Suspension & Running Gear

Improved on-road performance, retained off-road capability

Determined to give the new Sorento a sophisticated ride/handling balance to rival the best vehicles in its SUV class, Kia chassis engineers worked hard to ensure that this new Kia also gives precise and rewarding responses to driver inputs.

For the new Sorento the suspension engineer’s brief was to shift the handling bias a little to improve the on-road driving experience, in terms of ride quality and steering ‘feel’ – while retaining the vast majority of the previous model’s off-road abilities. The suspension has been lowered by 10 mm, front and rear. Thanks to the new unitary (monocoque) bodyshell construction the centre of gravity has been lowered by 54 mm. Depending on model, the front/rear weight distribution of the unladen vehicle ranges from 58/42% to 59.5/40.5%.

The Double Wishbone front suspension of the previous model makes way for lighter, less expensive and much more compact MacPherson struts. These are mounted on a lightweight hydro-formed subframe. The subframe mountings and the rubber bushes throughout the suspension have been firmed up to deliver a more sporty ride and better steering ‘feel’ – without affecting ride smoothness and without transmitting vibrations into the cabin.

At the rear, the ‘live-axle’ of the previous model is ditched in favour of an all-new fully independent multi-link suspension, also mounted on a subframe. The coil springs are realigned to reduce side-loads and friction, and automatic self-levelling is available as an option on both LX and EX models to compensate for varying people and cargo loads.

Although the handling bias has shifted towards on-road motoring, the new Sorento will still be a capable off-road performer. The approach angle is 25.1 degrees, the departure angle 23.1 degrees and the ramp-over angle 17.1 degrees.

For precise vehicle control and good ‘feel’ the new Sorento’s steering uses a speed-sensitive hydraulically power-assisted rack-and-pinion system. For the new model, the steering gear ratio has been raised to 15.35:1 (from 17.6:1), and the steering is now more direct (12.8% faster), requiring just 3.02 turns of the wheel lock-to-lock, compared to 3.7 turns for the previous model.

For maximum stopping power, all new Sorento models are equipped with an all-disc braking system. In Europe, 321 mm diameter ventilated front discs are fitted, while the rear braking system features 302 mm solid discs. ABS anti-lock and EBD brake-force distribution systems are fitted as standard.