Kia debuts sleeker, carlike Sorento

BY IRA SIEGEL For Sun-Times Media September 22, 2011 10:35AM

KISorento-CAR-0922_2(240wide)

Ready to shop? Search for a Sorento

2011 KIA SORENTO EX AWD

ENGINE: 276-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6

TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: all-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 19 city/25 highway

BASE PRICE: $29,095

AS TESTED: $34,840 (includes $795 for destination)

Website: kia.com

Updated: October 19, 2011 10:47AM



With an all-new platform, sleeker styling and available third-row seat, Kia hopes its totally redesigned Sorento will gain more respect in the competitive crossover utility segment.

In a segment dominated by vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the new 2011 Kia Sorento is much improved over its predecessor, offering consumers an impressively styled vehicle packed with value.

Thanks to a unitized structure instead of the dated body-over-frame construction it previously had, the 2011 Kia Sorento now delivers a much more refined carlike ride. Plus it includes a long list of safety features.

With a starting price of $21,145, the 2011 Kia Sorento is sure to appeal to those on a tight budget, especially when you consider its price of admission also includes a 10-year/100,000-miles powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-miles roadside assistance plan.

While the base Sorento features a four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission, you can step up to higher trim levels with goodies like heated leather seats, a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic data and a wonderful dual sunroof.

You also can opt for an Infinity premium surround sound system with 10 speakers and 550 watts of power.

Built in the United States, the 2011 Kia Sorento is based on the KND-4 concept vehicle that Kia first displayed at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The all-new Sorento features the same swept-back lines and dynamic presence as the concept and I like what I see.

Sorento’s cabin is nicely sized with plenty of room up front, and adequate room in the second and available third row. The cabin offers versatility and plenty of room for hauling items.

The 2011 Kia Sorento is offered in four trim levels: base, LX, EX and the sporty SX. The base is powered by a 175-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission sending power to the front wheels.

The base includes full power accessories, air conditioning, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, trip computer, Bluetooth and CD sound system with USB audio jack.

Stepping up to the LX gets you a six-speed automatic transmission, body-color heated mirrors with LED turn signal indicators and the availability of a V-6 engine and/or all-wheel drive.

The EX adds larger (18-inch) wheels, fog lamps, rear spoiler, dual zone automatic climate control, keyless starting, rear view camera, eight-way power driver’s seat and more.

The SX features the 276-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine (which is optional in LX and EX), a sport-tuned suspension, rear LED tail lamps, navigation system and leather seats.

I recently drove a 2011 Kia Sorento EX with the V-6 and AWD. While the four-cylinder offers better fuel economy, I’d recommend the V-6 for those with a family or those who have the need to haul or tow.

The four-cylinder is rated to tow only 1,650 pounds while the V-6 is rated to tow 3,500 pounds. Also, I did test drive a four-cylinder Sorento late last year and it’s noticeably noisier and the engine seems taxed when loaded with passengers.

The AWD system is nice and provides a locking center differential for improved low-speed traction.

I’m very impressed with the new Sorento. It’s stylish, roomy, versatile and it delivers a nice carlike ride, making it enjoyable to drive around town and across town.

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