It's almost a quarter of a century since the very first Kia Sorento set about establishing a good reputation, while also being the Korean company's flagship and largest model.
It was the early 2000s and the Sorento debut helped grab the attention of Kia buyers away from those little hatchbacks which, until then, were the heart of the fleet.
The Sorento was supposed to be part of that solution - or evolution - as a smart-looking, affordable, capable machine that made a compelling buy for many Australian families.
It represented a generational change for the Korean marque, from cheap and cheerful to clever and comfortable.
The Sorento exceeded those expectations, and then some. It struck a chord in the Australian market which it has never really relinquished in the decades since.
In many ways it has paved the way for the growing Chinese-built SUV and four-wheel drive models gracing glossy dealerships.
Kia has kept up its end of the bargain by continuing to produce evermore attractive, impressive and handsome vehicles. The latest Sorento certainly hits the mark.
In a white-hot market, these big family haulers have changed appreciably in every regard - quality and generosity and value, particularly long-standing models such as the Sorento, now in its fourth generation.
Its evolution took another step with a face lifted version arriving at the start of 2024.
That advancement pretty much reflects the ethic of Kia models from the bottom to the top - where the Sorento still lingers alongside the EV9 electric SUV, and the EV6 sports hatchback.
While most of the change in the Sorento is cosmetic, it builds on the effective mechanical and technological profile that has made the car so popular.
This latest iteration offers a choice of two hybrid engines (one plug-in), supported by a 2.2-litre turbo and a 3.5-litre normally-aspirated, six-cylinder tested here.
This mid-model refresh brings with it a substantial price rise, but it's justified with the GT-Line getting access to the new internet-based Kia Connect system, licensed for seven years with connected telematics and cockpit management system. It looks and feels European.
The app-driven Connect system is displayed on a 12.3-inch panoramic, integrated digital screen that stretches halfway across the plush, leather-trimmed dash.
Not surprisingly, some of this technology is shared with Kia's lauded EV9 fully-electric SUV (Australia's car of the year) which has displaced the Sorento as Kia's flagship model.
After a few minutes to get the system up and running, it offers all kinds of functionality, including live internet access that will display the weather. There's even a car-wash function which prepares the cabin by closing windows before the Sorento gets a bath.
There's a high-end BOSE audio system which can be customised for each of the Sorento's seven occupants.
On the road the Kia's upgrades have been just as noticeable - improved drive-assist programs as well as various kinds of parking aides. It very nearly parks itself, which is good for a car of this size and presence.
The Sorento offers the four drivetrain options, giving the car a unique feel and capability.
There are two hybrid models: a Hybrid PHEV (with a plug-in battery) and a conventional hybrid which creates its own energy.
Above that are the four-cylinder diesel and V6 petrol which is the engine tested here.
The S and Sport + anchor the range with starting prices of $53,680.
Here, the top-spec GT-Line brings a capable 3.5-litre, six-cylinder (200kW, 332Nm) that delivers crisp, punchy performance.
The diesel's 148kW and 440Nm are probably a better fit for this car. At just over $10k more expensive than the entry-level model, the GT-Line diesel is $68,590 plus on-road costs, or $3000 cheaper with the V6.
Some may think that a biggish, rather thirsty fossil fuel engine is not necessarily the best choice for the current Sorento, but the two hybrids and, in particular the diesel, seem to strike the balance between performance and serene driving.
One small gripe is the way the automatic transmission tended to hunt around for a preferred gear at slowish speeds.
The V6 is probably a nod to the American market, where the Sorento's seven-seat flexibility makes it a popular option for those seeking bigger capacity.
The interior and dash configuration is sophisticated, impressive and built to the highest of standards. On balance, a car that, bang for buck, will take some beating.
KIA SORENTO 3.5 GT-LINE
* HOW BIG? Full-sized seven-seater with powerful, 3.5-litre V6 engine. Besides the odd visit to the fuel station, it's a darned good thing. The plug-in four-cylinder PHEV hybrid might be even better. The 2.2-litre turbo diesel also makes a strong case.
* HOW FAST? No official acceleration is published, but the engine is willing and punchy., The official 100km/h sprint is 6.8 seconds in the V6 variant tested here.
* HOW THIRSTY? The petrol V6 guzzles 9.7L/100km, which is easily the thirstiest of the four models on offer. The diesel sips a modest 6.1L/100km and the hybrid is even more frugal on 5.3L/100km.
* HOW MUCH? Prices for the entry-level model start from $53,689. The GT-Line diesel tops out the range at $68,690.
