The Sorento was all new for 2011 but there are some changes for 2012. I was impressed last year, so will the 2012 version be even better? Let's find out.
On the outside it is well sculpted with nice lines. It definitely has a fresh and modern look. Black plastic and chrome highlight the look up front. Kia's alloy wheels are also nicely designed.
Overall it's a pleasing shape and it manages to look smaller than it actually is. I was a fan of last year's all new interior, so if it's not broken, why fix it.
Kia has studied the competition well. It's a very sensible and ergonomic layout. There's a large console storage area, dual cup holders, dual zone climate control, and a large infotainment screen which also houses the audio system.
The audio system sounds great and its display even shows the artist, song title, and station all at once. The dark faux wood accents are a nice touch.
They carry over to the 2nd row seats and you also get a cup holder and your own vent on each side. The 3rd row seats will hold two more people and they are not an afterthought, they are actually quite large.
There's not an abundance of storage with the 3rd row seats up out back, but just pull the straps and you can fold them down flush wit the floor. Fold the 2nd row seats down too and you'll have over 15 cubic feet of storage.
Entry level power comes from a 175 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder which is mated to a 6 speed manual transmission. New this year is the 191 horsepower direct-injection 2.4-liter four cylinder which offers more power and improved fuel economy.
My EX AWD came with this engine which will get you to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds. It is mated to a 6 speed automatic with a Sportmatic manual shift option.
If you want more speed then you'll have to go for the 276 horsepower 3.5 liter V6. That will scoot you to 60 mph in just 7.4 seconds. My Kia EX test car came equipped with the 2.4 liter direct injected four which produces more power and improved fuel economy.
Fuel economy for the EX AWD Sorento is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway with 23 mpg expected overall. Front wheel drive will give you slightly better fuel economy, while the V6 will be a bit less thrifty.
Besides the new engine, the interior features stain resistant fabric and a ventilated driver's seat. Also new is Kia's UVO in vehicle voice controlled infotainment system.
UVO will let you control your phone, radio and media player using your voice. It is very intuitive and helps you keep your eye on the road. There are also steering wheel controls that let you operate your phone and sound system by touch.
The key-less entry with push button start works very well and is very convenient. Kia really is very good at studying what works in their competitor's vehicles, and combining those features in their own cars. Kudos to Kia!
Traction and stability control help to keep you pointed straight down the road, and there's also downhill brake assist and hill start to keep you safe while climbing or descending down a mountain road.
There are also plenty of airbags to keep 1st and 2nd row passengers safe. You will also feel safe knowing that you have a 10 year power-train warranty
The Sorento is available in three trim levels, the LX,SX and EX. The LX starts at $23,150. The EX AWD version starts at $27,650.
The $3800 premium package adds 1st and 2nd row leather seating, heated front seats, power memory driver's seat and mirror positions, navigation with Sirius traffic, Infinity Surround Sound audio system and 50 / 50 split folding 3rd row seats.
With all of that and destination, you are out the dealer's door at $32,300. Basically from about $23,000 to $35,000 you can have your Sorento the way you want it, and you can also choose between front wheel drive or all wheel drive.
Out on the road in the Sorento, you sit up very high which gives you great visibility. You get independent suspension all around which helps with overall handling and cornering. Given the Sorento's high center of gravity, it corners very well.
All wheel drive helps give you added grip too, especially when the roads get slick. In terms of actual road feel, well the Sorento is built on a regular car chassis so except for the ride height, it feels like you are driving a normal car. It handles predictably just like you'd expect and it is surprisingly fun to drive.
The Sorento is techno savvy thanks to their UVO system. Using your voice, you can control many functions which helps you keep your eyes on the road thereby improving overall safety and convenience.
OK so the real deal with the Kia Sorento is that there may be other SUV's may be faster, more luxurious and more prestigious to own. But the truth of the matter is that the Sorento is a combination of many of its key rivals. The Sorento pulls it off.
This is a very nice SUV with up to 7 passenger seating, and it does everything you want it to do very well. As an added bonus it comes with a 7 year 100,000 mile power-train warranty.
Well as I've already said, I was a big fan of the all new 2011 Kia Sorento, and the improvements made for 2012 only make it better. I'm Drivin' Ivan Katz.
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