The Kia Sorento III (facelift, introduced in 2018) 2.2 CRDi Automatic represents a significant iteration of Kia’s mid-size SUV, positioned as a practical and well-equipped family vehicle. Produced from 2018 through 2020, this variant utilized a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It was a key offering in the Sorento lineup, aimed at buyers seeking a balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and comfort. The facelift brought styling updates, improved technology, and refinements to the powertrain, enhancing the Sorento’s appeal in a competitive segment. This particular configuration was primarily sold in European and Asian markets, with limited availability in the United States.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Sorento |
| Generation | Sorento III (facelift 2018) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 CRDi (200 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 159 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 3800 rpm |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm (331.9 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4HB |
| Engine displacement | 2199 cm3 (134.19 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85.4 mm (3.36 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.9 l (9.4 US qt | 7.83 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1866 kg (4113.83 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2510 kg (5533.6 lbs.) |
| Max load | 644 kg (1419.78 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 660 l (23.31 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1732 l (61.17 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 71 l (18.76 US gal | 15.62 UK gal) |
| Length | 4800 mm (188.98 in.) |
| Width | 1890 mm (74.41 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2140 mm (84.25 in.) |
| Height | 1685-1690 mm (66.34 – 66.54 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm (109.45 in.) |
| Front track | 1628-1633 mm (64.09 – 64.29 in.) |
| Rear track | 1639-1644 mm (64.53 – 64.72 in.) |
| Front overhang | 945 mm (37.2 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1075 mm (42.32 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 185 mm (7.28 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.34 m (37.2 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 235/65 R17; 235/60 R18; 235/55 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.0J x 17; 7.5J x 18; 7.5J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Sorento III 2.2 CRDi Automatic is the D4HB engine, a 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine utilizes a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and intercooler work in tandem to boost power and torque across a broad RPM range. The engine produces 200 horsepower at 3800 rpm and a substantial 450 Nm (331.9 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 2750 rpm. This torque output is particularly beneficial for towing and provides strong acceleration in everyday driving situations. The engine also incorporates a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet stringent Euro 6 emission standards. The eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from Hyundai Powertech, provides smooth and efficient gear changes. It’s designed to work seamlessly with the engine’s torque curve, optimizing fuel economy and responsiveness.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.2 CRDi Automatic Sorento offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. The eight-speed transmission helps keep the engine in its optimal power band, providing ample acceleration for highway merging and overtaking. While not a sports SUV, the 200 hp engine and 450 Nm of torque deliver adequate performance for most drivers. Compared to the base engine options, this variant offers a noticeable improvement in power and responsiveness. The automatic transmission prioritizes smooth shifts over aggressive downshifts, making it well-suited for relaxed cruising. The front-wheel-drive configuration contributes to good fuel economy, but it lacks the all-weather capability of all-wheel-drive models. The steering is light and precise, making the Sorento easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Sorento III 2.2 CRDi Automatic typically came well-equipped, even in base trim levels. Standard features often included automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels added features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on lower trims and leather on higher ones. Dashboard configurations were generally consistent across trims, with a focus on user-friendliness and practicality.
Chassis & Braking
The Sorento III utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and stable handling. The suspension is tuned to prioritize comfort over sporty handling, but it still offers decent body control in corners. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard, along with electronic stability control (ESC). The Sorento’s weight-to-power ratio of 9.3 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 4.1 kg/Nm contribute to its respectable performance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Sorento III 2.2 CRDi Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and generous equipment levels. The diesel engine was noted for its fuel efficiency and strong torque output. Compared to competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan X-Trail, and Ford Kuga, the Sorento offered a compelling value proposition. Fuel economy figures of around 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) were competitive for its class. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the DPF system.
Legacy
The Kia Sorento III 2.2 CRDi Automatic has proven to be a reliable and durable SUV in the used car market. The D4HB engine, while requiring regular maintenance (including DPF regeneration), is generally considered robust. The eight-speed automatic transmission has also proven to be dependable. These vehicles represent a good value for buyers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient family SUV. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential costs associated with DPF maintenance and ensure the vehicle has been properly serviced throughout its life.
