Kia Sorento

Introduction

The Kia Sorento is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Kia Motors. It was first introduced in 2002 as a compact SUV and has since evolved into a mid-size SUV. The current model is the fourth generation, which was introduced in 2020.

The Kia Sorento is known for its spacious interior, excellent safety ratings, and reliable performance. It is also a popular choice for families due to its versatile seating options and ample cargo space.

The Sorento comes with a variety of engine options, including a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It is also available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Some of the features available on the Sorento include a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a panoramic sunroof, and a suite of advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

Performance

The performance of the Kia Sorento varies depending on the engine and drivetrain options chosen.

The base engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Sorento with this engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 7.5 seconds.

Another engine option is the 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is also available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Sorento with this engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 7 seconds.

The Sorento’s handling is responsive, and it provides a comfortable ride on most road surfaces. The suspension system is well-tuned to absorb bumps and rough patches on the road, and the steering is precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Fuel Efficiency

The fuel efficiency of the Kia Sorento depends on the engine and drivetrain options selected.

The base engine is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which provides an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, the estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, the estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.

These fuel efficiency ratings are competitive for a mid-size SUV in this class. The Sorento also comes with a stop/start system that shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a red light, which helps to conserve fuel.

Comfort and Convenience

The Kia Sorento offers a comfortable and convenient ride for both driver and passengers. Here are some of its comfort and convenience features:

1. Spacious Interior: The Sorento has a spacious cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers, and it can accommodate up to seven passengers with its available third-row seating.
2. Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: The Sorento comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, which allows the driver and front passenger to adjust the temperature and airflow to their liking.
3. Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: The Sorento offers available heated and ventilated front seats, which can provide added comfort during cold winter months or hot summer days.
4. Panoramic Sunroof: An available panoramic sunroof can provide a sense of openness and brightness to the cabin, making it feel more spacious.
5. Infotainment System: The Sorento comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is user-friendly and easy to navigate. It also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing passengers to connect their smartphones and access their favorite music, apps, and navigation.
6. Wireless Charging: The Sorento offers available wireless charging, allowing passengers to charge their compatible smartphones without the need for cables.
7. Smart Key with Push-Button Start: The Sorento offers a smart key with push-button start, which allows the driver to enter and start the vehicle without taking the key out of their pocket.

Interior and Exterior Design

The Kia Sorento has a modern and sophisticated interior and exterior design.

Interior Design: The Sorento’s interior has a clean and uncluttered design, with soft-touch materials and high-quality finishes. The dashboard is well-organized, with an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to use. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom for passengers. The available panoramic sunroof adds a sense of openness and brightness to the cabin.

Exterior Design: The Sorento’s exterior design is sleek and stylish, with a bold front grille and a sculpted body. The Sorento has a longer wheelbase and wider stance than previous models, giving it a more athletic look. LED headlights and taillights are standard, and the Sorento is available in a range of alloy wheel designs and sizes. The Sorento’s roofline is sloped, giving it a sporty look, while its boxy rear end provides ample cargo space.

Safety

The Kia Sorento offers a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect both the driver and passengers. Here are some of its safety features:

1. Advanced Airbag System: The Sorento comes with a comprehensive airbag system, including dual front, front seat-mounted side, and full-length side curtain airbags.
2. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist: Available blind-spot collision avoidance assist can detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spot and alert the driver to avoid a potential collision.
3. Lane Keeping Assist: The Sorento comes with lane departure warning and lane keeping assist features that help prevent unintentional lane departure and can even steer the vehicle back into its lane if necessary.
4. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: The Sorento features forward collision avoidance assist, which uses radar and camera sensors to detect potential collisions and alert the driver or even apply the brakes automatically to prevent a collision.
5. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist: The Sorento offers available rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist that detects vehicles crossing from the side or rear and can apply the brakes to prevent a collision.
6. Safe Exit Assist: Safe exit assist alerts the driver or passengers before exiting the vehicle if there are approaching vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians.
7. Adaptive Cruise Control: Available adaptive cruise control uses radar sensors to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and can adjust the speed of the vehicle automatically.

Reliability

The Kia Sorento has a reputation for being a reliable and well-built SUV. The Sorento is backed by Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components.

In addition, the Sorento has received high scores in reliability ratings from various sources. For instance, J.D. Power’s 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study named the 2018 Sorento as the most dependable midsize SUV. The Sorento has also received high-reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, with the 2021 model year receiving a score of 3.5 out of 5 in predicted reliability.

Kia has a strong reputation for building high-quality vehicles, and the Sorento is no exception. The automaker is committed to producing reliable vehicles, and it continuously improves its manufacturing processes to ensure that its vehicles are built to last.

Value for money

The Kia Sorento is generally considered to be a good value for the money. It offers a range of features, technology, and safety options at a price that is often lower than its competitors in the midsize SUV segment. Here are some factors that contribute to the Sorento’s value for money:

1. Features: The Sorento comes with a long list of standard features, including an infotainment system, rearview camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offer additional features such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a premium audio system.
2. Safety: The Sorento comes with a range of advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Some of these features are not standard for competitors in the same price range.
3. Fuel Efficiency: The Sorento offers a range of fuel-efficient engine options, which can help save money at the gas pump.
4. Warranty: The Sorento comes with Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which provides added peace of mind and value for money.
5. Price: The Sorento’s starting price is typically lower than many of its competitors in the midsize SUV segment, making it an attractive option for those looking for a high-quality SUV at a reasonable price.

Conclusion

The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV that offers a range of features, performance, and safety options at a reasonable price. Its design is both stylish and practical, with a comfortable and well-equipped interior that provides plenty of room for passengers and cargo.