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2011 Kia Sorento Review

Kia's mid-size Sorento SUV retains the rugged body-on-frame construction preferred by off-road enthusiasts and those who need to tow heavier trailers. The Sorento's 5-passenger cabin has the look and feel of an upscale SUV, making it as equally adept at shuttling business clients as it is at hauling the kids and family dog. The Kia Sorento has long list of standard features, a choice of impressively powerful V6 engines, easy-to-swallow low sticker price and Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty are also big draws. Safety is another area where the Sorento shines, with a five-star government crash-test safety rating, electronic stability control and traction control, full-length side-curtain airbags and all included as standard equipment.

You'll Like This SUV If...

If you're looking for an SUV that's bigger than a Honda CR-V but smaller than a Dodge Durango, the 2011 Kia Sorento might suit you perfectly. Its long list of standard equipment, low base price and comfortable ride make it a good choice for the casual off-road warrior or those who keep their driving strictly on the pavement.

You May Not Like This SUV If...

Powered by their rear wheels, the two-wheel-drive Sorento models don't offer the level of traction in ice, snow or mud provided by their FWD competitors. The two V6 engines perform well but deliver mediocre fuel economy.

What's Significant about this Car?

Redesigned for 2011, car-based construction, panoramic moonroof is available. Upscale options, tight turning circle, well-equipped base model, and the starting price are too good.

Driving Impressions

The Kia Sorento seems as solid and secure on the road as the best SUVs from the U.S and Japan, and the steering feels light but controlled and precise. The Sorento's strong V6 engine offers plenty of highway performance and low-end torque. The 5-speed automatic delivers crisp shifts and rarely has to hunt for the proper gear. The Sorento's somewhat soft suspension displays more rear squat and front-end dive than we would prefer during harder acceleration and braking. However, the handling in turns does not seem to be affected in the same way, and the Sorento delivers good cornering ability without excessive lean or body roll.

Favorite Features

Wide Interior
The Sorento's wide interior provides for a roomy cargo area and offers plenty of shoulder room.

Array of Standard Equipment
For the money, few other SUVs can match the Sorento's array of standard equipment.

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.

Notable Standard Equipment

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.

Notable Optional Equipment

Options for the EX include Torque-On-Demand FT AWD, fog lights, remote start and a rear spoiler. The LX Value Package adds a sunroof, leather seats, 16-inch alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Stand-alone options and accessories include part-time four-wheel drive, a trailer hitch and side step bars.

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. AWD is optional with either engine, though with the 4-cylinder it requires getting the automatic transmission. Kia offers a lockable center differential to route constant power to both axles, should you need to get out of some heavy snow or mud.

2.4-liter in-line 4
175 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
169 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28

3.5-liter V6
276 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
248 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27

Pricing Notes

The two-wheel-drive Kia Sorento LX Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price starts close to $22,000, while the AWD Sorento LX stickers closer to $25,500 and a fully loaded EX AWD tops out around $32,000. The Sorento is expected to hold about the same resale value as its closest competitors, the Ford Explorer, Honda CR-V, Nissan Xterra, Dodge Journey, and Toyota RAV4.

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