All new for 2011, the redesigned Kia Sorento reflects the ever-improving dynamics and build quality offered by this Korean automaker. Each new Kia, it seems, is light years ahead of its predecessor, and the 2011 Sorento is no exception. Designed expressly for the North American market, the new Sorento is the first Kia built at the company’s new U.S. assembly plant in Georgia. Built on a car-based unit body platform, the 2011 Sorento is ready to provide some stiff competition in the mainstream crossover market.

Sized somewhere between Toyota’s popular RAV4 and Highlander, the 2011 Kia Sorento is a midsize crossover SUV with five doors. Three trim levels are available (Base, LX, and EX), and the Sorento offers four- or six-cylinder power. While its exterior styling won’t necessarily turn heads, the 2011 Sorento at least has a pleasant, integrated look, with standard alloy wheels and subtle chrome accents.

Base Sorentos seat 5 passengers, while LX and EX trims offer an optional third-row seat that expands capacity to 7. Overall interior space is good, with plenty of elbow room and a large cargo area. The optional third row basically eliminates the cargo space and doesn’t really provide that much seating flexibility, because it’s tight for all but the youngest passengers.

The new, modern chassis is a welcome change from the outgoing Sorento’s truck-like ladder frame and pays huge dividends in ride comfort and overall smoothness. The 2011 Sorento has the buttery driving dynamics and car-like ride that today’s buyer desires. The new platform is also commendably stiff, with excellent vibration damping. The steering is light, and the Sorento handles confidently, with reasonably well-controlled body roll and a secure feel in emergency maneuvers.

For 2011 Base and LX Sorentos have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 175 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque. The big four revs willingly and makes pleasant noises, but is ultimately overwhelmed by the Sorento’s 3,600-pound curb weight. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and does its best to enliven things. Most buyers will likely select the optional automatic transmission, which, despite shifting smoothly through its six gears, contributes to the overall sluggish feeling of the four-cylinder Sorento. Optional in the top-line EX is a punchy, 3.5-liter V6 that delivers a robust 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. This smooth engine is mated only to the six-speed automatic and greatly improves the little SUV’s acceleration and passing power.

Inside the 2011 Sorento you’ll find an interior that is exceptionally well fitted, another indication of how competitive Kia has become. The dash design breaks no new ground but is quite ergonomically friendly and has a modern (if slightly derivative) look. The plastics are high quality and have an expensive texture, though the monochrome color scheme could be a bit livelier. Base Sorentos are quite well equipped, with standard air conditioning, power features, and even Bluetooth. LX trim levels feature an auto up/down driver's window, power heated mirrors, and optional rear-view camera. The top-line EX offers a standard power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, and push-button keyless start.

Overall the 2011 Sorento has vaulted Kia to the front of the midsize crossover class. The chassis and engineering package are impressively well thought out, and the Sorento drives as well as (if not better than) its highly regarded competition. Styling aside (let’s face it, not many other crossovers get the blood pumping), the new Sorento shows that Kia’s products are now on an even playing field with those from Honda and Toyota, yet still priced very competitively. While not quite as inexpensive as they once were, Kia’s products always undercut the competition significantly. In the past the value Kia offered was offset by cars and trucks that were slightly unrefined. Now with the new Sorento, the Korean automaker has finally provided a world-class vehicle that is still a great value.