You might be surprised to see the badge on the front of this car, but trust me; this is most definitely a Kia, and a damn good one. Kudos to Kia for really stepping up their game and releasing products that are both well-designed and outfitted with quality materials -- oh, and fun to drive.
I’m truly impressed with the Kia Sorento SX. Sure, my tester was the top-of-the-line model, but even in base trim the amenities and engine this midsize SUV comes with are sure to please. Kia has come a long way over the years and the Sorento is proof of all the hard work and progress they’ve made. If you’ve not looked at Kia in a while, I highly recommend you do.
What is a Kia Sorento?
Only released in the 21st Century, the Kia Sorento is “new to the SUV game,” so to speak. First appearing in 2002, the first Sorento sported a traditional truck setup (body-on-frame). It was truly an SUV. Since then, and now well into its second generation, the Kia Sorento has morphed into the mid-size CUV we know today, redesigned as a crossover (car-based) as its competition is.
With three rows available and as many amenities as its German counterparts costing tens of thousands more, the Kia Sorento is a worthy consideration for any family in the market for a practical, affordable midsize CUV.
2014 Kia Sorento SX Price and Specs
The beauty of the Kia Sorento (in my humble opinion) is the fact that even in base trim it comes nicely equipped with the creature comforts (heated front seats/mirrors, power door locks, Bluetooth, all-wheel drive, LED front positioning lights) for under $30k. Yes, read that again. Under $30,000 (taxes and delivery excluded).
Now, my 2014 Kia Sorento SX was the top-tier model, loaded to the gills with everything Kia has to offer including 19” wheels, aesthetic upgrades, panoramic sunroof, Infinity premium audio system, heated and cooled front seats, 8” touchscreen up front, and a Blindspot detection system (to name a few). With all those bits and bobs added on to an already good base product, my tester tipped the scales at a reasonable $40,595.
Should you want to add third-row seating, that price raises to $41,795. Again, totally worth everything this vehicle has to offer.
Driving the 2014 Kia Sorento SX
I didn’t expect the 2014 Kia Sorento SX to drive the way it did: This thing is quite fast! Equipped with a 3.3L V6 GDI engine, the Sorento pushes out 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, this midsize SUV can definitely go. The engine is quick to respond to throttle response with little to no lag.
The 2014 Sorento feels spritely and light on its wheels, with direct steering. The suspension is also pleasantly comfortable even over rougher patches of tarmac. It’s still able to stick to corners with only minimal body roll.
The driving position in the 2014 Kia Sorento is also spot-on. Visibility is great thanks to the design of the cabin and windows, and the blind spot indicators help alleviate any midsize SUV fears when changing lanes or manoeuvring parking lots.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Kia Sorento SX
There’s no denying the Kia Sorento’s good looks from the outside. The CUV segment remains as competitive as ever as the three-rowed behemoths become ever-more fuel efficient and affordable. So, it often comes down to a looks and amenities game. In that case, the Sorento is bound to come out on top.
Decked out in chrome details with a futuristic design from nose to tail, the 2014 Kia Sorento has definitely come a long way over the years. What was once a boxy, non-descript SUV is now a modern, attractive accessory for any family in the market for a three-row vehicle.
Inside, the good looks continue and the amenities abound: Leather seating with faux wood trim, fully electric power-adjustable seats, as well as a heated steering wheel (absolute bliss in our cooler months), digital speedometer and an uber easy-to-use HMI touchscreen system are just a few of the many gadgets this CUV boasts.
Rear space is plentiful and the second row even reclines.
Comparing the 2014 Kia Sorento SX
I would say Kia has the market in terms of pricing; however, they have some serious competition in the Hyundai Santa Fe XL in terms of amenities, practicality and pricing. Sure, Acura has the MDX (for a premium price), and you could look to the Germans but you’ll pay thousands more for the same kit.
I’m truly impressed with the Kia Sorento SX. Sure, my tester was the top-of-the-line model, but even in base trim the amenities and engine this midsize SUV comes with are sure to please. Kia has come a long way over the years and the Sorento is proof of all the hard work and progress they’ve made. If you’ve not looked at Kia in a while, I highly recommend you do.
What is a Kia Sorento?
Only released in the 21st Century, the Kia Sorento is “new to the SUV game,” so to speak. First appearing in 2002, the first Sorento sported a traditional truck setup (body-on-frame). It was truly an SUV. Since then, and now well into its second generation, the Kia Sorento has morphed into the mid-size CUV we know today, redesigned as a crossover (car-based) as its competition is.
With three rows available and as many amenities as its German counterparts costing tens of thousands more, the Kia Sorento is a worthy consideration for any family in the market for a practical, affordable midsize CUV.
2014 Kia Sorento SX Price and Specs
The beauty of the Kia Sorento (in my humble opinion) is the fact that even in base trim it comes nicely equipped with the creature comforts (heated front seats/mirrors, power door locks, Bluetooth, all-wheel drive, LED front positioning lights) for under $30k. Yes, read that again. Under $30,000 (taxes and delivery excluded).
Now, my 2014 Kia Sorento SX was the top-tier model, loaded to the gills with everything Kia has to offer including 19” wheels, aesthetic upgrades, panoramic sunroof, Infinity premium audio system, heated and cooled front seats, 8” touchscreen up front, and a Blindspot detection system (to name a few). With all those bits and bobs added on to an already good base product, my tester tipped the scales at a reasonable $40,595.
Should you want to add third-row seating, that price raises to $41,795. Again, totally worth everything this vehicle has to offer.
Driving the 2014 Kia Sorento SX
I didn’t expect the 2014 Kia Sorento SX to drive the way it did: This thing is quite fast! Equipped with a 3.3L V6 GDI engine, the Sorento pushes out 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, this midsize SUV can definitely go. The engine is quick to respond to throttle response with little to no lag.
The 2014 Sorento feels spritely and light on its wheels, with direct steering. The suspension is also pleasantly comfortable even over rougher patches of tarmac. It’s still able to stick to corners with only minimal body roll.
The driving position in the 2014 Kia Sorento is also spot-on. Visibility is great thanks to the design of the cabin and windows, and the blind spot indicators help alleviate any midsize SUV fears when changing lanes or manoeuvring parking lots.
Inside and Out of the 2014 Kia Sorento SX
There’s no denying the Kia Sorento’s good looks from the outside. The CUV segment remains as competitive as ever as the three-rowed behemoths become ever-more fuel efficient and affordable. So, it often comes down to a looks and amenities game. In that case, the Sorento is bound to come out on top.
Decked out in chrome details with a futuristic design from nose to tail, the 2014 Kia Sorento has definitely come a long way over the years. What was once a boxy, non-descript SUV is now a modern, attractive accessory for any family in the market for a three-row vehicle.
Inside, the good looks continue and the amenities abound: Leather seating with faux wood trim, fully electric power-adjustable seats, as well as a heated steering wheel (absolute bliss in our cooler months), digital speedometer and an uber easy-to-use HMI touchscreen system are just a few of the many gadgets this CUV boasts.
Rear space is plentiful and the second row even reclines.
Comparing the 2014 Kia Sorento SX
I would say Kia has the market in terms of pricing; however, they have some serious competition in the Hyundai Santa Fe XL in terms of amenities, practicality and pricing. Sure, Acura has the MDX (for a premium price), and you could look to the Germans but you’ll pay thousands more for the same kit.
Road Tests and Reviews
Experts
Consumers
2014 Kia Sorento
Review Highlights
Article Gallery