Road Test: 2011 Kia Sorento EX V6 first drive

November 6, 10:21 PMAuto Review ExaminerJohn Matras

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Take that, reputation of cheap and chintzy. We almost tried to start the engine but realized it was running--thanks, Mr. Tachometer--just before we tried. The new 3.5-liter V-6 in the 2011 Kia Sorento is that quiet and vibration-free.

That's only one moment, but it's emblematic of our first experience with the first 2011 model (the Sorento goes on sale in January 2010, so yes, they can call it a 2011 model if they want) we've driven. Like other Kia models, the Kia Sorento is transitioning the Korean automaker from cars you drive just because they're cheap to cars you just want to drive.

It starts with the exterior. The Kia Sorento means never having to say, yes, it's ugly but it's cheap, because in the case of the Sorento, it's not. The Sorento is well proportioned and Kia's California designers have figured out how to make a distinctive corporate grille without going grotesque.

The interior design is pleasant, with a three-ring instrument panel and a center stack that projects out from the dash, making it easier to reach the audio, climate control and navigation system (as our test Sorento EX V6 was equipped). The nav system screen is high on the center stack, making it easy to see. The screen also had a high degree of definition which, again, made it easy see. It was also easy to use. No instruction book required, at least not with the mostly basic tasks we asked it to do.

Our test Kia Sorento was a early production model, but we don't think that had anything to do with there being some sharp edges around the sides of the center stack, and we also thought the plastic a the top of the door panels--a frequent touch area--was a rather hard plastic for the luxury impression Kia is trying to make.

The Kia Sorento comes standard with three-row/seven-passenger seating, but even Kia doesn't call the third row anything but occasional, useful for bringing along an extra kid or two. It's not available in the base Sorento or LX. It's optional in the EX I-4 but was standard equipment in our EX V6.

The Infinity audio in our test Sorento lived up to its description as a premium sound system, something we could appreciate, thanks to the Sorento's quiet cabin. Road noise was minimal and we didn't notice any wind noise. Oddly enough, however, the Sorento's aerodynamics sent rainwater curling up under the side mirrors and onto the front side windows.

Kia took a couple of inches off the Sorento's ride height as well as its center of gravity. Kia claims improvement in handling. It's still a tall vehicle, however, and it handles like one. That's the way it is with any vehicle in this class.

The six-speed automatic transmission that's standard with either engine--and made completely in-house by Kia (though not in the West Point, Ga., plant where the Sorento is put together) is delightfully smooth and the antidote to the continuously variable transmission. Does a transmission need an infinite number of ratios, or will six do?

The gearbox, like the engine, has a solid feel, a sensation that's also found in the chassis. No rattles, just rigidity, the way every vehicle should be. Overall, the 2011 Kia Sorento EX V6 is an achievement in its class. Although Kia hasn't announced prices for the Sorento yet, we've been told that the base front-drive Sorento will cost under $20,000, though so close we suspect Mr. Lincoln will have to duck for the dollar bill to squeeze under the 20K mark. At the other end, including our test Sorento EX V6 "with all the boxes checked," the price will be over $30,000. That's not inconsiderable but considering the level of equipment and the basic goodness of the vehicle underneath, it's a real value.

And better yet, it's not just a good value--that's expected from Kia--but the 2011 Kia Sorento is a really smooth operator.

Illustration: 2011 Kia Sorento EX. Credit Kia Motors America.

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