Best SUV over $40,000

The Kia Sorento SLI diesel drove into the winners' circle this year, thanks to a robust argument in design and function and an improved showing in on the road to complement some already impressive numbers in value for money.

As with most offerings with a third row of fold-flat seats, Sorento is better suited to children or the more vertically challenged, although head and legroom is commendable. With the third row in use, cargo space is understandably compromised. Fold down the third row, however, and Sorento has the solution to most load-carrying challenges. 

Well equipped with standard features, Sorento has rear ventilation for back seat passengers, a full-size alloy spare and, as mentioned, extra seating capacity. Three child restraint mounts are fitted.

While satisfactory around town, the ride feels underdone when smooth hot mix gives way to coarse chip. Handling is another area that Kia will hopefully sharpen up. 

Peak power of 145 kW arrives at 3800rpm, while the Sorento with auto transmission enjoys
14 Nm more torque than its manual sibling (436 Nm versus 422 Nm, both between 1800 and 2500rpm). So the 2.2-litre CRD turbo four-cylinder is punchy enough and commendably quiet.

A torque-on-demand all-wheel-drive system with lock mode endows Sorento with capable off-road performance for its category.