Even before the 2010 models are all on the showroom floors, Kia is rolling out prototypes of the 2011 Kia Sorento.
As Kia lovers know, the Sorento was introduced in 2003 as a truck-based platform. In this new fuel economy-conscious society where everyone wants every square inch of vehicles to count, Kia has reinvented the Sorento as a crossover.
What that means to buyers is they now have a choice of two engines: a 175-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and a 276-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. Fuel economy tallies are 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for models with front-wheel drive and 4-cylinder engines. The V-6 all-wheel drive models have ratings of 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. There’s even an EcoMinder Indicator to assist with fuel-efficient driving.
The new Sorento will also boast a six-speed transmission, the same as the Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7 and other competitors. Perhaps one of the differences is that the Sorento is priced for many buyers — suggested retail prices range from $19,995 for base models to $29,095 for the top-of-the-line models.
» Engine: 175-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or 276-hp, 3.5-liter V-6
» Fuel economy: 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (4-cylinder); 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (V6)
» Transmission: Six-speed automatic
» MSRP: $19,995 to $29,095
The exterior of the new Sorento definitely has the family resemblance of its older siblings. Angled window lines, flared-back headlamps, fog lamps and a rounded nose are the defining features of the Sorento. The rear continues the exterior rounded style with taillamps set within the rear lift gate.
One of the selling points of the Sorento is that it offers plenty of options. All models have 17-inch alloy wheels and standard body-color heated outside mirrors with light-emitting diode turn signal indicators. Myriad options include 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, roof rails and a panoramic sunroof.
The interior of the Sorento is built for families on the go with 142.5 cubic feet of volume in the five-seat model and 149.4 cubic feet in the models for seven passengers. That’s quite a difference from the 137.5 cubic feet in past models.
The seats are comfortable, and the cockpit is packed with technology from AM/FM/CD/MP3/satellite audio with Sirius Satellite Radio to steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls. Many models, such as the one I test-drove, include push-button start ignition, sonar backup sensors and voice-activated navigation. The rear-view backup camera with the display on the rear-view mirror is a standout.
The Sorento’s acceleration and power are impressive, with no lag time and plenty of stability. Braking is also solid. The suspension keeps the ride comfortable even when the road is rough and bumpy.
The only downside to the performance is the steering could be a bit crisper and more agile. That’s a minor point, though, that is really only evident when you pull into a tight parking space or need to make a tight turn.
Overall the 2011 Kia Sorento is a solid-performing, spacious family crossover that buyers should definitely put on their “must see” list.
