More sophisticated
The 2011 Kia Sorento has clearly become a modern SUV. The elegant bodywork has been streamlined for improved aerodynamic performance (the drag coefficient dropped from 0.425 to 0.38). In addition, the roomier cabin can comfortably sit four or five adults. Optionally, up to seven passengers can find a seat, including two small children in the third row.
Trunk capacity in five-passenger configuration has increased by 20 percent since the 2009 model year. Still, it's not enough to best rivals like the Pilot and Highlander. Granted, the Sorento is slightly shorter overall.
On the plus side, manoeuvrability is improved thanks to a shorter turning radius (10.88 vs. 12.0 m), a two-piece panoramic sunroof is available and a full assortment of airbags comes standard across the line.
Self-explaining success
Ironically, the Sorento's success explains the Borrego's lack of success. Of course, rising fuel costs played a part in tarnishing the image of big, burly SUVs, especially those powered by a V8.
However, you also have to look at towing capacities. A Sorento V6 can tow up to 1,588 kilos (3,500 pounds), which will suit the vast majority of owners with a personal watercraft, a small camping trailer or a platform carrying one or two snowmobiles.
Who actually needs a large SUV like the Borrego on a regular basis? Sure, it will tow 2,268 kilos (5,000 lbs) with a V6 or 3,402 kilos (7,500 lbs) with a V8, but in the case of the latter, fuel consumption is 20 percent higher than my tester's. Now that puts a lot of things in perspective!
The 2011 Kia Sorento has clearly become a modern SUV. The elegant bodywork has been streamlined for improved aerodynamic performance (the drag coefficient dropped from 0.425 to 0.38). In addition, the roomier cabin can comfortably sit four or five adults. Optionally, up to seven passengers can find a seat, including two small children in the third row.
Trunk capacity in five-passenger configuration has increased by 20 percent since the 2009 model year. Still, it's not enough to best rivals like the Pilot and Highlander. Granted, the Sorento is slightly shorter overall.
On the plus side, manoeuvrability is improved thanks to a shorter turning radius (10.88 vs. 12.0 m), a two-piece panoramic sunroof is available and a full assortment of airbags comes standard across the line.
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| The two-piece panoramic sunroof is optional with the EX-V6 and standard on the EX-V6 Luxury. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
Self-explaining success
Ironically, the Sorento's success explains the Borrego's lack of success. Of course, rising fuel costs played a part in tarnishing the image of big, burly SUVs, especially those powered by a V8.
However, you also have to look at towing capacities. A Sorento V6 can tow up to 1,588 kilos (3,500 pounds), which will suit the vast majority of owners with a personal watercraft, a small camping trailer or a platform carrying one or two snowmobiles.
Who actually needs a large SUV like the Borrego on a regular basis? Sure, it will tow 2,268 kilos (5,000 lbs) with a V6 or 3,402 kilos (7,500 lbs) with a V8, but in the case of the latter, fuel consumption is 20 percent higher than my tester's. Now that puts a lot of things in perspective!
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