By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National December 29, 2009Vehicle Overview
The Kia Sorento moves from a truck-based SUV platform with two rows of seats to a car-based crossover platform with up to three rows. This also marks the first year the Sorento will offer a four-cylinder engine. In Kia's lineup, the Sorento sits between the compact Sportage crossover and the three-row, truck-based Borrego. It competes roughly with smaller crossovers that also offer a third row, like the Dodge Journey, Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander.
Trim levels include the base, LX and EX. Base models come with a stick shift and the four-cylinder. The LX and EX have a standard automatic, and the EX offers an optional V-6. All-wheel drive is optional on the LX and EX.
Exterior
The 2011 Sorento's creased lines and Acura-like headlights follow Kia's recent styling, with a clear resemblance up front to the Forte and Optima sedans. In back, the Sorento's taillights recall the larger Borrego's.
Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are standard on the base and LX; EX models add fog lights, a rear spoiler and 18-inch alloys.
Interior
Like the Forte, the Sorento's dashboard houses each gauge within a separate portal and places major audio and climate controls on an elevated central dashboard section. The second row folds flat into the floor; so does the optional third row. A third row isn't offered on the base Sorento, but it's optional on the LX and EX four-cylinder and standard on the EX V-6.
Major standard features include basic power accessories, air conditioning, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a CD stereo with USB/iPod compatibility. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-speaker Infinity stereo, a navigation system, heated leather seats and a panoramic moonroof are optional.
Cargo volume behind the rear seats is just 9.1 cubic feet; behind the second row, it's 37.0 cubic feet. With both rows folded down, the maximum cargo volume is 72.5 cubic feet.
Under the Hood
The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine makes 175 horsepower and 169 pounds-feet of torque; it uses a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. EX models offer an optional 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 276 horsepower and 248 pounds-feet of torque. It uses only the automatic. Four-wheel drive is optional with either engine, though with the four-cylinder it requires getting the automatic transmission. Kia's system offers a lockable center differential to route constant power to both axles, should you need to get out of some heavy snow or mud.
Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds; that's less than the outgoing Sorento's 5,000-pound maximum, but competitive with the field.
Safety
Antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are standard. So are six airbags and active front head restraints.
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| David Thomas | Cars.com National | February 2, 2010 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | December 29, 2009 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Courtney Messenbaugh | Mother Proof | August 4, 2010 |
| Jim Mateja | chicagotribune.com | December 20, 2009 |
| Warren Brown | washingtonpost.com | November 22, 2009 |
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