Kia launched an all-new Sorento SUV in 2015 that shares underpinnings with the Sedona minivan (known as the Carnival in South Korea). Already in its third generation, the Sorento continues as the flagship SUV for the brand, offering up to seven seats and three engine options in the United States. The midsize crossover SUV is bigger than its predecessor (without sacrificing maneuverability), and packs more high-tech features. It also introduces a new 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. If you liked the previous Sorento, chances are you'll love the new one.
PROS & CONS
Pros
Strong Points
- High-Quality, Attractive Cabin
- Improved Styling
- Excellent Safety
- Long Warranty
- Fuel-Efficient Diesel Version (Europe)
Recommended Versions
- Sorento V6 (U.s.)
- Sorento 2.2 Crdi Awd (Europe)
- Sorento 2.2 Crdi Awd (Europe)
Cons
Weak Points
- Turbo Engine Not As Frugal And Punchy As Expected
- Less Spacious Than Most Seven-Seat Rivals
- Off-Road Capabilities Below Competition
Stay Away From
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels
Attention
Known Problems & Recalls
- Certain 2016 Sorento Were Recalled In February 2015 To Replace The Accelerator Assembly.
- Kia Recalled Some 2016 Sorento Models In July 2015 To Replace The Front Passenger Seat Belt Buckle.
CAR DETAILS
Drive
Powertrain
Kia offers three engine options for the Sorento in the United States. The entry choice is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit rated at 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Upper EX and SX Limited trims are available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit that delivers 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. On paper, this engine offers nearly the same fuel economy as the base unit but brings improved acceleration. Finally, the range-topping engine is a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. The latter is the ideal choice for a car as big as the Sorento.
Handling
Despite being larger than its predecessor, the all-new Sorento remains reasonably maneuverable. The suspension delivers balanced handling, but it is set up for comfort, first and foremost. Still, the Sorento doesn't feel awkward when going quickly through corners. The vehicle leans surprisingly little in corners, but a quick succession of turns can make it feel a bit out of its depth. Every model comes with Driver Mode Select, which features three modes (Normal, Sport, and Eco) that modify transmission shift points and steering effort.
Safety
The Kia Sorento is one of the safest models in the midsize crossover SUV segment. IIHS gave it the maximum "Good" rating for small and moderate overlap front impacts, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. For front crash prevention, the model was given the "Basic" rating as it lacks low-speed and high-speed auto brake systems. The Sorento also impressed the NHTSA, which awarded it five stars overall. The organization gave the Sorento five stars for frontal crash and lateral impact, as well as four stars for rollover. Euro NCAP also gave the SUV five stars overall.
Interior
Comfort
The Sorento's ride is impressively supple, as long as you avoid versions fitted with the big 19-inch wheels. There's little wind and engine noise in the cabin while road and suspension noise are also kept to a minimum. The Sorento has a tall driving position, with the driver's seat and steering wheel offering plenty of adjustments to reach an ideal position. The seats are comfortable, with most buttons and switches being close to hand and simple to use. Visibility is good at the front but could be better at the rear if it weren't for the thick C-pillars.
Quality
The cabin offers a high-quality environment with soft-touch and textured surfaces, with the available two-tone color schemes enhancing the stylish ambiance. Higher trim levels feel truly luxurious thanks to materials like soft leather, as well as aluminum and wood trim. The dashboard's design is clean and pleasant to look at, but the fake stitching on the top edge of the dash is not classy at all. It only serves to highlight that the dashboard doesn't have leather on it.
Practicality
Interior space is a decisive selling point for a midsize SUV, and the Sorento makes no exception. While it's less roomy than models like the Toyota Highlander, it offers more space than the previous Sorento. Front- and second-row seats offer plenty of headroom and legroom. Second-row seats gain the capability to slide, recline and fold via levers in the cargo area. The third-row seats offer plenty of space for kids and smaller adults, but they're too cramped for larger occupants. Cargo space behind the third row is mostly for small items (11 cubic feet), but with the seats folded down capacity increases to 38.8 cu ft. Maximum capacity is 73.5 cu ft with the second-row seats folded down.
Infotainment
The Sorento is available with Kia's UVO eServices infotainment system, in combination with a 4.3-inch touchscreen interface on the LX grade or an 8-inch display with voice command navigation (optional from the EX grade, standard from the SX V6 grade). The infotainment system is easy to use thanks to the big virtual buttons and clear labeling. It also allows the driver to control his or her smartphone via the touchscreen. However, the system lacks a selector control that would improve usability on the move.
Budget
Efficiency
The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is the most fuel-efficient of the range. In front-wheel drive configuration, the EPA rates it at 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city/29 mpg highway). With the 2.0-liter turbo, the Sorento returns 23 mpg (20 mpg city/27 mpg highway), always in FWD form. Finally, the 3.3-liter V6 returns 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city/26 mpg highway). All-wheel drive versions burn more fuel, with the 2.4-liter being the most economical as well – 23 mpg combined (21 mpg city/26 mpg highway). In Europe, the 2.2-liter version is the most economical, averaging 4.9 l/100 km in both FWD and AWD configurations.
Equipment
The 2016 Kia Sorento comes in five trim levels: L, LX, EX, SX, and SX Limited. The base Sorento L comes equipped as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLs, air-conditioning, cruise control, Driver Mode Select, CD player, satellite radio, as well as Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. Other standard features include a fabric upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and 40/20/40-split second-row seats. The range-topping SX Limited trim offers chrome 19-inch wheels, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and heated second-row outboard seats, among other features.
Acquisition
Prices for the 2016 Kia Sorento L five-seat, FWD model start from $25,100 in the U.S., excluding destination. It's roughly the same price as the mechanically-similar 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport ($24,950 excluding destination). The Sorento is significantly more affordable than larger models such as the Toyota Highlander ($29,990) and Ford Explorer ($31,050). However, higher-spec models can get quite expensive. If you need a large family car, the Sorento is pretty much all you need, especially in seven-seat configuration.