Vehicle Tested
| 2011 Kia Sorento EX AWD
Base Price: $29,095
At-Tested Price: $34,840
Built in West Point, Georgio.
Options
Limited Package
Premium Package 2
EC Mirror
Engine: 3.5-Liter V6
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: All-Wheel Drive
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Kia has redesigned its midsize SUV for 2011. The original Sorento was introduced in 2003 as a five-passenger body-on-frame SUV with a true off-road ready four-wheel-drive system. The 2011 Sorento is dimensionally similar to the outgoing model, but has available seating for seven, utilizes an all-wheel-drive system, and shares unit-body construction with the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The 2011 Sorento competes with vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.
Two trim levels are offered: LX and EX. Both come come standard with front-wheel-drive, and offers available all-wheel-drive. A 175-hosrepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard. Optional is a 276-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission. Towing capacity is 1650 pounds with the four-cylinder and 3500 pounds with the V6.
The optional all-wheel drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for severe off-road use. It does have a locking center differential, which can be helpful on extremely slippery roads.
Standard safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, hill assist control, tire-pressure monitoring system, and dual-front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags. Rear-obstacle detection and rear-view camera are optional.
The front-drive LX lists for $22,395 and includes air conditioning, tilt-telescope steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, center console, split-folding rear seat, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital-media player connection and iPod adapter, satellite radio, Bluetooth cell-phone link, trip computer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, 235/65R17 tires and alloy wheels.
The EX starts at $24,795 and adds to the LX rear-obstacle-detection system, dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth and vinyl upholstery, eight-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, keyless access and starting, floormats, fog lights, rear spoiler, and 235/55R18 tires.
Key options include rear air conditioning, heated front seats, leather upholstery, navigation system with real-time traffic information and DVD based rear-seat entertainment system. The Sorento is built in a new Kia plant in West Point, Georgia, and has a $795 destination charge.
Get Up and Go With a 0 to 60 mph time of about ten seconds, Four-cylinder models are relegated to the slow lane. The engine has enough punch for around-town driving on front-drive models, but feels overworked in all-wheel drive models.
The peppy V6 offers a 0 to 60 time of about 7.5 seconds and that's competitive with some of the quickest V6s in the class. The engine provides good passing power and feels stronger than the four on hilly terrain.
Regardless of engine the automatic transmission shifts smoothly and downshifts promptly when additional passing power is needed.
Fuel economy ratings are just average for the class. The V6 AWD model is EPA rated at 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Kia says that both engines run fine on regular-grade gasoline. Around town driving is likely to net about 20 mpg overall. That number is bound to improve if you spend a good portion of your trip in light-traffic highway driving.
On the Road The previous-generation Sorento rode with the awkwardness of a traditional SUV, meaning lots of bump rebound and head toss. The 2011 Sorento rides with much more composure and smoothness. There's still more impact harshness and bounce than a typical sedan, but it's not out of character for a sporty crossover SUV.
Dynamically, Sorento has few faults. The steering, if a bit numb, is direct and accurate and body lean is kept in check. The brakes are strong and have ample stopping power and the tight turning radius makes Sorento easy to maneuver in parking lots.
Wind noise is kept well in check, but tire roar is quite noticeable on concrete surfaces. Both engines cruise quietly and make appropriate noises when prodded.
Behind the Wheel Sorento has always had a serviceable interior, but the 2010 redesign adds a touch of class and flair to a design that's both class appropriate and refreshing. Gauges are easy to read and the dual-zone climate control is among the easiest to use. Even the navigation system integration is well done and makes operating other systems easier, not more difficult.
Front seats are upright though comfortable. Both knee room and head room will be at a premium for those more than six feet tall. That's somewhat disappointing, so be sure to take a long test drive first. Overall visibility is good, but, as is the case for most SUVs, the view to the rear three-quarters is restricted by a smallish rear window and thick pillars. Step-in height is class appropriate.
Second-row seats are also quite comfortable, but again, leg and knee room is tight, even if the front seats are well forward. Complicating matters can be the optional third-row seat that eliminates the fore-aft slide feature of the second-row seat. Getting to the third-row seats is difficult as only the passenger-side second-row seat flips and folds. That's probably for the best though, as the third-row seat is quite confining and should only be used by children.
Sorento sports plenty of cargo space behind the second-row seats. Opt for the optional third-row seats and cargo room is limited to a single row of grocery bags. There's a handy under-floor storage compartment. Interior storage is class appropriate, highlighted by an extra-large center console bin.
Bottom Line Sorento is a surprisingly good crossover SUV--just another example that Kia is an up and comer in the mainstream market.
From the fresh interior to the good driving dynamics, there's a lot to like in the new Sorento. However, tidy exterior dimensions when compared to direct competitors mean a slightly cramped interior. Adding the available third-row seats makes it a compromise and cramps everyone. In addition, if you want the V6 you are stuck with the third-row seat and that's a real shame. Best bet is a four-cylinder front-drive EX with a few well-selected options.
Specifications, 2011 Kia Sorento EX AWD
| Dimensions
| 4-door wagon
| Engine
| DOHC V6
| Wheelbase, in.
| 106.3
| Size, liters/cu. in.
| 3.5 / 214 | Length, in.
| 183.9
| Horsepower @ rpm
| 276 @ 6300
| Width, in.
| 74.2
| Torque (lb.-ft.) @ rpm
| 248 @ 5000
| Height, in.
| 67.3
| Transmission
| 6-Speed Automatic
| Weight, lbs.
| 3896
| EPA Estimates, mpg
| 19 city / 25 highway
| Cargo Capacity, cu. ft.
| 72.5
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| Fuel Capacity, gals.
| 18.0
| Manufacturer's Warranty
| Seating Capacity
| 7
| Bumper-to-Bumper
| 5 years / 60,000 miles
| Front Head Room, in.
| 39.2
| Powertrain
| 10 years / 100,000 miles
| Front Leg Room, in.
| 41.3
| Corrosion
| 5 years / 100,000 miles
| Second-Row Head Room, in.
| 39.2 | Free Roadside Assistance
| 5 years / 60,000 miles
| Second-Row Leg Room, in.
| 37.6
| Free Scheduled Maintenance
| None |
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