Posted on May 31, 2016 in
AUTO REVIEW
absolutely! AUTO REVIEW | By Steve Kursar –
The 2016 Kia Sorento was completely redesigned for this model year, and it is now one of the best mid-size crossovers on the road. What was once a simply adequate family hauler, this all-new Sorento is bigger inside and out, featuring some cool, new technology and a much more stylish exterior. This is a quality vehicle through and through and a strong contender for anyone shopping this segment.
Kia Motors is Korea’s second largest automaker and often plays second fiddle to Hyundai. The first Kia cars showed up on American highways back in the early 1990s. They seriously lacked quality and style, but they caught on, because they were priced considerably lower than American and Japanese competitors, thus allowing more people to own cars. However, the latest generation of Kia cars and crossovers are a quantum leap in both design and workmanship often surpassing their rivals. The new Sorento is a perfect example of all of that.
The exterior design gives the Sorento an edgier, more rugged look than the previous model. The interior offers a remarkably quiet interior with more passenger legroom and high quality materials with a fit and finish comparable to some luxury cars. There are more driver aid technologies available than you’ll use, such as to keep you alert to blind spots and cross traffic.
The new Kia Sorento is available in a configuration that is right for both large and small families, since you can get it in a two-row, five passenger version or move up to the three-row, seven passenger model. The base Sorento, with an MSRP of $25,100, is a two-row model with a 185 hp, 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that gets EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The next engine option is a 240 hp, 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged powerplant that delivers better performance and only slightly lower fuel economy with 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. If you’re expecting that third row to be occupied on a regular basis, then the best engine option is the peppy 290 hp, 3.3 liter V6 engine that gets 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
If you haven’t driven a Kia in a while, put the new Sorento on your list, especially if you’re in the market for a new, mid-size crossover. It’s at the head of its class.
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