2018 Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento

Kia’s Sorento often gets overlooked in a segment hogged by the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest, but it’s got a trick up its sleeve. Seven seats, not just for show, but genuinely usable for families who need the space. At the moment, every Sorento on offer is second-hand – not a single new one in sight – and prices are all over the map: from R154,500 for a 2014 to nearly R520,000 for a fresh-faced 2023. Median price? R261,450. On paper at least, that’s solid value considering the Sorento’s spec and cabin space. The range stretches from 2.2-litre diesels (by far the most popular) to 2.4 and 2.2 petrols, and you’ll almost always find an automatic, though there’s the odd manual if you look hard enough. You’ll notice the 2.2D LX A/T dominates used listings, with prices from R263,900 to R399,500 depending on how many Gauteng school runs it’s done. That diesel-auto duo is what the Sorento should have been from the start, because it pairs the right torque with family-hauler comfort. Even the top-dog 2.2D SXL AWD is available, clocking in at R519,500. Yes, average mileage is 128,089 km, but that's to be expected given how long these have been on the road. What really sets it apart from the Fortuner? You get a softer, more car-like ride and a plush, well-trimmed interior—no pickup-truck bones here. If you’re after something that actually feels like a modern SUV on Joburg tar, the Sorento’s a smarter bet—though you’ll sacrifice a bit of resale muscle for the privilege.