For those in the market for a 7-passenger, midsize crossover family hauler, the Kia Sorento takes on the world in terms of comfort, features, reliability, flexibility and price.
Sitting near the top of a highly competitive class that includes the Volkswagen Atlas, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9. Ford Edge and Buick Enclave, the Sorento matches competitors in performance and refinement while selling for around $5,000 less from bottom to top in the model tree.
We had the opportunity to spend a busy week with Christmas preparations, as well as take a 400-mile road trip in a top-of-line SXL V6 with all-wheel drive. We came away impressed with its quiet and composed ride, well-appointed and roomy cabin, and over-the-top features list-from premium Nappa leather seating, to 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, and on to heated and ventilated front seats-all for just a hair more than $42,000.
That price includes a full suite of driver-assist technologies, such as advance smart cruise control, surround view monitor, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist. Similarly-equipped models from the competition sell for around $45,000 to more than $50,000. No wonder U.S. News and World Report named it the best 3-row SUV for the money.
Cheap no more
Are we talking about one of those flimsy Korean cars? That's old news, my friend.
When Kia first came to America 25 years ago, it deservedly earned a reputation for building and selling cheap cars. That started to change in 1998, when bankruptcy brought about a corporate marriage to Hyundai, one of the world's largest engineering and manufacturing concerns. Hyundai began pouring billions of dollars into both auto manufacturers and building factories, as well as design and engineering facilities, in America. Since early in the 21st century, both companies have earned top scores in initial quality and safety.
It stands to reason, then, that the critics give the Sorento high marks for its tight, "vault-like" feel, generous feature lists, and surprisingly willing 2.0-L, turbocharged engine. Line it up feature-for-feature with the class valedictorian, the Toyota Highlander, and the Sorento will costs you about $80 a month on your car note.
To be sure, the Highlander has some advantages. In size, the Sorento is slightly shorter and less wide-which contributes to its taut handling-but second- and third-row seating is subpar for the class. It's Ok for kids, but you wouldn't want to volunteer to take an adult Sunday school class to lunch.
The Highlander also offers a wider array of drive train options, but we found our tester's 3.3-L V6, which cranked out 290 hp and 252 lb.-ft of torque. That is more than enough power for a 3,968-lb. vehicle, especially when mated to an 8-speed transmission.
In terms of application of power, the Sorento has a luxury feel, yet, on a 400-mile road trip on Texas interstates it delivered nearly 25 mpg.
Wide array of models, features
The Sorento comes in five models: The L, starting at $26,740; the LX, $28,040; the EX V6, $33,940; the SX V6, $40, 040; and the Limited, $45,340.
The base L trim starts at $26,740 and includes a long list of niceties, such as a tilt and telescoping wheel, rear ducts, a 7-inch display with Android/Apple auto play, rear view camera, auxiliary and USB jacks, satellite radio, Bluetooth technology, steering-wheel mounted controls, remote entry and a long list of safety features.
That list does not, however, driver-assist technologies, which have proven to save lives. There is not any reason to purchase a new car without them. Heck, Toyota makes them standard.
As good as it is, the Sorento has not been a hot seller. Kia is offering a $2,000 incentive on top of whatever you can get from the dealer. The smart play here is go for something near to the top of the line, bargain at least a little hard, get a great car, and save a bundle.
You'll drive off with the best warranty on the planet,
Hyundai and its corporate cousin Kia cover their vehicles for 5 years/60,000 miles. That includes 5 years/unlimited mileage of roadside assistance coverage. The powertrain is covered for 10 years/100,000 miles and corrosion protection is 7 years/unlimited mileage.
Bottom line: Take advantage of a soft market with a 2018, or 2019 Kia Sorento, and you'll probably have a vehicle in your driveway that you like long after the note is paid off, or you'll have one of the most affordable leases ever. Your choice. Either way, you're feeling good about yourself.