carwow)
- Third-row airbags come as standard only on the top Aspire trim (Auto Express)
- Kia UK quotes 190, 235 and 283bhp for the diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid, Honest John gives 193, 238 and 287PS, and Auto Express lists lower figures of 187, 232 and 279bhp (Kia UK, Honest John, Auto Express)
Practicality
Every Sorento has all-wheel drive, seven seats and an automatic gearbox, so choosing between Pure, Evolve and Aspire is mostly about equipment. The engine matters more: the diesel tows the most, while the plug-in hybrid gives 34 miles of official electric range from its 13.8kWh battery, useful for short local trips if you can charge at home.
The Sorento is 4,815mm long and 1,900mm wide without its mirrors. No width with the mirrors out was found in Kia's figures, so measure with them unfolded if space at home is tight.
Alternatives to the Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento FAQs
How big is the Kia Sorento boot with all seven seats up?
179 litres with all seven seats in use, 813 litres with five seats in use and a maximum of 1,996 litres.
How long is the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento is 4,815mm long (4.82m, 15ft 10in), 1,900mm wide without its mirrors and 1,695mm tall.
How many Isofix points does the Kia Sorento have?
Four: two in row 2 and two in row 3.
Can adults sit in the third row of the Kia Sorento?
On shorter trips, yes. Over longer distances the third row suits children and teenagers better.
Is there a hybrid Kia Sorento 7-seater?
Yes. With seven seats you can have hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, and the plug-in hybrid's electric-only range is up to 34 miles.
How much can a Kia Sorento tow?
Kia UK quotes 2,500kg braked for the 2.2 CRDi diesel, 2,000kg for the hybrid and 1,700kg for the plug-in hybrid, and all three have all-wheel drive.
If you tow a heavy caravan or horsebox, the diesel is the one to choose.
Do all Kia Sorento models have third-row airbags?
No. Auto Express reports that third-row airbags are standard only on the top Aspire trim. Pure and Evolve versions still have seven seats, but if children will sit in the back row every day, the Aspire's extra protection is worth considering.
The Sorento holds a five-star Euro NCAP rating from 2020.
Should I buy a Kia Sorento or a Hyundai Santa Fe?
Both have seven seats and four Isofix points, two of them in the third row. The Sorento offers a diesel and tows up to 2,500kg, and Euro NCAP gave it five stars in 2020.
The Santa Fe is hybrid or plug-in hybrid only and gets four stars as standard, or five with an optional safety pack, but reviewers rate its third row for average-sized adults, a step up from the Sorento's. Hyundai publishes no boot figure with all seven seats up, so compare the two boots in person.
Sources Kia UK, carwow, Auto Express, Honest John, DVSA, VCA
