For a few grand more, you land a potent 3.5L V6. With 276 hp and a capable 6-speed automatic transmission, the Sorento actually becomes a rocket, just in the case that street-light racing was important to you. This engine is refined and smooth, exactly unlike other past V6s made available at Kia and Hyundai. Fuel consumption is decent. I averaged 12L/100 km over a week's time. Given the size and power of the truck, this is as good or better than most of its competitors.
Incidentally, it is possible to improve on those numbers. I chose to drive with the standard ECO mode switched off. When on, there is a noticeable “choke” on the throttle, forcing either to mash harder on the go pedal or letting things be. My guess is that I could have improved my average by about 10%.
The Sorento's powertrain is equal or superior to what the competition has to offer. Are you starting to get the picture? In road-holding and driving enjoyment, the Kia has nothing to envy from the others except perhaps ride quality on broken surfaces.
The suspension does soak up craters and potholes better than its smaller sibling, the Sportage, but would benefit from going to Ford Edge School for Smooth Rides. The upside is that the Kia enjoys better steering response, crisper handling with a sportier edge to the driving experience.
At $40,895, my tested SX AWD 7-passenger is not inexpensive, unless you consider the coinage required to purchase a full-load Toyota RAV4 (no navigation) or Volkswagen Tiguan, both needing between $37,000 and $41,000 for equivalent levels of kit. Pound for pound, it doesn't add up.
As a better comparison, for $31,795, the EX-V6 Sorento is impossible to beat. It gets leather seats, 18” wheels and a slew of other goodies. Once again, stacked up to the CR-V, Tiguan and Murano, there is no better value.
In the end, the only obstacle that faces the Sorento remains the fact that it carries the Kia logo. For some, this is a turn-off. For those willing to give the vehicle a chance, they will realize that they were glad they did not overlook the Kia.
Incidentally, it is possible to improve on those numbers. I chose to drive with the standard ECO mode switched off. When on, there is a noticeable “choke” on the throttle, forcing either to mash harder on the go pedal or letting things be. My guess is that I could have improved my average by about 10%.
The Sorento's powertrain is equal or superior to what the competition has to offer. Are you starting to get the picture? In road-holding and driving enjoyment, the Kia has nothing to envy from the others except perhaps ride quality on broken surfaces.
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| With 276 hp and a capable 6-speed automatic transmission, the Sorento actually becomes a rocket. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The suspension does soak up craters and potholes better than its smaller sibling, the Sportage, but would benefit from going to Ford Edge School for Smooth Rides. The upside is that the Kia enjoys better steering response, crisper handling with a sportier edge to the driving experience.
At $40,895, my tested SX AWD 7-passenger is not inexpensive, unless you consider the coinage required to purchase a full-load Toyota RAV4 (no navigation) or Volkswagen Tiguan, both needing between $37,000 and $41,000 for equivalent levels of kit. Pound for pound, it doesn't add up.
As a better comparison, for $31,795, the EX-V6 Sorento is impossible to beat. It gets leather seats, 18” wheels and a slew of other goodies. Once again, stacked up to the CR-V, Tiguan and Murano, there is no better value.
In the end, the only obstacle that faces the Sorento remains the fact that it carries the Kia logo. For some, this is a turn-off. For those willing to give the vehicle a chance, they will realize that they were glad they did not overlook the Kia.
2011 Kia Sorento SX-V6 7 Passengers
2011 Kia Sorento SX-V6 7 Passengers
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