More points are awarded for the cabin which has a very German aura, with dark colours, high-end textures and control layout to please both the tekkies and discerning buyers. The tested top-of-the-line SX featured push-button start, a navigation system with reverse camera, leather and numerous other gadgets that today's crowds are looking for in a vehicle. And the price is not in excess of $50k.
The craftsmanship impresses for a “simple” Kia but this has become the norm for this Korean manufacturer. Drop by a dealership and take a peak inside the Sportage, Forte and the up-coming Optima. Yes, this is Kia.
Among the few niggles that emerged after a few minutes or days of living with the Sorento, the following became apparent: The driving position was always a little off. Korean manufacturers are still, for the most part, struggling with getting North American proportions right. Even with a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, I could never get the right mix of comfort and control. Next, to the left of the wheel is a cluster of buttons in the lower portion of the dash. Included here is the rear-wiper switch which is incidentally hidden from view by the very thing that the driver's hands should be on. Perhaps with more practice, I would have consistently located the control but even so, it would have always been out of reach, requiring a good stretch.
Seating in the Sorento can accommodate up to seven passengers. The rear-most bench is, as always, reserved for children. The other five spots offer up plenty of room and comfort. The front seats could use a tad more thigh support but that's it. And the trunk is large. No cramping up or complaining here.
If you purchase a basic Sorento, you'll get a 2.4L 4-cylinder. Its 175 hp are up to the task of urban commuting but do not expect a rocket. Hey, if Toyota offers a 4-cylinder engine in its massive Sienna minivan, it can and does work here.
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| The tested top-of-the-line SX featured push-button start, a navigation system with reverse camera and numerous other gadgets that today's crowds are looking for in a vehicle. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The craftsmanship impresses for a “simple” Kia but this has become the norm for this Korean manufacturer. Drop by a dealership and take a peak inside the Sportage, Forte and the up-coming Optima. Yes, this is Kia.
Among the few niggles that emerged after a few minutes or days of living with the Sorento, the following became apparent: The driving position was always a little off. Korean manufacturers are still, for the most part, struggling with getting North American proportions right. Even with a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, I could never get the right mix of comfort and control. Next, to the left of the wheel is a cluster of buttons in the lower portion of the dash. Included here is the rear-wiper switch which is incidentally hidden from view by the very thing that the driver's hands should be on. Perhaps with more practice, I would have consistently located the control but even so, it would have always been out of reach, requiring a good stretch.
Seating in the Sorento can accommodate up to seven passengers. The rear-most bench is, as always, reserved for children. The other five spots offer up plenty of room and comfort. The front seats could use a tad more thigh support but that's it. And the trunk is large. No cramping up or complaining here.
If you purchase a basic Sorento, you'll get a 2.4L 4-cylinder. Its 175 hp are up to the task of urban commuting but do not expect a rocket. Hey, if Toyota offers a 4-cylinder engine in its massive Sienna minivan, it can and does work here.
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| Seating in the Sorento can accommodate up to seven passengers. The rear-most bench is, as always, reserved for children. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |