If you’re in the market for a seven-seater SUV that won’t leave you at the fuel pump every weekend, the 2024 Kia Sorento diesel deserves a closer look. Irish buyers have had access to this updated model since April 2024, and with a single well-equipped trim level priced at €64,300, the pricing picture is refreshingly straightforward. This guide covers everything from engine specs and towing capability to how the diesel stacks up against the plug-in hybrid option on Irish roads.
Seating Capacity: 7 seats · Powertrain Options: Diesel, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid · Market Availability: Ireland sales listings · Review Source: Auto Express
Quick snapshot
- 2.2-litre CRDi engine producing 190 bhp and 440 Nm torque (Kia UK Specifications)
- Ireland price: €64,300 for 2.2 Diesel 7-Seat (Kia Ireland Specifications)
- Exact trim names for full Ireland equipment list (Kia Ireland Specifications)
- Detailed VRT implications and CO2 emissions for Irish buyers (Kia Ireland Specifications)
- Long-term reliability data for 2024 facelift model (Kia Ireland Specifications)
- Sales began in Ireland April 2024 (DoneDeal Blog)
- PHEV variants followed in July 2024 for 242 registration (Beepbeep.ie)
- Used listings already appearing on Carzone.ie from €56,900 (Carzone Ireland)
- Facelifted model keeps diesel alive while competitors drop it (Auto Express Review)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Style | 7-Seater SUV |
| Powertrains | Diesel, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid |
| Sales Platforms | Carzone.ie, DoneDeal.ie |
| Review Rating | Family favourite per Auto Express |
Kia Sorento 2024 price Ireland
Irish buyers face a surprisingly simple pricing structure. The 2024 Kia Sorento 2.2 Diesel 7-Seat carries an official price of €64,300 from Kia Ireland (Kia Ireland Specifications). This single trim level comes with comprehensive standard equipment, avoiding the complexity of multiple specification tiers.
Starting prices
New unit prices start at €64,300 on the island of Ireland. The equivalent plug-in hybrid costs €63,300, placing the diesel just €1,000 higher (Complete Car Review). For context, the UK market lists the diesel ‘3’ trim at £41,995, though direct currency comparisons are complicated by different tax structures.
Trim levels and costs
Unlike the UK market with its ‘2’ and ‘3’ grade structure, Ireland receives one diesel trim level. This streamlined approach means buyers get a fully specified vehicle without navigating a confusing options list. Used 2024 models have already begun appearing on Carzone.ie, with listings ranging from approximately €56,900 to €59,950 for low-mileage examples (Carzone Ireland).
Kia sorento 2024 release date
The facelifted 2024 Kia Sorento officially arrived in Ireland during April 2024 (Beepbeep.ie). Kia Ireland confirmed the new Sorento would go on sale from April 2024, with diesel models forming the initial launch cohort (DoneDeal Blog).
Launch timeline
The rollout followed a deliberate sequence: facelifted models were announced early 2024, diesel variants arrived in April for 241 registration, and plug-in hybrid models followed in July for the 242 registration period (Beepbeep.ie). This timing allowed diesel-focused buyers to secure their vehicles first.
Current availability
Both new and used 2024 Sorento diesel models are available through Irish dealers and online marketplaces. The used market has already produced listings with around 25,500 km on the clock, suggesting these vehicles are finding homes quickly.
Kia sorento 2024 interior
The Sorento’s interior centres on practical family design without sacrificing refinement. The seven-seat configuration remains the defining characteristic, with the third row genuinely usable for adult passengers on shorter journeys.
Seating and space
The 2,815 mm wheelbase translates into generous interior proportions. With all seven seats in use, cargo space is naturally compromised, but the flexibility of the folding second and third rows allows owners to prioritise passengers or luggage as needed. The aluminium block engine contributes to a kerb weight of 1,929 kg, helping the chassis feel planted rather than ponderous.
Tech and comfort
The single Ireland trim level means every buyer receives the full suite of technology and comfort features. Connectivity, driver assistance systems, and interior materials match what UK buyers get in the higher ‘3’ grade specification.
Kia sorento 2024 review
Auto Express subjected the diesel Sorento to thorough testing, finding a vehicle that prioritises real-world utility over flashy headlines. The 2.2-litre CRDi turbo diesel produces 190 bhp at 3,800 rpm and delivers 440 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm (Kia UK Specifications).
Expert opinions
Auto Express noted that the diesel Sorento might not be the most powerful, efficient, or fashionable option in the range, but it still makes sense—particularly as a towcar (Auto Express Review). The aluminium block construction shaves 19.5 kg compared to the previous engine, improving weight distribution without sacrificing durability.
Pros and cons
The diesel achieves 42.8 mpg combined WLTP economy in ‘3’ trim, slightly outperforming the petrol hybrid’s 40.4 mpg (Auto Express Review). The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers smooth shifts, and the 124 mph top speed exceeds what hybrid variants can manage.
For families who regularly tow trailers or clock motorway miles, the diesel’s 2,500 kg braked towing capacity and superior fuel economy on long runs make a compelling case that hybrid alternatives cannot match.
Kia Sorento 2024 Diesel
Under the bonnet lies a 2,151 cc four-cylinder turbodiesel that represents Kia’s latest evolution of this proven powerplant. The engine drives through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations (Kia UK Specifications).
Engine specs
Performance figures stand at 190 bhp and 440 Nm torque, with the latter arriving early in the rev range for relaxed pulling power. The 0-62 mph sprint takes 9.7 seconds, and the engine’s SCR emissions system uses a 14-litre AdBlue tank to meet Euro 6d standards. A 67-litre fuel tank provides comfortable range for extended trips.
Performance
Real-world testing by Auto Express confirmed mid-40s mpg on motorway runs, with the diesel consistently outperforming hybrid siblings in efficiency during high-speed driving. The 2,710 kg gross vehicle weight for AWD models provides solid payload capacity for passengers and cargo alike.
With competitors like Hyundai dropping diesel from their Santa Fe lineup, the Sorento’s continued diesel commitment gives Irish buyers an option many rivals no longer offer.
Upsides
- Strong 440 Nm torque for towing up to 2,500 kg braked
- 42.8 mpg combined economy beats hybrid alternatives
- 124 mph top speed exceeds hybrid variants
- Single comprehensive trim level for Ireland
- 8-speed DCT transmission smooth and efficient
- Diesel remains available post-facelift unlike rivals
Downsides
- Higher purchase price than equivalent PHEV by €1,000
- 9.7 second 0-62 time trails some performance rivals
- Third-row space best for occasional rather than daily use
- No plug-in capability for those with home charging
- SCR system requires AdBlue top-ups
The comparison table below summarises how the diesel stacks up against the plug-in hybrid variant across key specifications.
| Specification | 2024 Sorento Diesel | 2024 Sorento PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2-litre CRDi Turbo | 1.6-litre T-GDi Hybrid |
| Power | 190 bhp | 261 bhp combined |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 350 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 9.7 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 124 mph | 119 mph |
| WLTP economy | 42.8 mpg | 40.4 mpg |
| Towing (braked) | 2,500 kg | 1,500 kg |
| Ireland price | €64,300 | €63,300 |
The implication for Irish buyers is clear: the diesel’s €1,000 premium delivers a 1,000 kg towing advantage and superior motorway economy, making it the logical choice for those who regularly haul loads or cover long distances.
What experts say
Auto Express Reviewer (Automotive Journalist)
“The Kia Sorento diesel might not be the most powerful, efficient or fashionable option in the range but it still makes some sense, especially as a towcar.”
Complete Car Reviewer (Automotive Journalist)
“While towing and long distances are the forte of the diesel Sorento, this plug-in hybrid version has a greater focus on efficiency around town.”
The data confirms that for Irish drivers who regularly tow caravans, haul equipment, or cover significant motorway distances, the diesel Sorento’s superior torque and towing capacity outweigh the marginal economy advantage of the PHEV around town. The €1,000 premium for diesel capability—combined with a 2,500 kg versus 1,500 kg towing difference—represents genuine value for buyers who use their vehicles for work and recreation alike.
Related reading: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid price and specs Ireland · Apple AirPods 4 review and Ireland availability
Frequently asked questions
How many seats does the Kia Sorento 2024 have?
The Kia Sorento 2024 offers a seven-seat configuration as standard. The second and third rows fold flat to create a flexible load space when additional cargo capacity is needed.
What engine options does the Kia Sorento 2024 offer?
Three powertrains are available: a 2.2-litre turbodiesel producing 190 bhp, a conventional hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid variant. All use an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Is the Kia Sorento 2024 available in Ireland?
Yes. The facelifted 2024 Sorento went on sale in Ireland from April 2024, with diesel models available first. PHEV variants arrived in July for the 242 registration period.
What are the safety features of the Kia Sorento 2024?
The single comprehensive trim level for Ireland includes Kia’s full suite of driver assistance systems, covering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, and parking sensors around the vehicle.
What is the fuel economy of the Kia Sorento 2024 diesel?
The diesel achieves 42.8 mpg combined WLTP economy, with real-world testing by Auto Express confirming mid-40s mpg on motorway journeys. The 67-litre fuel tank provides a practical range exceeding 600 miles on a single tank.
Where can I test drive a Kia Sorento 2024?
Prospective buyers can arrange test drives through official Kia Ireland dealerships. Used vehicle inspections are available through Carzone.ie and DoneDeal.ie, which list both dealer and private seller listings.
Andrew Patel leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Aussie Focus Hub.