A hardcore, body-on-frame SUV with a two-speed transfer case, the Sorento is a capable off-roader. The truck has been around since the 2003 model year and a second-generation was introduced for 2007. That's when it got Kia's corporate 3.8 liter V6 which boosted engine output by a whopping 70 horsepower. The added grunt is responsible for an increase in the maximum towing capacity, which also jumped from 3,500 lbs to an even 5,000 lbs.

The 2008 model year sees the Sorento with a choice of two engines, with a 3.3 liter V6 borrowed from Hyundai in the Base and LX trims and the 3.8 liter in the range-topping EX. The power numbers on the 3.3 are 242 hp at 6,000 rpm and 228 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm, while the 3.8 makes 262 hp at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft at 4,5000 rpm. The only transmission available with either engine is a five-speed automatic. Towing capacity with the smaller engine remains at 3,500 lbs. Fuel economy for that smaller engine, as judged by the EPA, is 16 mpg in the city, and 22 mpg on the highway, while the larger displacement engine only loses one mpg on either cycle.

Even the Base model is relatively well equipped, with air conditioning, a Delphi 10-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio set-up, 16-inch alloys, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, power locks and windows, side curtain airbags, four 12-volt power outlets, and privacy glass.

The LX adds roof rails, remote keyless entry with panic alarm and flip-up rear glass, cruise control and a rear cargo area cover. Starting on the LX is a 4x4 option that adds electronically-engaged four-wheel drive system with low range for $2,000. Otherwise, the Sorento is driven by its rear wheels exclusively.

A Sport package can be specified on the Base and LX and it includes 17-inch alloy wheels and tires, a rear spoiler, side-step bars and fog lights on the outside, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob on the inside. Opting for the Sport package then allows buyers to purchase a Leather package that begets leather trim and seats, provided they also picked a black interior color scheme.

The EX ups the ante with the bigger engine, and adds an 8-way power (as opposed to manual in the lesser trims) driver's seat, body side cladding and bumper garnish, fog lights, a cargo net, body color and heated outside mirrors, wood grain interior accents, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, audio control on the steering wheel, a trip computer and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with a HomeLink transmitter.

If that's not enough, a Luxury package can be ordered that includes 16-inch machined alloys, a 6-disc in-dash CD changer in place of a single-shooter, leather seats and interior trim, dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated front seats, Torque-On-Demand full-time 4WD system (on the EX 4x4 only, and the package is $500 more expensive than on the EX 4x2), chrome door handles, automatic headlights and a tilting and sliding power sunroof.

As with other Kias, buyers get an industry-leading 10-year / 100,000-mile warranty.