Saying a car is all new is one thing, but the 2016 Kia Sorento actually delivers on that billing, starting with an exterior that still looks like a Sorento, just one that has evolved in a more upscale direction. Its profile is very close to the previous generation's, but look at it from the front, and it’s suddenly a different story.
The new Sorento has narrower headlights, a lower air intake, and fog lamps that stand out for their unique design, making this crossover look different than all the other CUVs on the road. The Sorento has also grown to a 109.4-inch wheelbase that marks a 3.1-inch increase that you can see. It looks beefier and makes a stronger impression.
Inside the changes come from more soft-touch surfaces that have a better texture and quality and make this feel like a higher-end car. It is modern, updated, and very upscale. That bigger size on the outside translates to a roomier interior as well, with cargo volume going up to 73.5 cubic feet overall. Passengers in the second and optional third row also score an extra half-inch of room with an additional 1.5 inches of boarding room for anyone squeezing back into that third row.
The engine lineup has also grown with the addition of a new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder as an option for select trims. It puts out 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and although it’s not the most powerful engine available, it does prove peppy thanks to that turbocharging.
Eight different trims are offered, starting with the base L, which comes in at $24,900 and is still a very well-equipped trim. Standard features include solar-control glass, variable intermittent wipers, projector-beam headlamps, heated rear glass with a timer, and a rear spoiler.
Inside it has AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, 40/20/40 split second-row seats, and steering-wheel-mounted audio, hands-free phone, and cruise-control buttons. A USB/auxiliary jack, 12-volt power outlets, tilt and telescopic steering column, and remote keyless entry are also standard in every Sorento.
The L has a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission providing 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard for this and all trim levels. Once you move up to the LX, Dynamax all-wheel drive, a locking center differential, and torque-vectoring cornering control become options and remain optional throughout the rest of the range.
The LX trim adds UVO eServices infotainment, low-profile roof rails, a shark-fin antenna, sound-absorbing windshield glass, and a rear camera with optional back-up warning. Other options include an auto-dimming mirror, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 50/50 split-folding third row. Heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather and wood-style gearshift are also offered as options in the LX.
Those looking for a bigger engine can choose the LX V6, which gets a 3.3-liter V6 offering 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. The third row becomes standard in this trim, and rear air conditioning becomes an available option.
Breaking the $30,000 price point takes you into the EX, which adds sound-absorbing front window glass, fog lights, and options including smart welcome lighting, power-folding mirrors, a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, and power liftgate with programmable height adjustment. The sound system also gets a boost with optional Infinity Surround Sound with Clari-Fi, 10 speakers, an external amplifier and subwoofer, and HD Radio. Voice-command navigation with an 8-inch display, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert are optional, while the back-up warning system becomes standard.
Additional optional features for the EX include a supervision meter cluster with a 7-inch TFT color LCD display, push-button start, LED map and room lights, and integrated second-row sunshades. Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather seat trim, and leather and wood-style accents become standard.
The EX is also your first chance at the new 2.0-liter turbocharged I4, which is standard in this trim. The EX V6 offers a similarly equipped version of the Sorento with the more powerful V6 engine and brings back the third row and rear air conditioning, which are not available on the EX trim.
The SX V6 sticks with that V6 engine and turns the optional features on the EX V6 into standard features. It also adds body-color accents, rear combination LED headlamps, reverse tilt-down outside mirrors, memory driver’s seat, and a leather-and-black deco gearshift.
Topping out the range are the Limited and Limited V6 at $41,300. The Limited is the only other trim to offer the 2.0-liter turbocharged I4. It also gets optional HID projector-beam headlights with auto-leveling, standard LED fog lights, optional surround-view monitor, and optional safety features, including advanced smart cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold. The Limited V6 once again offers the V6 engine as well as the third row with rear air conditioning, which are not available on the Limited.
If there’s one thing the Sorento offers, it’s plenty of choices. At its most basic this is an attractive, full-featured crossover with plenty of style and, thanks to its increase in size, plenty of room for the family and cargo. The optional third row gives it what many crossovers lack with seating for 7 passengers. It also does this very affordably.
The starting price of $24,900 gives those with a tighter budget the chance at this stylish crossover, while those with around $40,000 in their pocket can get all the bells and whistles for thousands less than they could from competitors. Kia is not known as an upscale brand, but it delivers an upscale experience for a heck of a lot less than most competitors. If you don’t need an expensive badge on the hood to impress your friends, then the Kia Sorento is a great choice.
