Spanish website km77.com has conducted yet another sudden obstacle evasion test, a.k.a. “moose test”, using the latest Kia Sorento this time around. The car was able to dodge all traffic cones at 73 km/h (45.4 mph), just 1 km/h (0.6 mph) below the result of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The Sorento Hybrid produces 230 PS (227 hp / 169 kW) and weighs around two metric tons (4,400 lbs) with a driver inside. During its initial test run at 76 km/h (47.2 mph), the crossover SUV showed near-perfect evasion performance: the driver has managed to hold it within the designated corridor and only hit one cone at the beginning of the swerve maneuver.
Unfortunately, all subsequent attempts at this and similar speeds ended in failure. In the end, the driver of the Sorento managed to do a clean run at 73 km/h (45.4 mph). The testing crew pointed out that the result was still rather good for a soft-roader without serious motorsports claims.
As one can see in the video, the Sorento only exhibits mild side swaying and is not prone to skidding. Its stability control system compensates for the understeer just fine. The slalom test was also deemed a success.