Kia's five-door Sorento crossover undergoes a mid-cycle makeover in the 2014 model year. When debuting back in 2003, construction was more truck like with body-on-frame architecture coupled with rear drive and a not-so-subtle truck-like ambiance. In the 2011 model year however, Sorento made a complete U-turn.
The second-generation Sorento was the first vehicle to roll off an all-new U.S-based assembly home. The West Point, Georgia facility, near the Alabama state line, began cranking out hardware in late 2009. Locally, Kia's central regional office resides along Lombard's far southern border.
This visually soothing, Gen 2 effort is longer, lower, lighter, roomier and built on a unibody, car-like frame with tamer, on-road characteristics teamed with enhanced handling. While pegged in press material as a larger-sized compact, this vehicle could easily pass as a mid-size, a similar strategy to segment darlings the Toyota Rav4 and Honda CRV, both of which have grown in stature and girth since their debut. Sorento measures in as the largest crossover in the 2014 Kia lineup. The South Korean automaker offers two additional diminutive hatchbacks in the 2014 lineup: the Sportage and upright, urban-inspired Soul. Third row seating is optional in all Sorento trims, but the two-row version may be the click to pick in this segment.
Substantial mid-cycle updates include a new electronic power steering system replacing a hydraulic set up. Also, the engine lineup is revised and a new up-level trim arrives. The revamped interior includes a new center mounted infotainment layout. An all-new chassis and underbody suspension help tweak handling character. One consumer-friendly bonus remains unchanged; the 10-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Front-wheel drive comes standard while all-wheel drive is optional in all trims. As with Gen One, even base trims come nicely equipped. Sorento's mid-cycle upgrade coincides with the rebirth of its South Korean sister vehicle, the Hyundai Santa Fe crossover also available with three rows.
While LX, EX and SX choices return from 2013, an aspirational, top-line 'SX-Limited' is now on board. As the name suggests, this selection may have a 'limited' audience. Expect chrome wheel, upgraded seating upholstery, heated steering wheel and a bottom line tough for many in this price savvy segment to justify (Passing 40 Grand with all-wheel drive).
Of greater intrigue is the revamped engine lineup, which tightens from three powertrains down to two. Retired is a 2.4-liter multi-point injected four cylinder formally offered in LX. For 2014, LX upgrades to the 2.4-liter gas-direct injected (GDI) four cylinder delivering 191 horsepower. It's also standard in EX. Standard in SX and SX Limited while optional in LX and EX is a new 3.3-liter (and recommended if budgets allow) six cylinder GDI generating 290 horses (up 14 from last year's V-6). Both powertrains are coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, no manual is offered.
Also new for 2014 is the next-generation of Kia's UVO e-services. This complimentary (read no monthly service charge) voice-activated telematics system is an off-shoot of the Microsoft inspired UVO (truncated tech-talk for "Your Voice") infotainment automotive software. It connects with Microsoft-brand Smartphones or participating computers to provide valuable maintenance reminders concerning Sorento. Smartphones not included.
Our EX V-6 tester with Chicago-friendly all-wheel drive checked in at $31,700. A $4,000 Touring Package and $850 destination charge brought the bottom line to $36,550. Items in the optional EX Touring Package, come standard in SX. The lowest-priced model, a four-cylinder LX starts at $24,100.
Touring items include ventilated front buckets, loooong power panoramic roof with sunshade, power rear lift gate and useful blind spot monitoring system illuminating amber icons within side-view mirrors.
Rear second row seating is wide enough to accommodate three riders when needed. For optimal comfort, travel tranquility and cohesion, two passengers get to take advantage of the fold down arm rest with front-end retracting cup holders. When additional storage capacity is in order, seat backs fold down semi-flat onto seats with a 60/40 symmetry via lower side cushion-bound release levers. Our 2014 tester was sans the optional third row, but a 2013 effort with three rows cycled through last year. Unless row-three occupants have yet to reach puberty, stick with two rows. Third rows meld well with larger crossovers including the likes of Mazda CX-9 or Chevrolet Traverse.
The black dash top contrasts vividly with the tan along the bottom half with a faux wood stripe dividing the two. A large instrument panel includes a left-side half-moon analog tachometer and right side quarter fuel and heat gauge. Down the middle is a good-sized circular speedometer. The fuel release button is found on the driver's door, a better local than the floor.
The center column includes a digital clock at the apex with a long unibrow providing shade from sunlight. Below in select trims is the larger, intuitive, touch interface screen with pleasant map graphics. Growing to eight inches in diameter, the system combines audio, GPS navigation, satellite radio and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. Ventilation control in the tester included two dials each controlling temperature for front passenger dual zones. In between were an assortment of push and toggle buttons for mode, fan speed, window defrosting and air conditioning. Below and just ahead of the floor-style transmission shifter were two twelve volt outlets and auxiliary jack and iPod plug-in ports. Inline beverage holders reside to the right of the transmission shifter between the firm and extra supportive front bucket seats. Aft, a very deeeeep storage bin/arm rest with rearward hinge.
Unlike the Kia Optima sedan's bold, very trend-setting low-slung styling, the Sorento crossover takes a conservative path in side-to-side comparisons. Side windows opt for longer measurements than some competitors and front fenders sport smoothed, not overly aggressive arches. Side-view mirrors smartly include secondary blinker bands to alert others on the road of future maneuvers. Narrow, headlight housings stretch to side fenders, with a slim honeycomb grille in between. Available rectangular, vertical fog lights reside below and pushed towards the edges, a new look for 2014. Tail light structures also borrow a horizontal theme while sporting a sleek, eagle-beak like profile when looking towards the inner hatch. The spare tire resides outside, under the flat cargo floor. A hard, composite plastic trims the bottom frame and wheel wells to impede stone-type dings. A narrow spoiler resides above the rear window.
Regular, 87-octane gasoline fills the large 17.4 gallon tank. Sorento offers no gas-electric hybrid or pure-electric variant in the 2014 model year. Mileage for the V-6 tester with all-wheel drive checked in at 18 miles per gallon city and 24 highway, add mile more to the highway number with front drive. These numbers rate on par with rivals, but the four-cylinder, front drive disappoints with a lowly 20 miles in city travel and 26 highway.
Braking is responsive with a foot throw gently engaging the stopping system rather than an abrupt grip. The new electronic power steering adds to responsive steering feedback and handling. Thanks to Sorento's crossover architecture, headroom remains plentiful throughout and the slightly elevated seating position provides above average visual road command.
2014 Kia SorentoPrice as tested: $36,550
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Length: 183.9 inches
Width: 74.2 inches
Height: 67.3 inches
Engine: Double overhead cam V-6
Horsepower : 290
Curb weight: 3,894 pounds
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
City/Highway economy: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway
Assembly: West Point, Georgia