Kia's Sorento has been totally redesigned for 2016. It is now larger than in the past, and buyers have their choice from three different engines, and equipped with front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.
A new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder develops 240-horsepower, while the silky smooth 3.3-liter V-6 increases the rating to 290-horsepower. For the economy-mined consumer, Sorento can be ordered with the improved 2.4-liter normally aspirated inline-four that produces 185-hp.
All three engines channel power and torque through an electronically controlled six-speed automatic gearbox featuring Sportmatic shiftable shifting. When properly equipped, the Kia Sorento is now able to tow up to 5,000-lbs.
For the 2016 model year, Sorento offers many standard premium features and luxurious amenities across five trim levels - the Sorento L, LX, EX, SX, and SXL.
A 2016 all-wheel-drive SXL (loaded) model was delivered equipped with the 240-horsepower turbo engine. Each reviewer had the Sorento for one week. While carrying two or three adults, the turbo provided good power when passing on interstates and did not seem underpowered as several media critics have claimed. It has been tested going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.7 seconds. Braking to 0 from 60 mph requires a distance of a tested 118 feet. This is better than average.
In mostly suburban driving, fuel usage for the SXL averaged 22.2 miles per gallon. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the SXL at 25 mpg highway and 19 mpg city. Regular fuel can be pumped into the 18.8-gallon tank.
Sorentos can be ordered as a two-row five-seater or a three-row seven-seater. The tested SXL was a five-seater. Second-row seats are flexible and can recline to desired positions. Users can fold the second-row seatback without opening the rear door by pulling the lever mounted on the luggage-area side trim. This allows for quick and easy loading of large cargo. For a roomier second row, the center floor has been flattened.
In a former life, the Sorento was slightly larger than compact sport utility vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4. It now is slightly smaller than a midsized Toyota Highlander SUV.
Overall cargo volume in the new Sorento has increased from 72.5 cu.-ft. to 74 cu.-ft., while the carrying capacity behind the third-row expanse from 9.1 cu.-ft. to 11 cu.-ft., without sacrificing rear-passenger room. In the two-row Sorento, the luggage rating is 38.8 cubic feet. To visualize a comparison, a full-sized sedan has 15 to 17 cubic feet of trunk storage space.
Leg room in the second row is 39.4 inches and it is an official 44.1 inches in front. These measurements approximate the leg room of a full-sized sedan.
The 2016 Sorento looks brawnier than past models. Large shoulders and a long hood enhance a sleek and strong appearance. The wheelbase has been upped 3.1 inches to 109.4 inches. Width has increased slightly to 74.4 inches. It is taller, offering more cabin head room.
An aggressive front end includes a narrower headlight design bearing a resemblance to the company's Sedona minivan. LED lights are positioned to set the Sorento apart from competitors in the midsize SUV segment. Competitors, to name three, include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Edge and Highlander.
Lower intake and LED fog lamp pockets sit below the headlights. They are more prominent this model year. Alloy wheels vary in size from 17 to19 inches.
Since the test Sorento was a top-of-the-line five-seater priced from $41,700, there were 19 inchers supporting wide all-terrain tires. The $41,700 included heated and ventilated power front seats with memory, driver's seat thigh extension, a four-way headrest with one-button adjustment, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof with power sun shade, power, heated and foldable exterior mirrors, power door locks and Nappa leather trim seating surfaces. These surfaces are similar to those in the K900, Kia's luxury flagship sedan.
Kia's U.S.-built Sorento is the first CUV to offer Clari-Fi digital music reconstruction technology by Harman. Accessed through a crystal-clear eight-inch capacitive touch color screen, the available navigation11 system utilizes SD card storage for MAP DATA and USB 2.0 support for high-speed updates as well as integrated rear backup camera.
Other niceties are an Infiniti 12-speaker, 630-watt surround-sound audio components, navigation system with an eight-inch color display screen, satellite radio complementing AM and FM radio, heated leather steering wheel, pushbutton start with smart key, chrome roof rails and a power liftgate.
Besides Bluetooth, USB ports and an auxiliary input jack, the new 2016 Sorento gets more services for the standard UVO system. Kia's information system called UVO has advanced voice recognition technology, utilizes the voice to help make hands-free calls and manages an owner's music library. The system couples with telematics for a free smartphone app and connectivity with a navigation system. UVO also includes diagnostics capabilities and a rear camera display.
For 2016, four additional UVO services are available and they are Geo-fencing, speed and curfew alerts and driving score. Kia apps can be downloaded for free from iTunes or Google Play.
Sirius XM satellite radio offers access to traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores, stock market information and movie times.
Standard safety features are a four-wheel antilock braking system, traction and stability controls, airbags in front and sides and overhead for two rows, blind spot detection and tire pressure monitoring systems and the rear camera display.
The all-wheel-drive system automatically routes power to the wheel with the most traction. When conditions are questionable, engine power is split evenly between the front and rear drive shafts. The system also provides drivers added stability via a torque cornering control, which is activated when yaw and steering sensors detect unwanted understeer.
A $2,500 option package adds Xenon headlights replacing the halogens, lane departure and forward collision warning systems, surround view camera, adaptive cruise control and an electronic parking brake.
During the test weeks, the Sorento was quiet inside the cabin indicating good insulation in front, overhead, beneath the floors and on the sides. It rode well with no pitch or undue swaying. With the leg room and seat comfort, this vehicle is ideal for long trips.
Sorento prices start at $24,900 and go to $43,100 (loaded seven-seater).
Warranty coverage is five years or 60,000 miles with roadside assistance,and 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain.
For information, visit www.kia.com.
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. based in Seoul, South Korea.
FAST FACTS
Vehicle: SXL all-wheel-drive model of
2016 Kia SorentoType: four-door, five-passenger midsize sport utility vehicle
Price: $41,700
Engine: turbocharged 2-liter, 240-horsepower four-cylinder
Transmission: shiftable six-speed automatic
Fuel: regular unleaded
Fuel tank: 18.8 gallons
Towing: 2,000 pounds
Wheelbase: 109.4 inches
Length: 187.4 inches
Width: 74.4 inches
Height: 66.3 inches
Ground clearance: 7.3 inches
Weight: 3,700 pounds
Cargo: 74 cubic feet maximum, 38.8 cubic feet behind upright second row
Leg room: 44.1 inches front, 39.4 inches rear
Turning circle: 36.3 feet
Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles with roadside assistance, 10 years or 100,000 miles powertrain
Assembly: United States